Replacing window sash only??

[LeakySeals]

I own a large colonial built in early 2k. The builder used "Rivco" vinyl windows that are warping, losing seals, turning to dust in the sun. The company went out of business, so the only option is replace with something else. The frames are good, the problem is with the sash on nearly every window.

Has anyone replaced just the sash into an existing frame? Are windows a standard size that I can interchange one companies sash with another?

 

[JerryBob]

Out here in Colorado, Habit for Humanity runs a chain of non-profit stores called "ReStore". Sort of like a Goodwill for used building supplies. A friend, who had a damaged window track, found the exact window he needed there. Is there anything like it in your area?

https://pikespeakhabitat.org/restore/

 

[MasterSolenoid]

It's not answering your question, but;

Easiest would be to get Replacement Windows.
Then everything would be new and correct fit / plus any upgrades you wanted.
To save money, could you install yourself ?

If you want to stay away from Vinyl, consider:
Vinyl cladding over wood or
Fiberglass

My Andersen windows are 30 years old and I'm considering replacements.
Right now, not sure what I'll do.

Good luck.

 

[JayhawkRoy]

Look into pocket window replacement. This is what I did five years ago with Pella on sale from Lowe's and their installer. A Pella rep came out and did measurements, and the contractor also came out and did measurements before the windows were ordered. I had also priced Anderson, but the Pella sale won out.
Turned out to match my interior stain perfectly and the job was done very professionally. If I had done normal window replacement, I ran the risk of having to replace a lot of vinyl siding. The pocket window approach suited my needs.

My boss had done his own replacement using the same approach about a year before I had mine done.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

How does the rest of the frame look? Generally speaking there are two types of window replacements. They are full frame and inserts. Full-frame is more expensive but you preserve glass area that is lost with inserts and are able to address any air leaks/cold spot issues when the windows were installed during the construction period. Inserts are the cheaper and consequently more common alternative but you loose some glass area and of course are unable to address cold spots..

 

[mrsilv04]

I've had replacement sashes built by a locally owned glass firm. It's not rocket science. The frame can be opened up, and the sash goes in.

The windows in my house were manufactured by MI Windows. They haven't yet gone out of business (they should, because they're so incompetent), but I've lost the seal in every lower sash in the entire house.

Some were replaced under warranty, but now I have to pay for it out of warranty.. It is pathetic. I could get replacements from MI Windows, but they're not getting another dime from me.