# Kolbe Windows Review - Link: https://www.oldhouseguy.com/kolbe-windows/ - Published: 2016-01-08T14:26:31-05:00 - Author: Ken Roginski Kolbe windows is a last resort. The least expensive way is to restore your windows. If you prefer to add that heart- grown wood to the landfill and do not want to bother getting a reproduction window, Kolbe makes a window sash that will provide a good 15-20 years of service until a replacement is needed. You of course read the cost analysis I provide and understand that you will be forever in debt. Compared to most window manufacturers, Kolbe Windows (and Marvin Windows), make a decent window when compared to others available today. [⌊kolbe windows reviews⌉⌊kolbe windows reviews⌉[ Just because you can get them made of wood does not mean that they will last 200 + years like originals. There are still plastic parts and good luck with their warranty. As good as Kolbe is, no way is this window comparable to an original window. When I first encountered the Kolbe windows website, as with other manufacturers, I was a bit intimidated by all the terrible options. After a few phone calls it made better sense. ## Kolbe Windows Sash Replacement It is rare that an original window cannot be restored. When replacing a window the only sensible option is to replace the window sash ONLY. This is referred to as a “Traditional Replacement” according to Kolbe. In this case you still keep your original historic window casing etc. except for the sash.  The casing should never be replaced. The drawback replacing the window sash is that **the replacement sash looks like a replacement sash**. It’s not like a new sash was made to replace and duplicate the original design. It is a sash unit that is inserted into the original window casing. This results in a lip around the edges, creating a two piece look like the sash and window casing are separate units.** When choosing between a Full Replacement and a Sash Replacement, the Sash Replacement is the only option.** **HOWEVER – The new sash MUST use the original wood track which is impossible for these window companies to do. If the do insert a new sash, your windows will look like the image below.** [⌊design guidelines⌉⌊design guidelines⌉[ From the city of Milwaukee’s design guidelines.   **If you replace your window sash, this is how your window will look and your house would be considered damaged and would be better as a parking lot. I do not consult with homeowners with windows like this unless they are first replaced with wood window sashes to look recessed like a window should.** ## Kolbe Windows, Sash & Casing **The main issue with full replacement windows is the window casing and window sill.** An important term** you need to know is “Brick Mold”**. If they say the window has a brick mold and you have a brick house, that’s good. If you don’t have a brick house that means you will get a narrow trim that should be around a window in a brick house only. It will be much too narrow on a wood house.** Instead of a brick mold, you MUST have a Casing.** That window casing must be 4.5 inches wide – not 3.5 like they will try to push off on you. Do NOT forget the window sill. All windows must have a sill and today all window manufacturers try to leave them off. A sill is an important visual base for curb appeal of a window. It also makes the rain water drip away from your house instead of running down the siding. To better understand this you need to understand [my window diagram ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/window-designs/#windowcasing). I recommend [Heirloom Windows ](http://www.heirloomwindows.com/). You really should check them out. They not only make a new **high performance window to historic proportions** but they have some great information about where manufacturers go wrong and how they remedy the problem with their windows. Best advice when window shopping is to take a photo of your existing window or my window diagram when you go to compare. Before selecting a window you MUST see an actual sample. Remember if you still had your original windows you wouldn’t have to go through this aggravation. **I have removed the information from my research. I in no way can endorse such harm a replacement window will do to the appearance of a house nor can I waste my time when all the information you need as proof is in the Windows Design article the Window Energy Performance article and how a storm window on an original window will exceed the energy savings of a replacement window.** You must understand [The Truth About Windows ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/old-wood-windows/). Just because the idiot down the street says to do it and super-sales people doesn’t mean you have to follow. This chart has been removed for there is no acceptable replacement sash that will not destroy the character of an older home.