Comments on: Vinyl windows cause drama for Northwest Portland condos

By: J Larsen

J Larsen — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:10:56 +0000

The contractor who sold them the windows…dont they have expertise in the area of historic preservation? If I had sold vinyl windows in our historic district, I would be eating alot of vinyl windows.

By: pergy white

pergy white — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:07:12 +0000

Im sure the window contractors knew, im sure the consultant knew. you would think the city knew too. but then again, its always something.

By: Chris Osborn

Chris Osborn — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:39:30 +0000

How about single glazed wood windows with lead based paint on both sides and plenty of asbestos laced products on int. & ext. of windows and a hand-dug twelve hole privy no less than 50 feet from the wellhead? If penicillin were available during the civil war, would it have ben used? Most likely not if any City of Portland Bureau was involved unless the folks benefited for the penicillin could pay off the regulator thugs.

By: Shane

Shane — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:16:56 +0000

Ed, you typically cannot paint vinyl windows, it will not adhere well.

By: Ed Dean

Ed Dean — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:22:11 +0000

Can they not be painted???

By: dave harris

dave harris — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:41:58 +0000

Or the condo owners could pony up an extra $35 per month to pay the fine and leave it as is.

By: Rick Langel

Rick Langel — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:47:54 +0000

As the owner of a home on the historic list I can say I had an excellent experience with Lifetime Windows in Portland. They knew in advance not just the restrictions but also a host of affordable options for us. Their work was exceptional and the windows they installed for us match the historic flavor beautifully. They can help and I highly recommend them…

By: Larisa Zimmerman

Larisa Zimmerman — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:27:44 +0000

Vinyl windows are extremely toxic to the environment to manufacture, and don’t have the longevity of a vintage wood window. The existing windows on the building could undoubtedly have been restored to their original working order for far less than $300,000. Too bad they are most likely now in a landfill somewhere, not doing anyone any good.

By: Hank

Hank — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:16:16 +0000

The lack of due diligence is no excuse here for the developer. I wouldn’t be surprised if they know the risk and gambled on not getting sanctioned. A competent architect and window installer should have both the raised the issue. I agree with Ono, whether it was ignorance or profit motive, this can’t be the only shortcut taken in this project.

By: Peggy Moretti

Peggy Moretti — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:06:57 +0000

What’s really unfortunate is that the original windows were probably repairable. We frequently hear assumptions that historic windows need to be replaced because they’re covered in layers of paint or have some moisture damage. But most of the time they could be repaired for FAR less cost than replacement. And energy efficiency is gained very nicely through sealing/caulking and the addition of storm windows.
The data on the long-term durability of vinyl windows shows they rarely last more than a dozen years and don’t deliver the energy pay-back claimed. Also they are highly energy-consumptive to manufacture.
The HPLO applauds the city for upholding its ordinance. It stretches credibility to believe the developer didn’t know about it.