Window advice

[MN Shutterbug]

We just sold our house and purchased a much newer one. However, all the windows need replacing as the seals have broken. We've got a proposal for Anderson gliding windows and an Anderson bay window. However, I think the local contractor is overpriced. I realize Anderson is top of the line, but there must be others that have a good reputation. I know Hurd windows aren't good, as that is what was in this house.

Any recommendations? Does anyone have any experience with Marvin?

[RainyEye]

I need to replace some windows also and was just talking with a guy at Menard's who recommended Jeld-Wen windows. Apparently they're well built, have good customer service, and supposedly a good reputation. However, no experience with them and no one that I know has them.

[walleyeseeker]

Andersen does make very good windows. Marvin also makes a very good window. Prices will run about the same. Jeld-Wen is a vinyl window and is very different from the others. Vinyl will be much cheaper, but also lower quality. I've installed plenty of each and would only use vinyl in a garage or fish house, but never my home.

[MN Shutterbug]

Andersen does make very good windows. Marvin also makes a very good window. Prices will run about the same. Jeld-Wen is a vinyl window and is very different from the others. Vinyl will be much cheaper, but also lower quality. I've installed plenty of each and would only use vinyl in a garage or fish house, but never my home.

I just read that Jeld-Wen does have all - aluminum and wood and aluminum clad windows. I'm going to do a bit more research on these.

Also, what does one think of vinyl windows with an aluminum coverall?

[Tom7227]

If the window frames are in good shape why not check out the cost of replacing just the glass? I've done it a couple of times and it isn't all that expensive. When I was re-doing my house I learned that there's all sorts of rules about how big windows have to be, particularly in bedrooms. If I had replaced the entire window I would have had to enlarge a number of openings which also would have required an awful lot of new trim and painting inside the house. I sure would check out options short of fully replacing the windows.

[MN Shutterbug]

Actually, due to the problems from the other windows, the frames are also in need of replacement.

[Tom7227]

Actually, due to the problems from the other windows, the frames are also in need of replacement.

Better check on the code requirments then. It has something to do with fire egress and it would have applied to my 40 year old home if I had replaced the entire window. It's sort of hard to argue against fire egress but the cost was just phenominal for the resizing and interior work. It maybe would have been easier to burn the house down than to do that amount of work.

[chad austin]

I would be very careful in choosing new windows and talk to a professional that is knowledgeable in their field. The longer I'm in this industry the more it is apparent that junk products are sold at very high profit margins because the manufacture's market the [poorwordusage] out of them. For instance cement siding is about as maintenance free as a 78 ford pinto with 250,000 miles on it but they have the marketing campaign of a political figure running for office.

I would look at Alside's ultra-max, the only window we as a company will install.

Another thing to consider is starting April 22 a new code goes into effect for homes built before 1978, and there will be higher costs involved in replacing your windows. Check the MN Department of Labor and Industry's HSOforum regarding lead paint.

[MN Shutterbug]

Our new home was built in 1990, so the new code won't be an issue. It sounds like Andersen and Marvin are two of the top choices, along with Pella that gets bad reviews due to service. I figured out the most economical way is to order the windows thru the local hardware store and hire an experienced and local contractor to do the installation.

[Black_Bay]

Windows aren't a good place to try and save money. Get the best you can afford. Anderson and Marvin are great windows and are made right here in Minnesota.

[MN Shutterbug]

Windows aren't a good place to try and save money. Get the best you can afford. Anderson and Marvin are great windows and are made right here in Minnesota.

I agree 100%. This is why I have decided to go with the best quality Marvin windows on the market.

[jerkbait]

Great choice!!!! I love my Marvins.

[crothmeier]

Good choice.

[NoWiser]

If you haven't yet, check into Windsor windows. They are vinyl, which some like and some hate, but I wouldn't put anything else in my house. Anderson are also good, Marvin are mediocre at best, and Pella are junk. 30 years experience building custom homes and the Windsors have BY FAR given us the least amount of trouble. Their casements are good, as well as their single hungs. Stay away from their double hungs, though, they are no good. I completely disagree with the fella who said vinyl are low quality. Just like anything else, there are good and bad ones. For what its worth, I just replaced over 20 windows in my house, and I chose (wasn't even a choice in my mind) to go with the Windsors. We've been installing them for a long time and have had next to no warranty issues with them. They are a very affordable (not "cheap") as well. P.S. I have no ties to Windsor what-so-ever. Just offering my advice.

[MN Shutterbug]

It's interesting the different viewpoints out there. Our home inspector said that Hurd was top of the line, but everyone else I talk to, including the online forums, state that they are nothing but problems. I've done enough research and read enough reviews, so my decison was a very informed one.

Thanks all for your advice and opinions.

[NAMASafetyDirector]

Minn-kota also makes really nice quality windows, seem quite a few of them installed up here at some of the resorts, really nice!

[Eiger0304]

Has anyone ever tried Eagle Windows? They are owned by Andersen Windows. Drive by it often in Rogers, just didn't know about them. I'm looking to replace some windows just curious if anyone have used installed these before.

[Pooh]

not sure if you know anything about integrity windows or not. They are made by Marvin, and after putting in various sizes of both marvins and integritys, i like the integrity. well built and look great

[MN Shutterbug]

Yep, the integrity line is what we are going for.

[eyeguy 54]

Eagle I think is a metal clad like the Marvin but probably not as much wood inside or as thick in the clad. Integrity is wood interior with fiberglass exterior. Andersen 400 series is wood interior and vinyl clad. So it all depends on what your are needing and color choices. They will all perform well if the moisture level is controlled in the house. If I had to chose between Marvin and Integrity I would go with the Marvin. But then again I'm a Renewal by Andersen guy so that would be my choice overall. Spendy but one heck of a window. After 24 years putting vinyls and others in I really like the Renewals.

[titelines]

We used Integrity's when we built and are very happy with them. Not top of the line, but a very good, efficient window for the money.

[blgoose]

We had anderson renewal come out! loved the presention and windows.To replace all windows, on house $22,065. Would you put $22,000 in new windows in your house? any one have wellington windows put in your house?

[MN Shutterbug]

That's exactly why I'm not going with Anderson. They price the windows with installation. Marvin's are rated just as high as Anderson's, and I can buy them locally and hire an experienced contractor to do the installation, and save thousands. We were quoted $4650 for a bay window, and when I checked the Anderson HSOforum I saw the actual window sells for just $1500. There is no way I'm paying anyone anywhere near $3000 to install a window. Instead, I can buy a Marvin for about $1600 and pay someone less than $1000 for the installation.

[eyeguy 54]

You can not buy the Renewal window without it being professionally installed so the price you saw online would be for a 400 series. Totally different window. Kinda like the diff between Marvin and Integrity. My cost on a bay is way over 1500. Individual Renewal units are installed into a frame built by Bay World. The renewal are composite. That is why they are so dang spendy. If you have ever compared vinyl decking to composite decking you will see what I mean. Not for everybody but can't beat it for toughness. These baby's will last and last and last. Dr Window

[MN Shutterbug]

Actually, the salesman told me today that the reason the final cost is so high is due to the quote being for a custom fit window, not a stock. Either way, even comparing their glider windows, their installation rates are rediculous.