Window Quality

While running around Home Depot for some other stuff, I just happenend to stop at the window section cause no customers were around and I asked how much an insulated Anderson glider-type window measuring 6ft wide by about 3-to-4ft high would be. Answer: over $700.

Anyway, last night my dad was in a store that sells "cheaper" stuff (Bargain Outlet for those of you in the Northeast) and saw vinyl windows made by WENCO that were 6ft by 4ft and cost only $150.

When I see that much disparity in price I usually get spooked by the lesser cost goods ("you get what you pay for") and say no thanks, but for someone PRIMARILY interested in having a window that is good about keeping out the draft (I live in the Boston area, so it can get cold), is there any reason to consider this window?

I think the Anderson window was wooden, and that may account for some of the price difference--but $550??? Also, is there any reason to believe the higher-priced windows (whether Anderson or something else) do a good job at keeping out the cold (at least to justify the higher price)?

Put another way, in general, if aesthetics is a distant secondary concern, with avoidance of heat loss a resounding primary concern, what should I look for in a window? I need just one window--albeit a large one--in this room, and it will not be the focal point of the room.

Thanks!

 

What's the difference ? Well, the Wenco window is probably a second or mis-measure at that price, but even at full price, it probably would only be about $250-300, less than 1/2 the Andersen. The vinyl construction accounts for a fair amount of that......cladding wood with vinyl makes a stronger window and the process is more expensive. The glass in an Andersen comes standard with LowE glass, it's an option with most vinyls. The hardware and fit of an Andersen is better than about any vinyl window, but to be fair, you ARE paying some for the name.

As to heat loss, assuming both have LowE glass, you'd be hard pressed to ever get your money back from the difference spent on an Andersen. If looks and quality are included, the Andersen starts to make sense.

If you do decide to go Andersen, get casements instead....Much tighter window that sliders.

 

Kind of like cars -- you can look at $20,000 Fords or Chevys (which get you from point A to point B) and you can look at $60,000 Lincolns or Cadillacs (which will also get you from point A to point B).

 

Last night I was walking around Lowes and peeked in their window dept out of curiosity and found some Pella windows, which from reading some posts here, seem to be considered more on the higher-end. Anyway, the U-factor on the Pella was actually higher (0.36) than the WENCO that my dad had seen (0.35).

My dad didn't see any mention of Low-E on the WENCO, and all over the web, in the whole suite of sites within the Jeld-Wen family, there is not a single location for a telephone number or e-mail contact (for either them or WENCO). I wanted to call them to find out about if the window has the Low-E, but apparently they don't want anyone contacting them.

Any clues on how I can find out? Can I assume if I don't see it on teh label, it is not included? As in if it were, it would be proudly stated?

Thanks again.

 

If it's double pane and has a U rating in the mid 30s, it has LowE....without it, the U will be in the mid 50s.

 

I also looked at the Jeld-Wen... I believe they are made by Caradco (not sure of spelling)...but these guys have a web-site for additional info.
Additionally, I looked at the PeachTree in comparison...they are very comparitable in pricing and have a beter Rvalue and U-value.
Peachtree r-value is 3.13
u-value0.32
Jeld-Wen r-value is 2.94
u-value 0.34

Not sure how significant the difference is...can anyone tell me?