My wife and I are going to be replacing the windows in our house pretty soon, and I told her I'd do some research on the subject, so, of course, I'm asking
FTE members!
So, help me out. I'm probably going to be buying them from Home Depot, but Lowe's has a different brand. We're doing the job ourselves, and hoping the newer windows will cut our energy bill. Also, when we sell in a few years, not only will the new windows have pretty much paid for themselves (hopefully), but should be a great selling point to buyers.
So tell me your window replacement horror stories, and give me some insight on things I may not be considering...

Thanks,
Stu

 

Whatever you do don't get the "insert" type replacement windows. Just pull the interior trim and measure the rough openings. Buy windows to fit the rough opening and install them. Personally I don't like white vinyl windows but they are cheap. I prefer the thermally broken aluminum or fiberglass frame units.

 

Make sure that you get at least a 10 year warranty on your windows. We have windows in our house that have been going bad since year 1, and our warranty was done in 1999. The seal breaks, then they get condensation inside, and we have had problems with the mechanism not working anymore. Pieces of crap if you ask me.

 

A bit of advise on ordering the windows. If you go to either Home Depot or Lowes, make sure that you have the correct measurements. When ordering the windows, make sure the employee puts the correct measurements into the computer for the order. Having worked for both companies in the past, I do not know how many times a customer comes to pick up his/her windows and they are all wrong. It's even worse when the customer gave the wrong measurements and have a bunch of windows that do not fit their house. Then they are either stuck with keeping the windows or a restocking fee.

- Chris

 

If you are going to keep your home, buy the windows from someone who makes them locally. It is easier for warranty. Also the windows at HD and such are not reinforced inside the sash. The screws that hold the tilt in pivots are only into vinyl. They will pull out in time. Get reinforced windows. Welded corners are a little better, but make it impossible to just replace glass yourself. Check out everything in your area before you buy.

 

How thick are your walls? The satandard windows at HD are for 2x4 walls, 1/2 sheathing and 1/2 drywall. firring them out to the trim can be a pita. Thicker have to be ordered, and the price goes up quick as the walls get thicker.

 

I have used the HD windows. The quality is not the same as those i purchased from a building supply house and the price was close. I recommend going to a supplier who sells to the pros. If there is a problem, the pros have to go back and remedy it. The HD windows I used at a rental property where the tennants would break anything I used. I put better ones in my own home.

 

Can anyone recommend a brand to use (Anderson, pella etc) or a brand to stay away from?

 

Well, we just replaced two of our north windows with quality aluminum frame single hung windows with thermal composite barriers between the outside and inside metal frame, and it's purged with gas. They aren't much more $$$ than the cheap vinyl windows at Home Depot and Lowes. I spent a lot of time researching the options and went with Thermal Windows. Lucky for us their plant is right here in Tulsa. http://www.thermalwindows.com/ They were more than friendly and helpful. No pushy sales, and they gave me a tour of the factory and how they make the windows. Very impressive and efficient operation. And what a difference these great new windows make compared to the worn original aluminum frame windows circa 1988. The installation costs were more than we could afford so I enlisted the aid of my father in law. Thanks Roger! Tools you will need: sawzall with 12 to 14" metal/wood cutting blade to remove the window frame and nails, hammer, tin snips, crow bar, cats paw, long pry bar, phillips and straight screwdriver, 1 can of window foam per window, and 1/2 can of construction foam per window frame rough opening.

 

Make sure the new windows come with two decent latches that can not be opened from the outisde with a butter knife.

 

Check out a window called Paradigm, there distributed through lumber yards. Wimsatt Lumber here in Michigan. Trully the nicest vinyl unit I've seen.
Lifetime 100% transferablewarranty also.
Hope it helps.
P.S. Being a restoration/remodel contractor I wasn't sold on vinyls B-4 this one. Paradigm has a web site also.

 

76supercab2
In reference to your ? on which window to use. With "Pella" their warranty is very good and they service it for the 1st yr., if you buy them from a "Pella store".
With Anderson you're "ON YOUR OWN", they send you the whatever and you or,someone at your expence will have to make the repair. The choice is yours.
This was based on my "First and Last" experience with "Anderson", I told them my feelings as a contractor,and would be sure to pass on the word too.
Check out their warranty(s) wording very close. I'll take "Pella" anytime for a nice middle of the line unit. Or "Paradigm" on a nice quality vinyl.
Later, Howard

 

Thanks, Guys! Looks like I have a little more research to do, but Pelle is taking the lead so far. I'm gonna look at the paradigm site, too.

 

i have Anderson E- glass windows and love them. The house was speced. for them 15 years ago. The few repairs I've had to do is from misuse damage. Looked the parts up on line, called Andersons rep. and have the parts in a few days. Had to replace glass in one unit, and wasn't sure of the procedure and they walked me thru it. BTW, if you get sealed double glass breakage and only one pane is broken tell the insurance company both panes broke or they will only pay for the broken pane, not the sealed glass unit.

 

All of the windows available today rely on plastic gaskets for their weathertightness, plastic that is subject to the damaging effects of the sun. Expect 10-20 yrs before you will need to replace all of your modern windows, as none of the gaskets are available much longer then the next generation of windows introduction.
Vinyl replacement windows are cost effective alternative's for most homes, as they fit inside your existing window jambs. Don't get involved with full replacements, like anderson or pella, as the extra labor and finishing work will kill you.
If you can, avoid the home depots- low quality and poor service. Check the yellow pages for local home improvement suppliers, they will offer better on both, and not be appreciably more expensive.
Nationally, the best vinyl replacement window is the Certainteed Bryn Mawr (Consumer Reports agree's). Their website can help you find a local distributer.
The biggest problem for most homeowners in measuring for, and installing replacement windows, is "racked", or out of level window frames. Put a two foot level inside your window opening, and check for level, if it is more than 1/4 inch out, think VERY carefully about the consequences (lower the truck, or raise the bridge)!