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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / New Windows
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Riv
Member
# Posted: 23 Jan 2022 14:01
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Hi, Cabin in Northern Maine.
Building an addition for a bedroom.
Will have log siding.

Question:
What style windows should I purchase? Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass?

Thanks

Riv

gcrank1
Member
# Posted: 23 Jan 2022 14:32
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We have been in our 1880's vintage small house (originally a one-room school) for 35ish years. Ive refurbed and remodeled most of it myself. Been through vintage old wood double hung windows to 1950s era wood to 1990s wood (me) and will never again put in wood windows.
Our last are vinyl, and not the most expensive, but are holding up fine.
I have acquired some vinyl to put in our 16x24' cabin from the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store locally. Really cheap! They have used and some new, never know what will come in so I need to check every week and be somewhat flexible on my 'plan'.

curious
Member
# Posted: 23 Jan 2022 14:38
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What is 1st, 2nd, etc priority? Appearance match? Price? Energy efficiency? Whatever?

Riv
Member
# Posted: 23 Jan 2022 19:35
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thanks gcrank1. I have been looking at used windows there are so many options available.

Curious - I think priority would be 1. appearance - would like to keep it rustic/authentic looking followed by 2. price then energy efficiency - since it's a 3 season camp.

I will need three windows. Vinyl just seems to be so thick and wide - I guess I'll have to do a lot of research on the benefits of the different options.

gcrank1
Member
# Posted: 23 Jan 2022 20:07 - Edited by: gcrank1
Reply 


Commercial windows are made for conventional construction; ie, depth to match up with the std 2x4 or 2x6 studding, sheathing, etc. Made this way to simplify installation in a build.
If your cabin is non-std you can, or have to, modify or improvise/build your own.
Simple 'barn sash' is a wood framing around a window, you build the jams. Certainly rustic and traditional. Ask for/look online for it, should be available at any lumber yard.
You can do the same with the window proper pulled out of a recycled complete window that the price was right.
Cheapest, quick & dirty is to use 'storm windows'. With a decent 'jam' built and the storm mounted on the outside it makes a tolerable window on a simple structure.

travellerw
Member
# Posted: 23 Jan 2022 21:58
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Up here.. Brand new double pane low-E glass vinyl windows are on a really good sale at Home Depot. Actually, the Restore had second hand windows for more money.

Might be worth checking it out to see if they have something that will work.

moneypitfeeder
Member
# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 21:39
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Might want to consider what critters are in your area. We have had a problem with (presumably) porcupines eating our vinyl replacement windows. Apparently, the minerals/chemicals used in creating some of the vinyl make them irresistible to some animals. All our wood windows are fine. Our cabin is 2-3 seasons only so we don't worry about efficiency.

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