Chris, you know I'm the window guy around here. I sorta retired after 25 years of installing windows, patio doors and entry doors. I'll get to Dennis in a minute.
Vinyl is the standard now. Some are a little better than others. Out here in the West I like Milgard because they do come out on service calls w/o b!tch!ng about it. They make a fiberglass unit raw and factory painted. The FG box is 4.25 inches minimum so I can't use them very often because 2 x 4 framing doesn't give me any room to trim them out. They are double the cost of any window Dennis would use at his pricing.
There are other considerations. Retrofit windows usually end up being an odd size, not a "call out" size. Marvin, Andersen and the rest all charge huge to build other than catalog sizes. The vinyl and FG guys build to the 1/8 th inch at no extra cost.
Generally speaking, a dual pane LowE with argon is good enough. That will get you the equivalent of R4. The window people don't talk in "R" values because as Glenn said, windows are one of the poorer performers in your energy envelope.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dennis in se pa
I have done a lot of these in a previous life as a construction guy. Vinyl is fine. Price should be < $300 per window installed. Aluminum capping is extra if necessary. Insulation around the perimeter is important. You can spend a lot more if status and prestige is important to you of course.
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Now to address this post. 300 is really low for an average cost
installed by others. 400 to 450 is more like it. Sears, HD and Lowes will hit you much higher before trying to "close" the deal. I tear them a new ass on every estimate. And I don't offer AL trim because that just traps moisture and insects behind a false front. If you don't want to see any more painted wood, there are other ways.
PM me for details. I haven't talked to a R Gruppe guy since I dropped out.
