Replacement Windows....

[d96j97]

In major need of replacement windows and have only narrowed it down to double hung, vinyl. My biggest question is this: What is the best brand and are they really any different than the other "off beat" brands? We need a brown exterior and after going and talking to various representatives, I am being told that purchasing brown exterior nearly doubles the cost of the window. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[LJSquishy]

I suggest asking your question / researching on the Houzz forums. The folks over there really know their stuff and can help you find a quality window that meets your budget needs.

 

[Disneychix]

We got brown exterior trim windows two years ago. We had someone come to our home for a presentation. He brought samples, showed us the flashiest, expensive items. We said not now. Came back the next week, they sent a younger salesman, and showed us the next level down. We might've even gotten the level below that but we didn't get commercial grade. Anyway, the brown was not double the cost.
We also got locked in for 5 years at that price because we have many windows to replace and couldn't do it all at once. I'd say shop around.

 

[Anthony1971]

Most local window places make their own so asking a brand will vary... You can stick with mainstream brands like Anderson or Pella or beyond. Anderson is a good contractor grade window and likely the best you will need but you will pay a lot more than finding something of similar quality form a local place. Pella can go form lower end to triple pain to semi custom... beyond can be custom windows by big names like Jeld-wen, which is the same as Masonite at Lowes. In my opinion if you want a well made window by aluminum do you need it.. no but it is made far better than vinyl... if you are looking to save on heating costs casement windows seal a lot better than double hung... do you research about r factors, thickness of glass, argon filled and ask questions from there at different places. However in the end all windows let in a lot of cold and hot air as that is the nature of glass so a window that costs 200 more than a reasonable quality window will never give you a return of 200 in heating and cooling costs but may keep more noise out.

 

[jimmytammy]

My Dad and I have been in construction business for over 50 years and have installed several brands of replacement vinyl windows. We have seen many companies come and go in that business over the years, manufacturers and installers. Lots of "fly by nighters"

We like to use Simonton Windows. They have been consistent through the years. If we ever have an issue with them, which is seldom, they are there to help resolve. We purchase these from Norandex Reynolds out of Greensboro, NC. I think that company is at least a Southeast USA based company if not national. I am sure someone in your area can provide Simonton.

My advice, avoid big name companies for install. If you see them on TV avoid them. Avoid the companies that will provide you financing. Anyone with experience in installing these windows can do so in no more than 3 days. Find a local, experienced carpenter or builder who comes highly recommended.

 

[tvguy]

We have had good luck with Milgard windows. We had a dual pane window we installed 20 years ago get moisture between the panes. Rep came out, agreed it was defective, took pictures and measurements, came back a week later and installed a replacement window at no charge under their lifetime warranty.

 

[tvguy]

Most local window places make their own so asking a brand will vary... You can stick with mainstream brands like Anderson or Pella or beyond. Anderson is a good contractor grade window and likely the best you will need but you will pay a lot more than finding something of similar quality form a local place. Pella can go form lower end to triple pain to semi custom... beyond can be custom windows by big names like Jeld-wen, which is the same as Masonite at Lowes. In my opinion if you want a well made window by aluminum do you need it.. no but it is made far better than vinyl... if you are looking to save on heating costs casement windows seal a lot better than double hung... do you research about r factors, thickness of glass, argon filled and ask questions from there at different places. However in the end all windows let in a lot of cold and hot air as that is the nature of glass so a window that costs 200 more than a reasonable quality window will never give you a return of 200 in heating and cooling costs but may keep more noise out.

When we remodeled last year we looked at Anderson windows and sliders. Nice stuff, but priced high, they are considered a premium brand around here, like Pella, not a contractor grade supplier. Jeld-Wen and Tafco are the big contractors grade window makers here.

 

[Sadie22]

We have used Anderson and Pella. Definitely not contractor grade. Warranty, availability of replacement parts if damaged, etc.