House windows (1 Viewer)

[Darrinll40]

When I bought my house it had crappy single pane, single hung windows. I have a bit of extra money so we are going to purchase new vinyl double pane, double hung, low-e, installed windows.

I have one quote from a company called Rymer Construction for 2650. Pretty good windows with 20 year warranty.

I have another from Window World. 2000 dollars life time warranty on parts and labor, as long as I own the house.

I was wondering if anyone ever had dealings with these companies? Both of them are A+ with BBB.

 

[TommyGilmore]

Both are budget outfits. Window World is more prominent. Make sure you get everything in writing and watch out for hidden fees. Both sell pretty much the same windows, btw.

I'd like to know what the warranties entail. A 20-year warranty doesn't hold much water if there's no labor involved (or if they require you to make a pro-rated purchase of replacement glass).

 

[Tuco]

How much per window, or just tell us how many windows?

 

[shadyridr]

Umm how many windows?

 

[Darrinll40]

Both are budget outfits. Window World is more prominent. Make sure you get everything in writing and watch out for hidden fees. Both sell pretty much the same windows, btw.I'd like to know what the warranties entail. A 20-year warranty doesn't hold much water if there's no labor involved (or if they require you to make a pro-rated purchase of replacement glass).

Thanks, both companies said that the quote given was the total price, everything included. I would give more info on the 20 year warranty but I didn't get anything in writing. I am leaning toward Window World because of the price and the warranty. The WW warranty says it covers vinyl defect, mechanical parts defects, accidental glass breakage, and all labor charges on any warrantied item.

 

[Darrinll40]

How much per window, or just tell us how many windows?

Sorry, 5 windows, all 53 inches wide.

 

[The Man With No Name]

How much per window, or just tell us how many windows?

Sorry, 5 windows, all 53 inches wide.

Wow. Not very many windows.Tell each and every company that's too much, more than I'm willing to pay. They may lower the price or ask how much you will pay. that's what happened at my house, anyhow.In 2000, I got 13 double hung and 2 picture windows for 7k. They wanted $11,500 at first

 

[The Man With No Name]

How much per window, or just tell us how many windows?

Sorry, 5 windows, all 53 inches wide.

Wow. Not very many windows.Tell each and every company that's too much, more than I'm willing to pay. They may lower the price or ask how much you will pay. that's what happened at my house, anyhow.In 2000, I got 13 double hung and 2 picture windows for 7k. They wanted $11,500 at first.(1 double hung on the each side of the picture windows)

 

[El Floppo]

 

[Fiddles]

.

 

[shadyridr]

How much per window, or just tell us how many windows?

Sorry, 5 windows, all 53 inches wide.

Woah thats alot of money per window. We got 10 windows for $150. Another $150 to install each. Total job cost $3k + tax. I was pretty happy with it

 

[Northern Voice]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

 

[3 out of 5]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

Is there a big difference between window manufacturers? We had a quote recently for replacement of 13 single hung windows with Simonton 5050 Windows with low-E and Argon gas. Another quote used Vytex windows with the same features.

 

[Northern Voice]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

Is there a big difference between window manufacturers? We had a quote recently for replacement of 13 single hung windows with Simonton 5050 Windows with low-E and Argon gas. Another quote used Vytex windows with the same features.

In most cases, the sealed unit itself is being made by one of a handful of manufacturers (PPG, Cardinal, etc...), they should all meet the energy star requirements. They should all be using warm edge spacers as well, whether it be Superspacer, stainless steel/Intercept, foam, or hybrids. For the most part, the spacers are all on par with each other in terms of actual performance but there are advnatages/disadvantages to each. There are higher end glass technologies out there (i.e. 4 Seasons Windows, which use sunroom technology in the windows), but in most cases, a double glazed sealed unit with low-e & argon gas likely originated in one of a few places and they're's no difference from one to another. The same goes for hardware, most companies are sourcing their hardware from Truth hardware or a similar company and there isn't a great deal of difference from one to another - and all should have 20 year + warranties on hardware anyway.Then for the window itself, the thickness or depth of the window can make a big difference in price. A 4 5/8" window will cost more (and usually be a better quality) than a 3 1/4", which in turn is better than a 2 3/4" or less. Another major difference you find is the thickness of the vinyl. Some of the cheaper made windows will have less vinyl in them. A lot of times these companies advertise that they use foam insualtion inside the window as a selling feature - this actually does very little for the insulation value of the window, but it improves the strength of the window, allowing them to use lesser vinyl. If you can, take a look at the cross sections of the windows, and see the thickness of the vinyl. The Simontron window looks pretty good.

 

[Your Mom]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

Agree. I think that is a pretty good deal. You could negotiate and drop it $200 or so, but it isn't worth it. Most double hung windows are roughly 36". Those sell from $115 to $220 at HD/Menards/Lowes. Are they triming out the front of the windows? Wrapping them with aluminum or painting them?

 

[Darrinll40]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

Agree. I think that is a pretty good deal. You could negotiate and drop it $200 or so, but it isn't worth it. Most double hung windows are roughly 36". Those sell from $115 to $220 at HD/Menards/Lowes. Are they triming out the front of the windows? Wrapping them with aluminum or painting them?

They are using trim. I went with the Windowworld windows. I can use the 650 for something else.

 

[Polish Hammer]

.

 

[goldenchild]

 

[daddo39]

Not a big fan of Window World. They run ads trumpeting a $189.00 window but by the time you add all the necessary extras they are usually higher than a lot of others. The Simonton window is the BEST vinyl window in the industry, lifetime warranty and a multiple JD Power award winner. Seal failure is a common problem with double insulated windows and we've never had that on the Simonton.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Not all windows are made the same. Look for the NFRC label. http://www.nfrc.org/label.aspx

It’s important to understand the requirements of the low e glass and its corresponding solar heat gain coefficient. The U value (inverse of the R value used for insulation) should produce a net R factor of 4 or more. Select your window with a SHGC of no more than .45

Double hung windows with vinyl insulation improve your homes beauty and should tighten up your home, saving you money through less air leakage and less solar heat gain. Also improves the quality of light and reduces glare.

I’d ask your contractor if they guarantee the fit and finish of the install. Then, I’d carefully choose my words and tell him that you are willing to rent an IR (infrared) heat gun. If he’s reputable, he probably will offer to do this with you. Whether you do or don’t follow up with your threat, it will send a message that you expect the install to be done right. If you do rent an IR gun, or an IR camera would be even better (but more expensive), then you show the contractor the pics of the outlying window that gives proof of excess fenestration, if any.

Installation is something I’d be more worried about than the window itself. A poorly installed window will not only waste energy, but will create a mold issue in your home as you have defeated your vapor barrier, and your insulation can get wet behind the drywall.

 

[TommyGilmore]

U-Value and Solar Heat Gain are overrated for 3 reasons:

1. different environments can have vastly different energy performance requirements. Low SHGC is preferred in the south and other warm-weather climates, but high SHGC is preferred in colder climates. And the new PassivHaus trend combines super-low U-Value (under .20) with super-high SHGC (over .50), which goes completely against the American "Energy Star" model (which is flawed beyond belief). Savvy homeowners will customize their window placement (high SHGC on one side, low SHGC on the other side) to maximize energy efficiency.

2. The published U-Values (on the NFRC labels) are based on very small test units, and do not reflect the actual energy performances of larger windows. For example, a very large window with a published U-Value of .40 could actually have a real-life U-Value closer to .30 (because it has more LoĒ than the smaller test unit).

3. The dirty little secret of the window industry is that U-Values are often faked. It's very easy for a window company to create an artificially-efficient unit just for testing purposes, only to use a much less efficient model for mass production. Also, the cheaper windows aren't very good at keeping the argon sealed inside the glass, so it eventually leaks out and makes the window less efficient.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

U-Value and Solar Heat Gain are overrated for 3 reasons:

1. different environments can have vastly different energy performance requirements. Low SHGC is preferred in the south and other warm-weather climates, but high SHGC is preferred in colder climates. And the new PassivHaus trend combines super-low U-Value (under .20) with super-high SHGC (over .50), which goes completely against the American "Energy Star" model (which is flawed beyond belief). Savvy homeowners will customize their window placement (high SHGC on one side, low SHGC on the other side) to maximize energy efficiency.

2. The published U-Values (on the NFRC labels) are based on very small test units, and do not reflect the actual energy performances of larger windows. For example, a very large window with a published U-Value of .40 could actually have a real-life U-Value closer to .30 (because it has more LoĒ than the smaller test unit).

3. The dirty little secret of the window industry is that U-Values are often faked. It's very easy for a window company to create an artificially-efficient unit just for testing purposes, only to use a much less efficient model for mass production. Also, the cheaper windows aren't very good at keeping the argon sealed inside the glass, so it eventually leaks out and makes the window less efficient.

I agree with #1, the SHGC could be a net benefit in northern climates depending on building site and orientation. However 2 and 3 are based on conjecture of manufacturing bias. Maybe so, but maybe not. In any case, you can't let those get in the way of choosing a replacement window.I still stress the most overlooked part is the quality of install. It's almost worth offering a performance bonus to your contractor if he can meet an agreed upon fenestration threshold criteria.

 

[Darrinll40]

Not a big fan of Window World. They run ads trumpeting a $189.00 window but by the time you add all the necessary extras they are usually higher than a lot of others. The Simonton window is the BEST vinyl window in the industry, lifetime warranty and a multiple JD Power award winner. Seal failure is a common problem with double insulated windows and we've never had that on the Simonton.

I knew going in that there was no way my windows would be 189. 3 of the 5 I have are 62x53 so that is probably where most of the cost is. I have had 4 different organizations give estimates the last year and window world was the least expensive, the only one not to use subcontractors to install, and the only one that offered a lifetime manufacture and labor warranty. I believe that I made the best choice for my situation. Thanks for all the responses.ETA: When everything is finished I will come back and post my thoughts on the process. Hopefully I will be able to say that everything went great.

 

[mr. furley]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

i have a question. rough estimate on an appx. 60" x 48" double-pane window? requires pro install. we have a single pane that must be original to the house.. gets a little breezy on cold days.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

 

[El Floppo]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

i have a question. rough estimate on an appx. 60" x 48" double-pane window? requires pro install. we have a single pane that must be original to the house.. gets a little breezy on cold days.

I won't have the answer, but those that do will need more info, furl. casement, double-hung, fixed, etc?

 

[mr. furley]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

i have a question. rough estimate on an appx. 60" x 48" double-pane window? requires pro install. we have a single pane that must be original to the house.. gets a little breezy on cold days.

I won't have the answer, but those that do will need more info, furl. casement, double-hung, fixed, etc?

fixed. doesn't open. no rollers. no sliding. just a window

 

[otello]

how about this outfit?

My link

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Worked with a company that installed windows for about a year.

Buy the windows yourself. Find the guy who installs windows for a local company. Hire him. Expect to pay roughly $75 per window install, slightly higher since you only have 5 windows and they are irregular size.

I would never in my life hire any company to install windows, siding, roofs, or any other home improvement. The mark up is ridiculously high. So high, you could literally install two of whatever you're buying for the warranty they allegedly offer.

 

[goldenchild]

Worked with a company that installed windows for about a year.Buy the windows yourself. Find the guy who installs windows for a local company. Hire him. Expect to pay roughly $75 per window install, slightly higher since you only have 5 windows and they are irregular size.I would never in my life hire any company to install windows, siding, roofs, or any other home improvement. The mark up is ridiculously high. So high, you could literally install two of whatever you're buying for the warranty they allegedly offer.

Thanks for this advice... We are in the process of buying a home and I fully expect to have some work done on it... I will keep this in mind.

 

[TommyGilmore]

rough estimate on an appx. 60" x 48" double-pane window? requires pro install. we have a single pane that must be original to the house.. gets a little breezy on cold days.

Basic double pane fixed in that size should be about $160. Basic installation (which might not amount to much more than a sawzall + foam) would be $75-100, not including any replacement trim on the exterior or interior.

 

[Darrinll40]

Windows are installed. 5 windows all 53" wide, so they cost more than the basic. The installers were here about 4 hours, they were professional and clean. Everything went smooth and I have zero complaints so far. I now have double pane, double hung, low-e with argon windows, where before I have single pane crap windows.

I can recommend Window World of Central Florida.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Darrinll40]

Worked with a company that installed windows for about a year.Buy the windows yourself. Find the guy who installs windows for a local company. Hire him. Expect to pay roughly $75 per window install, slightly higher since you only have 5 windows and they are irregular size.I would never in my life hire any company to install windows, siding, roofs, or any other home improvement. The mark up is ridiculously high. So high, you could literally install two of whatever you're buying for the warranty they allegedly offer.

I can't recommend this in Florida. If the installer doesn't have workers compensation insurance (he won't if he is working on his own outside his company) and he hurts himself the homeowner's insurance is responsible for the bill. Plus I don't really trust anyone willing to steal business from a company the employs them.

 

[Gambino]

Ok, so I’m in the window buying business. And yes I know I screwed up by not doing so when there was a tax credit. So here is what I’m looking at…

Total of 50 windows:

35- Double-Hung

12- Picture

2- Quarter Arches

1- Palladian

The quotes were drive-out, including grids, install/taking away old ones, and tax. 2 choices:

1. ComfortMax-272- $18,487

Double Pane with high performance LoE coated glass

2 Applications of Silver to glass

8 total layers of LoE

Argon-Enhanced Air Space

Warm Edge Spacer Technology

U-Value of .31

Solar Heat Gain Coeffiecent of.25

2. ComfortMax-366- $20,000

Triple Pane Glass

2 Panes of Super High Performanc e Soft Coat LoE3

3 Applications of Silver LoE

Foam filled frames

Krypton Filled Air Space

Warm Edge Spacer Technology

U-Value of .19

Solar Heat Gain Coeffiecent of.18

This quote was a little more than I was expecting because I didn’t take into account the transoms (which they quoted as picture windows) costing so much. He said that I don’t have to replace them, but there is a clear difference in the color of the glass which seems like it would be rather noticeable.

So do any of you WindowGuys have any thoughts on these two options; is the extra $1,500 worth it?

How does the price seem overall?

Anybody familiar with http://www.uswindow.net/, they come highly recommended by a couple neighbors. I’m still going to get at least another quote or two I think.

 

[mr. furley]

Worked with a company that installed windows for about a year.Buy the windows yourself. Find the guy who installs windows for a local company. Hire him. Expect to pay roughly $75 per window install, slightly higher since you only have 5 windows and they are irregular size.I would never in my life hire any company to install windows, siding, roofs, or any other home improvement. The mark up is ridiculously high. So high, you could literally install two of whatever you're buying for the warranty they allegedly offer.

I can't recommend this in Florida. If the installer doesn't have workers compensation insurance (he won't if he is working on his own outside his company) and he hurts himself the homeowner's insurance is responsible for the bill. Plus I don't really trust anyone willing to steal business from a company the employs them.

sometimes a job is too small for an employer to bother.. or they will schedule and cancel because something better comes along.. pushing you out for weeks/months.sometimes tradesmen "encourage" their employees to take on side jobs that are too small for the whole crew. everyone's happy, you get a pro job done for the cost of labor + you buy the materials so there's no markup (other than the store markup) and the guy doing the job gets paid tax-free.

 

[3 out of 5]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

Is there a big difference between window manufacturers? We had a quote recently for replacement of 13 single hung windows with Simonton 5050 Windows with low-E and Argon gas. Another quote used Vytex windows with the same features.

We have a new contractor after finding out the company we were working with was charging 4x what standard amounts were for some fairly basic jobs. The new contractor is a huge fan of Kolbe windows, saying they are close to Pella/Anderson quality without paying the premium of the price. Anyone have experience with Kolbe windows?The dilemma we are facing is whether to replace all of our windows in the house (23) or just have this guy repair and refurbish the old original windows that are here now. We live in a 1940's house where the neighborhood has a lot of focus on holding onto old charm. Refurbishing the old rope and chain windows ends up about $5,000 cheaper than the new windows, but that would leave us with about three different styles of windows in the house as it has been added to over the years. Not sure if the extra money would be worth it for uniform new windows around the house.Energy efficiency is not a huge concern as the old windows have storm window covers that work pretty well. The Kolbe windows he showed us were solid wood, low-e, simulated divided light. Any opinions from people on Kolbe windows or our project in general?

 

[Battles]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

Is there a big difference between window manufacturers? We had a quote recently for replacement of 13 single hung windows with Simonton 5050 Windows with low-E and Argon gas. Another quote used Vytex windows with the same features.

We have a new contractor after finding out the company we were working with was charging 4x what standard amounts were for some fairly basic jobs. The new contractor is a huge fan of Kolbe windows, saying they are close to Pella/Anderson quality without paying the premium of the price. Anyone have experience with Kolbe windows?The dilemma we are facing is whether to replace all of our windows in the house (23) or just have this guy repair and refurbish the old original windows that are here now. We live in a 1940's house where the neighborhood has a lot of focus on holding onto old charm. Refurbishing the old rope and chain windows ends up about $5,000 cheaper than the new windows, but that would leave us with about three different styles of windows in the house as it has been added to over the years. Not sure if the extra money would be worth it for uniform new windows around the house.Energy efficiency is not a huge concern as the old windows have storm window covers that work pretty well. The Kolbe windows he showed us were solid wood, low-e, simulated divided light. Any opinions from people on Kolbe windows or our project in general?

They are good windows. My firm used the aluminum clad wood Kolbe windows on a residential project back when they were one of the first to do aluminum cladding. I've never priced exterior wood windows, but Pella/Anderson/Kolbe/Marvin/etc should all be about the same. It just comes down to price and the style of window you want. For those companies I've found that the Anderson 100 series is the lowest priced "nice" all vinyl window and Marvin has been the lowest priced "nice" clad (aluminum and fiberglass)window.If you're not looking at clad windows I would. Especially if you replace all of them. There is no reason to go all wood unless you are trying to match existing windows.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Worked with a company that installed windows for about a year.

Buy the windows yourself. Find the guy who installs windows for a local company. Hire him. Expect to pay roughly $75 per window install, slightly higher since you only have 5 windows and they are irregular size.

I would never in my life hire any company to install windows, siding, roofs, or any other home improvement. The mark up is ridiculously high. So high, you could literally install two of whatever you're buying for the warranty they allegedly offer.

I can't recommend this in Florida. If the installer doesn't have workers compensation insurance (he won't if he is working on his own outside his company) and he hurts himself the homeowner's insurance is responsible for the bill. Plus I don't really trust anyone willing to steal business from a company the employs them.

90% of these guys aren't employed by anybody. They are all individual contractors and the work is sub-ed to them.

 

[3 out of 5]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

Is there a big difference between window manufacturers? We had a quote recently for replacement of 13 single hung windows with Simonton 5050 Windows with low-E and Argon gas. Another quote used Vytex windows with the same features.

We have a new contractor after finding out the company we were working with was charging 4x what standard amounts were for some fairly basic jobs. The new contractor is a huge fan of Kolbe windows, saying they are close to Pella/Anderson quality without paying the premium of the price. Anyone have experience with Kolbe windows?The dilemma we are facing is whether to replace all of our windows in the house (23) or just have this guy repair and refurbish the old original windows that are here now. We live in a 1940's house where the neighborhood has a lot of focus on holding onto old charm. Refurbishing the old rope and chain windows ends up about $5,000 cheaper than the new windows, but that would leave us with about three different styles of windows in the house as it has been added to over the years. Not sure if the extra money would be worth it for uniform new windows around the house.

Energy efficiency is not a huge concern as the old windows have storm window covers that work pretty well. The Kolbe windows he showed us were solid wood, low-e, simulated divided light.

Any opinions from people on Kolbe windows or our project in general?

They are good windows. My firm used the aluminum clad wood Kolbe windows on a residential project back when they were one of the first to do aluminum cladding. I've never priced exterior wood windows, but Pella/Anderson/Kolbe/Marvin/etc should all be about the same. It just comes down to price and the style of window you want. For those companies I've found that the Anderson 100 series is the lowest priced "nice" all vinyl window and Marvin has been the lowest priced "nice" clad (aluminum and fiberglass)window.

If you're not looking at clad windows I would. Especially if you replace all of them. There is no reason to go all wood unless you are trying to match existing windows.

Thanks! I feel like with every turn of this window-buying process I am learning a new term. Can you explain what clad windows are?Edit:

Just looked on the site -- it looks like the Ultra and Classic wood windows are aluminum clad. (Roll formed vs. Extruded??)

What does that mean -- just the inside parts?

 

[Battles]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

Is there a big difference between window manufacturers? We had a quote recently for replacement of 13 single hung windows with Simonton 5050 Windows with low-E and Argon gas. Another quote used Vytex windows with the same features.

We have a new contractor after finding out the company we were working with was charging 4x what standard amounts were for some fairly basic jobs. The new contractor is a huge fan of Kolbe windows, saying they are close to Pella/Anderson quality without paying the premium of the price. Anyone have experience with Kolbe windows?The dilemma we are facing is whether to replace all of our windows in the house (23) or just have this guy repair and refurbish the old original windows that are here now. We live in a 1940's house where the neighborhood has a lot of focus on holding onto old charm. Refurbishing the old rope and chain windows ends up about $5,000 cheaper than the new windows, but that would leave us with about three different styles of windows in the house as it has been added to over the years. Not sure if the extra money would be worth it for uniform new windows around the house.

Energy efficiency is not a huge concern as the old windows have storm window covers that work pretty well. The Kolbe windows he showed us were solid wood, low-e, simulated divided light.

Any opinions from people on Kolbe windows or our project in general?

They are good windows. My firm used the aluminum clad wood Kolbe windows on a residential project back when they were one of the first to do aluminum cladding. I've never priced exterior wood windows, but Pella/Anderson/Kolbe/Marvin/etc should all be about the same. It just comes down to price and the style of window you want. For those companies I've found that the Anderson 100 series is the lowest priced "nice" all vinyl window and Marvin has been the lowest priced "nice" clad (aluminum and fiberglass)window.

If you're not looking at clad windows I would. Especially if you replace all of them. There is no reason to go all wood unless you are trying to match existing windows.

Thanks! I feel like with every turn of this window-buying process I am learning a new term. Can you explain what clad windows are?Edit:

Just looked on the site -- it looks like the Ultra and Classic wood windows are aluminum clad. (Roll formed vs. Extruded??)

What does that mean -- just the inside parts?

It just means the exterior of the window is actually aluminum or another material versus wood all the way from the interior to the exterior. A wood finish on the exterior will require maintenance/painting every 3-5 years. The clad aluminum and fiberglass windows are pretty much maintenance free. I've used the aluminum clad, but I think it's overpriced compared to fiberglass cladding. Also, unless the interior of the window will be stained, a wood interior window is a bit overkill these days. A nice all vinyl window like the Anderson 100 Series is about 1/2 the price of a clad window and can be trimmed out in wood. Looks really nice if it's all painted white.

 

[s&m]

53 inches wide is a pretty wide double hung window. The prices don't seem out of line at all to me, if they include installation. I sold windows and doors for 3 years, ending last year if you have more questions.

Is there a big difference between window manufacturers? We had a quote recently for replacement of 13 single hung windows with Simonton 5050 Windows with low-E and Argon gas. Another quote used Vytex windows with the same features.

We have a new contractor after finding out the company we were working with was charging 4x what standard amounts were for some fairly basic jobs. The new contractor is a huge fan of Kolbe windows, saying they are close to Pella/Anderson quality without paying the premium of the price. Anyone have experience with Kolbe windows?The dilemma we are facing is whether to replace all of our windows in the house (23) or just have this guy repair and refurbish the old original windows that are here now. We live in a 1940's house where the neighborhood has a lot of focus on holding onto old charm. Refurbishing the old rope and chain windows ends up about $5,000 cheaper than the new windows, but that would leave us with about three different styles of windows in the house as it has been added to over the years. Not sure if the extra money would be worth it for uniform new windows around the house.

Energy efficiency is not a huge concern as the old windows have storm window covers that work pretty well. The Kolbe windows he showed us were solid wood, low-e, simulated divided light.

Any opinions from people on Kolbe windows or our project in general?

They are good windows. My firm used the aluminum clad wood Kolbe windows on a residential project back when they were one of the first to do aluminum cladding. I've never priced exterior wood windows, but Pella/Anderson/Kolbe/Marvin/etc should all be about the same. It just comes down to price and the style of window you want. For those companies I've found that the Anderson 100 series is the lowest priced "nice" all vinyl window and Marvin has been the lowest priced "nice" clad (aluminum and fiberglass)window.

If you're not looking at clad windows I would. Especially if you replace all of them. There is no reason to go all wood unless you are trying to match existing windows.

Thanks! I feel like with every turn of this window-buying process I am learning a new term. Can you explain what clad windows are?Edit:

Just looked on the site -- it looks like the Ultra and Classic wood windows are aluminum clad. (Roll formed vs. Extruded??)

What does that mean -- just the inside parts?

I originally built my house with Kolbe windows back in the early 1980's, then after 28 years we were during a remodel and replaced the roof, windows decks etc. We again went with the Kiolbe windows as we loved the originals and they still priced out well and had the specs we wanted in the new. We had 87 windows and it cost about $40,00 but we are happy with how it all turned out.

The exterior cladding is the wrap on the outside of the window that the weather and elements effect most. The aluminum clad held up in our originals very good, we had one or two windows that had some fading or rubbing that caused the dark bronze color to show some light aluminum color. But I have watched wood and vinyal windows totally breakdown during that time frame at various neighbors homes. The aluminum cladding is a good thing and Kolbes seem to be very good. Hope that helps.

 

[3 out of 5]

Yeah, we have wood frames inside and out now, and that is part of the problem we are addressing -- rotted wood and peeling paint around the windows.

Thanks for the help! Step-by-step, and this will all get done. Somehow.

 

[tri-man 47]

We've decided to explore replacing 8 older vinyl windows (upstairs) and 3 original wood frame windows on the main floor ...also considering 4 larger wood-frame main floor windows. All are double pane.

Regarding the point raised above (from last October) ...how common is it to replace the full frame? Years ago, the vinyl replacement was only the outer pane and the base portion of the frame. If the inside panes are still working well enough, is it better to leave them alone and just replace the outer pane (which include screens)? Does the energy efficiency come from replacing the full frame, or are there still benefits from just replacing outer panes? I have to believe that's a huge difference in the price. TIA

 

[Battles]

We've decided to explore replacing 8 older vinyl windows (upstairs) and 3 original wood frame windows on the main floor ...also considering 4 larger wood-frame main floor windows. All are double pane.Regarding the point raised above (from last October) ...how common is it to replace the full frame? Years ago, the vinyl replacement was only the outer pane and the base portion of the frame. If the inside panes are still working well enough, is it better to leave them alone and just replace the outer pane (which include screens)? Does the energy efficiency come from replacing the full frame, or are there still benefits from just replacing outer panes? I have to believe that's a huge difference in the price. TIA

I think what you are describing is that you have single pane windows with storm windows on the outside. They are somewhat typical in the north, but not so much in the south. Someone with more experience in your area might be able to chime in, but in Texas we typically replace the full window. It will depend on your original windows, but I would think the totally new window would be much more efficient. That's completely relative though. Most people would save more money adding more insulation or other easily done renovations.

 

[Otis]

Your house only has 5 windows? My car has more windows than that.

 

[tri-man 47]

We've decided to explore replacing 8 older vinyl windows (upstairs) and 3 original wood frame windows on the main floor ...also considering 4 larger wood-frame main floor windows. All are double pane.Regarding the point raised above (from last October) ...how common is it to replace the full frame? Years ago, the vinyl replacement was only the outer pane and the base portion of the frame. If the inside panes are still working well enough, is it better to leave them alone and just replace the outer pane (which include screens)? Does the energy efficiency come from replacing the full frame, or are there still benefits from just replacing outer panes? I have to believe that's a huge difference in the price. TIA

I think what you are describing is that you have single pane windows with storm windows on the outside. They are somewhat typical in the north, but not so much in the south. Someone with more experience in your area might be able to chime in, but in Texas we typically replace the full window. It will depend on your original windows, but I would think the totally new window would be much more efficient. That's completely relative though. Most people would save more money adding more insulation or other easily done renovations.

Yes, good description, thanks.8+3+4 = 15, Otis. eta: Chicago, so yes ...north.

 

[QB Bills]

Anyone with recent experience replacing windows here?

I would love to buy the windows direct but it seems the window industry is corrupt and only allows insiders to buy the precious materials.

 

[JShare87]

Trying to get my windows done too. It's pretty expensive I only have 6 windows and its like 3,000.

 

[Northern Voice]

Anyone with recent experience replacing windows here?I would love to buy the windows direct but it seems the window industry is corrupt and only allows insiders to buy the precious materials.

When I was in the industry, we would sell the windows "supply only" with a 30% markup over cost (on installed windows they and labour were marked up 55%).

 

[Polish Hammer]

Had a guy come to the house today. We have 22 windows, all pretty standard sizes and only one he termed "slightly" big. Their website shows a fair bit of the details on the window and technology. They are vinyl, aluminum capped, double pane/double hung, argon, low-e, etc, etc. Very good sales presentation but since I'm in sales I saw through most of the fluff (I think).

They offer a lifetime warranty on the windows and the labor, and it can be transferred once (then becomes a 10 year warranty from that point). His "special price if you buy today" (I didn't) came out to be about $850/window installed. To me this just seems a bit high. Any general thoughts on this? I'm probably going to get a few more quotes on this before I make a call but I figure you all know a lot more about much of this than I do.