My house was built in 1970 with Andersen wood casement windows. They're as tight and smooth now as they were in 1970. How do I know this? My wifes parents built the house and she lived here through most of her childhood and until she was in her twenties. We bought the house in 1994 when her mother downsized. The Andersens are pricey, but I know they will last 50 years and beyond.
New House windows recommendation
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Our house was built in 1957 and had aluminum single pane windows in it. We had all of them replace with the 4000 Series windows from Window World. Double hung, double pane Low E glass w/ Argon. Around $4500 for 11 windows. I love them and the no fault replacement warranty was great. As long as their people installed the windows I got the better warranty.
Originally Posted By: AdRock
Our house was built in 1957 and had aluminum single pane windows in it. We had all of them replace with the 4000 Series windows from Window World. Double hung, double pane Low E glass w/ Argon. Around $4500 for 11 windows. I love them and the no fault replacement warranty was great. As long as their people installed the windows I got the better warranty.
That sounds similar to our house. Except we have storm windows. Window World is on the list of people to contact.
we have 16 windows, the first bid was $7K
Our house was built in 1957 and had aluminum single pane windows in it. We had all of them replace with the 4000 Series windows from Window World. Double hung, double pane Low E glass w/ Argon. Around $4500 for 11 windows. I love them and the no fault replacement warranty was great. As long as their people installed the windows I got the better warranty.
That sounds similar to our house. Except we have storm windows. Window World is on the list of people to contact.
we have 16 windows, the first bid was $7K
Originally Posted By: SHOZ
Originally Posted By: philipp10
Originally Posted By: SHOZ
The vinyl cladding last a long time. 30 years of more. It's the sealant they use to separate the glass that makes the difference between long life and fogged up glass.
Well for me, 30 years is not long enough. I want 50 minimum. Vinyl and sunlight do not work well together. The vinyl gets brittle and then the hail takes it out. Why not spend a couple extra bucks and get aluminum. It will last forever.
Exposed aluminum frame is terrible for stopping heat transfer. I have large overhangs on my house so hail isn't an issue for siding or windows.
On the south side of my house though there are two fully exposed to the sun vinyl windows that the vinyl cladding is still in great shape after 30 years.
I didn't say aluminum frame. Marvin Windows are wood, with aluminum cladding on just the outside face so you don't need to paint.
Originally Posted By: philipp10
Originally Posted By: SHOZ
The vinyl cladding last a long time. 30 years of more. It's the sealant they use to separate the glass that makes the difference between long life and fogged up glass.
Well for me, 30 years is not long enough. I want 50 minimum. Vinyl and sunlight do not work well together. The vinyl gets brittle and then the hail takes it out. Why not spend a couple extra bucks and get aluminum. It will last forever.
Exposed aluminum frame is terrible for stopping heat transfer. I have large overhangs on my house so hail isn't an issue for siding or windows.
On the south side of my house though there are two fully exposed to the sun vinyl windows that the vinyl cladding is still in great shape after 30 years.
I didn't say aluminum frame. Marvin Windows are wood, with aluminum cladding on just the outside face so you don't need to paint.
took a look at Anderson windows. A tad confused here. There are Anderson Windows and Renewal by Anderson. Are they the same? Or a sub line of 'real' Andersons?
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Kind of looks like "Renewal" is an Andersen company that installs windows and doors.
Chiefsfan- maybe I missed it above, but will this be your last home?
I hear you on the overwhelming selection when it comes to household windows. To me, the highest dollar window bought today isn't going to last like those made 50yrs ago.
I guess you have to find that balance of features you like, the look you like at a price you're willing to pay. The only windows I've replaced over the years were with new construction Andersens. One double hung and two casements (2 different kitchen remodels). They were decent windows. I wouldn't call them anything spectacular. To me, as long as they're maintenance free, leak free and solid, I'm good.
Chiefsfan- maybe I missed it above, but will this be your last home?
I hear you on the overwhelming selection when it comes to household windows. To me, the highest dollar window bought today isn't going to last like those made 50yrs ago.
I guess you have to find that balance of features you like, the look you like at a price you're willing to pay. The only windows I've replaced over the years were with new construction Andersens. One double hung and two casements (2 different kitchen remodels). They were decent windows. I wouldn't call them anything spectacular. To me, as long as they're maintenance free, leak free and solid, I'm good.
Originally Posted By: JTK
Kind of looks like "Renewal" is an Andersen company that installs windows and doors.
Chiefsfan- maybe I missed it above, but will this be your last home?
I hear you on the overwhelming selection when it comes to household windows. To me, the highest dollar window bought today isn't going to last like those made 50yrs ago.
I guess you have to find that balance of features you like, the look you like at a price you're willing to pay. The only windows I've replaced over the years were with new construction Andersens. One double hung and two casements (2 different kitchen remodels). They were decent windows. I wouldn't call them anything spectacular. To me, as long as they're maintenance free, leak free and solid, I'm good.
That is what I gathered after researching. Mind boggling. This probably wont be out last home, she has talked about moving into a maintenance free home as we get older.
As I have been researching the average cost of windows is 8-24 THOUSAND dollars with energy savings taking decades to recoup.
This may not be a good idea or just do our bedroom to start.
Kind of looks like "Renewal" is an Andersen company that installs windows and doors.
Chiefsfan- maybe I missed it above, but will this be your last home?
I hear you on the overwhelming selection when it comes to household windows. To me, the highest dollar window bought today isn't going to last like those made 50yrs ago.
I guess you have to find that balance of features you like, the look you like at a price you're willing to pay. The only windows I've replaced over the years were with new construction Andersens. One double hung and two casements (2 different kitchen remodels). They were decent windows. I wouldn't call them anything spectacular. To me, as long as they're maintenance free, leak free and solid, I'm good.
That is what I gathered after researching. Mind boggling. This probably wont be out last home, she has talked about moving into a maintenance free home as we get older.
As I have been researching the average cost of windows is 8-24 THOUSAND dollars with energy savings taking decades to recoup.
This may not be a good idea or just do our bedroom to start.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
It's a tough call. I know windows are important to your average BITOGer like us, but you likely won't recoup the cost of high end stuff when it comes time to sell. Not like you would from a kitchen or bath remodel.
I know there's things I'd put $8-10K into on my home, but not windows.
What is the next step up from the $189 specials?
I know there's things I'd put $8-10K into on my home, but not windows.
What is the next step up from the $189 specials?
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Originally Posted By: chiefsfan1
So the wife is wanting new windows.
The current ones are the original to the house built in 1955.
After research it seems Pella is a bit overrated and Anderson as well.
Well, I guess I won't tell you how much I loved the Pella windows on my old house.
Actually, I lied, I'm going to, anyway.
The house came with double pane aluminum framed windows that were original to it.
The house was built in 1984, and most of the windows had already lost their seals, and had condensation between the glass. Also, all the windows that had decorative window dividers, those dividers had fallen apart, and were mostly sitting on the bottom of the insides of the glass.
Only 1 window in the house had been replaced, and was replaced with a Pella Proline, and was already ~10 years old when we moved in. Great window. Aluminum exterior, wood interior. Opened and closed smoothly, was very easy to open into cleaning position, and that room was the warmest in the winter, as heat didn't escape right out of it.
The first thing we replaced in the house was the aluminum framed sliding door in the kitchen. We went to Lowes, and bought a Pella Proline 450 Series French Door. Fantastic door. Looks great, seals excellently, and never a draft through the door.
Eventually, we needed to replace a few more windows in the house, including the garden box window in the kitchen. This time we went through one of the Pella Stores, here in Denver. That was my only mistake. If you want Pella, you're better off going through Lowes, or a different contractor that can order direct. Let's just say that my experience with the product was fantastic, but the staff at the store screwed up the order, and took their sweet time in correcting the errors they made.
Replaced the aluminum framed non-opening garden window with a Pella Encompass with small single hung windows, that allowed us to finally have a cross breeze through the length of the house. The upstairs and downstairs front bedrooms had their aluminum framed sliders replaced with Pella 350 Series vinyl windows. The upstairs master bedroom we had triple paned, while the downstairs was double paned.
Finally, I went back to Lowes, after my experience with the Pella Store, and replaced the largest window in the house in the living room with a triple pane 350 series. Worth every penny, and made such a huge change in the temperature control of the living room, now that the bad windows on the house were all replaced.
Unfortunately, we sold the house nearly a year and a half later, so someone else has been enjoying the nice windows we installed. Our new construction house has Atrium windows, and, in my opinion, they just are nowhere near the same quality level as the Pella 350 series. I'm not allowed to replace them just yet.
I want to dump this sliding door, first, however.
Later this year, I'm hoping.
BC.
So the wife is wanting new windows.
The current ones are the original to the house built in 1955.
After research it seems Pella is a bit overrated and Anderson as well.
Well, I guess I won't tell you how much I loved the Pella windows on my old house.
Actually, I lied, I'm going to, anyway.
The house came with double pane aluminum framed windows that were original to it.
The house was built in 1984, and most of the windows had already lost their seals, and had condensation between the glass. Also, all the windows that had decorative window dividers, those dividers had fallen apart, and were mostly sitting on the bottom of the insides of the glass.
Only 1 window in the house had been replaced, and was replaced with a Pella Proline, and was already ~10 years old when we moved in. Great window. Aluminum exterior, wood interior. Opened and closed smoothly, was very easy to open into cleaning position, and that room was the warmest in the winter, as heat didn't escape right out of it.
The first thing we replaced in the house was the aluminum framed sliding door in the kitchen. We went to Lowes, and bought a Pella Proline 450 Series French Door. Fantastic door. Looks great, seals excellently, and never a draft through the door.
Eventually, we needed to replace a few more windows in the house, including the garden box window in the kitchen. This time we went through one of the Pella Stores, here in Denver. That was my only mistake. If you want Pella, you're better off going through Lowes, or a different contractor that can order direct. Let's just say that my experience with the product was fantastic, but the staff at the store screwed up the order, and took their sweet time in correcting the errors they made.
Replaced the aluminum framed non-opening garden window with a Pella Encompass with small single hung windows, that allowed us to finally have a cross breeze through the length of the house. The upstairs and downstairs front bedrooms had their aluminum framed sliders replaced with Pella 350 Series vinyl windows. The upstairs master bedroom we had triple paned, while the downstairs was double paned.
Finally, I went back to Lowes, after my experience with the Pella Store, and replaced the largest window in the house in the living room with a triple pane 350 series. Worth every penny, and made such a huge change in the temperature control of the living room, now that the bad windows on the house were all replaced.
Unfortunately, we sold the house nearly a year and a half later, so someone else has been enjoying the nice windows we installed. Our new construction house has Atrium windows, and, in my opinion, they just are nowhere near the same quality level as the Pella 350 series. I'm not allowed to replace them just yet.
I want to dump this sliding door, first, however.
Later this year, I'm hoping.
BC.
Do some research of OKNA windows. They're the best vinyl window on the market. I just did a months worth of research, joined window forums etc and went with these. Even the contractors that installed them said they that install all brands and these are one of the select few they would put into their homes.
I bought OKNA 500's to replace 28 windows in my home.
I bought OKNA 500's to replace 28 windows in my home.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: 06AllAmerican
We replaced all our windows last year with a local business. We choose Soft-Lite windows. So far energy use is down about 22% summer and 31% in the winter.
We had one little problem with one window and we had a new one (sash) in days.
Soft-lite were also recommended along with OKNA. Both top notch brands.
We replaced all our windows last year with a local business. We choose Soft-Lite windows. So far energy use is down about 22% summer and 31% in the winter.
We had one little problem with one window and we had a new one (sash) in days.
Soft-lite were also recommended along with OKNA. Both top notch brands.
I have had Pella Architect Series tilt-turn windows for a few years. I am very happy with them and would buy again.
Originally Posted By: dja4260
Do some research of OKNA windows. They're the best vinyl window on the market. I just did a months worth of research, joined window forums etc and went with these. Even the contractors that installed them said they that install all brands and these are one of the select few they would put into their homes.
I bought OKNA 500's to replace 28 windows in my home.
I have and Soft Lite. not sure I can afford all of them at one time!
I used Home Adviser to see who I would get. within a minute I had a phone call, sheesh.
The wife asked on FB and we got some good leads. We are finding that maybe we need to take another look if this is the right thing to do.
Do some research of OKNA windows. They're the best vinyl window on the market. I just did a months worth of research, joined window forums etc and went with these. Even the contractors that installed them said they that install all brands and these are one of the select few they would put into their homes.
I bought OKNA 500's to replace 28 windows in my home.
I have and Soft Lite. not sure I can afford all of them at one time!
I used Home Adviser to see who I would get. within a minute I had a phone call, sheesh.
The wife asked on FB and we got some good leads. We are finding that maybe we need to take another look if this is the right thing to do.
Originally Posted By: chiefsfan1
Originally Posted By: dja4260
Do some research of OKNA windows. They're the best vinyl window on the market. I just did a months worth of research, joined window forums etc and went with these. Even the contractors that installed them said they that install all brands and these are one of the select few they would put into their homes.
I bought OKNA 500's to replace 28 windows in my home.
I have and Soft Lite. not sure I can afford all of them at one time!
I used Home Adviser to see who I would get. within a minute I had a phone call, sheesh.
The wife asked on FB and we got some good leads. We are finding that maybe we need to take another look if this is the right thing to do.
I paid $505 per double hung installed. It was costly. A junk window installed will still be $375+ so that extra cost is well worth it to know I have a top notch quality window. Put a contractor grade window in, and you'll be doing the job again in 10 years.....
Originally Posted By: dja4260
Do some research of OKNA windows. They're the best vinyl window on the market. I just did a months worth of research, joined window forums etc and went with these. Even the contractors that installed them said they that install all brands and these are one of the select few they would put into their homes.
I bought OKNA 500's to replace 28 windows in my home.
I have and Soft Lite. not sure I can afford all of them at one time!
I used Home Adviser to see who I would get. within a minute I had a phone call, sheesh.
The wife asked on FB and we got some good leads. We are finding that maybe we need to take another look if this is the right thing to do.
I paid $505 per double hung installed. It was costly. A junk window installed will still be $375+ so that extra cost is well worth it to know I have a top notch quality window. Put a contractor grade window in, and you'll be doing the job again in 10 years.....
Originally Posted By: dja4260
Originally Posted By: chiefsfan1
Originally Posted By: dja4260
Do some research of OKNA windows. They're the best vinyl window on the market. I just did a months worth of research, joined window forums etc and went with these. Even the contractors that installed them said they that install all brands and these are one of the select few they would put into their homes.
I bought OKNA 500's to replace 28 windows in my home.
I have and Soft Lite. not sure I can afford all of them at one time!
I used Home Adviser to see who I would get. within a minute I had a phone call, sheesh.
The wife asked on FB and we got some good leads. We are finding that maybe we need to take another look if this is the right thing to do.
I paid $505 per double hung installed. It was costly. A junk window installed will still be $375+ so that extra cost is well worth it to know I have a top notch quality window. Put a contractor grade window in, and you'll be doing the job again in 10 years.....
I agree, don't skimp and buy some vinyl junk. Get a Pella or Marvin with a wood core and aluminum exterior. They will last 50 years or more. The vinyl I have seen go 10-20 years. A lot of the cost is in the labor anyway.
Originally Posted By: chiefsfan1
Originally Posted By: dja4260
Do some research of OKNA windows. They're the best vinyl window on the market. I just did a months worth of research, joined window forums etc and went with these. Even the contractors that installed them said they that install all brands and these are one of the select few they would put into their homes.
I bought OKNA 500's to replace 28 windows in my home.
I have and Soft Lite. not sure I can afford all of them at one time!
I used Home Adviser to see who I would get. within a minute I had a phone call, sheesh.
The wife asked on FB and we got some good leads. We are finding that maybe we need to take another look if this is the right thing to do.
I paid $505 per double hung installed. It was costly. A junk window installed will still be $375+ so that extra cost is well worth it to know I have a top notch quality window. Put a contractor grade window in, and you'll be doing the job again in 10 years.....
I agree, don't skimp and buy some vinyl junk. Get a Pella or Marvin with a wood core and aluminum exterior. They will last 50 years or more. The vinyl I have seen go 10-20 years. A lot of the cost is in the labor anyway.
well after a few more bids she decided we cant afford it....
Bids were over 10K.
Sooo. back to the drawing board. I have taken the inside trim off and caulked the gaps. I see some glazing? is that the right term? That is loose , I think I can repair that. The storms are in great shape and the windows are covered with insulated drapes.
Bids were over 10K.
Sooo. back to the drawing board. I have taken the inside trim off and caulked the gaps. I see some glazing? is that the right term? That is loose , I think I can repair that. The storms are in great shape and the windows are covered with insulated drapes.
Instead of doing the whole house in one shot, why not replace the windows in the rooms most used. Master bedroom, kitchen, living room (or wherever you watch tv in), and whatever room is the hottest in the summer/coldest in the winter.
You will see a big difference in the comfort of the house.
BC.
You will see a big difference in the comfort of the house.
BC.
Thats why we choose a small busniess and they were very accommodating. A few of the larger companies were all or nothing.
We did the West side of the house first then the east side for summer heat. Still have windows that will be done next year after tax return.
We did the West side of the house first then the east side for summer heat. Still have windows that will be done next year after tax return.
Originally Posted By: Bladecutter
Instead of doing the whole house in one shot, why not replace the windows in the rooms most used. Master bedroom, kitchen, living room (or wherever you watch tv in), and whatever room is the hottest in the summer/coldest in the winter.
You will see a big difference in the comfort of the house.
BC.
We are taking a look at that option now. Not a quick decision that is for sure.
Instead of doing the whole house in one shot, why not replace the windows in the rooms most used. Master bedroom, kitchen, living room (or wherever you watch tv in), and whatever room is the hottest in the summer/coldest in the winter.
You will see a big difference in the comfort of the house.
BC.
We are taking a look at that option now. Not a quick decision that is for sure.
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