Window advice

[eyeguy 54]

Gotta pay for top end stuff. Not everybody drives a Cadillac. We sell a lot of them and customers love them. My guys get paid about 70 bucks a window and 50 on the wrap. They are worth it. Not having call backs is nice! The rest is cost plus overhead. So I don't think it is ridiculous at all.

[MN Shutterbug]

Spoken like a true salesman.

[eyeguy 54]

[Kodiak]

[PoorWordUsage] i feel like a cheapo i put 9 jeldwens in my house made my own jamb extentions and paid 3k installed them myself.....they are energy effiecent and work and look great.

[scsavre]

If you guys are still looking, it is very hard to go wrong with the Andersen Renewal, or the Marvin. I actually own a company that installs windows for Andersen Renewal and my business partner Installed/sold Marvins for another company for years and then I own another company servicing and installing all types of windows. With the Renewal's their is obviously a good chunk of change that is baked into the installation as you have to have Andersen install them, however that money doesnt go toward the instal, as wpane said. They are awesome windows and you have to pay for what you get. I believe the Marvin Infinities are the same. That said, not all windows are created equal and not all installers are either.

There are plenty of good vinyls out there, some have some of the highest energy efficiency scores. Im not a fan of Windsors, but I have noticed that they do have a pretty simple sash replacement. Pellas, not a bad window.

It is a huge decision guys, no hurry do your research. I have been in so many houses where home owners had absolutely no idea what they were doing. The jobs that were through Andersen, were happy, others, well do you really want to pay all that money and then have to find a new contractor to service your windows. Remember have a window installer install your windows, not just a guy with a contractor license.

Also I believe the new code mentioned, is for the Lead Abatement. Weather a customer could opt out or not.

Scott Savre

[MN Shutterbug]

What is the difference between Andersen and Andersen Renewal?

[scsavre]

Andersen is the new construction windows, meaning new homes and standard replacement. Renewal is a custom replacement window, meaning old house update with professional install. There is a lot more in a replacement than a new window install.

Replacements are obviously a big hit right now with the down economy and the lack of new homes being built. Renewal makes a great product, and by only allowing their own guys and their contractors to do the installs, it really minimizes the customer disappoints. Marvins are great too, my mother wants new windows including a bow, and she is going with the Marvins so that I can save her money on the install and she can still get a great window.

Scott Savre

[MN Shutterbug]

We are going to order some Andersens tomorrow from a lumberyard. These are going to be replacement windows with Extension jams. Does this mean they are going to be renewals?

[scsavre]

With the extension Jams at a yard it would be Andersen.

There is a lot more to the Andersen VS Renewal, I just didnt wan to explain it all. Most of the custom replacements come from Renewal. THese all need to be installed by Renewal. If you are buying at a lumbar yard that is going to be Andersen, I believe they can carry a lot of the stock-replacements.

[dudeness]

Window Pane, Do you work out of Roseville or Cottage Grove? Or an affiliate? Just curious, I worked as an installer for Renewal a few years back. My Dad has worked there for 15 years or so.

[eyeguy 54]

I work out of an office in St Cloud. Western Products. To make it easier to understand Renewal is an installed only product purchased thru a Renewal by Andersen store or a franchise store. We are a franchise store. The framing is made from a composite material and the units are all custom made. The regular Andersen Permashield type window is purchased thru a lumber yard. Mainly for new construction but can be used retro if taking the complete unit out and applied with nail fin,jamb and casing. Take the nailfin off and the warranty is history. Yes the Marvin Infinity is also an installed only product. That one is Ultrex (fiberglass), Renewal is fibrex (poly-woodfiber composite). Hope this helps.

[MN Shutterbug]

What exactly is a nailfin? The bay window will be custom made to fit our existing opening.

[eyeguy 54]

Small flange that goes around window frame for mounting into rough openning. Bays usually don't have one. I think Andersen is making the 400 series in 1/8 increments now so you can the size to get what you need.

[ranger20]

i would get thermo tech windows made here in saint cloud i have been around them since they came out great window also they have the only window that has three paines of low e glass,if interested shoot me a message i can get them for cost for ya my wife"s dad ownes it

[eyeguy 54]

Not bad for a builder grade vinyl window. Almost everybody has triple LowE. Cardinal glass is the big maufacturer.

[ranger20]

i guess i didnt know that they just started making them last year i belive.i have never heard of cardnial but i guess i dont know much about it and who they get there glass from i think my uncle at eastside glass might get glass from there thought

[scsavre]

X-tackle, how did the window process go? Do you get them yet? Is everything installed. I tell you, you are going to love those new Andersens or Marvins.

[MN Shutterbug]

Andersen windows are finally in. There is still a little interior work to do. A couple jams for the bay window were too narrow and a couple jams for another window had a couple gashes in it, so they needed to be reordered. It took a couple guys about 1 1/2 days for the 7 windows. My wife gets the enjoyment of staining them all.

[scsavre]

I think you will be very happy with the Andersen. Make sure that wife of yours doesnt close the windows while the stain is still drying. Its always funny when I hear about that happening, unless of coarse its my wife who does it.

We are now set up to sell a window branded as Bristol, they are a triple pane window with unbeatable specs. When deciding what brand to carry, this triple pane has been a no brainer, and sure impresses future buyers.

[FishLocker]

Gorell is another company that makes a triple pane Low E with choice of Argon or Krypton gas. Did not get a single complaint. One clients kid put a golf ball through the living room window, and Gorell replaced the glass pack free of charge. A. H. Bennet (basically north west corner of 394 and 94 down town) is the local distributor and will also do a measure call and install for you.

I used to give my new construction and remodel customers the choice of Gorell, Anderson, Pella, Marvin, and Lindsay. Vast majority took Gorell (like 6 years running with the National Energy Partner of the Year) because of the no maintenance, no stain/varnish, super warrantee etc. Most complaints were Pella (hardware complaints), then Marvin (hardware), then Anderson (past finish and rot problems that have now been corrected). Lindsay is made in Mankato, MN (also maintenance free windows, although they still make the wood Barn Sash windows for many local lumber yards). Never had a satisfied customer with Crestline (sorry but that is the truth).

But those that chose Anderson or the rest did so because they want real wood, and loved them just as well.

Just remember, triple pane with two panes of Low E will darken your room and you will notice it right away. I also never recommended triple pane with casement windows as the hardware breaks down too fast with all the weight...doesnt matter the manufacturer.

My preference is Gorell.

Good luck

[scsavre]

Fish, have you ever seen the Bristols before. My partners are life long Andersen and Renewal guys and they are actually really impressed with them. Convincing these guys that Andersen isnt created by the hand of god is usually a difficult task.

I agree about your assessments, and yes we have tons of problems with Pella and their service. We do still get quite a few customers who like the Lindsays too.

I have noticed a slight drop in the Renewal's quality this summer, I am thinking it may be some of the summer help at the plant.

So far customers have really liked these Bristols, I think the 50 year warranty sits well with them too.

[FishLocker]

I have not had the pleasure of experiencing a Bristol. There are so many companies making windows out there that is is hard to see them all. Just went to their HSOforum, and cannot download the pictures of the product without giving them information on how to send a salesperson to my door, so opted not to view them.

What I like about Gorell is the fit and finish and ease of installation (for keeping frustrations down with my install crews) as well as the mitred corners, warranty (transferable to the next TWO owners)...and the triple pane with krypton is rated as a U-Value of .1 (R-Value=10.0) So it is almost like a see through 2X4 fiberglass insulated wall. The Bristol from what I see only has a U-Value of .21 (for those reading that are unfamiliar with U-values, the lower the number the better the insulation value). They are out of PA, and the local reps name is Bob. It would be worth it to have Bob stop in and speak with you guys.

I like when Lindsay changed over to mitered corners...really nice look and very very reasonable pricing. The owner is wonderful to work with as well. They will also do job site drop offs so you do not have to worry about damage in transporting from your warehouse to the job site. Out of Mankato, they are very local, and they can do custom exterior colors to match your house or trim...that is seriously amazing. Worth checking out the custom color option.

I will check out the Bristol. Is there a dealer in town that carries them on the floor so I could take a quick peek? Since Sears sells them, they must have a lot of good points for the client to ponder...and I shall do the same. Thanks for the tip.

FishLocker

[T.O.W]

All these different brands of windows I've read all the above advice and have had three companies come out and been to three dealers for prices of windows installed or just the windows. Too much, I think I'm confused. I want high quality window with a lifetime warranty, double pain, low E, and not a replacement window. Possible install myself without losing the warranty. Many say it needs to be installed by a professional but I would like to hear why. Nobody tells me a straight answer other than just because "These guys have been doing this for years and know what their doing". Also need a sliding patio door. I plan on being in the house at least 20 years so I'm willing to spend money on the windows but would like to install it myself unless I can be persuaded otherwise. The only window so far that has impressed me was the Ply Gem Great Lakes series. I guess a comparable window to that would be great but one salesman said he only sells them if he installs them. Thoughts?

[FishLocker]

Time On Water,

In most cases manufacturers do not requre certification for installers...they still wsarranty their products. Just no warranty against improper installation or consequenses of improper istallation.

If I remember correctly, the only certification instructor in MN worked for Lindsay Windows in Mankato...but I beleive he retired.

[scsavre]

TOW, Like Fish said if you can do it, go for it.

AS far as companies wanting to install the windows themselves,,,,Well there are the issues with warranties...kind of. There is the fact that some companies like Renewal by Andersen dont want to get bad press for someone who isnt qualified messing up an install. ANd there is the fact that the installation is a pretty good money maker. Especially if you are dealing with small companies, contractors or resellers who are paying retail for the windows and then making the money just off install.

By the way, I cant remember but a lifetime warranty in MN used to be either 7 or 9 years. And warranties are not created equal. Bristol has a 50 year.....

Seems like windows are about the most difficult thing to buy.