“We replaced all 61 windows in our 23-year old home in April 2017.”
We replaced all 61 windows in our 23-year old home in April 2017. We have now gone through all four seasons of the year, and report that our new fiberglass Beechworth windows are fantastic.
The original windows were custom sized to fit architect's plans, mostly rectangular, with some semi-round and odd shaped. We had rotting problems with the exterior wood. We cared for the windows properly, but the original paint did not adequately protect from Chicago area climate.
We investigated replacements, visited many showrooms, and narrowing down selection to all-fiberglass exterior with real wood interior, able to be sanded and stained to match current interior woodwork. Most our windows are tall casement, and we desired a multi-point locking and sealing system with single lever action. Although sensitive to price, cost was not as important as: quality, high thermal performance, durability, long-term life expectancy and warranty, and ability to retrofit our present window configuration.
Some companies we investigated had excellent reputations and quality windows, but were unable to offer fiberglass/wood windows of non-rectangular design. Beechworth, on the other hand, has developed fiberglass manufacturing techniques which allowed them to exactly match original window shapes. This was important, because we wanted to keep all existing window treatments and match interiors. Furthermore, the Beechworth windows came loaded with the upscale type of features we were seeking: all-fiberglass exterior, all-wood interior, excellent insulated frame and sash designs, all-stainless steel hardware for locking mechanisms, choice of interior hardware styles and colors, upscale screen options (for better summer visibility), and high thermal performance (meeting latest Energy Star ratings) without sacrificing clarity or light transmission.
We visited at least a dozen showrooms around the greater Chicago area, attended many home-improvement shows, and spoke directly with representatives from each window manufacturer we considered. We purchased our Beechworth windows through the Warrenville showroom of Olson Windows, a distributor and installer for the majority of window manufacturers we considered, including Beechworth.
As part of due-diligence, we also visited the James Hardie / Beechworth R&D center in Naperville, where we spoke with the research engineers, observed the windows development and testing process, and became convinced that Beechworth was a leading-edge innovator in fiberglass windows for commercial and residential use.
Kevin Diebol, of Olson Windows, was an exemplary salesman, source of information, and project manager for our window replacement. He worked with Beechworth to design 43 window packages to replace our 61 windows. (e.g. one package contained two casement windows, a picture window, and a transom). Replacement of packages results in better seals and long-term durability of adjacent windows, as well as reducing cost of replacing windows individually.
The entire process of removing old windows, installing new, sanding, staining, and cleanup was completed in three weeks by a team of six installers, led by George and Tammy, and periodically inspected by Kevin. Window treatments (shades and blinds) were removed from our old window trims and reinstalled on new window trims.
Installation was superb, with clean-up every day, so that our home was livable and water-tight by the time crews left daily. Thank goodness, because a few days it rained.
Beechworth staff from the R&D center came to inspect the job after completion, made some minor adjustments, responded to queries, and took photos (with permission).
The last phase of this project was to have our EIFS exterior repaired and properly flashed. That contractor was included and coordinated in this project from the start.
Our windows have performed flawlessly and have kept us comfortable in all seasons. They are wonderful upscale windows, befitting our home, and the best we could have imagined at any price.
