I know this is a loaded question, but I’m building my own custom home and am trying to determine what type of windows to use. I’ve always been a big fan of Andersen, but they are expensive and not very flexible on sizes. I’d also rather not have the guy at Home Depot explain the options by tossing me the Andersen catalog. What windows combine the best of value and performance? I’ve also considered Marvin adn Jeld Wen. The home is in Atlanta.
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Anderson, Marvin Integrity and Ultimates, Kolbes, all good. And I would not go looking at a box store. A lumber yard or window supply house, better on customer service and options. And keep in mind the installation details can have as much or more to do with performance and longevity than brand. My opinion, this isn't the place to pinch the budget on your home. Counters, flooring, things that, down the road, can be swapped out fairly easily, maybe. But windows, no.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
Andersen and Marvin and Integrity
You only get about 40% of the window options, and sizes that Andersen makes if you are shopping HD. Go to their website and use the locater to find a stocking dealer near you
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Try Window Concepts, they have a branch in Atl. I used the branch up in Rome Ga., they were competitive w/ HD but much better service. They delivered for free & unloaded & even carried them in the house for me. I went w/ the Andersen 200 series . Pretty good windows for the price.
paul
You should choose glass independently of frame mfg. Strongly recommend low-E as a minimum. Double low-E, too. Spend as much as you think you can possibly afford. They'll be there a long time and the energy over the years ads up.
Also consider tinted and/or reflective (mirror) glass on east/west orientations. Mixing and matching tint w/ clear is usually not an issue for the vast majority of applications as from inside, you don't really notice and from outside, in many/most situations you don't see two sides of the house simultaneously in a fashion where the different glass types is really noticeable (windows on two sides that literally meet at the corner might be a good example where it becomes an issue. I've done this successfully.
The improved energy ... and comfort is significant and this is an often overlooked detail because people think there are issues ... that really aren't there.
Mark Williams, HR, OR