Recommendations for window retrofit in Los Angeles area please

[scottmandue]

Getting quotes for new vinyl double pane windows to replace the old single pane aluminum windows we have.

So far have a quote from,
American Reliable Windows Inc Van-Nuys CA
And Sears

(This is wifes project but now she wants me to sign off on which contractor to use)

She is leaning toward American Reliable Windows.

I know we have a bunch of local guys in the construction bis so thought I would throw it out there to see if anybody knows of a good company to get a bid from.

Thanks in advance!

[look 171]

Tell me what they are charging per window. Retrofit, or a complete replacement? Get me a pic. Get Milgard if you can. The service and warranty is very, very good but they do run a few bucks more then some of the smaller companies. I am talking about 10-20 bucks per window. There are different types of Milgard. Some are better some are there to compete with other cheaper companies. I will get you my window installer's number if you like. We can buy the window with my contractor's discount and hope to get a good priced on the install also.

[scottmandue]

Wife is sold on Anlin, what do you think of them?

Have heard of Milgard but not looked at them.

[look 171]

Don't know too much about Anlin, but check out Milgard's Tuscany line of retrofits window. Assuming you are installing retrofits? I stick to what I know and again, their quality and service is amazing. They are a national company. Bang for the buck, that's what I have in some of my client's homes. I am sure you can get a better window, but I always think about the amount of performance return, not enough gain in the extreme temp. that we never get around here. Keep in mind that we live in paradise, so a triple pane super duper window isn't necessary. Once I explain that to people (some on the budget some are not) they always make a better choice.

[sammyg2]

I did my own. Bought em from the big box store, installation was a piece of cake. Saved lots O'money.


The 8' double-paned slider was a bit of a challenge tho ......

[LakeCleElum]

Call Milt/Zeke. He does windows.........

[RWebb]

I like FG over vinyl - much much better

you can DIY as sammy notes - be sure to read up on all the weather protection stuff

[Jim Bremner]

There's a husband/wife team that has there own factory he was in a m/c wreck and is in a wheel chair and they run a great biz. The house that I bought last year had their windows installed 6-7 years ago I'll try to find the catalog when I go home tonight. Great windows and the sliding doors lock works from both the top and the bottom so that you can't rock them out of the locks. Not cheap stuff. If you want a home depot/lowes quality let me know not to look. and if you want to see their work you're welcome to visit

[look 171]

Originally Posted by RWebb

I like FG over vinyl - much much better

you can DIY as sammy notes - be sure to read up on all the weather protection stuff

agree on the FG, better yet, FG clad over wood is even better IMO. Best of both world. A wooden window to satisfy the architectural requirement and stands up to weathering on the outside. Like everything else, it comes with a steeper price.

[Scott Douglas]

We had Milgard Tuscany put in 2 or 3 years ago.
Had a window with moisture between the panes. They replaced it no problem.
If you go with low e glass, be prepared for a real change. We did not realize how much heat the windows allowed in via the sunlight, especially during the winter.
We were on a budget, but all the windows in the house got replaced, including the slider to the patio. It was not a retro fit, but a whole replacement of the frame. The installer did it all in a day.
They do cut down on the noise factor too. I'm glad we did it.
PM me if you want and I can send you pics of what was involved.

[look 171]

Low E glass is a must and it only drives the cost up by about 30-50 bucks per window. worth every penny is you ask me. A lot of the dual pane windows leak with moisture in between from years back. The newer ones are better.

[Scott R]

Was going to do fiberglass about two years ago, some thirty windows worth, but you have to paint them, like a boat. That's not going to last very long in my environment. The paint, not the window. And the resin they use, nasty smelling stuff when I went to the Milgard showroom, I'm sure it dissipates over time, but wow.

[RWebb]

check out the ones Marvin makes - no need to paint

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by RWebb

check out the ones Marvin makes - no need to paint

Milgard guy said the same thing, but also told us they will "yellow" from the UV here without paint, so they recommend paint anyway. I also had to paint them to match the inside as well since they only came in a few default tones.

I think if I was going to go for painted windows I would just go wood.

[Jim Bremner]

I found the book, Hardy Window Company in Anaheim

Hardy Windows

I'm very impressed with the quality of what was installed in my house 7 years ago.the first pages of their book is nothing but their insurance, state # etc. In the rear of their book is 100's of addresses that they've completed. The sliding glass doors are so much nicer than anything that I've seen. I would like to know just how much the former owner spent on the windows.

Like I said earleir, you're welcome to come by and check them out.

[look 171]

A little off topic here. Now that we are talking aobut quality windows, I think Fleetwood is one of the better mfg. out there. Again, not cheap.