NSR: window replacement

[mtnjam]

The wife and I are looking into getting about 15 replacement windows for the shitty windows that came with the house when I bought it. The home was built in '89 and they are getting really cracked and fogging up between the panes of glass. We are looking into some low-E windows that are going to hold up for quite a long time and hopefully help keep the house a little cooler in the summer and warmer in winter. There are a lot of options out there for windows wood ($$$), vinyl (prone to cracking??), and fiberglass (???).

We have ruled out Andersen considering they make wood only, but Jeld-Wen, Pella, and Milgard are on our list of considerations. We are in Boise if that is of any help so we have fairly hot summers and moderate winters, at least in town.

Anyone have any experience in getting replacement windows or advice?

[Jack]

The vinyl windows are fine. The gas filled , double paned ones of course.

Proper instalation is important. There are instructions that that come with the windows. Low expansion foam or foam filler rods along the inside perimeter. Sitting on a solid frame with no space under the window.
Have the window opening flashed with self adhering tape and caulked in . Then tape the top and side flanges on the outside before installing. Trim around the window allowing fr some expansion and caulk the gaps with a good quality caulk.
I see very few homes that get these windows installed per the manufacturers instructions by installers and that will void their warantees.

It's realy not complicated and you will be happy with the energy savings and they will last a long time. I have problems with Milgard windows. Many were tested and too many had leaks.

[mtnjam]

thanks for the info....

Did you install new windows yourself or are you a contractor and which windows would you recommend (sorry for all the questions)

Verrrrrrry innnteresting about Milgard windows leaking....do you mean leaking between the panes of glass or were the homes tested for leaks after window installation?

[mnflyfish]

The wife and I are looking into getting about 15 replacement windows for the shitty windows that came with the house when I bought it. The home was built in '89 and they are getting really cracked and fogging up between the panes of glass. We are looking into some low-E windows that are going to hold up for quite a long time and hopefully help keep the house a little cooler in the summer and warmer in winter. There are a lot of options out there for windows wood ($$$), vinyl (prone to cracking??), and fiberglass (???).

We have ruled out Andersen considering they make wood only, but Jeld-Wen, Pella, and Milgard are on our list of considerations. We are in Boise if that is of any help so we have fairly hot summers and moderate winters, at least in town.

Anyone have any experience in getting replacement windows or advice?

I've had great luck with Marvin. That and it's a great company serving Warroad Minnesota, The real Hockey Town USA (there's a story there if your interested). It's a family run business not some huge company. You can literally pick up the phone and talk to the owner. And it doesn't hurt that the original brothers have Oly hockey gold on their office wall.

Seriously, great windows and doors. I have personally been to the factory and they take great pride in their work. Excellent craftsmanship. I usually buy factory seconds for the cabin or my fly tying shed when I'm in the area.

Good Luck,
Jay

[iceman]

We've had good luck with our WeatherShield windows, they're worth a look.

[Vinman]

go with the vinyl double pane gas filled. My bro in NY is a private contractor who does a lot of those kinds of windows and has very few complaints. If installed right they will make a huge difference in your heating and cooling.

[Jack]

thanks for the info....

Did you install new windows yourself or are you a contractor and which windows would you recommend (sorry for all the questions)

Verrrrrrry innnteresting about Milgard windows leaking....do you mean leaking between the panes of glass or were the homes tested for leaks after window installation?

We filled up the windows with water and blocked the sil drains. they leaked through their frames. not a good thing. they may have tightened up their quality as we stopped using them and told their customer service people.
I contract exteriors. Windows, siding , doors, decks, framing. Milgard is the only one I have seen such poor construction. I think they were under alot of pressure to get them out the door that they did a lot of hiring.

[hutash]

I live in socal, and replace many windows myself. It is very easy, but we do not have the issues of hot and cold you do, so I would tend to hire a contractor so that you keep your warranty intact. I prefer wood windows as they look the best, but require a lot of up keep. In your area I would go vinyl, since they will last longer and have lower maintenece issues. (wood can last hundreds of years, but you have to paint then every few years in your climate, I get an easy ten years between paintings here)

['boat skier]

I sell windows and doors including Marvin and Milgard. I would recommend that you avoid vinyl unless you can't afford anything else. That being said, the more you spend up front, the more you get in return. Good windows cost more for a reason. They are more efficient and more durable. The money you spend on windows will be made up in heating and cooling expenses. Buy windows that are dual glaze(double pane) with Low-E. Look into windows that are aluminium clad on the exterior. No painting required and very durable. Most good window brands have a 20 year warranty, whereas cheaper windows have more like a 10 year warranty. Different styles of windows are more efficient than others. ie: casement and awning windows are more efficient than double hung windows.

Also, most likely you will not have gas filled windows. There are strict laws regarding gas windows, mostly dealing with the altitude difference between where you live and where the windows were manufactured.

For comparison:
Vinyl(Milgard)= cheap, shitty rental ski
Alumininum clad(Marvin, Pella etc.)= Volkl

I hope this helps. If you need more info let me know.