Replacements for Anderson Windows
I’ve installed hundreds of replacement windows in the last 25 years with relatively little fanfare, but have recently been presented with an interesting new challenge. My father’s home in SW Virginia has Anderson double-hung wood windows w/ vinyl track inserts that were installed new in 1982. These were semi-state-of-the-art back then, but have become a drafty liability in recent years.
It doesn’t appear to me that “standard” replacement windows will install as they do when they replace conventional wood windows, due to the presence of the vinyl track. Could someone who’s dealt with this situation before offer any suggestions with respect to measuring, installation prep., and even a preferred manufacturer for the replacements? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
David Hawks
Replies
Call Andersen.
You should be able to upgrade those windows to 400 series and get a new 20 year warrenty.
Opps .sorry just reread your post.
If they were Andersen that would be possible. Don't know anything about Anderson windows.
I'm confused Sledge. Or maybe my post was confusing? The existing units ARE Anderson. Are you telling me that the factory may sell a replacement for these particular windows?
Thanks
Are they Anderson or Andersen?
sledge is havin' a little fun with ya. You spelt Andersen with an "o" instead of an "e".
Contact Andersen.
Remodeling Contractor with no ties to the Glass City
I believe that when I built my house, in 79, that there was an AndersOn Window company.And a few years ago I did find an AndersOn window company on the internet that did commercial work.Found that there is still an Anderson Window Company that makes windows.http://www.andersonwindows.ca/There are also websites for andersonwindow.com and andersonwindows.com.But they redirect to AndersEn's website.And there are a large number of places where people are talking about AndersEn, but misspelling it.But he needs to be sure of which he has.
There are thousands of companies that have made windows. I have heard stories of a company named AndersOn and didn't want to give incorrect info.
If these are indeed 1980 Andersen double hungs then yes. Andersen makes a converson kit that will turn them into 400 series. You can order with all the bells and whistles... grilles between glass, hi-preformance, prefinished interiors etc. and you get a 20 year warrenty.
Takes less then 30 minutes to change a window over. The big problems are rotted sills and brick bound frames.
Thanks to all who responded to my questions about these AndersEn windows. Their web-site is acting temperamental at the moment, which is fine since we've been less-than-thrilled with the performance of these windows for some time now. Looking hard at the PELLA 850 series from Lowes. Wood interior, aluminum clad exterior, replacement units. Anybody familiar with these? Damn the budget on this one; we're going first class!!!
No experience with the Pella 850's, but if you want to go first class, go Marvin.Would also suggest you try an independent lumberyard or window shop before you commit to Lowe's. I like Lowe's better than most of the other boxes, but service and expertise are often better at a local yard.
AndersEn purchased Eagle Window & Door last year. Eagle makes an excellent window - extruded clad wood like Marvin but much better value. http://www.eaglewindow.com I'm not convinced that Pella is an improvement over the Andersen, but Eagle is worth checking out if there is a dealer in your area, especially if you're willing to pay a little more for quality.
Budget be damned...
Honey crack that piggy bank open we are going for the gold....
Anyone got directions to the nearest Lowes?
;-)
Dammit Piffin.....now I'm getting this thread show up one "Unread messages to me".
AND THEY AINT!
Remodeling Contractor with no ties to the Glass City
Don't know about the 850's , but did a job with Pella replacements, very nice units, easy to install, nice cladding. All in all, no complaints, but it was for a client, so,no long term info, except no call-back. (not counting dinner)
Somebody please post to me.....I can't get rid of this "unread messages to me" thread!
Arghhh!
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
reply posted
Thanks Paul....hope that does the trick.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
david.. find a regular distributor of the window you want
i wouldn't order windows thru HD or Lowes.. and also.. i'd stick with Andersen over Pella any day
the new Andersen replacement window is designed to fit in your old jambs.. i'd definitely check it out, they/ spent a lot of money and effort developing this replacement line
sounds like your existing are Andersen Narrowlines..
ours are from '84 and work and look as good as the day we installed them
Mike,
the new Andersen replacement window is designed to fit in your old jambs.. i'd definitely check it out, they/ spent a lot of money and effort developing this replacement line
Are you refering to the Renewaul line or does Andersen have a new replacement line for old double hungs? I am in need.
i'm referring to the Renewal line..
but i missed the last Andersen meeting at our lumberyard.. ( funeral )..
i know Andersen is hot to gain a position in the replacement market
Andersen is supposed to have a big presentation at JLC Live at the end of the month
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Edited 3/8/2006 8:19 am ET by MikeSmith
Thanks for the reply, I have checked out the renewal line, but they have to be installed by a certified andersen installer and are pricie, correct. I have the states largest distriber just 1 mile away, they were were not overly thrilled with the Renewal line, because of price.
Just caught this thread. I have 50+ windows in my old home, and have just replaced the first 2 double hung units (with many more to follow this year).
I did a good amount of research, and settled on Comfortline windows. They have a website to reference. The entire sash and frame is constructed with pultruded FRP sections. The exterior can be colored to any tint you want, and the interior is offered in a few shades, and an oak veneer (which can be stained and poly'd). They are competitive with other mfrs, but aren't cheap (but then again, what is?).
I work in the FRP industry (no, not part of this company), so I have a good working knowledge of thier components. So far, I am VERY impressed by the quality of these units. Excellent fit and finish, close tolerances. IN addition, there is a LIFETIME warranty on the unit, and on the glass.
I installed them myself. There are local distributor/installers (like Renewals), but the Menard's (Big Box) carries the line here in St. Paul, MN. Every window is custom made. Not a tock type of deal. Check them out.
Hope this helps.