Replies

1. 
   StanFoster | Sep 16, 2002 03:05am | #1

   I live 10 miles north of where they are made in Rantoul, Il.  I think the windows are good quality.  I installed some in a large home that I was trimming out years ago.

1. 
   donpapenburg | Sep 16, 2002 04:23am | #2

   I have them in my house some have a small air leak in the top corner (double hung) the vinyl seal/track is the problem . I think that this problem affect just two of the thirteen windows . I would say they are good,

   but not top of the line type of window.

   Don

2. 
   RW | Sep 16, 2002 04:41am | #3

   I'll throw in the negative commentary. Don't care for them. They're inexpensive; you get what you pay for. I've hung them and their slider doors as well, and have decided I won't anymore. Around here the builders who use them are doing so only in the cookie cutter market. Now I don't know how much quality you want or what kind of building you're in to - and if it is cookie cutter and cost matters, have at it, but don't expect to make gold from lead. I know every area of the country has its share of local mfg places. You might shop around and find that the local place puts out something good for not as much $ as a brand name thats widely recognised. Thus far, I'd rate Kolbe & Kolbe as the window / door co that pays the most attention to detail. They're in Wisconsin but ship across a good half of the country, predminantly the middle. Marvins Integrity line comes close. Below that, the mid range affordable stuff like your Anderson Permashields which aren't too bad a unit for cost conscious buyers. Down at the bottom of the barrel I'll put Caradco just above the all vinyl stuff siding installers sell.

   hey, you wanted opinion!

1. 
   calvin | Sep 16, 2002 06:05am | #4

   I am going to agree with RW on caradco's (older).  Have never installed them but have had to repair.  Mainly vinyl seals on jamb and sash to sash connection.  Seems both DH's and sliding patio doors that weren't maintained would also lose their glass to sash seals (stops), where water would enter and eventually cause it to rot.  This was on poorly maintained areas on the weather side of houses.  I'm not sure if proper care would have kept them in good condition.  I just don't think the vinyls on these windows from the 80's (?) holds up as well as the others of this era have.  Cannot speak to current product, maybe they got better.  Best of luck.__________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

    

3. 
   Piffin | Sep 16, 2002 07:07am | #5

   I used to sell them in the early eighties. Don't know about now, but I'd rate them as slightly above acceptable back then. A little below Anderson which is where I put Pella.

   The markup is pretty good on all windows so shop around and don't you dare pay retail unless they take you out to dinner and kiss you first.

   Excellence is its own reward!
1. 
   Fbart | Sep 16, 2002 07:32am | #6

   Along this same thread, I would like to ask about Great Lakes windows.  I am going  to replace windows in my own house, and have a friend who sells Great Lakes, and calls them the best in the world. This sounds like a sales pitch to me, although they do look like a decent vinyl window.  The other choice is Anderson, with the prices for the whole set being comparible.  I usually install Anderson in my jobs, so am familure with them.  Thenks.

1. 
   Piffin | Sep 16, 2002 02:57pm | #8

   Maybe it's just my attitude, but it's hard to imagine ANY vinyl window being the best window in the world. That's probably a sales slogan meant to overcome the image of vinyl more than fact.Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   BarryE | Sep 16, 2002 03:34pm | #10

   IMO it's hard to make an apples to apples comparsion between Anderson and Great Lakes.

   Years ago, when installing vinyl windows, Great Lakes was (and probably still is) by far one of the better ones.

   with prices being comparible, I don't see why Anderson wouldn't be the choice between these two.

   "Technology is the drug of choice for most Americans."

   Won't you be my neighbor

4. 
   BossHog | Sep 16, 2002 02:33pm | #7

   I used one of their "Zap Pack" replacement window kits a couple of years ago.

   I'd say they were adequate, but nothing to write home about.

   My kid had sex with your honor student.

5. 
   BarryE | Sep 16, 2002 03:19pm | #9

   I consider Caradco a good mid level window, along side Weathershield and maybe Pella's Proline. Among these 3, Caradco would be my pick. It's definately a step or so below Marvin, Pella's Designer or Architect series, or Anderson.

   And 2 or 3 steps above Shelter Windows

   It all depends what you're looking for

   ---

   "Technology is the drug of choice for most Americans."

   Won't you be my neighbor

   ---