Category Archives: Windows

I am interested in replacing my old basement windows with premaid glass block windows like the ones made by Pittsburgh Corning. Do you know of any dealers or installers in the Quad City area.

I have not personally heard of them, however I asked my concrete installer Brian Crane, and oddly enough they just contacted him last week asking if he would be interested in becoming an installer/distributor. I am looking into having Brian build me a display shower in my showroom to possibly sell them locally. I will give your number to Brian to get you a sales pamphlet, and an estimate for your project. The glass blocks sound like they are higher quality than what you find at the big box stores. We will get something for you. Thanks for the question, Andy Love Ask the Expert.

Generally, how much does it cost to put in an egress window? How much value does it add to your home?

Some things you want to check first are to check your local building codes to make sure your finished head room is in the basement does not fall below the required height for a livable space. Usually that finished height is 84″. The sole purpose for an egress is for an escape route in a livable space in the basement including a bedroom. Prices can range from $1000.00 to $3000.00 depending on the egress window itself. That includes excavation, egress window, egress well, back-fill and cap. The egress window may not add a whole lot to the value, but the finished basement could see a 25-35% return on your investment.

I have a stationary (non-opening) picture type window that gets water in the frame when it rains. Water puddles on a surface between the frame and window. There isn’t any evidence of water coming in around the window. We have removed the trim and it has always been dry around the window. It is a vinyl window and I would like it replaced. It is in a bathroom area and is contructed to look like blocks of obscure glass. It is 34" square. I don’t want a new window to be installed like a replacement window. It currently has j-channel around the outside. It is also on the 3rd level above the ground (second story above an exposed basement). This is one reason for not wanting a replacement type window as we don’t want to be concerned with caulk in an area that is not easily accessible. the house is 4 years old and we don’t have any idea who manufactured the window if there would be any kind of guarantee on it. How do I get a window and have it installed like new construction?

The two differences between a new construction window and a replacement is the nailing fin on the exterior and the finished interior trim. The nailing fin is present in new construction and cut off in replacement applications, same with the trim. The window components are identical. If you want a new construction window be prepared to remove the j-trim and siding on the exterior. I think you have a drip cap missing above the window or the window has failed in some way. If you contact the builder of your home, he will know the manufacturer. Check the rest of the windows; sometimes they put their name on the inside around the glass. That window needs to be diagnosed by the manufacturer so you can receive the proper service. The builder should also back up his work in the construction process. Either way you should be covered, especially with the house only being only 4 years old. Water in any form is not good inside the house. If you have an attic, crawl up there and see if its coming in at a point higher than that window, like a gable vent, or an overhang. I think it’s odd that a new construction window along with the fact that it’s a fixed (non-opening) window is leaking. If you can reach it, spray it down with a hose to see if it is an exterior problem. You would be surprised at the number of cases I get that includes condensation from the bathroom. Let me know. Thanks for the question. Andy Love Home Improvement Ask the Expert.

We have a porch that needs a new roof, windows and the foundation fixed. Would it be better/cheaper to replace/fix these things or just tear the whole thing off and start over?

Thanks for the question. It’s always cheaper to repair. However there are different levels of repair. You can go with basic materials like 3-tab shingles instead of Architectural, Single hung windows instead of double hung. The one thing that concerns me is the word FOUNDATION. As in everything in life you need a strong foundation. There are techniques out there that can save foundations. Such as Mid American Basement and Waterproofing, and Todd’s Mudjacking both have a system that is like an auger/ drill bit that goes down and finds solid ground, then attaches to the foundation only to be reversed to put the proper pressure on the concrete walls to lift them back into place. Some of the houses in Davenport that I have come across are literally boulders and mud all packed together. In those cases that would be grounds for starting over. The foundation is the key, really look that over, because the lumber and sheathing above that foundation can be easily replaced during a remodel. Very yours truly, Andy Love Ask the Expert Home Improvement