window replacement advice

[chanfish]

We are getting all our windows and sliding glass doors replaced. My wife is concerned that we will have problems with our current window coverings and blinds matching up with new windows? Spent alot of $ on the window treatments and dont want to replace...Any advise on this and anything else we need a heads up on going into this?..From the lessons learned category.. Never done this before..Thanks all....

[Stick in Mud]

I would consider getting a new wife.

[cavalierowner]

Are these inserts or all new windows? If they're inserts, they will pop right in with no modifications. If they're all new windows and the entire old window is being removed, consider getting a window that can be custom sized to fit the existing rough opening when the old window is taken out. When I replaced all my windows a few years ago with Pella, all the windows were custom sized to fit the openings with new exterior metal brickmold and new interior trim. When the installers were done, I didn't even have to touch up paint! Obviously it cost a lot more than inserts, but it was worth it to me and will add value to the house when I sell someday.

[jjohnson5150]

Are these inserts or all new windows? If they're inserts, they will pop right in with no modifications. If they're all new windows and the entire old window is being removed, consider getting a window that can be custom sized to fit the existing rough opening when the old window is taken out. When I replaced all my windows a few years ago with Pella, all the windows were custom sized to fit the openings with new exterior metal brickmold and new interior trim. When the installers were done, I didn't even have to touch up paint! Obviously it cost a lot more than inserts, but it was worth it to me and will add value to the house when I sell someday.

We did half of ours the same way through Pella. Very happy with how they turned out. The sliding door they did is excellent as well. All of our expensive window coverings went right back on after. We will be doing the other half this Fall or next with them. One suggestion I have is to avoid the company that has ads on the good neighbor radio station. They did a sliding door for us 6-7 years ago and it's terrible. It took 3 attempts to even get a flawless piece of glass in it. The door is so built up that we need to step up over it when going on our deck.

[cavalierowner]

Absolutely go with a good installer, not the cheapest installer. I asked the Pella rep who they recommended and they had two they felt were good. They said one may be slightly more expensive, but usually did a little better job. I went with the slightly more expensive without even blinking an eye. I worked for over 40 years as an architect doing a lot of public work where we HAD to use the low bidder. It doesn't take long to figure out that the lowest bidder is not necessarily the lowest price or best job at the end of the project!

[chanfish]

thanks.. yes they will be replacement windows not inserts..i am going through the pella vs anderson vs marvin research now but i am thinking since this is an insurance claim they will probably try to steer me to cheapest alternative..definitely check on the installers and get the most experienced ones..good point..

[cavalierowner]

You can't go wrong with the "Big Three" that you mentioned. Those were the three manufacturers we always specified on our commercial jobs that had clad wood windows.

[chanfish]

cav,

someone just told me he likes the champions.. they are foam filled vinyl windows..from what i read i thought wood clad was the way to go. any thoughts on champion??

[Down Deep]

Give Walsh a look. Very high quality and easy to have special designs made.

[cavalierowner]

cav,

someone just told me he likes the champions.. they are foam filled vinyl windows..from what i read i thought wood clad was the way to go. any thoughts on champion??

I have not heard of Champion Windows. When we had residential or small commercial projects, we always specified the clad wood windows by the "Big Three" because they have been around forever and have withstood the test of time, they stood behind their products, they had all their testing data easily available, etc. If you're going to look at manufacturers other than the Big Three, be sure to compare structural performance, WHOLE UNIT (not just glass) u values, wind infiltration and water infiltration as a minimum.

[chanfish]

ok. thanks everyone!!!probably go with the big three, wood clad windows over vinyl and make sure i have a good installer....

[hartner62]

I'm a Pm for a restoration company and I suggest Marvin to all my customers. In my opinion they stand behind their product better than the others mentioned. Also, just make sure you submit the prices of the windows prior to purchasing them and you shouldn't have a problem getting reimbursed.

[chanfish]

thanks harner.. will do..

[crothmeier]

+1 for Marvin, or Integrity by Marvin.

Vinyl is not final. Fades, expands, & contracts.