Washington DC Exterior Windows and Doors Contractor

The existing windows and exterior doors at 753 were all in rough shape and in desperate need of attention.  The windows were all single-pane glass, and of the weight and pulley variety.  (A lead counter weight concealed in the window cavity is attached to the window sash with a rope that runs over a pulley at the top of the window frame.)  Many window panes were smashed or missing and all of the wooden window frames were rotting.  Similarly, the exterior doors and door frames were in various states of decay and disrepair. Therefore, it was decided early on in the design process that replacement windows and doors would be installed as opposed to salvaging the existing.

Had the remodeling project been located in one of the many historic neighborhoods of the city, our replacement windows and doors would havehad to closely match the old.  This would have required approval during the permitting phase from the historic department in the DCRA.  (See Permitting for more information on the permitting process.)  We did opt to salvage the original front doors (at the entrance for both floors) in theinterest of somewhat preserving the original façade, however single pane glass was replaced with insulated double panes in the interest ofincreasing energy efficiency.

Since753 is not in a historic neighborhood our designer had considerable flexibility when selecting the size, style and material for both the windows and doors.  After some deliberation, we settled on vinyl replacement windows and new wooden doors.  In addition to the durability factor (vinyl never rots or rusts), vinyl windows generally have better energy efficiency ratings than those made from wood or metal.  Additionally, the new windows and doors have double panes in which argon gas is sealed.  This not only reduces the transfer of heat between inside/outside, but limits the transmission of sound as well.(See Soundproofing for more information on soundproofing.)

Over a five-day period, our team replaced the windows and exterior doors on both floors (five doors and 18 windows) by way of the following:

1. Removing and disposing of old windows and doors.  Old window weights were salvaged and used on another project.

2. Reworking brick openings to accommodate replacement windows and doors.

• For the most part, window and door openings remained approximately the same size so the majority of this work involved strengthening and re-pointing the masonry around the window openings. (See Exterior Brick Work for detailed information on re-pointing masonry.)
• Openings were re-worked significantly in the first floor kitchen (a window was converted into a door), first floor master bath, second floor kitchen, first floor master suite, and second floor guest bathroom (windows were enlarged to allow for more natural light).

3. Installing new treated framing lumber in reworked openings.

4. Installing pre-cast stone window sills.

5. Setting new windows and doors in openings and fastening them to framing lumber.

6. Spraying high-density insulation in gaps between framing and masonry.