Expert: Dave Johnson - 4/18/2009

Question
Hello,

I live in a 2 story wood frame house in Florida that was manufactured in 1986. I am having an original window replaced by the insurance company due to sinkhole damage. The company that the ins. co. hired to do the general cosmetic repairs to the interior of my house were out here yesterday to address the window issue. My first question is should I insist on a company that deals exclusively in window repair/replacement? My windows are  aluminum, single hung and the window consists of 12 11in X 11in separate pieces of glass. Do they make these type of windows anymore? I know that they are going to try to put the cheapest (possibly vinyl) windows in that they can. The exterior of my house is vinyl siding and the windows are a dark brown metal. The window that they are replacing is 1 of 6 matching windows in the front of my house. If they dont make these type of aluminum windows anymore would the vinyl ones be just as good and would they match the look of the other 5 existing aluminum windows 1 of which is 3 feet from the one being replaced.

Thanks

Caryn

Answer
Hi Caryn,
First, I don't think you need a company specific to windows, unless the present crew seems incapable.
Secondly, I would visit/call an aluminum window manufacturer to find out about getting a replacement to match the others. There are a lot of replacement companies making windows to order. (they may insist on installing it themselves, and thats a good thing 'cause it would be warranteed.
If they don't/won't make a matching one, I feel like the insurance people should make the whole front appear the same...

best of luck, Dave