Here I sit, relying on the sheer numbers that make up the BBS. I'm hoping several of you have had replacement windows installed in your home. I'm looking for who you used, your satisfaction level, and if you noticed any reduction in your heating/cooling costs. The largest advertiser in the Huntsville AL area seems to be Window World. They came out to our home a while back and quoted a bit over their "$189.00 installed" advertised price; somewhat of a bait and switch... they pushed double insulated/gas filled double-pane windows that came out to about $300 each installed. In other news, thanks to the board and ScottyRock I'm a proud owner of a new droid. I'm elated to see the iPhone gone.
If you go with vinyl make sure they`re made with virgin vinyl, not recycled. They`ll twist & warp over time I`ve been told, by two different contractors
simonton is really good for vinyl, otherwise I prefer anderson for wood. There vinyl clad versus aluminum clad on the exterior.
There is a lot to consider; how long do you plan on being in home; home style, single hung, double hung or casement/awning; noise concerns. My family has been in the window/door biz for 30+ years and can help a bit on product but installer can make huge difference in overall performance.
My take on "window pushers"... they are all scam shops. No self respecting construction specialist would bother. Not to metion garbage product being pushed out. Anderson & Pella are decent brand... abit more expensive but you wont be dialing a dead number 6 months down the road if you have warranty issues. Id check your local buidling codes on whether youll need a permit. Also recommend the butyl insulation. Also make sure your installer has a license of sorts. Not a "handyman" type.
Vinyl windows are garbage, plain & simple. My preference is pella, Anderson or Loewen, aluminum clad wood. If the installation is done properly, you will see energy savings as windows are biggest single source of heat loss in your home. That said, if your home isn't insulated well, heat will find another place to escape.
A correctly sized and properly installed vinyl window will give you tremendous value while providing a substantial savings in both installation and down-the-road utility savings but it will all depend on your current house and how well it's insulated and protected for drafts. I've installed thousands of wood, vinyl, and aluminum windows and doors. A quality company will provide a warranty, references, and insurance. The main problems I've seen over my career: 1. Installer does not install per the manufacture recommendations. 2. The windows are not custom sized to the opening causing two issues: * Allot of extra trim is used. * They're installed too tight and they warp. 3. Installer does not check and/or correct other issues surrounding the window. * Proper capillary drip edge. * Does not install additional insulation in voids. * Does not back seal (silicone) the back side of metal cap (just front). 4. The window company does not educate the consumer on additional information especially in regard to cost effective items that should be done at the same time to increase the effectiveness of the installation. * Gaskets on electrical outlets. * Running the fan in the kitchen and bathrooms during and 5 minutes after a bath/shower. * Sealing any other openings around the house (pipes, vents, etc). * etc..... Besides installing them on customer's houses I have installed the top of the line windows/doors from Pella and cost effective Vinyl on my own personal house. When you stand inside of both on 0-degree and/or 100-degree days they feel the same. When you look at them from the outside most peeps can't tell a difference. At a minimum go with a double glazed window with low e and film. If you can afford to budget an upgrade to a triple DO IT. BTW: $300 per window installed is not a bad price. I've done all my work around Atlanta so I cannot recommend a company or installer. But the company (American Wholesale Building Supply) is one of the places I bought the vinyl windows and they have a location in Mobile and Chattanooga, TN. They are a supplier but have boards for installers and might be willing to provide references/quotes .
I've used Window World with good success. Granted they are generic vinyl replacement windows....nothing top of the line or anything. Not Pella or Anderson....but not Pella prices either. Worked well for replacing the 50 year old single pain aluminum windows our house had. About pricing. The $189 price is not the price. That's bone stock, no features. Once you add low-e, screens, go from double hung to awning the price changes. Still wasn't too bad on price though. Windows perform well. Open and close nicely. Look nice. No more drafts so rooms are more comfortable. But the biggest difference I notice is how quiet the house is now. We live a block away from a hwy service road and could hear traffic noise. Not any more. The intsaller was pretty good. Did a nice job. Clean and neat. Hauled off all the old windows and stuff. Windows are plumb/level and open and close with no issues. Service has been pretty good too. One of our windows got cracked, not really sure how, and they replaced it no questions asked, free of charge. Overall I'm pleased.
I think a good start is finding a local contractor. He should consider you a great source of referrals and maybe future work, so he has to make sure you're happy. A quality contractor you can trust in invaluable.
I have put the $189.00 Window World windows in a few rental houses. They are a good deal for a "decent" window. They will try to up sell you, but you can stick with the $189.00 one. They always gave me good service, arrive on time, install whole house in 2-3 hrs & clean up . I would put upgrades on the house I live in! I look at it like tires, the more you spend the better the grip! Good luck. Mark
Replacing windows to save money doesn't usually make any sense. It's like buying a new car to save gas.
LOL, replacement windows will more than likely also increase the property value. Depending on the condition of the rest of the house of course; the usual recoup amount is about 90% for cost effective windows. If you take that into consideration the windows pay for themselves in a very short time.
I have installed about 1000 or so vinyl windows..Mostly Millguard..never had any callbacks/problems, and if something does happen, they have their guys come out and either replace, or fix it/ I would also recomend a local Contractor..get 3 referals, and Call them, ask about his work, re: were they satisfiyed, did he do the work in a timely manner, did he clean up after himself. Is he competitivly priced..ect. You can also go to your local lumber yard, and get contractor referals. Don't skimp on materials, i.e. if your gonna do retrofits, and extension jams, use real wood, not OSB..make sure the contractor, gives you a a complete list of what you requested he do, i.e. time frame, type of materials, and what his warranty on workmanship is ect. brand of windows is up to you, but I would also stay away from " the 1800 widows r us types..again, your local lumber yard, or contractor can help you choose the best windows for your budget, ect. If you have single pane windows, dual glazed with low E glass will save you $$$ on your heating and AC..new windows really don't do much to add to the value of your house, adding a bathroom or upgrading the kitchen gets a inctrease in value.
Bringing up an old topic that I need more info on. Anything new to add to this, WFOchris? Who did you end up going with and how did it work out. I am about to do the same to my house. Old 1928 house with really drafty windows. Freeze my ass off every winter. Anyone in Middle TN got any dirt on Window World, Tennessee Thermal? Or anybody else in the area? Would 2-225/window be good price for some that aren't total crap?
I put pella windows aluminum clad wood windows in my house. It made a big difference replacing the old single pane double hung windows. I also insulated the walls when I did the windows. I used to be able to tell which neighbor was driving down the street by the sound of their car. Now I don't even hear the cars going by the house. The heater only stays on for a few minutes at a time too instead of only going off for a few minutes.
I'm almost positive his cheap ass still has the same old windows as when he started this thread, but I'll get him to update.
