Replacement Window Advice/Recommendation
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Our house was built in 1952 and still has what are likely the original windows. They are actually in pretty good shape, but my wife thinks it is time to replace them.
What advice or recommendations do people here have to offer?
Are there brands to trust or avoid?
She thinks that she wants to replace the entire window instead of putting in inserts. Are there advantages to doing it that way? I'm sure it will cost more, but is it likely worth the extra cost?
What questions should we be asking a contractor? Anyone have recent experience regarding the cost of replacing windows?
I got a price for me to completely replace every window in my home, then called up the big named window company (Wallside) in this area to get a price from them. They showed up, took the measurements, and gave me a quote. In as straight of a face as I could, I told her not a chance at that price, to go sharpen her pencil. Came back with another #, and I said not sharp enough. I accepted their third offer as I had seen the quality of their work on other jobs (in actuality, their first price was less than the cost of me buying and installing windows myself). We couldn’t be happier with the finished results, and they are the only people I have ever let do anything on my own home.
Comes with a 35 year warranty too. Still find it hard to believe they can come out, measure, tear out, install then warranty for 35 years MUCH cheaper than I could buy and install myself. I know, the windows aren’t an apples to apples comparison, but honestly I don’t care when you add up the $$$ saved.
It’s worth a look, and quotes are free.
On average $500 a hole, shop or if you know a good source you can do a lot better. Have a friend that his business was siding and windows and put in 11 windows for $225.
Henry, We put in Renewal by Anderson about 8 years ago along with their sliding glass door in the back. We absolutely love them. You can hold your hand next to the glass and can't feel the cold even if the temperature is 0 or below. They never fog up or warp. They are vinyl on the outside and wood on the inside. Also, they have a coating in the glass so the sun doesn't fade your furniture or flooring. My brother purchased Anderson windows for his house and likes them too. The only problem (for the birds) is it has a reflection on the outside and them birds fly into the glass. Even had a mallard duck fly into a window. Didn't break the window but knocked the duck out. Also, during the day people can't see into your house due to the reflective glass.
We got new windows for our house a few years back. Can't remember the brand....maybe Anderson?? One thing I do remember is the contractor was going to charge me over $200 to dispose of the old windows. I cx'd that and got rid of them myself for something like $12 at the local Waste Management drop-off site. You could also donate them to the local Habitat for Humanity place.
Henery, see if your local pud has a program for updating your windows. If you are handy they are not that hard to do. Out here we have several manufacturers of quality low-e insulated windows with argon gas. Check each mfg's warranty, a lot of them are just fluff hyperbole marketing when it comes to vinyl windows.
Stay away from cheap windows!!!! Low end windows generally end up with years of grief before you finally end up changing them again. Even with the best installation a low end window is just that.
Most all windows now come with argon gas and some form of low E coating and glass width of 3/8" up to 1". You want at least a minimum of .5". The gas is insulation wile the coatings are reflective. Between the two you get ratings as to how well they work. U factor which shows the energy leaving through the glass and SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) shows energy coming in. The lower the number the better the protection. To be best served you should look for numbers lower than .30 . Your highest end window will be triple pane with krypton gas and have numbers of .20 and lower.
Replacement windows go inside of an existing buck frame and you keep all of your old casings and jambs. This is less intrusive and less expensive than a full window replacement which includes everything.
Vinyl vs wood/clad. Vinyl has no organic material so it eliminates rotting. With a clad window, aluminum or vinyl you still have the risk of moisture reaching the wood and rotting from the inside out. If you go this route make sure it is a reputable company with a lifetime warranty.
I do in home window and door sales. If you have any questions about the process feel free!
Stay away from cheap windows!!
I replaced my windows (13) last Spring and went with replacements. My house was built in 1930. I did it myself and cost was slightly less that $1200. I went with a mid-grade, vinyl window.
I wasn't referring to her. I was commenting on the use of the term 'body shaming ' in general.
I don't think you can go wrong with Andersen, Pella or Marvin. I looked into Renewal by Andersen but it is a franchise and the local guy was very expensive. I got the best price at home Depot and I did the inside finish molding work which saved a lot of money. With Home Depot they classified the windows as a home improvement as long as they did the work and that saved the sales tax of 8.75% ( rate where I live )
Well, I live in Minnesota, so I'm suggesting Anderson or Marvin.
Having built custom homes for a living, Pella or Anderson are the only brands I'd use.
Matt
We built in 2001. All Anderson, very happy with them. Pella replacements have a great reputation in our area.
Good luck!
I have a 25 year old house that got hit by the hailstorm from heaven about two years ago. It took some work to convince the insurance company but they replaced the roof, and complete exterior of my house....including windows. I used the pella replacements for my 25 year old Pella windows. They stained out exactly like the old ones and match all my hardwood floors and other interior details perfectly. I will say that there are things I don't like about the replacements compared to the original new windows but they were basically free (I had a $500 deductible). I have no complaints really.
I spent time at Home Depot today learning what I could. One thing they told me is that many of the the "Anderson" windows they sell are no longer made by Anderson. Anderson no longer makes vinyl window, only vinyl clad wood or composite.
Buying windows is almost as complicated as buying a car or a computer now. Too many options.
Cat is snoring so loud that I can hear her clear across the room above the TV. She's almost 16 years old at the least and still doing pretty well.
Geographical area and general climate conditions will dictate what window (glass) and window composition (frame) would best fill your particular needs. You can't go wrong with the majors like Andersen/Pella/ Marvin. Price point should not be a factor when choosing windows and doors for your primary residence. Best price for the same product is of course the desired outcome. If you are hiring a contractor the installer then becomes critical to the overall satisfaction of the benefits and the results of the window you have chosen.
The Rock