Replies

1. 
   Robertzcool | Aug 28, 2002 07:00am | #1

   Anlin recently (in the last 2 years plus or minus) switched from fabricating Certainteed extrustions to Mikron.  Both are high quality, Mikron allows more flexibility for the fabricator.  Marshall is the only Certainteed fabricator left in So Cal.  A number of companies use Mikron including Windowmaster, Superior and Fleetwood.  I would never limit myself to just one supplier but look at several.  A good balance would be Anlin, Milgard and Windowmaster.  Don't go to a big box (Depot or Lowes) because your chances of finding a knowlegable sales person are slim and  you won't find him or her next time you come back. I know of what I speak, I tried to train them for 6 years!!  And don't fall for the high-pressure-in-home-sales.  You shouldn't pay more than an average of $250 per window plus $150 installation per window for a normal ranch style house (2nd story will be slightly more).  Any more than that they there better be some very good reasons, like tempered glass, oversized units that require a lot of man power.

   Check with the big lumber yards like Terry, Ganahl, Dixieline and look for a specialty sash & door store.

   Let me know where you are located and may be able to give you some ideas.

1. 
   tcgaskins | Aug 29, 2002 03:45am | #2

   Thanks for the reply.

   My wife took a call from a salesman talking about rebates from the Gas and Electric Companies. She made the arrangement for an estimate. Salesman shows and says his windows (Anlin) are the best. Milgard is the worst and Atrium windows are in the middle. He then shows me a deal that can't be beat. Anlin list price for about $20,000 he can get them to me for $11,000. 15 windows and 1 slider single story home. I have since done some research and "deal" isn't, as you have told me. I am in Orange County, CA. I have found better deals at several places. I am going to hold off for a few months until I put the cash away. I will be doing windows within the next year, so if you have any suggestions, I would appreciate them. I am leaning toward Milgard for now unless I get a lot of negative feedback.

   Thanks in advance

   Tim Gaskins

1. 
   Robertzcool | Aug 29, 2002 04:11am | #3

   Milgard has 2 lines,  Classic and Styleline.  The Classic is (on a scale of 1-10) a 7.5.  The Styleline is a new construction tract home window that is about a 3.  if you are looking for the top vinyl window in So Cal it is the Windowmaster 800 Series. Far and away the best rolling system of any vinyl window. It rates about a 8.5 overall the rolling system is a 10+.  Pretty funny the Anlin guy mentioned would mention Atrium and put them ahead of Milgard. As far as I know they are only sold from Home Depot and as their lower end stock line.  For dealers in your area I'm afraid I'm not much help.  It was never my territory.  But check websites (windowmasterproducts.com or Milgard.com) and they'll have dealer locators of their better accounts (atleast you know they pay their bills!).

   Warranty will always be thrown into the equation.  Milgard has the best in that it covers dual glazed seal failure as long as you own the home.  Windowmaster is for 10 years.  I wouldn't be surprised if Milgards changes soon, they were bought out by Masco Corp a year plus ago and the warranty is a huge liability. Again most companies have their warranty on the web.  Don't buy into the "we'll fix broken glass" every one I've seen had a good 40% upcharge to pay for that 'freebee'

   Others to consider are Marshall (Certainteed fabricator) or Fleetwood (new to vinyl, the top aluminum window on the market)

1. 
   tcgaskins | Sep 03, 2002 03:05am | #4

   Thanks againd for all the Information!

   Tim