Window Replacement Help

[u/SMN3gray]

We relatively recently purchased a MCM home and need to replace the louvered windows on the porch. They don’t function at all anymore. They appear to be structural? Anyone else replace windows like this that wrap around? What did you replace with? What challenges did you come up against? The side windows in the picture are 3 windows and a door. The opposite side is all windows. Added a couple pictures to show what the previous owners replaced the other windows with (Marvin). They are all either flat panel windows or side sliders. (We didn’t paint the brick. It has been that way for the last couple owners.)

Previous owners replaced the other windows with Marvin windows. I’m concerned that replacing with the same replacement windows in the current format (6 across the front etc) that there will be too much white and not enough window if that makes sense? But it also needs to look right with what we have. We have a bunch of windows that were replaced within the last 10 years so they are what they are which is frustrating, but such is life.

We have talked to a couple different window replacement people, but I’m not convinced they get it based on what they were telling me. The Marvin authorized dealer couldn’t do renderings. I don’t want to regret a costly decision that affects the look of our house. We are going to work with a design build contractor and want to go in with ideas as MCM homes aren’t common in our area. We know people that have used them and they do high quality work. We just want to do what works best for the house given what we already have. We also want to go in prepared for any challenges. Thanks in advance!

[u/Spankh0us3]

I don’t have specific recommendations except to say, “Don’t get the Renewal by Anderson windows.”

While they are decent quality, you’ll end up paying way too much for them. . .

[u/Scantrons → u/Spankh0us3]

We have them in our current home and they’re fine. They function well but look identical to the Pela windows my neighbor got. (We did Anderson because they gave us the best financing 0% for 5 years in 2018 and even though they were more expensive it came out even with other financing.) We had window nation windows in our last house and I’d never ever recommend those. They felt so fucking flimsy and shitty. They were so cheap but they constantly had issues.

If I could do it again I’d probably go Pella or a local company.

If this were my home I’d do a BIG corner window that meets at the corner and slides. They make them where both sides fully open and don’t have a seam there and it’s a wet dream tbh. I’m sure they’re insanely expensive though for the no seam. But you can get them with a minimal obstruction at the corner too. they’re called frame corner or glass to glass windows.

[u/lightseek4 → u/Scantrons]

I had these “remove the corner” windows once and they were a total dream. If you can swing it, it’s such a cool thing to have in your house / apt

[u/noahsense]

Is it possible to look into why the louvered windows don’t work? They are rad.

[u/Snelmm → u/noahsense]

right? if this is space still being used as a porch I would totally try to have them repaired.

[u/FreidasBoss → u/noahsense]

They should definitely be repairable. They’re not complex and likely just stuck from a lack of use or gummed up with paint. If they need parts, like a crank, that might prove more difficult, but even that stuff can be sourced with a little searching.

[u/dopameme → u/noahsense]

super cool.

[u/fuzzyrach]

I don't have window recommendations but maybe check on the mid mod Midwest website. She's an architect in Madison who specializes in updating mid-century homes and might have links to vendors.

[u/snafflekid]

Besides the jalousie windows, the other windows look like they are vinyl inserts. The original windows were likely aluminum single pane, and I imagine you don't want that. If you are architecturally inclined, seek professional advice. Otherwise, vinyl inserts are cheap and functional.

[u/thasac → u/snafflekid]

Not vinyl if Marvins, like OP indicates. They only produce aluminum clad, fiberglass clad, or full wood. While not high performance like a Euro style triple pane, they’re much nicer than a builder grade vinyl window.

OP, Marvin makes a corner glaze window for their Modern line which addresses your sight line concerns, but you’ll need to confirm the structural design for compatibility. Or you use modern windows with a site built corner mullion/frame, which is what I did with my box bay window assembly.

[u/Green4CL0VER]

Are you on Nextdoor or talk to the neighbors? I assume your neighborhood also has a number of MCM homes with louver windows and your neighbors most likely have experienced the same. They can suggest window professionals that are in your area.

[u/Sizzlechest_mcgee]

Marvin windows are the most expensive windows. More than Anderson.

Windows are not structural those are old aluminum windows. You could get aluminum windows again if you wanted to keep the look. But half the windows have already been replaced. I’d hit up Marvin and have them finish the job, that way it will all have the same look. Marvin windows will last a very long time.

[u/yourmommo]

Our firm has been using ES Windows as a competitive alternative for modern aluminum profiles.

[u/badcaviarr]

You need to talk to a historic preservation person.

[u/Calm_Project723 → u/badcaviarr]

Or even more money, an architect who can choose the right windows based on function and look.

[u/badcaviarr → u/Calm_Project723]

I don't know what point you're actually trying to make here but I know it's absurd. Carry on.

[u/Calm_Project723 → u/badcaviarr]

Well, architects could do a great job of choosing windows, perfecting the appearance, confirming load support. It just costs money.

[u/DesertModern]

I would totally repair your current windows!

but if you are dead-set on replacing, take a look at Milguard anodized aluminum, which is a period-correct look. They offer minimal frame sizes, double-pane glass, and multiple configurations of horizontal, vertical operation of fixed windows. They will def have a solution for the corner using what's called a Z-bar or mulling bar.

they also offer block frame configuration which doesn't use a nailing fin, perfect for replacement without damaging your exterior brick or interior drywall.

[u/blackjaxbrew]

Don't replace the louve windows, I have them and look very similar to mine. Do they open and close? They look like they are aluminum. You can try taking all the glass out and slowly start moving the mechanism inside which is prob a scissor like. With a worm drive setup. You can't find replacements for these and are better kept as a historic piece to the house.

There is aluminum powder you can get to act as lubricant.

[u/ansirwal]

FYI, the slatted windows are called Jalousie windows. And most standard windows are not structural. Jalousie windows are not load-bearing. There should be a header beam above the windows supporting the load.

[u/Commercial_Stress]

Those windows are called Jalousie windows. They are energy inefficient and very impractical, which is why you don’t see them anymore except on maybe an enclosed porch.

Used to see them a lot in Florida (where I grew up) but I’ve even seen them in a house or two in Illinois, where I live now, which is crazy because of the climate here.

I’d be tempted to replace them with Casement windows which would be architecturally appropriate.

Search for Jalousie windows and read up on them.