Weathervane Wood Windows
Weathervane Windows was established in 1980 and manufactured several styles of wood windows. During the housing boom of the 80’s and 90’s, they were the window of choice of homeowners and builders alike. The original Weathervane company dissolved around 2001 and sold the name to a company who exclusively makes vinyl windows (that company subsequently went out of business in 2011).Weathervane Wood Windows have a poor reputation that is not entirely deserved as far as we are concerned. On the whole, the lifespan of well maintained Weathervane Wood Windows have averaged around 20 years here in the Northwest. That is nearly double the lifespan we see with the currently popular (and cheap) low-end vinyl windows being used in all new construction.
The first Weathervane windows to fail in your home will be the ones facing south or west that get the most direct sunlight. Indication of a failed window seal is often a swirling blue haze along the sides or top of a window. Another indication is when you see moisture, fogging or mineral crystal deposits on the inner glass.
Full wood window replacement can be significantly more expensive than simply replacing the failed thermal pane window glass. Window Defoggers specializes in replacing just the double pane glass units in your Weathervane Wood Windows, so that your stained or painted window frames and sashes continue to match.
Weathervane Window Issues
- Internal grids as thick as the inner airspace. This does not allow internal air circulation and actually creates a poorly insulated window as heat loss has a direct line: glass-metal-glass. The original square internal grids are difficult for some companies to match.
- Lack of maintenance by the homeowners—particularly an issue on wood-stop windows. Sealed sash construction on most Weathervane windows (not wood-stopped) makes it difficult to replace just the double pane glass unit. Only a few glass replacement companies have the ability or knowledge.
- Frames and sashes made of pine instead of fir. Pine is a soft, wide grained wood that is more prone to rot if not properly maintained. Improper installation. A common installation mistake by builders was placing window frames directly upon a brick foundation without proper flashing.
Our Solutions
- We can match your original internal grids or upgrade them (preferable) to a thinner grid that allows inner air circulation (and thus better insulation) while still looking nearly identical to the originals.
- If your frames and sashes are free of rot, we replace just the double pane glass units so you retain the original frames and any painting or staining is very minimal. This is the cheapest, most common option.
- If a sash has dry rot or you want all new wood primed for painting, we can replace just the sash and double pane glass window, leaving the original window frame in place. This is still cheaper than full window replacement.
- Caulking of all your external wood-stop windows to prevent early window failure.
- Replace or upgrade the original weather stripping of the opening windows.
While no one wants to have to replace all the windows (even just the window glass) in their home, the opportunity available when you’re faced with this situation is a chance to upgrade to more energy efficient windows and more.
- Advances in technology have produced astonishingly good low-e films that stop 60% of the incoming sun’s heat in the summer and reduce 50% of the heat loss in the winter, all without a loss in the clarity and visibility. Low-e only adds about 15% to the cost of a window.
- For maximum energy efficiency, add Argon gas.
- Reduce glare and increase privacy with Tinted Glass
- Keep or remove the internal grids. Some people like the grids, especially for the windows facing the street or neighbors as they increase privacy by stopping the eye from looking “through” the window. However, they can make a room feel smaller and “cut off” from the world outside. (see pictures below)
- Change the color of the internal grids. Bronze instead of white, or vice versa.
Weathervane Wood Windows are great windows on the whole, and with a little care and upkeep can continue to be for another twenty or thirty years. Full window replacement is very expensive and totally unnecessary unless your frames are rotten or broken. Call Window Defoggers at 425-643-4444 for a free, “no bull” window assessment. We never hard sell or sell you something you don’t need. Our joy and satisfaction is educating homeowners about windows so you can make the choices that are best for you.
For a free window consultation, call us today! 425-643-4444
