I am adding on to my home and also changing all my windows in my existing home. but i will be stripping the outside of my existing home so i am treating this as new construction.

my questions are

1: should i go with premium vs builder? I think i can afford the premium, not sure yet.

2: i will be bricking in my house so should i go with a brickmould casement window?

i am doing this myself so any advice will be appreciated.

http://www.jeld-wen.com/windows/viny...TOKEN=47908317

 

1. If your plans are to keep the house or sell it soon, you would be better off with premium windows...a. for your comfort. b. for resale value.
2. Definitely with brick mold. I would opt for solid vinyl or clad brick mold to eliminate having to paint it.
3. DIY, take it easy, use a level, don't set the windows directly on the sill (use a couple of shims in several locations instead). Seal the windows on the outside with wide sticky sealing tape sold just for that purpose. Make sure your installation is plumb and square. Go for it! IF you have problems, we're here.

 

Not sure if you are going with wood, aluminum clad, or vinyl. The aluminum brickmold adds about $75 per window last time I checked.
I don't like the looks of windows in a brick exterior w/o some sort of trim around them. If you can, try to install the windows and trim, so that the trim covers just the nailing flange. Would make it much easier down the road (way down the road), to replace or repair if required. If you brick over the flange any problems require a lot of work.
And as above..premium quality if you can swing it, (even if you can't!)...you don't want builder grade.

 

I would definitely install the brick mold myself, rather than having it part of the window, just for the reasons Gunguy states. Future removal in case of damage will be alot easier. But using the new extruded molding installs great and you don't have to paint it.

 

thanks, i really appreciate it.

PS- i will be going with vinyl.

 

i am having trouble finding out what the difference is between the premium vinyl and buider's vinyl windows. can anyone tell me?

 

If I read correctly you are going with solid vinyl, not vinyl clad wood, correct? Make sure you choose a type without a siding return, or you may not be pleased with the additional width of the trim after adding brickmold.
I never dealt with the vinyl JW windows, they weren't sold in my region. We only handled the clad wood windows and doors.

That said, without seeing the JW windows in person, heres the normal differences I've noticed in other brands.

Type of standard glass (std clear vs std LoE+argon for example.)

Spacing between the panes.

Availability of diff grille options.

Type of weatherstrip/seals.

Thickness/reinforcement of the vinyl in the frames.

Sizes available (typically the premium has more or custom available).

Exterior appearance of the external frame (premium will normally have a better look overall and a more finished appearance at the corner joints/welds)

Hardware options

Colors available


There may be things I haven't mentioned, I'm sure one of the guys more familiar with the brand can chime in.

 

thanks gunguy. going with solid vinyl.

ill definately go with a window without a siding return. ill do as suggested and go with a seperate outside trim that will allow for an easier replacement if needed.