Replacing windows

[SDPROV]

Looking at replacing windows on the house this summer. Have gotten a couple of qoutes for Lindsay windows and Great Lakes windows. Has anybody had these types put in? We are looking at the slide/glider type. Got a qoute for Anderson windows and know their a good window but the window/installation price seemed quite high. Any info would be helpful! Thanks.

[Walleye Guy]

There are many quality windows makers out there. I have not heard about the two you mentioned. I do know that Marvin, Pella and Andersen all make very high quality windows and they do cost more. However it is my belief that you get what you pay for with windows.

The windows we have in our lake home are Andersen and they have perfromed flawlessly. The windows in our house are some off brand. A couple of them fog up and a couple are drafty. If I replace them I will be putting in Andersen windows.

[eurolarva]

Renewel by Anderson prices were outragous. I went to Home Depot and talked to a contractor there and he said almost every contractor has Anderson or Marvin windows in their houses. I have installed both in my houses and feel they are much higher quality then the ones that were originally installed. Marvin has a builders quality window called Integrety (sp) and anderson has their 200 series windows. Both are only availible in set sizes. Marvin has their normal line and can be built to any size opening. Renewal by anderson is a complete separate company then Anderson and advertise a compound called fibrex which I think is not very puncture resistant. If it were me I would find a contractor that will do marvin windows and go that route. Hamel building center sells them and very accomidating with helping you every step of the way.

[echotrail]

Last fall I used the internet and looked into replacement windows also. The more I looked the worse it got. There are about 10,000 window makers and they all claim to have the best. I'll follow this thread with some interest for myself. I did kind of like a manufacturer named "Sunrise windows"

[deep channel]

anderson makes a very good 200 series window in a slider that is very economical for what you get including 20 year warrenty

[npsmokefan]

Consider how long you are going to be in your house. If this is the house you are planning to stay in then go with a better window like Andersen or Marvin. I am a remodeling contractor that does alot of window replacements. I always tell my customers you will regret cheaper windows if your staying in this house for the long haul. The other windows you listed are ok Vinyl replacement windows. Going with Andersen or Marvin you are doing a full replacement, not just an insert window that going into existing windows frame. One other window to consider is Eagle windows. Andersen bought them not to long ago. You get Andersen LowE4 glass and over 50 standard colors. They will also custom size and prefinish interior of the windows. Very nice window. Also Andersen and Marvin are transferable warranties. Most others are not. If you do sell your house the warranty on most windows are nolonger valid.

Go Smoke #20 at Altanta

[klee103]

I just installed 3 Pella replacement window inserts 2 weeks ago. It was easy to do and the inserts are much tighter than the 30 year old windows. They were a little pricey but, custom made with wood interior. I just could switch to the vinyl. They are available at Lowes and Menards. I also needed a desginer seriers for my front room so I ordered mine directly from a Pella store.

I definitel recommend them.

[benelli_dude2002]

I know someday soon I will looking into replacing the windows in my house. Someone mentioned earlier about you get what you pay for windows. My wife's cousin bought some Pella windows for his log cabin and man everyone gave me a hard time about that since I work at Marvin. I was just reading in the local paper one day and seen this guy down the road was selling 8 Pella windows for $700 and they were less than a year old so I told the wifes cousin about it and he went over and bought them. I didnt care, I thought he was getting a good deal and they looked like a good window. I would most likely look at a vinyl window ( I think its called Integrity by Marvin), cuz I think I will be in this house for awhile. Probably save myself a few bucks as an employee. Anderson, Pella and Marvin are supposedly the top 3 window makers out there from what I have been told. I dont make the windows so I dont know much about them. I know what you might be thinking " he works for a window company and doesnt know much about them!" I do know this, Marvin dont make the windows til they are ordered and they will build whatever you want. I seen some pretty cool custom projects. Well I just handle the product every week when I unload them somewhere on the west coast. Hope I didnt sound like a salesman. lol. Good luck window shopping! B-dude

[eurolarva]

I used Marvin Integrity windows in my last house and really liked them I am using Anderson 200 windows here because they match my rough openings better and I like these windows as well. I bought a custom Marvin for $1300 in my other house. This beast was about 9 ft long with two casements and a stationary and what a thing of beauty. This window really made me appreciate Marvin when it came to craftsmanship and the smoothness of the operation. Marvin Integrity and Anderson 200 are builders grade and are only available in standard sizes. That is where regular Marvin’s come into play. If you need it to do something special or fit into a specific opening that is the way to go.

[jjohnson5150]

I'm going through a bad experience with one of the most advertised co's in the Twin Cities. There is moisture between the glass & the threshold was installed with large gaps on on both sides. If you tune into the top AM / "good neighbor" station in town, you will hear their ads. Just say no. They are expensive and simply not worth the hassle.