Hello All

I'm going to be installing new vinyl windows in my home soon, and I'm down to choosing one of two brands - Great Lakes or Kaufmann. They both seem to be comperable in quality, features, and price. Does anyone have either of these windows in their home? What do you like or dislike?

I'm going to be buying the top-of-the-line model slider (Low-E, Argon Gas, foam filled sash & frame). I have 10 windows to replace. Thanks in advance!!!

 

We have a dealer for Great Lakes here in town and I've only installed maybe 50 of them. They seem to be okay overall from what I've seen. I'm baised to Heartland windows since they're made here in Iowa and I've never had a call back regarding window issues so from my stand point as a contractor that's as good as money in the bank. The Great Lakes are better than anything you'll find in a homecenter, I can say that with confidence since at leat GL windows have upgraded their design with the times to keep up with technology for ultimate sealing.

Even though your buying a "top of the line slider" be warmed they will not sesal anywhere near as good as a good double hung, casement, or awning. Just a design issue is all, cant get away from it.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm stuck using a horizontal slider because of the design of my home. Several of the windows are over 100" long! Thanks again.

 

Length is not the issues, height is the determining factor when having to use a slider. Usually if the opening is very short but wide, a slider is the typical window. But if your opening is in the 36" or taller range, give some serious thought to a different window design. Most folks go for sliders because they are soo much cheaper than double hungs or the likes initally, but you will pay more in the long run since they will not and cannot seal as well as the other designs.

One thing I learned years ago was never ever sell a slider to anybody living in the country, there is just too much wind with no blockage and the air literally rips right through those sliders. Nothing but casements or double hungs.

 

IHI is right... sliders are the most problematic of all types of windows, due to the fact that the sill must be straight as an arrow, and weatherstripping issues. A 100" wide opening does not mean sliders are the only option, since vinyl windows can be ordered with a common mull. (A 100" long window could be made of casement-picture-casement, or 3 double hungs, or even double hung-picture-double hung.) There are other options available, and you can still go with Great Lakes to get them.

 

X, thanks for throwing that in about the mulling. Seems it's little things like that I consider common sense on these issues are commonly unknown to the average homie LOL!!! een doing it so long I take for granted some of these things

 

Great minds think alike. (ha ha!)