Need replacement window suggestions

BrettT1

Hi all,

I want to put some new energy efficient windows in my house. Anyone familiar with any brands? I don't want the cheapest thing I can find. Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks ,

Brett
Enid, Oklahoma

Tony M

Lowes Home Improvement.

I used to deliver Home products and Pella windows and doors are pretty good quality for a fair price!

I bought the double pane for my house and did the replacing myself. It's easy if you have some carpentry knowlege. I wish I could've afforded the triple pane but these are fine for the $$ spent. The noise level went up from normal windows with storm windows to just a double pane window. I wish I had kept the storm windows and re-used them. That would've been quite the thermal rating.

markmarc

After much investigation flour years ago we went with Milgard and have been very happy. They have factories all over the USA and the fit and finish quality are first rate. I will tell you that if you are having them professionally installed get recommendations and bids. We had a $6k swing in price.

Dennis Gardner

Anderson markets a line of vinyl windows under the American Craftsman brand at The Home Depot and a composite line under the Renewal by Anderson name through certified installers.

Pella markets a line of windows under the ThermaStar by Pella name at Lowes. These would both be good choices for budget windows from industry leaders.

Here in OK you see Champion windows advertised constantly on local TV, but I don't know details about them.

schwarcw

I went through this process about five years ago. The Renewal people were arrogant and not very helpful. The Pella people were great from a customer service and product perspective. I bought the triple pane, wood windows, aluminum clad wood on the outside. I got the E-glass but did not go for the interior Venecian blinds. The triple panes made the house very quiet. I have a lot of glass. These were a little pricey but were worth it. The install contractor was great. I couldn't be happier.

markmarc

Run like hell away from Champion!!!!!

zane77

I got Milguard great windows for a good price for sure go with the low-E glass.

apc

We're renovating an entire house, which was built in the mid sixties. After much evaluation and estimates from low end to high end, we chose Anderson. Installed they were about a grand each. Run away from the cheaper ones. Once you compare fit and finish, you'll see a marked difference.

Mike Kozak

Pella or Anderson

72RR

We went through the whole comparison thing two years ago.
Settled on Marvin windows, the Integrity line. Fiberglass exterior, wood interior.
Love them. Installed ourselves with assistance from a builder relative - a 16 foot window grouping is too much for one person.
He commented on the quality.
My wife has since started working with a local builder - she does landscaping. It turns out he uses these extensively in his homes.

michael1947

Windows are like speakers. The house they are attached to is the rest of your audio gear...very complicated. And a little like cars: Speed cost money, how fast do you wanna go?" How long you gonna be in the house. How much do you have in coin, are you going to put them in yourself or hire a "pro" from best buy or pep boys?

Double pane are the standard because they are cheap to make, argon gas filled helps as does the low-E coating especially with the Oklahoma sun. Triple pane are twice as efficient as double and hard to find. Usually the third pane is on the inside and removable as it is difficult to seal them all up into one unit. Just like with speakers in that the people selling them will say that theirs are the best, want to make a sale and move on.

"Replacement windows are made a little different than standard new construction windows in that they are usually sized to fit a "net" or finished opening that way you do not have to disturb the siding and window trims...they cost about the same and an average Anderson via Home Depot will run around $200 each and it will be for new construction and have the large flange/flashing on the outside, a good thing. Replacement windows are mostly vinyl as they are easy to manufacture into custom sizes. Do some more homework, talk with window people, big box stores, local builders, web sites of the large producers such as Anderson, Pella and a couple up in Wisconsin and Minnesota...it gets cold up there.

There are too many variables to discuss here. The total envelope of the house or outside walls should be somewhere in the R22 area and the ceiling will want to be @ R-60. Seems like a lot but it's a little like current in your amp or horse power in your car, you can't have too much.

Good luck and please report back.

muncybob

Been happy with Simonton. Seems to be good quality for a decent price, limited lifetime/transferrable warranty. Needed customer service twice over the years and they were prompt and helpful. We dropped a screen from the second story one summer, broke it in the corners. The corner clips are replacable but customer service said they were going to send a complete new screen and while they were at it wanted to know if any other screens "appeared" to be worn or weak in the corners and they replaced them too.

decal

I went with Anderson when I remodeled my home a few years back. No complaints at all. Do not try to save money by buying lower grade windows. You'll actually save money in the long run by purchasing really good windows.

charley95

I have noticed in several homes that the argon gas leaks out between the panes. When this happens the windows will fog up between the glass panes. This has been a problem no matter what the brand is. Be sure to ask if any of your windows do this, will they replace them under the warranty?

miner

I chose Simonton platinum grade (double pane, e-glass, argon gas filled) windows and had them installed. 29 windows installed ran me just shy of $11K. What a mess - had to have a trim carpenter come in to fix a few dents/dings and paint.