FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Replacement windows

thetinkerer | Posted in General Discussion on February 18, 2011 05:37am

The windows in my track built home are cold and leak.

I got an estimate to have Renewal by Anderson installed and the esimate came in at $44,000 !!

I am finding that in the Texas heat one should avoid vinyl windows due to warpage, twisting etc. and the fact that vinyl has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is 7 times greater than glass….

So a friend of mine told me that I shoud go for a good quality aluminum window – he told me that he had them installed in his house and they are very tight and keep his house much warmer.

Any recommendations on window replacements.  I cannot afford Andersons, I am weary of vinyl and wonder about what my friend told me re: aluminum.

Also any recommendations on brands?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. junkhound | Feb 19, 2011 12:32am | #1

    Why not make your on windows? 

    I have a low opinion of 'sealed' units unless you will be a short term dweller. 

    If I had to redo my own house, I'd make single pane wood frame windows with interior 2nd pane inserts. 

    1. DanH | Feb 19, 2011 03:25am | #2

      And I'm sure you make your own glass, from sand laying around the site.

  2. Harold Pomeroy | Feb 19, 2011 11:50am | #3

    Replacement Windows

    In New England, people use aluminum storms. These can go over vinyl. Harvey Tru Cjannell or Allied are good brands. You might not need to replace you wndows if they are protected from the elements.

    Insulated glass will last as long as the caulking, the the entire window gets dumped in a landfill somewhere. Energy Star calculations don't count throwing out plastic crap 10 years after it's made.

    Harold Pomeroy

  3. DanH | Feb 19, 2011 02:14pm | #4

    First off, what kind of windows do you have now, and what's wrong with them? 

    Very often the problem with windows is not the windows themselves but their installation.  You can often make dramatic improvements by removing the inside trim and foaming between window jamb and rough opening with low-expansion foam, stuffing wider areas with pieces of fiberglass.  And often the weatherstripping has fallen off the windows or cracked -- this can often be replaced with stock weatherstripping from a home center or (for more exotic varieties) from a glass shop.

    As someone else said, aluminum storms are often a good value in your neck of the woods -- they protect the windows from weather deterioration (though you have to be a bit wary of overheating on the SW side), and they in many cases give you better energy efficiency than full replacements.

  4. Clewless1 | Feb 21, 2011 08:16am | #5

    Well you are right to do some homework before getting started. Windows are about the most expensive component in your house, so when replacing, it's important to do it right ... you'll only have the one chance.

    I'm surprised by your statement about the vinyl. I live near death valley and year before last our average daytime high was 105 degF for about 75 days straight. People here use vinyl all the time and I've never heard of any issues with it and the heat. I'd reconsider and talk w/ some manuf reps about it. If you go metal, chose a thermally broken frame type. Metal conducts heat readily.

    Do some more homework. Get multiple bids for sure!! You spending that kind of money, you'd better be knowing who and what commands a high price.

    Consider fiberglass frames. Many swear by them. Consider Marvin windows as another brand. Also, things like casement windows drive the price up much higher than e.g. sliders. Pick the type of window for the application.

    Do you know how many sqft do you have in your windows?

    Also pick your glass carefully .... use the right glass for the right application. Go low-e glass at a MINIMUM ... it tends to be standard with many manuf any more. On unprotected exposures (e.g. east/west or unshaded south) consider other glass options ... e.g. tinted and/or mirror finish to get a low SHGC. Unprotected glass in hot climates should have a SHGC of 0.25 or less. 0.15 if you can get it (you should be able to do this).

    Window prices can vary. I've seen some low-e vinyl for $8/sqft. But it wouldn't surprise me to see e.g. Andersen or Pella for te $25-30+ range (windows only, not installed).

    If you're considering spending $10K + for windows, you'd better be doing your homework unless you got that kind of dough to be just throwing around. Know your frame options. Also know your glass options. FH had a fair article on windows in the last couple of years. If you know little or nothing about windows and glazings, I'd get up to speed to make the best bang for your buck. Your comfort and your wallet will appreciate your extra effort ... and as I always say ... you might actually learn something from the process.

  5. Clewless1 | Feb 21, 2011 08:19am | #6

    "So a friend of mine told me

    "So a friend of mine told me that I shoud go for a good quality aluminum window - he told me that he had them installed in his house and they are very tight and keep his house much warmer."  ... in the Texas climate, not sure that would be a good thing.

    You know ... metal probably has an even higher coef. of expansion. It's not really too much of an issue as the glass isn't held rigidly in place.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data