Instead of spending thousands of dollars on new windows in certain areas i am going to build my own for sheets of glass and metal/wooden framing. Is there anyone out there who knows of a decent diy window project site or book. I am going to try and make the windows as energy efficient as possible and i would like to know any ways this might be achieved.any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thermo-panes are the real trick and you cant make those yourself.. They must be completely sealed and full of inert gas such as argon, to keep moisture from forming between them. You can build the frames, jambs and mouldings yourself, but order the thermo-panes from a professional glass shop.
I've never broke down the prices, but I bet you end up spending more. If not initially, then in the long run. Insulated glass, which you will need to order, will be somewhat expensive. And probably won't do as well as what a moderately priced replacement window. I spent about 3 grand on 15 Pella windows (11 double hung, 4 small sliders for the basement) You will end up using wood jambs, sashes. Plus hardware. It will take a long time to build the windows, time you could spend making money other ways to pay for the windows. It will be harder to get the windows air tight. So in the end, a good replacement window will save you more in time and energy savings, then a home made version.
