Replacement Windows??

[SCT]

Our house is 14-15 years old and we are having some rotting problems with the origional contractor grade windows. I've been doing some research online about the different window manufactors (Pella, Peachtree, Anderson, etc) materials, styles, and grades.

So far I've not been real impressed with the Lowes grade Pella windows. We do like the Peachtree brand. The Anderson windows are awesome but are high $$$!

Any thoughts or experiances with windows? Any way to save some money? We have a LOT of windows and odd ball sizes (can you say "special order")....so this will be an expensive project. But we plan to stay in this house until retirement so we want a quality window.

Thanks-

[Ray Neudecker]

I have the Anderson windows in a 42 year old house (original). They work and look like new.

[gregpro50]

I'm a home improvement contractor. As far as windows go I can tell you that you do get what you pay for. The Lowe's grade pella windows aren't that great. Peachtree, Great Lakes, and Anderson's are nice. Simington, Ellison, and Seaway make a decent mid-range window. I'm not sure what is available in your area but the Canadian made windows might be good to look at since they tend to be overbuilt due to the stricter energy standards and typically cost less.

You can get a tax rebate on your windows but you have to make sure they are qualify for it. Just because they are energy star rated doesn't mean they qualify.

It seems like you have a newer house so "replacement" windows might not be your best option. Replacement typically means pulling out your existing sashes and putting a replacment window in the existing frame. The nicest job would be done doing a full frame tearout where you actually remove the entire window and put a new one in. This is more like a "new construction" installation and would have nicer results.

I did all the windows in my house last year and used Ellison new construction windows.

Stay away from the Window World type places if you have them in your area.

[2 De River]

I have to agree the Pella from Lowes aren't what they are supposed to be, very highly over advertised. I have them & they have locking (fitting ) problems also the little latches that are supposed to keep from raising over a couple of inches is a joke. IMA don't go with Pella from Lowes. Good luck! Jimmy

[jphii]

Do you want wood or vinyl?

[SCT]

jphii, we like the aluminum exterior with the wood inside......but because of cost we might have to look into the vinyl.

[Riverman]

I'm almost done replacing the windows in my house, a multi-year project. I'm using fibreglass windows exclusively as the frame expansion is equal to the glass - wood and PVC have far different expansion rates than glass. This is important here as our climate has a 140 degree F temperature range and differing expansion rates cause the window seals to fail. My new windows are all tri-pane low E glass, argon filled.

If you are going with tri-pane, don't let anyone talk you into wood - the glass is too heavy and the frames will rack over time.

[jphii]

If you are going with tri-pane, don't let anyone talk you into wood - the glass is too heavy and the frames will rack over time.

Wood windows will work fine in Charlotte, as long as they are quality windows.

[Riverman]

Joe, are triple pane windows used down there? (Ha ha I said "down there"!)

[jphii]

Depends where you are, but on the whole most people use double pane.

[Thomas H]

I had Milgard aluminum frame and didn't like them, they leaked air around the corners. Replaced about two years ago with vinyl Jeld Wen through Home Depot, all custom sizes, and couldn't be happier. Heating/cooling costs are down and these windows are really quiet. Make sure you get the ones that are good for tax refund of up to $1500.

[Riverman]

LOL, Jeld Wen windows are made in Winnipeg, right near my house.

[sho305]

I want to use Polar Seal, they make them here in MI. http://www.polarsealwindow.com/index.html
I have looked at replacements installed and they are pretty nice. The real reason I like them so much is you can get a fake wood interior and I've not seen that in others. I don't want wood, sure I love wood but I know they will go bad even if just cosmetic. These look somewhat real, iirc they are vinyl with alum casing on the outside and inside. You can get argon and all that. I still have more research to do but they are most impressive so far. I don't want to spend a lot but willing to spend a little more to get something better. They say you can order any size you want. That guy had them put in it was near $1K each for larger double hung, I don't know what they run if you buy them outright. Can't get much here for under 250 each is about cheap as I see for something worth putting in. I helped a friend set some cheap ones we had to shim them all over they were so floppy or they would not open/close/seal, were all plastic. Mine will have to go in as new construction due to how the old ones are mounted, plus they need insulation and sealing that you miss with replacements.

[sunapeeboater]

I'm a home improvement contractor. As far as windows go I can tell you that you do get what you pay for. The Lowe's grade pella windows aren't that great.
I would agree with most of what you said except for this . the lowes pella line is the same as what the pella stores sell. Plus you get the same warranty and service from pella no matter which place you buy them. Pella windows have the same guarantee as Anderson.

[Tomanytoys]

Straussberger-Very high quality, excellent hardware, reasonable price. Made in Kitchener Ont.
Pollard-Good quality, excellent value (bang for the buck), very reasonable price. Made in St. Catherines Ont. with a branch in Buffalo NY (I think)

[challenger 77]

No one asked this yet so here goes , How long r u going to be in the house? If you r planing on staying another 14 years spend the money on good ones so you don't have to do this again. if not let the next guy worry about it .