I have aluminum windows that have to be replaced due to bad thermopanes - there is accumulated grime and humidity in between the panes. Is it possible to buy individual custom-sized replacements or do I have to get all new windows and frames? Any referrals would be helpful.
you can just get the panes cleaned and restored you could even do it yourself, they are just two sheets of glass stuck to a frame
If you want to replace them, I would start at a local home improvement store-- they all carry the major brands and there are tax incentives now for replacing windows.
New windows aren't that expensive. They are plastic now because they insulate better. You just cut around the frame with a skill saw and leave the flange in place. pull out the old window and nail or screw the new frome on the outside of the wall use caulking and new trim boards. Just do one at a time as you can afford it.
I just got mine done by Home Depot this past summer. They (and other home improvement stores and contractors) will replace as many or as few windows as you want. They will have to remove the old frames because the newer windows are deeper than the old aluminum ones (knucklebusters, my mother calls them). When you get them done, keep in mind that you can get up to a $1500 dollar tax rebate on home improvements (30% of your cost up to $1500) through 201 as long as the windows you get are within the existing guidelines for energy efficiency. Whatever vendor you go to will tell you what available options you have with them to qualify for the rebate.
this is one of the hardest replacement jobs as far as windows. You have to cut out the whole window as the replacement windows frames are thicker than the aluminum windows. Two you will have exterior and interior work to do to finish them out. I would shop around to see what kind of pricing is in your area. Also look at tax credit qualifying windows must have a U value of .30 or lower to qualify. You can get 30% back up to 1500.00. I know window world will qualify but not there standard window. you must get glass option upgrade. Plus they will charge 50.00 extra labor to remove the metal window 60.00 to cap the exterior 45.00 for interior trim. and 279.00 for tax credit qualifing window. Total 435.00 per window. There are other companies out there just not sure what they charge but should be close to this.
