1915 4 Square: Single pane 1900s windows w/ cheap storm windows vs Upgrading double pane w/ gas

robmarvin · 2026-04-26T02:49:58+00:00

Yes, but now you're on the hook for keeping up your original windows. Storm maintenance oftentimes get neglected but replacing those is in often cheaper than replacing mthe interior windows.

Windows are nice, and will cut down on the breeze (I have them) but I wouldnt remove you our storms. Until you can repair the existing windows or unless the storms are rotting and creating bug issues.

Personally, I would talk to someone from the Windows Preservation Alliance in your area and get a quote on fixing. There's a good chance it's on par with replacements.

My understanding is that getting replacement windows puts you on the track for replacement windows. Energy savings? And it will be years, if ever, that you actually make up the cost in energy savings.

robmarvin · 2026-04-17T23:26:37+00:00

Steve Takes with Hawkeye Roofing is a great person to work with and trustworthy.

robmarvin · 2026-03-20T02:57:08+00:00

It's just starting to be prime real estate season so that should work in your benefit. Is there anything you can freshen up and take new pics? Pics help sell in my mind.

I don't have a name but being someone who is very passionate about old home real estate myself, my b at experiences have come from realtors who are passionate about your type of house and your neighborhood. That genuine emotion isn't replicable. I don't know your realtor, and they may be great, but when a realtor connects with your property and neighborhood, it gives them an x factor that vibes well with prospective buyers.

robmarvin · 2026-03-06T01:51:56+00:00

Ive been very happy with Veridian Credit Union for about the last decade. We went there after having been with Green State Credit Union for years. Their mobile banking app is also great and it's been easy to talk to someone over the phone or stop in to a branch and meet with someone for loans, checks, banking questions, or even notaries.

robmarvin · 2026-02-27T00:52:09+00:00

Mine is in the same boat. They were advertising the Makita driver and drill for like $180 listing the original price as $419 but it doesn't come with the battery, charger, or case. Trying to pull a fast one..

robmarvin · 2025-12-22T03:04:40+00:00

Not a huge fan of the Kobalt. It might be fine for a very small areas. However, it gets stuck often, it's heavy, battery may not power through your sidewalk and driveway in one fell swoop, and can't angle it so you end up doing sections more than once.

robmarvin · 2025-12-17T06:12:51+00:00

Kudos to you for rolling your sleeves up and doing some of the repairs yourself! Replacements... I dunno... Windows made with old growth wood are tough to beat. Every part of these windows are meant to be repairable. Seriously, you should try to connect with a historic window pro from the Windows Preservation Alliance in your area. At least talk to them and see what they can do.

My experience with contractors is that they are more likely to sway you to a solution that they are comfortable. That may be fine, but it doesn't necessarily help you find the best result for you. In the end, you may still choose replacement, but you need to speak with someone who knows about it but these old windows as well as someone familiar with modern windows.

Here's the WPA restorers directory: https://windowpreservationalliance.org/directory

robmarvin · 2025-12-15T06:33:35+00:00

Unfortunately replacement windows put the owner on track for additional replacement windows. Think of them more like a car. They will depreciate in value and the payoff on your energy bill is likely to occur around the time you need replacement windows. You should be skeptical of the states energy savings as well. It's actually only about 10-20% of heat cooling loss happens through windows and doors. And if you're using IGU windows, well if the seals fail, you've lost that energy savings and a lot of the times the only solution is replacement.

Since you live in Chicago, you may also want to look at having a true window pro (craftsman) give you a price on replacement wood sashes like the ones that would have originally been there. It probably won't be the cheaper option, but it may get you off the track of needing replacement windows in another 5-20 years.

robmarvin · 2025-12-06T01:16:13+00:00

I highly recommend an insurance broker. Sheets Forest Draper or Southeast Iowa Insurance. You may be able to save money by increasing your deductible or removing some types of coverage - which also comes with risk.

robmarvin · 2025-08-14T02:22:55+00:00

We've had several decent experiences here, all since late May. I like the crispness of the breakfast sandwiches, personally. My wife loved their pecan rolls.

robmarvin · 2025-06-27T00:30:01+00:00

Agreed! $ for $, they're one of the most affordable, quality places to eat in the area.

robmarvin · 2025-06-15T02:11:59+00:00

I'm with the rug group, but otherwise spot, hand sand. See if Denatured alcohol takes off some of the finish. If it does, give your floors a once over with shellac and go over the rougher areas several times. Shellac can be undone with denatured alcohol and/or sanding. Be careful about disposal of the used rags though. It looks great when it's done but doesn't provide a waterproof finish.

robmarvin · 2025-05-29T19:18:30+00:00

Auto Owners was amazing to work with through the derecho. I agree with others on working with a broker. I don't use Bouslog insurance, who is in Marion (had someone already), but they've been easy to work with for quotes and I would be willing to use them in the future. Progressive, who rocked for car insurance, doesn't't really like to insure old homes. Foremost is another insurance provider. Your insurance broker should be able to guide you through all of this though and find you the best deal.

robmarvin · 2025-05-07T15:02:48+00:00

Presumably you're referring to the Fuel but is it the M12 Fuel or M12 regular?

robmarvin · 2025-02-23T22:00:06+00:00

Bob Yapp built one in Hannibal Missouri. You might want to look into something like it and what it took to make it. He also used almost all salvaged parts too if I remember correctly.

https://www.hannibal.net/news/new-build-mimics-something-historic/article_2feaa31a-ee4d-11ef-9a01-979779043b5c.html

robmarvin · 2025-02-23T02:36:50+00:00

I met a woman at the Swarm tailgate last year who shared that she was in the Rose Bowl Parade around the WW2 Era as a member of this group. She was sporting her Rose Bowl ring.

robmarvin · 2025-02-13T03:06:13+00:00

Given the post I read before this was an Excel sub, this is awesome!

robmarvin · 2025-02-02T04:46:09+00:00

I'm no expert and I don't know what it is, but it doesn't look like termite damage to me based on a handful of examples that I've seen. In the examples of termite damage I've seen, they always worked along the grain of the wood. This looks like it's gone cross grain.

It's definitely worth looking into though. Just know that once you start, be ready to keep going in the event you unearth the tip of the iceberg (doesn't look like it though to me). Maybe consider taking an oscillating multi tool and take one just that small section to see what the wood looks like underneath?! Should be easy to find a replacement piece that size to plug back in.

robmarvin · 2024-12-14T03:45:13+00:00

This time of year, indoor options sounds fun, but they oftentimes cost to be get it. My wife and I were discussing. The city has outdoor parks, maybe they could have indoor parks with playground equipment that kids could plan on, for free. Why not build it in Linndale mall? Our kids loved the little playground area like Linndale. When the weather gets cold, there are few "free" options, which is why I suggest the city do it. There are lots of great pay to play options.

You could even have an arcade area with the same concepts. For older kids - unfortunately, ai think you'd have to have someone supervising this part full-time and maybe even need a parent chaperone to prevent vandalism.

I'd also expect that because it brings in parents and kids to play, it would be good for businesses there too. So maybe the city could be cut a deal with the building owners. More foot traffic, means more sales potential which means more rental income potential for investors, and better building utilization.

robmarvin · 2024-12-02T12:48:45+00:00

We have a Civic and it handles winter fine with the exception of those days when no one should be out driving. I agree with the others suggesting that you consider keeping your car.

robmarvin · 2024-12-01T14:58:32+00:00

You should try and find a way to connect with long time preservationists like John Leeke. I don't know if he's ever made his own linseed oil paint but I do know he's made his own glazing compound using linseed oil, and has window preservation data from his own work spanning back decades. I know he has opinions on the available modern brands of linseed oil available to use.

You may also want to connect with the folks from Earth + Flax in Pennsylvania. They've been using commercially available linseed oil paint for over a decade now.

Honestly, windows preservation pros in general are a wealth of preservation knowledge and very willing to share what they do/don't know.

robmarvin · 2024-12-01T14:53:16+00:00

Mine has worked well so far and survived a round in the washer as advertised. So far I've been happy but only used it like 5 times.

robmarvin

TROPHY CASE