installing safe new windows with MCS

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I have MCS among other allergies like mold etc. Our older homes needs new

windows in our bedroom. I am trying to find a way that I could install windows

that would not be hard on my MCS. Does anyone know how I could go about this? I

think that vinyl would be a problem since I do not tolerate vinyl floors? I

think wood windows would require staining etc and maybe too many chemicals. But

I really do not know.I also do not know if they have to use adhesives, caulking

etc. Our windows are broken and we are having a problem using them. So we need

to get it done as soon as possible. thanks a lot

cathy

[Guest guest]

Fixing your current broken windows would be safest, as then you control

the chemicals. Doing it yourself would be best.

Replacement needs you to think how well will they seal, and seal with what?

The horizontal sliding windows seal with a fur strip, that outgasses, and has

lots of leaking points. The vertical wood frame windows seal best. Yes,

wood needs to be finished, and an outside coat is needed, as well as the

bottom sill, where rain might fall if the window is open. Zinnser.com shellac

is old fashion with just 3 solvents, two are alcohol, drinking alcohol and

rubbing alcohol, so are very safe as the shellac dries, but they now included

a third, toxic ingredient, but it's the safest finish I have

found. It's the oldest

one. And all it's replacements have lasted longer, more durable, etc.

Shellac will need sanding and recoating every 1-2 years if used outside.

Marine Varnish, or just varnish, is the second oldest finish. Both shellac

and varnish from living sources (the Lac bug in case of shellac). Both are

not durable for 5 years, and need recoating. I've only found one safe varnish.

Both are good to seal the wood, and then top coat it.

If you post more about your windows, the size, count, type you want, type

they are, what's broken, I can advise you more. Then, I will post a lengthy

post on finishes. I have about 20 pages in 10 posts I've been meaning to

join up. It's all about MCS safe finishing.

[Guest guest]

---Thanks so much. I will gather the information. Our windows, the frame, is

actually coming off the, they are breaking and almost impossible to open or

close. The glass is also broken but that would be easy to fix.

What would be the proper way to measure them so I could give you the right

measurements.

cathy In

, <pete-@...> wrote:

>

>

> Fixing your current broken windows would be safest, as then you control

> the chemicals. Doing it yourself would be best.