Q. I am putting new windows in my house, the house was built in 1920 or so and we are looking to replace the windows, would it be easier for me to do new windows or replacement windows, I am fairly good are home repairs.

A. REALLY NEED MORE INFORMATION BUT USUALLY EASIER TO INSTALL RE-PLACEMENT WINDOWS.IF HOME IS CIRCA 1920 YOU HAVE WOOD SASH.REMOVE WINDOW STOP THE LITTLE PIECES OF WOOD THAT SEPERATE THE WINDOWS FROM EACH OTHER.THEY USUALL BREAK BUT WILL NOT BE NEEDEDTO FINISH INSTALLATION PRY OUT FROM THE BOTTOM FIRST WORK YOUR WAY UP THE WINDOW A LITTLE AT A TIME AFTER REMOVAL TAKE OUT INNER SASH PEREAT FOR OUTER SASH,SLIDE PROPER WINDOW IN ANCHOR DONE NO TRIM NO PAINT IT'S BEER THIRTY

Q. Are they much more expensive including installation than vinyl windows? We are seriously considering top of the line vinyl replacement windows from Paradigm. We've got a total of 13 windows, some standard size double hung and some small sliders. We were quoted 10k including labor. Seems like a good deal to us but we are concerned about the toxicity of vinyl in our home. So we're now thinking maybe wood windows instead, but are concerned we can't afford it. Any help would be appreciated!

A. Almost all new homes for the last 20 years have been built using vinyl windows as have apartment complexes, office buildings etc. I have never heard of nor experienced any toxic anything from them. They are merely easier to clean and care for and require no maintenance unlike wood. I would never go back to wood. We just built another new home 2 years ago and like our last we have Anderson Vinyls throughout.

Q. I like vinyl replacement windows versus wood replacement -tried of painting, staining, maintainence of wood. Is there a difference in perceived value when I go to sell the home to a new prospective buyer -whether its vinyl or wood? Thank you for your response.

A. You know the old saying VINYL IS FINAL, go with the vinyl they are avaible in any colour, no matinence, a big selling point

Q. I want to know which of the following brands: levolor or skandia, has the better quality 2 inch real wood blinds.I would also like to know the price for each, if you can. Thanks

A. Real wood blinds are among the most attractive and effective window treatment options available on the market today. However, with so many choices and so many companies to choose from, the most important is the right treatment for your windows. Wood blinds are lightweight. When considering real wood blinds or faux wood blinds, you need to think about the weight of the blinds. The most common sizes for slats are one and two inch slats. One-inch slats are the best size for French doors and windows while two-inch slats are more popular everywhere else.

Q. I recently replaced some windows in my house with new Andersen windows and my contractor tells me I need to paint the interior trim as soon as possible to "stabalize" the windows. I am planning to do a major painting job in 3-4 months, but the contractor says it can not wait that long. Would there really be a problem in waiting?

A. Yes there may be a problem in waiting. By painting the window trim you are sealing the wood. With the wood sealed it can not absorb moisture into the wood. Moisture will warp the wood and may encourage the growth of mold. Paint the window trim. You can do it an afternoon and then it won't be an issue.

Q. I have old triple groove aluminum storms screwed in place over very old wood double hung windows.Can I just leave them in place for added protection and install replacement windows. The storms are in good shape.

A. The problem is, your new windows are a little bit smaller. You won't be able to remove the storm windows for cleaning.

Q. We are poor LOL bought some discounted replacement windows at a bargain price $49 each (normally $835.00 each installed);double hung, Low E, Argon filled, Vinyl Simontron Windows. These windows are about 4-5 inches smaller than my current widows outlined by brick. How do you make them fit?

A. You will have to frame around them to mount them in the opening no matter what.You can fill around the outside with PVC "wood", brick, or wood wrapped in aluminum. the inside could be filled in with drywall or whatever material is there now.

Q. Windows have no cover from trees, windows face west, after 4pm a/c can not keep up with the heat from the sun

A. I had a similar situation and I bought cellular shades...the honeycomb style. It acts as an insulator keeping heat out in summer and cold out in winter. You can get different degrees of opacity to block out some or all of the sun. They come in many colors. Just another option for you and lots cheaper than wood shutters!