I am replacing all of the windows in my home and I'm planning on replacing with Vinyl Windows. I have my search narrowed down to 3 companies and I was wondering if anyone had any input on these companies to make my decision any easier. The companies I am looking at are Hayfield Windows, Gerkin Windows, and Jeld Wen Windows. Does anyone have these windows?

I also live in Minnesota so the weather is cold in the winter so I want a good energy efficient window.

 

Only one I have experience with is JeldWen. Nice windows. They have low and high end, so shop. Are you using new construction or replacement windows?

 

Never heard of the other two, So will second JeldWen. As suggested, avoid the cheap one's. You will want their best Lo-E glass. Installation can make or break a window, so do your homework on the installer. Get references and call them, and/or go look, on a really cold, windy day. Feel for drafts.

 

The Jeld-Wen window is the cheapest ($) of the windows and the performance ratings on the window aren't as good as the other windows (Gerkin & Hayfield). I will be doing new construction windows and will probably be doing the installation myself. I am planning on leaving the existing siding as well. I have some experience with carpentry work and would only need help with some of the larger windows. I know installation is key and I actually trust my work much more than most people I would hire, because I actually care about what I am doing. Gerkin is a small company based out of Iowa and Hayfield is a small comapany based out of Minnesota.

Thanks for your opions so far, any others would be appreciated.

 

That's why we haven't heard of them. I guess you have your contingency plan for installing the windows with nailing fins under the existing siding. As stated earlier, do your research and shop not only price, but effectiveness.

 

Well the nailing fins wouldn't be under the existing siding. I wouldn't be disturbing the siding at all (Hardboard siding). The current windows have brickmold around them and this would be removed along with the entire window. I would install the window using the nailing fins and the nailing fins would be covered with either clip on brickmold that clips onto the window or some other vinyl product that could be applied over the nail fins. Then you caulk where the siding meets the trim that was just applied around the window. The Jeld Wen windows are the premium vinyl windows line. Low-E Argon windows with a U-value of 0.32 which is pretty respectable (Single-hung). I have heard different stories from differnt lumber yards as to how good the warranty is for Jeld Wen. One says they are good to deal with and the other says they are terrible. I suppose it just depends on the Rep they deal with.

 

Jeld-Wen did have some issues a while back, but that was with their clad wood windows. I always found them to be very helpful warranty wise. They were pretty picky about correct install procedures though, as are most manufacturers now. I was on the retail side, but occasionally had to go out with the Rep when the Store was taking heat.

Not as good as Andersen, but better than Pella, in my experience. Mostly the clad wood products is what I'm talking about. We never sold their vinyl products.

 

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