Replacement windows
 

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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.

Andersen
 

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)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1453427533.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1453427569.jpg

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I've replaced all of mine with Pella Windows. Going on 18 years with no problems. They have several different product lines, with different features and prices. You'll find their entry level stuff in the box stores. I used the higher end series. You can get them in an endless array of styles and sizes. You can combine all sorts of windows into one unit.

I'm not a fan of internal blinds. Most women like window treatments, so consult your female before deciding that blinds are the way to go. There are two types of screens, each has it's pros and cons. Pick an architectural style that suits your house. Large, plain windows that are not divided seldom look good on any house. My neighbor just replaced a really large window on the first floor of a Tudor style house and he put in a fairly cheap window that looks like **** from 200 yards away.

JR

She does not want internal blinds so that question is answered.

Thanks for all the responses so far.

Here is the current window. Best pic I could find at the moment.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1453473704.jpg

What am I missing here?

My window sales guy always talked me out of the internal blinds because they eventually break (some sooner then later). then you are stuck or replace the glass.

Low E coating

Sorry, I wasn't very clear . Look 171 is correct.

What's the consensus here on replacement windows? Install into the existing finished opening or remove all the trim down to the bare 2x4 frame?

I'm thinking of replacing the bedroom windows for something better insulated against my neighbor's barking dog directly across from the bedroom.

The house is brick so I don't want to disturb the bricks but I'm not sure how to get the aluminum frame out without removing all the trim inside the window? Any tips?

Pella, period. We installed Pella slider about 25 years ago with shades. Never a problem. Wood is solid Doug fir, not finger jointed. We put two additions on our old farmhouse with all Pella. Our distributor dropped the Pella line for Eagle. Bathroom window always sweats, had glass replaced twice, still sweats. I wouldn’t waste money on them. Can’t beat Pella, pricy but trouble free after 20+years...

Wow is our experience different. We've been ripping out rotten pella windows, some less than 20 years old.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1520616436.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1520616436.jpg

typical pella rot around here.

Same generation Andersons are fine.

My Anderson tilts and casements from '92 are all fine.

Post some pics.

You don't want to disturb bricks. Why don't you want to pull trim inside? It's certainly easier.

Our old place had Pella windows and patio door from 1984. NEVER again! By 2004 they were rotten, leaked, the winders (casement) were all broken, they warped, the glue holding the cladding on the patio door outside had melted and let the cladding sag preventing the door from opening, all the gas inside had leaked out and clouded the windows. Basically if it could go wrong, it did on every single window in the house.

Also, hardware is Pella exclusive and ridiculously overpriced. Casement handles that stripped out after a year were $60 to replace...JUST the handle. The locks (that broke right off because the wood had swelled and you were required to use the lock to close the window) were $180 EACH. And you had to special order all of it which took a month or more to get in.

I seriously have no idea how they are still in business and why people pay what they do for them. They are worse than Chinese garbage. My current house has the original wood double hung windows from 1898 in them. They work just as good now as they ever have. And with storm windows outside, they are more energy efficient than any vinyl window you can buy (but look 100 times better on an old house).

I'm not opposed to pulling the inside trim and certainly won't pull any bricks but I've seen some window installations where they don't even pull the inside trim. It appears they remove as much of the window as they can maybe even leaving the frame in place. Then they slide in a smaller window that clears the inner trim, screw it in, and caulk it. Seems kind of half-assed to me but if that's all it takes, I can do that in a couple hours.

Yes. I forgot you had aluminum.

If you can make a standard size work, it's alot cheaper.

Around here Silverline is popular. Decent Vinyl window, bought and now labelled as 'by Anderson'

Anderson has been pushing replacement windows(renewal), but they are very expensive.

Andersen and Marvin are close to equal and are probably the best nationally available brands. Andersen's mainline product is a vinyl clad wood window. They bought Silverline a few years ago to add a vinyl product to their line and they bought Eagle to add an aluminum product. They invented a composite material they call Fibrex and use it in their A Series window, so they now have a product in every category. They sell varying grades of each type. I can't remember which one it is but one of the vinyl windows sold at Home Depot is a rebranded Silverline/Andersen window. Andersen is primarily a new construction product. Their replacement-only product is Renewal by Andersen. They do the installation and sell you the product all together. It's a very nice product but expensive. Andersen's wood windows only come in standard sizes. If they fit your openings you can use them for replacement, not problem. If they aren't the right size, you have to use something else. The durability of a window that's built to a standard size is very good because the manufacturing process is fully automated and the tolerances are fine. Andersen's vinyl, aluminum and fibrex products can be ordered custom sized. Eagle is considered one of Andersen's premier brands. I once worked on a $42 million mansion on Palm Beach Island that had all Eagle windows and French doors. They were replaced with a solid mahogany window from Germany called Tischler.

Marvin has all that and fiberglass products too. Their market niche is that all of their product is custom built so they can fit any opening. That's why you'll see a lot of Marvin used in remodeling projects. I'm not as familiar with their product as I am with Andersen, but the quality is equal. Andersen has a nailing flange that is fully integrated into the vinyl cladding and is a lot easier to install and is very robust. Marvin has miter corners that needs a flashing strip to prevent water entry. Not a big deal, just a little difference in the design.

Pella has a strong brand but they aren't the quality of Marvin or Andersen and they cost about the same. Kolbe & Kolbe have improved in past years, but they're a notch below, along with brands like Windsor. Crestline is a lower tier brand. Jeld-Wen competes with Marvin and Andersen but I like Andersen and Marvin better.

Go to any decent sized distributor before you hire a contractor and you'll get the best price and they'll lay out all the options for you. I suspect what would be cheapest and would still look nice is a custom sized vinyl window with as much glass and as little frame as possible. They can cut the old windows out and install the replacement one directly to the existing framing without disturbing the brick. The interior trim just pops off and will go right back into place.

Simonton is a good brand for replacement windows. I installed Certainteed windows several years ago. I wanted to use Simonton because they have a decent reputation and have been making replacement windows for many years. The supplier I went with highly recommended Certainteed. A few years later I needed two more windows and Certainteed was no longer making them. The new company that took over Certainteed windows doesn't make replacement panes for the older Certainteed windows and now I have one that lost the Argon gas.

Simonton is what I have for windows, and Anderson for my slider. My neighbor's cousin is a real pro and installed mine and Simonton was his choice (and I think it's all he uses). Might not be high-end like some y'all are talking about, but works for me....very happy with both.

I'd like to add that I have put windows in my house twice now. The lifetime warranty is meaningless if the company making them doesn't last. I went with the distributor's recommendation of Certainteed thinking that's a solid company only to be disappointed less than 10 years later when one of my windows lost its argon gas. My parents have new construction Andersen windows that have lost the argon gas in them. My parents call Andersen and they get a new pane. My brother has Simonton in his entire home. All are better than 20 years old and NONE has lost the gas between the panes.
When you choose a window with a lifetime warranty, you might want to consider the company making that window.

I would vote for Anderson Renewal replacement windows. We had all ours replaced on our Virginia house and were totally satisfied. We also had a large picture window in the living room with a double hung on each side of it. My wife had them replace it with three double hung units that were the same size as the other 2 double hung units on the front of the house (2 front bedrooms). They were a composite material with the color impregnated into it. They also covered the outside frame and sill with aluminum. We felt like it was money well spent.