Replacement House Windows - Sorry for so far off topic

[73Chally]

Okay, first off, sorry for being so far off topic, but I'm hoping there are some modelers here on site that might have some recommendations on good quality, energy efficient replacement windows.  We've lived for 10 years with the crappy builder quality windows that came with our house, and it's time to replace them.  We'd like to try and stay in the $500-$700 per window installed ballpark (32 windows total with half oversized at 95" tall), so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Oh yeah, I'm in Dallas if that makes a difference.

Dave

[Alaskan_TA]

Most folks here go with Milgard, I did. I install them for others too.

What brands are locally available to you?

[71gogreen]

hi,look into a product called weather shield or go to anderson

[BadJoey]

I'm in upstate NY . Very cold winters . I have Anderson double pain energy glazed . Not sure of the cost but I'm certain they paid for their selfs already .

[Alaskan_TA]

Anderson can be hit & miss.

We did a house, several windows were the same sizes throughout. 8 of them were side by side in a row, no two windows were the same out of the 8. 

It was the same with other rooms, some taller, some wider. Very idiotic, it was a PITA trying to make that crap look good.

Milgard will make custom sizes, but they will come as you asked, not just random like Anderson can do with standard sizes.

[troutstreamnm]

We went with Pella composite frame windows.  They're very nice, but are not cheap    Make sure you get low-E glass that are gas filled and the best frame material you can afford.  Remember, nice windows with a crappy installation gets you nowhere.  Check on the install and service warrentee once you decided on the frame and glass type.  Good luck!

[whitesatinmopar]

[quote author=troutstreamnm link=topic=73253.msg746612#msg746612 date=1291262350
 Make sure you get low-E glass that are gas filled and the best frame material you can afford.  Remember, nice windows with a crappy installation gets you nowhere. 
[/quote]

  I replaced our's two years ago, if you feel uneasy about measuring and installing them yourself then have someone do it, otherwise you may as well keep the money in your pocket. It may seem overwhealming but it is not all that difficult. Also when installing replacement windows make sure all the framing and sills are solid and tight and use blown insulation around the edges of the new windows before replacing the interrior trim, and of course re caulk all exterrior seams. And as troutstream suggested the low-
E gas filled windows are worth the added cost, helps with the winter heating as well as summer AC cost.

['Cuda Hunter]

I build custom homes.  We use alot of Hurd and sometimes Pella.
Installation is everything. 

If you just want to talk to a professional, Call this guy.
Terry with Mariposa Windows.  719-539-7066.
He will be glad to talk with you for a while. 

My company installs around four hundred windows a year.  All depending upon what the home owners want.  Custom of course. 


I prefer Metal clad exterior and wood interior.

[priderocks]

I am a remodeler in Southern CA and have installed hundreds of doors and windows. Most bang for the buck is Milgard. The classic line even has a lifetime warranty on the glass, even if your kid throws a baseball through it.

Several things to consider. A vinyl window never needs painting, so if you are getting older, plan to retire in your existing home and don't forsee spending your golden years (and lots of $) repainting windows a vinyl is a good choice. Think about this painting deal. Paint quality is not what it used to be. For typical exposure, a paint job will last five years. Over a twenty year period you will pay the cost of the window again in painting labor. Colors are limited on the vinyl lines, however.
For door units I prefer Andersen or Pella. Just better hardware and function. In fact, I would never recommend Milgard or any vinyl unit for a door unit, either sliding or French. You can get clad units that never need painting, but have wood on the inside for staining.

Today I am replacing some wood window units on a million+$ home that have been destroyed by termites and dry rot. If you have termites (terrible here), you may want to shy away from wood windows.

A previous post mentioned the importance of proper installation. Amen to that.