Replacement windows

[flipper35]

Our house was build in 1972 and has the original aluminum framed sliders. We would like to replace the large window in the living room with a better unit that doesn't ice up on the severely cold days.

The question is what is a good brand model to replace it with here in SW Wisconsin? Pella, Anderson, Marvin, Weather Craft. I see the Weather Craft don't use metal spacers between the windows which is supposed to be a good thing if you have wood windows. Marvin makes some nice stain-able fiberglass ones. What other brands are good? I am guessing Crestline or Jeld Wend (which we installed in a detached garage and seem well made but...) are a middle grade window? We have Eagle windows in that were installed when the addition was put on and they are crap. Well, part of it was a poor job of installing them and part is they don't seal well in the joint between the double hung windows and they get condensation on the inside a lot.

Opinions? Facts?

[recycled sixtie]

Although we have not replaced the big picture window in the living room(it is at least 30 years old with no problems) we have had replaced the bedroom and kitchen windows with Pella. All have the internal blinds, about ten years old and no problems so far. Not cheap but worth it.

[flipper35]

We aren't looking for cheap in this case. Forgot about the internal blinds. This window has a roman shade but the others will get replaced as well and it would be nice to have them built in. These go up and down as well as open and close?

[recycled sixtie]

In addition my wife adds she does not know if you can still get the big wide windows free of partitions. The next time round we might get a bay/bow window to replace the one in the living room to get more space. But don't forget that too many partitions will reduce the amount of light. You will have to shop around to see what is offered.

The Pella windows have the internal blinds for us that go up and down plus change the angle.

[flipper35]

Thanks. I don't know anyone that likes to dust blinds. These you wouldn't have to.

Our window is currently a large window that does not open and a slider on each side.

[look 171]

I really like Marvin Windows. Pella is good too, but I think they sell them through Home Depot now. That may or may not be a good sign. Products seem to have less quality when sold through big home center to compete at a certain point.

[John Rogers]

I replaced all our top floor windows this past summer and I bought them from a local window supplier, mainly so if there were any issues they guaranteed them and I could talk with the owner to cover any questions. The largest one facing west in our bedroom has both sides movable and that allows me to pull both sliding sections out so we get a really good flow of air in the summer time.

The hardest part was pulling the old non movable pane of glass as mine were put in when the house was built in 1965 and the sealing strip was still sticky! The owner of the company said to use a small brush and spread some acetone over the seal and it will dissolve the adhesive and it sure did. I bought a pair of large suction cups from Harbor Freight to hold the glass and that kept me from dropping it as the edges were sharp as hell. The vertical aluminum piece I cut out with my SawzAll easily.

I also bought sealer from the same place, used two tubes per window and it was a type that did not ooze or run which was what their window guys used. The windows came with 6 long self drilling screws, two on each side and two on the bottom and the top was free. I used some large plastic adjustable clamps on all 4 sides to pull the window in tight then put in the screws. Mine were $200 each for ones with single sliding pane and $400 for the double slider. I checked and in Southern CA the going price seems to be $700 or more per window, higher if on a third floor like mine were. They are quieter and keep the cold out very well.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by look 171

I really like Marvin Windows. Pella is good too, but I think they sell them through Home Depot now. That may or may not be a good sign. Products seem to have less quality when sold through big home center to compete at a certain point.

All the different models or do they have HD specific ones? Marvin and Pella are somewhat local. Eagle is now owned by Anderson and I drive by one of the plants everyday.

Would probably get the Infinity if Marvin.

[look 171]

I have never installed any of the Marvin Infinity products, but a ton of Marvin or their Integrity line. The fit and finish on their Integrity is pretty dang closet to their top end Marvin windows. A solid product for sure. The beauty about the Integrity is that wood can be had on the inside (like that look and feel for older homes) and fiberglass outside. Can be painted and performs pretty well. In my own house, I have Marvin windows through out the first floor and their Integrity line on the second to save a few bucks. The first floor windows are more then 15 years old with no issues but one. The locking handle to the window has a stripped screw. That can be easily repaired. I have never had any call back from any of our clients on windows we installed over the years. I stay away from some of the cheaper products to prevent that from happening.

At the end of the day, all three companies you mentioned are pretty close when comparing their upper end windows or doors. Kolbe and Kolbe also make a good product.

[look 171]

Flipper, one more thing, you might want to check out Eagle and ask your window guy at your local lumber yard to get the skinny on that line. Anderson makes good windows, so why are they starting another line? Is it their Lexus or their Sion line so they can compete at a lower price price point? I just on't know enough about Eagle to tell ya.

[flipper35]

The Eagle windows are the lower tier line. I am guessing to compete with the windows sold at places like Menards. i am not at all impressed with the Eagle windows in our addition. Anderson bought the company out to have a low(er) tier line.

So the Integrity are wood inside and Infinity are textured fiberglass, correct?

Never heard of Kolbe and Kolbe, will check them out.

[herr_oberst]

Pella. From Lowes. I did the exact same thing that you're doing. My 1973 ranch house with aluminum windows was cold and drafty. I replaced the large front window and the sliding patio door three years ago, and have been replacing the rest of the windows one or two at a time.

I'm not sure if the furnace runs any less, but it is definitely quieter, and the drafts are gone. (Plus, the casements on either side open oh, so smoothly!)

(The front window needed to be custom made to size, but I'm finding that all the rest of the windows are standard size - meaning, cheaper!)

[sammyg2]

I replaced every window in the house years back, using retrofit winders from the big box store.
They are double plane but not gas filled, I didn't have to worry about the insulation in so Cal that much.
But they made a huge difference anyhow. Quieter too.

[astrochex]

We are happy with the dual pane Pellas we put in over ten years ago. We replaced 5 windows and one slider. Hindsight would have had us replace everything but money was tighter then.

Internal blinds are a nice feature, they are effective and stay clean.

[devodave]

Here is an Andersen Artisan double hung trimmed out with 5/4 x 6, 1-1/2 x 10, window sill, and Ram's head solid pvc lumber. This is in an 1840ish Greek Revival that has probably been through a few iterations. The various thicknesses create shadow lines that really make the windows pop. Not quite the era you are working with, but another data point on what can be done. (sorry about the sideways photo)

[Rednine11]

I work for Simonton Windows. They build a quality product but it may not be available in your area

[onewhippedpuppy]

The Pellas with internal blinds are not gas charged and sealed for a higher insulation value. For what that is worth, I like them otherwise.

We replaced everything in our house with Anderson vinyl clad wood interior double pane with argon (I think) gas sealing between the panes. Cut our energy bills by at least 1/3. My father in law is a lifelong contractor and prefers Anderson due to their quality and fantastic support. He put them in their very nice custom built home, that was good enough for me.

[flatbutt]

Sorry Matt but my mileage is different. I have Anderson vinyl clad and they suck hard. They are difficult to open in humid weather and a wee bit drafty in cold. Maybe a poor installation but I have 8 of them and they all suck.

[85eurocarrera]

I replaced 11 windows and a sliding glass door with a french door using Anderson. They have a sort of membrane in between the glass that reflects the sun (heat) in summer and allows the rays (heat) in the winter to enter. Noticeable.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by flipper35

The Eagle windows are the lower tier line. I am guessing to compete with the windows sold at places like Menards. i am not at all impressed with the Eagle windows in our addition. Anderson bought the company out to have a low(er) tier line.

So the Integrity are wood inside and Infinity are textured fiberglass, correct?

Never heard of Kolbe and Kolbe, will check them out.

I know nothing about the Infinity line, but the Integrity can be ordered wood or fiberglass on the inside. A very nice option. Like I said earlier, I would not install an inferior product in my client's home. I always push for a higher end window. My philosophy is that you do it and do it one time. Windows are a pretty important part of the house. When you go and replace them it isn't simple like replacing a toilet. it can be a PITA and $$$$ to do it. Put in a upper end window, it will service you very well for years to come. These upper end windows are so well built, there's never a problem with their construction. Get qualify or good installers for the installer especially in colder climates.

Look into Low E glass. Its a must if you ask me. Skim on something else, but not that.