Replacement Windows

[bobkatfly]

Originally Posted by DEJ

Renewal by Anderson quote, 19 double hung windows, $70K.

Damn, my first house in the mid 80's was just a little more than that.

[Woody38]

My wife wanted Renewal by Andersen. We installed other windows from Andersen when renovating. They claim, measuring, installing by their crews and follow up. OK, the guy measuring said he did not know how to measure the windows. Each one was numbered. Andersen subbed the installation. Only the foreman spoke English. I have no problem with that as long as they know how to do the job. When I saw one of them ripping out the interior trim, I asked the foreman if that was necessary. Nope. As for placement of windows, the just brough all in and put them anywhere. So, to make fit bars of some type of plastic was used. A great product as the windows do exactly as stated. Would we do that again. Likely not.

____________________________________

I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic

[John Mercier]

Renewal tends to be expensive, and can't get any windows that others can't.
GSG does Andersen and Harvey.

Your casement cranking mechanisms could probably be replaced by you.
They are not that hard, and general fail due to dirt/gunk in the track that the arm rides own that is attached to the sash.

Homeowners tend to use something like WD40 to lubricate when they should be using a spray silicone. The WD40 causes the dirt to bind and gunk up.

The north and west are building humidity... common window condition... and over time they let the wood swell and rot. Andersen windows are warrantied only to a point. They are not lifetime like many on the internet state.

The 100 Series Fibrex composite doesn't do a double hung. You could also replace these yourself... several island owners in the area of done so with just a little consultation with us. But GSG would also do them.

The other option depending on colors/etc are vinyl.

It is important to know if you intend to do actual replacement (insert units) or new construction (the entire old window is removed including the wooden frame)... so that they can be quoted correctly.

Inserts are measured from the interior and the unit is made 1/4 inch smaller in each dimension. We are currently doing the New Hampton School with Paradigm inserts. They come quickly, so we suggested one based on our measurements and then adjustment for the other to keep the fit tight, but not overly tight.

Fiberglass or vinyl are the best options to avoid that 'rot' over time... also less issues with hardware as no wood to swell from humid conditions. The fiberglass manufactures generally have a two year warranty on hardware and twenty year warranty on glass with a ten year warranty on paint (this is for manufacturing defects and chipping/fading - it doesn't cover damage done on site). The better vinyl will have either the same warranty, or in some cases longer warranties for initial buyers (when you transfer your home the warranty for that buyer is back to that 2/10/20).

[Winilyme]

Guess I'm going to be doing some shopping around - based on everyone's advice. Unfortunately, GSG doesn't operate in CT and that's our #1 priority versus our Meredith place.

Thanks everyone.

[John Mercier]

The only advice I can give is watch your glass package.

Not all glass packages are Energystar rated... so federal tax deductions may be limited.

Also the new Energystar requirements begin on Oct 23rd.

Not sure of what the requirements for CT are.
I know that around here, it will be difficult to design one that is not a triple pane after that date.

[root1]

Be aware that 'replacement' windows typically do not include any casing; resulting in future expense/aggravation when all the exterior trim (postulating that it is wood) needs to be replaced/painted.
I strongly suggest that 'new construction' windows be selected. This means a lot more labor up-front ...... but, the finished end product is far superior and longer lasting.

[John Mercier]

Andersen 100 Series, I believe do not have a trim option.
Marvin Essential Series only have a type of brickmold.

Vinyl windows... have several trim options depending on the supplier... but the nailing flange has to go behind the siding whether order with or without the J channel.

The application locally may be to use Kleer Concealed/Square or comparable for a white, and either Boral or Acre for darker colors.

One of our manufacturers now can pre-paint the PVC trim to the darker colors, but I have not looked at the warranty or expansion/contraction issues involved.

I have only seen wood used on camp/cabins... either because they wanted the natural grain to show through... or felt it historically more accurate. Those generally get pre-stained/painted on all sides and endcuts before being applied to the building.

[Biggd]

Before the pandemic I use to buy brand new excess windows on Craigs list or Marketplace for $35 to $150. I changed most of the windows in my Meridith home this way.
I've only bought quality windows, Anderson, Pella, and a few Harveys, never paid more than $150.
Now the prices on those sites are triple that for a normal size double hung window!
I'm still looking for a few more windows but prices are crazy because new windows are taking a long time to get.

[John Mercier]

Not any more. Premium vinyl is three to four weeks, luxury vinyl maybe into about eight or nine.

Wood windows are around six weeks, with only Marvin Signature in the sixteen to eighteen week period.

Window deals still abound, but at the shop as buyers leave them on consignment.

It is a bit harder to find high quality windows, as those are actually based on energy efficiency - most windows are no longer Energystar rated, so fewer of those to be found; durability - this is usually based on warranty, and as a second buyer you would be all about even for most window brands; and finally aesthetics - which is very personal and not likely to be found rather than special ordered.

[BroadHopper]

I shopped around for windows. Strict HOA rules govern what the replacement windows should be. GSG was more expensive than Anderson followed by Pella and then Harvey. Contrary to popular belief contractor prices are actually cheaper than Lowes or Home Depot!

The original windows were Weather Shield. They were top-of-the-line in the 70's. Local contractors never heard of them. After a little searching, I found there is a distributor in Manchester. I called the distributor and gave them the info they needed to replace them. Because of the manufacturer's replacement policy, I got a great deal. The new windows were updated with the latest energy features. EnergyStar certification gave me a further discount. Glad I took this route.

You may want to look at Lohan windows. A reputable McMansion builder from I think Tuftonboro installs them in all remodels and new builds.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Not any more. Premium vinyl is three to four weeks, luxury vinyl maybe into about eight or nine.

Wood windows are around six weeks, with only Marvin Signature in the sixteen to eighteen week period.

Window deals still abound, but at the shop as buyers leave them on consignment.

It is a bit harder to find high quality windows, as those are actually based on energy efficiency - most windows are no longer Energystar rated, so fewer of those to be found; durability - this is usually based on warranty, and as a second buyer you would be all about even for most window brands; and finally aesthetics - which is very personal and not likely to be found rather than special ordered.

Since I can replace them myself, I can be very patient. And it doesn't bother me that they are from different manufactures. No one can tell the difference from the street.

[John Mercier]

They will probably fade differently depending on how dark the color.

But my point is that window lead times have come way down.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

They will probably fade differently depending on how dark the color.

But my point is that window lead times have come way down.

That's why I only buy white windows.

[fatlazyless]

The ReStore on Tenney Mtn Hgwy in Plymouth, a thrift store, has an 8.5' x 53' van trailer storage box with only windows that must have over 100 various different double hung windows and frames, mostly white and are new unused condition.