Hey Guys,

Our new home has many single pane windows with storms. They are loose, drafty and in need of an upgrade. I've had Renewal by ANderson and Pella over for estimates.

Pella Vinyl installed would be 18K.
I'm waiting for the estimate from Anderson, but I expect ~30K for their FIBREX product.

What do you guys think regarding replacement windows relative to brand, cost, longevity and looks. I'm not afraid to do the job myself if its going to save me several thousand dollars. What else should I research and would it be in my best interest to seek additional quotes from other companies?

All help and advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Bryan

 

You are being quoted top of the line windows. The Andersens are a high quality product...but unless you are in a historical house and need custom features they will be overkill. Never been fond of Pella..though some have said they were fine.

How many windows and approx size? How old is the home? A very good avg size vinyl replacement shouldn't run more than $400 or so, unless you have odd requirements.

Install of just the replacement window is normally less than 30 min after the first few. Wood replacement on the old frame complicates things.

 

The house is a colonial build in 1976. The windows are mostly units consisting of a center 48"x48" picture window flanked on both sides with 27"x48? double hung units. Overall they are pretty straightforward. The only problem is that some of the stops are notched into the sills, but worse case I could pull all the trim which would allow me to insulate any gaps between the window frame and the jambs...

What are good brands to search out. Is vinyl good WRT longevity? Anderson told me vinyl sucks, but then again they are trying to upsell me into the Fibrex (which was nice looking).

I have about 35 windows total.

Im open to any and all advice.

Thanks again!

 

WOW... I just met with the Anderson rep and was quoted 51K to replace 34 windows. Truth be told I think I could close that deal for closer to 37K but still a TON of money.

What are your thoughts regarding vinyl replacement windows. The Anderson rep tells me that vinyl will expand and contract and ultimately the glass seal will fail in 5-10 years. Is this true?

I love the product Anderson has with the FIBREX window, but at 50K it is out of the picture.

I'd love to hear some more realistic options in other types of product that are more affordable.

Thanks,

Bryan

 

Renewal is very expensive. Good warranty...on even glass breakage as I remember but way up there in price.

BS on the vinyl window seals failing. Fibrex expands and contracts as well. Most manufacturers warrant the glass seal for at least 20 yrs...some for life to original owner (figuring you won't live there forever).

Hard to give you any brands...as they are sort of regional. What I may be able to get might not be available in your area.

I'd stop buy a few building supply companies and see what they carry. They may also have some references for companies.

 

I've been installing Wincor and Simonton vinyl windows for over 10 years. Never once had a call back for a seal leak.
The sales people you have been calling get paid on commission.
Any local contractor should be able to install the same windows for about 1/2 the price or less for the same window.
Not a big issue to remove the stops in most cases. Drive in the a flat bar and they pop right out.
Got a picture of the windows you have?

 

Thanks for the information. I will check out some local shops and kick the tires.
I'm not afraid to take on the install myself if it's going to save me a decent amount of money. 1400/window from Anderson is hopefully at the TOP of the range... I'd be much happier in the 400-500 range and doing the work myself.

If it help, I'm in Connecticut.

Thanks,

Bryan

 

It just stuns be the prices I see being quote on this and the other sites I'm on.
One sale like that and I'd be taking a week long vacation.
I hear it all the time, the price is so high because all your windows are custom sizes, no crap all vinyl windows are made to size at no up charge.
Far more expensive when you get into custom dividers, clad or composite windows, larger windows.
But do you really need them?

 

I can try to post a couple pics later today after work.

I'm pretty handy and have the tools to do the job. I gut renovated the basement in my previous house (framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, staircase and finish trim) and the results were good. My wife would be happy with the quality of my work if I took on the job. I do have the time...

I will look at some higher quality vinyl brands and see what I like. I just want to be sure I get a decent looking and functioning unit that will not be an eye sore and will hopefully add some value to the home if not make it more comfortable. I would also want a product with a very good warrantee.

The current trim is stained from the 70s and needs to be painted. This said, I wouldn't be opposed to pulling all the interior trim so that I could stuff/spray some insulation in any gaps between the RO and the current case.

Time to go kick the tires. I will also look into the Simonton and Wincore mentioned. Thanks for the lead!

 

Hi guys

I looked at the Anderson 400 and A series replacement windows today at Home Depot. They were near 500/window which at 34 windows would be a heck of a lot less than the fibrex install. What do you guys think of the 400 or A series as a replacement window?

 

Never dealt with the A series...that was after I stopped selling windows and doors. 400's as replacements? That must be a new thing...they used to be new construction only...you had to step up to the Woodwrights for replacement. Basically the same construction with different options.

I'll never tell someone NOT to buy Andersen...but there may be other options that would work for you.

Andersen is a great company and support their products much longer than most other companies. I was able to get replacement panels for a customer on doors that were almost 25 yrs old. Try that with most other brands.

 

Not too sure if you can get timbro windows where you are but they have a design feature where the trim clips into the window itself-very cool, dont buy farley, parts are impossible to get.