Replies

1. 
   frenchy | May 12, 2005 09:47pm | #1

   sap,

    which do you like Chevy's or Fords?  Bud or Miller?  Red or Black? 

     Your window question is not really going to be ansered here..   I've got Andersen's and I like them, others may have somethinmg else and like those.  I don't know if anybody would say they have ,...... brand and they think they should have bought,...... brand..

1. 
   ajsap | May 12, 2005 10:00pm | #2

   Thanks Frenchy

2. 
   djj | May 12, 2005 10:26pm | #3

   Sap,

   We just used Marvin Integrity windows. Nice alternative to Anderson/Pella at about the same price point; sizes are a bit limited though. If money is no object Marvin's regular line is very nice and around here they are probably only 20% more than Anderson or Integrity. Anderson makes a nice product for the money, I was not impressed with the Pella windows. Their architect line is as much as regular Marvin's and not in the same ballpark for build. Kolbe and Kolbe is another option you didn't mention. My guy at the yard who sells Jeld Wen incl. Caradco told me not to even consider them; too many problems with leaks and hardware. 

   Regards,

   Dennis

1. 
   ajsap | May 12, 2005 11:00pm | #4

   Thanks DJJ

   I appreciate your input, I looked at the regular Marvin Line, I will inquiry about the

   Integrity Line. I have 36 Double Hungs, some with transoms. I also look into Kolbe

   and Kolbe

3. 
   rez | May 12, 2005 11:09pm | #5

   Greetings sap, As a first time poster Welcome to Breaktime.

   That subject has been addressed here on Breaktime a number of different times in the past.

   In the event you fail to receive the information you desire, you might find it in the archives.

   If you scroll down in the lower left corner of your screen there is a search function that will take you to previous threads dealing with whatever you type in the search bar.

   If you type in 'windows', Pella, Marvin...  or other keywords of the subject matter you'll get a supply of data from those old threads.

   Cheers

   This is purely a case of alien identity

1. 
   ajsap | May 12, 2005 11:27pm | #7

   Thanks

   i'll do that now

   Appreciate your reference

    

4. 
   tea | May 12, 2005 11:26pm | #6

   I like Andersen just fine - the contractor I work with most often likes me to specify them because they are easy for him to get. I put Narrolines into my own house years ago and had no complaints. My parents got Marvin casements 16 years ago and periodically need to replace the turning hardware. It does break. I think Marvin sliding doors feel much better than Andersens. I had a client who ordered Marvins because they make the only sliding window where only half the window slides - which was what he wanted. Go figure!

1. 
   ajsap | May 12, 2005 11:30pm | #8

   Thanks

   I guess I should factor availability in the decsion. Thanks for the door

   Comment, I'l need them as well. 

5. 
   gdavis62 | May 13, 2005 12:50am | #9

   We cannot tell from your profile, where you are.  That matters in window selection.

   If you can get good sales and service from the people that handle Windsor windows, their Pinnacle line of products should be looked at seriously.

   I have lived with Marvins, Andersens, Pella, Windsor, and Caradco, and the Windsor product is better, I think, than any.

   Windsor is HQ'd in Iowa, but their plant is in NC.

   Heavier sash and frames than their competition, plus extruded aluminum cladding, not rollformed.  Andersen's cladding is vinyl.

1. 
   ajsap | May 13, 2005 02:25am | #11

   Thanks Gene:

   I'm in Waterford, CT.

   I'll look into Windsor

1. 
   gdavis62 | May 13, 2005 02:32am | #13

   I'll bet their pricing will be attactive.  Be sure and do this, though, before you buy.

   Insist on seeing product samples, real working windows, of your leading contenders.  Operate the sash, the sash locks, the tilt-in mechanism, and look carefully at the construction of the corners.

   Examine fit and finish details, like sealants, how the weatherstripping wraps corners, how the hardware is fastened, etc.

   Look carefully at how the cladding on both sash and frame is detailed in corners, from the outsides.  Examine the screens, and how they fix to the frame exteriors.

   And, please give us your feedback when you have made your decision, and have your windows.

1. 
   ajsap | May 13, 2005 02:40am | #14

   Will Do

   thanks for the checklist to do's

    

6. 
   Shep | May 13, 2005 01:01am | #10

   I just happend to have attended an Andersen window seminar on Tues. about their whole line.

    Personally, I think their 400 series windows are about the best value out there; I have them in my own house and recommend them on a regular basis to customers.

   For a high end window, I've always used Marvin; They'll make a window for just about need. But, on Tues. I found out that Andersen has gotten into the high=end window market with Marvin and Kolbe. I don't remember the name they're using right now for the new line, but I can find out if you like. 

1. 
   ajsap | May 13, 2005 02:28am | #12

   Thanks Shep

   I appreciate your input and yes I'm interested in the kolbe line

   My plans call for about 32 Double Hungs

   3 fixed

   and several transoms

    

7. 
   DDay | May 13, 2005 05:07am | #15

   I have Andersen 400's, a very nice window.  The 200 series is ok but not even close to the 400 in style, sizes and quality.  Harvey's are fine but nothing special, they're just another vinyl window.  I've never used Pella but there have been more than a few posts that have been very negative about them.  Something about the hardware and also lots of complaints about customer service and honoring warranties.  You'll find that stuff in the search through the old threads.

1. 
   ajsap | May 13, 2005 03:30pm | #16

   Thanks for your input

    

8. 
   Dylan | May 13, 2005 07:09pm | #17

   Sap,

   I would say brand should be secondary to features.  You can ask ten guys "whats the best window?" and get ten different answers in response.  My personsonal brand of choice is Schuco Windows.  Shuco is a German based company, however, all windows they sell in the USA are manufactured at a plant in Conneticut.  (American made is a requirement for me!)  They have over 50 manufacturing facilities around the world and actually produce more windows annually than Marvin, Anderson, & Pella combined. 

   The features you should look at while comparing windows are as follows.    Construction materials; Vynal, Wood, or Aluminum.  I think we can all agree that aluminum windows should be the last choice for most applications.  (They're great for sheds, that's about it.)  Aluminum conducts heat and cold very well, meaning heat loss in winter, and AC loss in summer.  They are also prone to condensation forming on the inside of the window, especially in the winter.  This will eventually lead to replacing a rotten sill.  Wood is a good option for it's natural beuty, and it's a pretty good insulator.  On the down side, it requires a lot of maintenance, and no matter how well you maintain it, it will eventually start to warp.  I think the best choice in a window is vynal, solid vynal, not cladding.  It's maintenance free, provides a great insulated frame, and if you choose a quality product, color loss wont be an issue either.  I would recommend a product with steel reinforcement along the horizontal spans, for added structural rigidity.

   Also look at the difference between double pane and triple pane windows, types of insulators in the window, i.e. argon vs krypton.  The insulating factors of a double pane argon vs a triple pane krypton window can be as much as 4 R-Value.  Krypton has 10 times the density of argon, making it a much better insulator.  Also look at a window with Low-E coating.  There are two types of low-e, hard coat & soft coat.  Hard Coat Low-E is mixed into the molten glass before it cools.  Soft Coat Low-E is sprayed onto the glass in a liquid form and dries to soft film coating.  Soft Caot is more effective, so it is prefferable.  It should be sprayed onto the inside of a double or triple pane window to prevent it from being scratched.  Low-E is a metal alloy, with the principle materials being silver and titanium.  For this reason I would STRONGLY recommend a manufacturer who edge deletes, or grinds off, the Low-E from the glass where the seal will make contact around the edge of the window pane.  If they don't do this the coating can begin to oxidize and peel if water gets between the frame of the window and the bottom edge of the glass, resulting in a seal breakdown, and moisture between the panes of glass.  Also, look for a window that uses some type of thermo-plastic spacer between the panes of glass, as opposed to aluminum struts.  Plastic spacers last longer, won't conduct heat/cold (aluminum struts will), and are much less likely to result in seal breakdown, once again, preventing moisture from getting between the panes. 

   Shucoo window's have all of these feature's, as do a few other brands, like I said I prefer Shuco, you may find another brand better suits your needs.  Shuco has a lifetime glass breakage warranty.  So as long as you own your home, if the glass is broken, they will replace it free of cost, which can be significant.  They also offer a double lifetime warranty on all other aspects of the window, including frame, seals, locks, and all other parts.  As long as you own the home, and as long as whoever buys it from you owns it, the warranty is in full force. 

9. 
   WillGeorge | May 13, 2005 08:13pm | #18

   PELLA! Not sure spelling is OK..

   I put ALOT in MANY years ago.. STILL work.. OK.. I replaced some rollers on the sliding doors..  But.. Ok by me..

   Expensive but you get more than your money back over time..

1. 
   IMERC | May 13, 2005 08:15pm | #19

   Pella IS NOT the way to go.... 

1. 
   therealtigge | May 14, 2005 03:12am | #21

   while windows are being talked about, can anybody give me experience with the NANA folding window wall. They look great but I'm worried about insulation aroujnd the bottom, and just how well they hold up.

1. 
   IMERC | May 14, 2005 03:45am | #23

   I can't.. 

2. 
   calvin | May 14, 2005 04:36am | #25

   Check out this Australian version put in by a reputable (highly) builder.

   http://quittintime.infopop.cc/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=Gallery&Number=6693&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=2&vc=1Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

2. 
   calvin | May 14, 2005 03:44am | #22

   This is my experience over the years here in my corner of Ohio.

   Anderson dbl hungs from the 70/80's developed a warp up in the sills.  Many.  Anderson stood by them and either replaced the whole unit, all installation/interior finish, or repaired the sills (rarely). Their selection is excellent, good value for the money.

   Marvin had a batch of mistreated wood around 88.  A whole lot of both the clad and wood sash rotted in the corners.  Initially they stood behind their product and offered full replacement, install included.  As the claims mounted up, they lowered their offer to sash or units only, no install.  Still later, a 25% off the price for a new unit.  I used them (88 vintage) in our house and evidently got lucky, no rot problem thank goodness.  Have not used their Integrity line, but this co. usually produces a good product.

   I've installed the above and pellas and have been pretty lucky with customer service in all the brands.  I have had no problem with Anderson sliders and French.  Pella doors have been the equal or surpassed them in my experience.  Marvin, only my own home door wise.  Our Pella distributor has gone the extra mile in service and responsibilty.  It is now under new ownership.  We'll see how that plays out.  Have had zero problem in any of their products.

   Weathershield used to be used by the framing co I worked for in the late 70's.  They looked good, but didn't last.  Craftline, a local co., now out of bus., reminded me of Crap-line.  Same experience with Caradko, wear out quick, cladding often serves as a funnel. 

   No experience with some of the other name brands like K&K.

   No matter what, installation is a big part of the window.  A great unit installed like #### and you'll have problems.  A so-so window properly put in and maintained will last a long time.

   And Velux for a skylight.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

1. 
   IMERC | May 14, 2005 03:49am | #24

   Pella windows and doors here just don't cut it...

   wheather it be the high altitude, severe weather or what may be...

   follow up service is less than desireable...

   Anderson and Marvin are very good... 

10. 
    achome | May 13, 2005 08:18pm | #20

    We put in Pozzi---Marvin offshoot.  Very nice.  No upcharge for custom grids.

    Johnny

11. 
    rob26 | May 14, 2005 07:05am | #26

    I have installed Jeld-Wen windows and doors from Home Depot, and they seem to be OK. Several years ago, we had some windows replaced with WeatherShield windows, made in Medford, WI. If they are still around, I think you would be very pleased with them - I know our contractor was impressed with the quality.

1. 
   ajsap | May 14, 2005 03:49pm | #27

   Thanks for the input

    

12. 
    Beachbuilder | May 15, 2005 12:16am | #28

    Depending on your climate, the manufacturers willingness to stand behind, and warranty their product should be a consideration.  We build about 50 homes a year in a coastal community.  The rain comes down here, often pushed sideways by a 100mph wind.  Jeldwen windows have failed in this environment with no solutions or support of any kind from the manufacturer.  Marvins have failed, but had better support.  The only window manufacturer that I'm aware of that hasn't had issues in our area is Certainteed.  Their sealing, venting and weeping systems seem to be the only ones that won't pass water in our weather conditions, this includes SGD's.

    We now install Certainteed windows exclusively, and their customer service is second to none.  When we have something like the occasional stress crack they dispatch someone to make the repair right away.  In a less severe environment such performance obviously isn't as critical, but a manufacturere that stands behind their product is still important.

1. 
   ajsap | May 15, 2005 12:26am | #29

   Thanks

   I'm in CT about .8 miles aware from Long Island Sound. I'll look them up and see if the have a distributor here.

   I apprecaite it