Window replacement in Northeast Philadelphia
Northeast Philadelphia was largely built in the twentieth century, so its windows are a different story from the older parts of the city.
Much of Northeast Philadelphia grew in the early and middle decades of the twentieth century, and the area is a mix of brick rowhouses, twins and detached houses on wider lots than the older neighborhoods. Roosevelt Boulevard is the major route through the area, and many streets have driveways and garages that make deliveries easier than in a dense rowhouse block.
- Mixed generations
- Original windows from the mid-century may be wood, steel or aluminum, and many houses have already had vinyl windows installed. Check what you have before deciding on a method.
- Easier access
- Wider lots and driveways usually make delivery and installation simpler than in an older rowhouse neighborhood.
- Pre-1978 paint
- Houses built before 1978 may have lead paint in window parts and trim, so lead-safe practices still apply.
- Replacing aluminum or steel windows that leak air.
- Replacing old vinyl windows with failed seals and fogged glass.
- Adding larger openings or picture windows at the front.
- Replacing all the windows in a house in one phase for matching appearance.
Ask each installer to list every window by room, with the size, type, glass package and trim included. Same-size windows can be priced very differently depending on the glass and hardware, so the list matters more than the total.
These outside pages are worth a look before you hire anyone for work in Northeast Philadelphia.
Are insert windows common here?
Yes, when the old frames are sound, but if aluminum or steel frames are corroded, full-frame replacement may be better.
Do I need a permit?
It depends on the scope. Like-for-like replacement is treated differently from changing openings. Check with L&I.
What about storm doors and windows?
Many houses have them. Ask whether they will be removed, reused or replaced.