Sunroom Windows

I am converting my porch into a four season sunroom and need some good advice on what type of windows to use. I am thinking either Andersen or Pella. Does anyone have any model suggestions? I plan on using this room for all four seasons so I definitely want something that's well insulated.

Nem

 

Check them both out; in some ways they're similar and in some ways they're very different. Andersen is vinyl clad, Pella is aluminum clad (they also have vinyl windows and fiberglass windows). Both ways are fine, see which one you like better. Both have very good warranties, although only Pella's includes labor (for the 1st 2 years). Andersen has more than one type of wood, Pella is always pine like most. Andersen has stained glass patterns available, Pella has between-glass blinds and shades available. Andersen has 4 colors, Pella has many. One thing I like about both of them is that they both have service departments - most wood window companies do not (service would vary from dealer to dealer if it exists at all). Depending on what series you get, they both can be very competitively priced. Both are available bare wood on the interior or prefinished white on the interior. They are the 2 largest wood window manufacturers in the country and have their acts together. My favorite is the Pella triple glazed with between-glass blinds but I warn you that it is costly that way.

Take into consideration what would match your home: double hungs, casements, door panels, etc. You may wish to consider high transparency screens from either manufacturer - they're practically invisible - much more so than a normal screen. In fact they don't use them on doors because people might not see them and walk right through them! Screens typically cut down quite a bit of the visible daylight, which may be good or bad depending on the look you're trying to achieve.

 

I installed a set of Andersen argon charged windows in a sunroom and the customer is quite satisfied with them. They are side sliding ( an option they wanted) and installed quite easily. Since I am not in your area and do not offer any services as such, and do not intend this as advertising, you can go to www.chandlerscarpentry.com and view "projects 1". It will show you the entire room and how the windows highlight the floor, etc.

 

Nice view off that deck Chandler!

 

Oh, that guy already had two decks. He got a telescope for Christmas and had to have an observatory built to eliminate overhead obstruction. And he wanted it "beefed up".Go figure!
We build decks here in the mountains with one end on grade level and at 10 feet out, you are 14 feet off the ground. If you drop wood, you wave at it on the way down the mountain. Lost two helpers last year. Not really!

 

If you've got the bucks, I'd suggest the Pella arcitectural series with slimshades. Everyone that gets the shades between the storm and the IGU loves them. Too bad they cost so much. But for a room that is largely windows, I think they are worth the money.

 

Confirmed. I just punched a house that had been built with the Pella casements with the internal shades, and what a wonderful attribute!! The light came in when you wanted, and the shades cut down on it considerably, especially with the setting sun over a lake. The reflection for about 2 hours is blinding.