Welcome to the 860th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope your week is off to a great start! I spent an hour or so yesterday removing all the window coverings in the upstairs part of the house since the plantation shutters I ordered for the upstairs are due to be installed tomorrow. I couldn’t wait to remove these ancient old shades in the bedrooms and upstairs bath! They are old and dingy-looking, with knotted and broken pull strings that no longer work properly.
The broken shutters in the master bathroom were a challenge to remove. They appeared to be held in place by just two screws, but that wasn’t the case. Whoever installed them back in the day used a substantial amount of caulk to secure them to the window casing. Thankfully, I was able to pry them loose with my 9-in-one tool. So all the windows are open and ready for installation tomorrow, except for the two in my bedroom on the front of the house. I’ll remove those shades first thing tomorrow morning. I will be so happy to finally have shutters in the top half of the house!
I wonder if you can help me with something. Sadly, these are not the original windows for this 1938 home. A previous homeowner replaced all the windows in the home many years ago. Over the years, the top part of 3 windows has become foggy-looking. I’ve never had windows like this, but I think that means the seal is broken. I’ve been told that Aristocrat Windows was the name of the company that installed these windows, but I’m not sure if they are still in business. Their phone message states they are open by appointment only, but despite leaving two messages, I have heard nothing back. So, I’m wondering if I share a couple of close-up pictures, if you will recognize the brand/manufacturer of the window? Maybe you have similar windows in your home?
So, here’s a photo of the top section that’s foggy/messy looking. It was raining the day I took this photo, so that makes it look even worse. Each window has two locks, as seen below.
And this is the tilt mechanism that can be slid over to let the window tilt inward for cleaning. I used that feature yesterday to clean bird poop off the window. Not sure how a bird managed to poop sideways onto the window! Ha! I’m not sure what the funny, notched-looking thing is that we see on the side of the window frame. Do you recognize this window style or have any idea who makes windows like this? Maybe I can call a local window manufacturer, and they will recognize them. I’d like to replace the foggy windows with the same style window to keep things consistent throughout the home.
If I had been the owner of this home when these were replaced, I don’t know if I would have replaced them at all. I’m not crazy about the look of storm windows, so maybe I would have. If I had replaced them, I would have tried to go with one of the companies out there that makes custom, insulated, true-divided light windows. Those can be very expensive, so I probably would have replaced them a couple of rooms at a time. I really like the look of a true divided light window. Thanks in advance for any help in identifying these windows; I would love to replace the top sections of those that have gone foggy.
Recently, in a previous post, I shared this adorable beach/pool tote that I was thinking of ordering. Initially, I ordered in a light pink color, but when it arrived, it looked more mauve than pink. I returned that one and reordered it in light blue, hoping it was really light blue, and it was! I love how this tote came with two different sets of decorations. I placed the beachy ones on one side…
…and the floral ones on the other side. Sooo cute! If you could use a pool or beach tote, you’ll find this medium-size tote available here: Beach Tote with 2 Sets of Decorative Accessories.
Stay tuned for some shutter updates very soon! Oh, and if you recognize my windows, the brand or the manufacturer, please let me know since I can’t get a hold of anyone at the company where these were originally purchased.
Looking forward to all the wonderful Before and Afters linked for this week’s Met Monday! Like to know when a new blog post is up? Subscribe for email updates (it’s free) and your email will never be shared. Subscribe for free email post updates here: Subscribe.
Metamorphosis Monday: Metamorphosis Monday is a party that’s all about Before and Afters. Please link up your Before and After projects like DIY projects, room makeovers, craft projects even recipes. Please do not link up Table Settings; save those for our Tablescape Thursday party on Thursday. If you are participating in Met Monday, link your post to the party using the “permalink” to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on the name of your post, then copy and paste the address (that shows in the address bar at the top of your blog) into the “url” box for InLinkz when prompted.
Susan, if you have a Window World store in your area you may want to check with them. We had most of our windows replaced last year by Window World, they make the windows in their shop. The locks and tilt mechanisms look like ours. The side piece is to stop the window from opening fully in case of a break in. In any case, Window World sells several different styles of windows so they can probably answer your questions. Can’t wait to see your new shutters.
Hi Susan, Look in the top right hand corner of the window, have to maybe get a magnifying glass, like I had to, and there will be a number there that might identify the window. We just had to replace a window glass in the farm and that is where they told me to look. They will ask for that anyways when you inquire about the window. Our windows are about 20 years old, and our identification number was on the bottom of the window. I love that tote , I ordered it from Crocs. I just have to adorn it now. Let me know if that helps.
They look like Anderson windows to me.
We have the same windows in our home, but couldn’t tell you the brand as they were here when we bought our home. I can tell you that the little notches on the side of the window are spring loaded “stops”. If you slide your finger on it, it will pop out and allow the window to only open a few inches. Our windows are top down, bottom up, which makes them great for air flow and security.
Susan – this happened to us right after we sold our home but before we moved. Our windows were Anderson and I took a photo and called the company. They were under warranty – even though we had them for 19 years – and they send a new window. We had to have it installed…we told the new owners that we would be having that done and they said -“aww, we can do that ourselves”! Whew – trouble avoided. I hope you find the company name and have the same luck!
Susan, several years ago, we had some similar windows go “foggy”. You can have the seal repaired without replacing the windows. That is what we did and it worked well and saved a LOT of money.
Christy, how do you do that?!
You can call a local glass company and they do it.
It’s great to know that. Thank you.
We repaired ours as well!
I have lived in Dayton many years, and the company name is Aristocrat Products, not exactly what you were told. They are still in business.
It’s really strange because when I’ve called their number, their voicemail states they are open by appointment only. It says to press 0 to leave a message, but when I do that, it says the mailbox is full. I remember now that I tried to reach them via their contact page on their website, but never heard back. I just tried that again. So not sure what’s happened to the company, but they don’t appear to be listening or clearing their voice messages.
Debbie, I decided to drive over to their shop just to see if it looked like anyone was still working there. There was a gentleman wearing an Aristocrat hat and shirt, making some repairs to their parking lot. He said they had been closed for about 6 months, but that he thought they were planning to reopen again in the future, but he wasn’t sure when.
I have some Newman windows that have the notched thing on the right and tilt inward for cleaning. The notched thing he’d thing you press your finger against and move upward at the same time and a notch piece pops out. It’s designed as a security feature to keep the window from being able to be opened too much, but yet allowing fresh air in. But I’m in California so I don’t know if it would be the same manufacture as your windows. Good luck. When I replaced a number of windows in my home, I went with Milgard as they have a lifetime warranty and I just had them out to replace about eight windows that had gotten foggy, but that took about 15 years before that happened but the total project was free of charge because I was the original purchaser.
Susan,
Open the windows and look at top and bottom of each frame to see if there is a label identifying the window. Also, it is my understanding those window seals can be fixed. Google foggie window seal repair. It is at least worth investigating.
Your windows look exactly like ours. We had a few to lose their seal and a local company came out and replaced the glass rather than the whole window. It would be much less expensive to do it that way.
In southeast Michigan those windows would probably be Wallside Windows. (Just looked at their website & they only service Michigan & northern Ohio). These larger window companies have pretty good warranties for this type of issue (fogging) also if the locks fail or you have issues with tilting the windows in for cleaning. Are there any annoying commercials on TV in your area for replacement windows? That might be the company that installed them 🙂
These windows are identical to mine, but like you, they were installed long, long before we bought the house. Yours look a bit newer, though, as all my plastic stops and releases are deteriorated with age.
FYI – check with a glass company – here we have had just the “foggy” glass replaced…not the whole window. The fog is caused from a broken seal in the window…we’ve had 3-4 windows do this. Usually the glass company, will come on site – measure & replace just the glass…not the whole window. Easier & cheaper than new windows! In our case – it’s always the seal on the lower glass – the window can be popped out – dropped off at the glass place & replaced.
Charlotte, if they pop it out, what do they do about the open gap in the meantime? And did it take very long for them to make the switch?
You may not need to have the entire window replaced. We had windows that became foggy and we contacted a glass company and they were able to replace the the glass and not the entire window. Hope this helps. Have a great day!
Hi Susan, We had windows that look like the ones you have and they’re by Anderson. Those little brackets on either side are locks. You pull them out at the bottom so that when the window is open, they can’t be raised any higher from outside (perfect for first floor windows!) We had the option of embedded or snap-in mutins and chose the snap-in for a more realistic divided pane window. Hope this helps!
I should have called their number and saved you a trip. Their online presence makes it seem the business is still active.
I know, it looks like they are still in business. The guy I talked to (Bob) said they hope to start back up eventually. He took my number so maybe he’ll call me at some point. I’m having a hard time finding anyone to come out to replace the glass, everyone just want to sell new windows.
The window looks very much like the Gilkey windows we had in a former home. Gilkey is a OH company, that manufactures & sells their own windows. They have showrooms in other Midwest states, including IL where we purchased. The rep was very knowledgeable & informative & they had an amazing warranty that transferred to a subsequent home buyer. My husband says each window has an identifying sticker on the frame or sash. I hope that helps!
Hi Susan! Your windows may be Simonton. Here’s a link to their site: https://www.simonton.com/simonton-products/comfortsmart-double-hung-windows/ If you got in touch with them, they might be able to help you identify if they’re theirs. Good luck, and have fun with your darling tote. Thanks as always for hosting! Hope you have a productive week!
I asked my husband about this since he’s a retired builder. He said lots of companies make this particular window, and it’s especially popular for two-story houses since they can be removed for cleaning. Hope this helps!
Sorry, this is not related to this post, but I went to do a search (I remember you purchasing a holder for guest disposable paper towels for your restroom) to find your post on this, and the little tabs that were on the right side of the screen, underneath your picture are gone! Am I imagining this, or did they move to somewhere else? That search tab is really helpful because sometimes to find a post, all you can remember is a key word or phrase. And it’s not in the list of items in the “shop” area that list the Amazon items.
You’re not imagining it. Unfortunately, the blogging platform that I use had a large update a few days ago, and the plugin that I was using to display that search box wasn’t compatible with the update, so I had to remove it. I need to find a way to add a search box back.
Here’s a link to the holder you were looking for: https://amzn.to/4f0HNgR
In case it’s helpful, I sometimes use Google to find older posts and it works pretty well. Until I can get that search box added back, if you search for “Between Naps On The Porch XXXX” adding what you’re searching for in place of the XXXX part, it will often pull it up right away.
I’ll try to get that search box added back. Thanks for letting me know that it’s helpful! I wasn’t sure if it was used very much by anymone other than me. Also, I need to update the “SHOP” category at the top of the blog to include some of my more recent finds.
Elena, I just added it back and it was so easy. I didn’t realize it was already built into the platform, I just had to add it to the sidebar. So you should see it on the sidebar now.
Thanks again for asking about that or I would never have realized how easy it was to add it back!
Thank you!!
Looks like a Pella window!
These look to me like the windows we have in our home! They are by Champion & a quick Google search shows they are headquartered in Cincinnati, OH.
We are in suburban Chicago and unfortunately they have closed our local showroom. We have been very pleased with the windows & have had a few of the foggy windows replaced over the years. They only charged a minimal fee to do so.