topic Re: Have you replaced your windows? in Home

Have you replaced your windows? UPDATE

IamMrsG — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:35:29 GMT

DH and I are discussing this as a possible project before the end of the year. If you have experience with Renewal by Andersen windows, I'd appreciate hearing both the good and the bad. I thought they had a superior reputation; however, I've recently seen some truly awful reviews online.

Thank you for any advice you care to offer.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

Meowingkitty — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 18:04:36 GMT

We thought about replacing our windows two years ago. We went to a couple home shows in our area and got names of various vendors. Anderson being one of them. I looked online at reviews and I saw too many bad reviews from them along with the other names we had. We decided not to replace the windows after all deciding the money could be spent on better projects. We did have a window replaced about 10 years ago from Lowe's. Not a good experience either. The gas in the window leaked during the warranty period and since Lowes no longer used that subcontractor the warranty was not honored.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

novamc1 — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 19:18:55 GMT

@IamMrsG

I can't recommend a window company LESS than that one. We replaced all the windows in our home in three stages. The back of the house got the Renewal by Anderson. The other two thirds of the house got Pella--good ones that have reallly held up.

Some of the Renewals are sash windows and some are casement (the type that swing out to the side).

First of all, the Renewal sash windows do NOT operate as advertised. It is hard to get most of them and impossible to get some of them to release their latches so that they will tilt inward for cleaning. This means some must be cleaned from the outside, which means removing the screen from the inside---I know that's hard to understand from my description, but believe me, it's just difficult and annoying, whereas both the sash and casement windows by Pella have been a dream to own and maintain.

The company sent a fellow out to supposedly take care of that tilting problem. He put in new clips but they did not operate any better than the ones they replaced.

Second bad thing about them: At exactly three months after the warranty expired on the Renewal windows, I opened one of the casements and all the weatherstripping crumbled into pieces. It was completely dried up, and after opening the window and losing the weatherstripping, the window now leaks. I called Renewal, they said the warranty had expired and they wanted several hundred dollars to replace the weatherstripping.

I have 17 Pella casement windows much older than the Renewals, and their weatherstripping is still flexible and intact. Not only that, but they are much better-looking and more upscale. . Our newest windows are also Pellas and are on the front of the house.

The reason I had some windows done by Renewal by Anderson in vinyl (or whatever they call their trademarked material ) was their ease of installation, which did not require major construction and was done in one day. I was unpleasantly surprised at how much smaller my window views became once those were installed, because the frames surrounding the glass are so wide. The window frames do not look extraordinarily wide from the outside of the house, but inside, I lost quite a bit of view.

The Pellas are wood and have thinner frames. To install them, workers had to rip out and replace all molding and the sill around each one, then I had to hire a painter to paint the new windows and surrounding molding, which of course also led to repainting almost the entire rooms.

I suppose you already know that windows from Renewal are not the same as the nice-quality windows normally associated with the Anderson Window name. Anderson bought the Renewal company some years ago to get its foot into the replacement end of the market.

Good luck. Getting new windows is a major improvement that we continue to reap benefits from every day, even from the Renewals in spite of their faults. You will definitely notice a nice difference , even if you decide the Renewal company is the way to go, It's possible their windows have been improved, but it will pay to shop around.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

Meowingkitty — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 18:43:08 GMT

I also forgot to mention that we have shutters on the inside and to replace the windows several companies said we would have to remove the shutters and put them back up after the windows were installed. That would have cost us another $100.00 a window or about $1300.00. Plus the lag time between the removal and install. I would have to put up sheets or something to keep the neighbors from looking in. Not a look I want.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

IamMrsG — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 23:03:33 GMT

@novamc1 Thank you so much for your appraisal. I really do appreciate the time and effort you took to share your experience. I have one question if you don't mind answering: Do you know whether your company was a corporate owned/operated 'store' or if it was a franchise? I ask because I was blunt with the sales rep and told him I've seen a few too many awful reviews. His quick answer was that we would be purchasing through corporate and therein lies the difference. I dunno.

BTW, talk about sticker shock--YIKE$! $2,000 per window -- after a $12,000 discount.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

IamMrsG — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 23:05:35 GMT

@Meowingkitty I fully understand your hesitancy and decision to postpone. We're sitting on that fence ourselves right now.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

Mominohio — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 23:12:47 GMT

From our experience in this part of the country, I can tell you that if you are 50 or older, and remember all the old names of really high quality and reputable companies (Pella, Anderson and others), disregard your remembrances of the past.

Most of the names that were once synonymous with quality are no longer that.

We replaced all but our large picture window (a total of 13 windows) and found that more local companies were rated much higher. We stayed away from the Lowes and Home Depot type places, and went with places that manufacture in this area, have their own crews of installers (not contracted out), offered good warranties and lots of contacts (and local ones) for references. We settled on one such company and have been very happy with their work. Many people might think that without that national name recoginition, they can't be good, but there are several in our part of the state that really are.

For us, the house wasn't worth top of the line, best in the business kind of windows, and we put in tilt in vinyl for easy cleaning on the upper level especially. If I lived in one of the historic houses I grew up in, I'd have been more particular about the kind/style/composition of window, and I'm sure the cost would have been much more. So know in advance just how much window you really need or want to spend on, then take a look at more local manufacturers/installers in your area before you make a final decision.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

IamMrsG — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 23:30:51 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
From our experience in this part of the country, I can tell you that if you are 50 or older, and remember all the old names of really high quality and reputable companies (Pella, Anderson and others), disregard your remembrances of the past.

Most of the names that were once synonymous with quality are no longer that.

We replaced all but our large picture window (a total of 13 windows) and found that more local companies were rated much higher. We stayed away from the Lowes and Home Depot type places, and went with places that manufacture in this area, have their own crews of installers (not contracted out), offered good warranties and lots of contacts (and local ones) for references. We settled on one such company and have been very happy with their work. Many people might think that without that national name recoginition, they can't be good, but there are several in our part of the state that really are.

For us, the house wasn't worth top of the line, best in the business kind of windows, and we put in tilt in vinyl for easy cleaning on the upper level especially. If I lived in one of the historic houses I grew up in, I'd have been more particular about the kind/style/composition of window, and I'm sure the cost would have been much more. So know in advance just how much window you really need or want to spend on, then take a look at more local manufacturers/installers in your area before you make a final decision.

@Mominohio Thank you, you give several valid points to consider. We are seniors, DH is in not-so-good health, and we've already put a small fortune into this house. We're really questioning the wisdom of spending $25K more for windows.

P.S. Can I ask which company you chose? And, if you do not mind naming them, would you go with them again?

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

novamc1 — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 01:06:16 GMT

@IamMrsG

@Mominohio

I don't know about the ownership status of the Renewal Anderson firm in my area. I agree with mominohio about checking out local companies which manufacture their own brand--we have some of them in the Wash DC area and I should have considered them.

I llive in a high-cost area of the country and have spent many years selling real estate, so I know brand names can be selling points when listing a home's attributes for resale. That was not my main motivation for choosing Renewal Anderson and Pella, but probably played some part.

In my case, we absolutely HAD to replace the windows, which were ridiculously drafty and made of aluminum with separate storm windows, a few of which had cracked. What we gained from the huge investment was better insulation, nice soundproofing, ease of cleaning and a more modern look.

However, I'm now at the point where I'm looking to move somewhere else, so making such an investment at this point would be foolish, I think. (I heard one person say a long time ago that the decision to replace one's windows boiled down to a choice between affording to send the kids to college or get the windows--could be true. )

Again, I urge you to shop around and check out any sources who make and sell windows and have factories close to where you live. I believe both companies from which i bought my windows have local workshops, too, but I'm also sure I paid extra for the brand names. Do still like the Pellas, hate the Andersons. Good luck with whatever you decide

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

Julie928 — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 02:31:55 GMT

Hi Everyone! We had all the windows in our house replaced using Renewal by Andersen. One of those windows is a beautiful (huge) bay window that looks out into our backyard. We also had a side door replaced by them. I can honestly say we haven't had any major problems. The couple of small things that did go wrong were fixed quickly & efficiently. There was a broken lock on one of the windows and the other was some damaged woodwork. We accidentally dropped a screwdriver on the windowsill when installing a shade and it took a small chunk out of the wood. They replaced it no problem. I should also mention that they were very accomodating to us. We have a couple of birds and I was concerned about the smell of the varnish or whatever they use for the window trim. They were kind enough to stain everything at their warehouse. I guess typically they install the window trim then stain it. Yes, it was expensive ~ very expensive but I feel was well worth it. Hopefully this is something I won't have to do again in my lifetime, lol! Good luck with your decision. As everyone else has advised, be sure to do your homework. Go with the company that feels right for you. :-)

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

sandraskates — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 02:56:22 GMT

We had several windows in our house replaced by a regional California company. The brand we picked is Anlin, also made in California.

We LOVE them! They are well made, easy to open, close and lock, and keep the indoor temperature pretty even throughout the year.

And believe it or not, we found this company because the salesguy was trolling the neighborhood one evening, I happened to be home, and we happened to be in the need for windows. Of course I checked the company out before going with them.

So I recommend that you check out the local companies too.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

151949 — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 13:31:18 GMT

We replaced the windows in our Pittsburgh home in 2001 - we went with Great Lakes Window Co - an employee owned co. WE went from aluminum frames (awful) to vinyl which were wonderful. It was money very well spent. We would like to replace the builder grade windows in our current home soon as they are very cheap. We would most likely install hurricane proof ones here. when we replaced those windows in our first home we got ones that flip over so you can clean the outside from inside the house - best idea ever.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

Mominohio — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 13:43:25 GMT

@151949 wrote:
We replaced the windows in our Pittsburgh home in 2001 - we went with Great Lakes Window Co - an employee owned co. WE went from aluminum frames (awful) to vinyl which were wonderful. It was money very well spent. We would like to replace the builder grade windows in our current home soon as they are very cheap. We would most likely install hurricane proof ones here. when we replaced those windows in our first home we got ones that flip over so you can clean the outside from inside the house - best idea ever.

We used Great Lakes windows for a sliding glass door and a kitchen window replacement about a decade ago (or maybe a little more now), and while the quality seemed good, both installs have since failed. The argon gas leaked out of both, and when that happens, the window clouds completely over and is not only energy inefficient but terribly unsightly and hard to see out of.

Great Lakes is good about sending replacement sashes for free, but you have to figure out how to install them or pay a company to do so. We simply replaced with another brand, as the cost wasn't that much more than dealing with finding someone who would help out with the replacements. The original installing company has since gone out of business.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

Mominohio — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 14:45:02 GMT

@IamMrsG wrote:
@Mominohio wrote:
From our experience in this part of the country, I can tell you that if you are 50 or older, and remember all the old names of really high quality and reputable companies (Pella, Anderson and others), disregard your remembrances of the past.

Most of the names that were once synonymous with quality are no longer that.

We replaced all but our large picture window (a total of 13 windows) and found that more local companies were rated much higher. We stayed away from the Lowes and Home Depot type places, and went with places that manufacture in this area, have their own crews of installers (not contracted out), offered good warranties and lots of contacts (and local ones) for references. We settled on one such company and have been very happy with their work. Many people might think that without that national name recoginition, they can't be good, but there are several in our part of the state that really are.

For us, the house wasn't worth top of the line, best in the business kind of windows, and we put in tilt in vinyl for easy cleaning on the upper level especially. If I lived in one of the historic houses I grew up in, I'd have been more particular about the kind/style/composition of window, and I'm sure the cost would have been much more. So know in advance just how much window you really need or want to spend on, then take a look at more local manufacturers/installers in your area before you make a final decision.
@Mominohio Thank you, you give several valid points to consider. We are seniors, DH is in not-so-good health, and we've already put a small fortune into this house. We're really questioning the wisdom of spending $25K more for windows.
P.S. Can I ask which company you chose? And, if you do not mind naming them, would you go with them again?

@IamMrsG

The company we used is out of Mansfield Ohio, The Window Place. The brand of window we installed is Joyce Windows, manufactured in Ohio. They have several lines and qualities, and we chose the Heritage line (I think that is what it was called). We had to do the job over a period of time, about half of the windows at one time, then the rest a year or two later (because of cost, we were wanting to pay cash and pay as we went with this project). I would definitely use this company again. Oh, and we have an attached garage, unheated, that we wanted cheaper replacement windows for, and they were able to save us about $100 per window for those, but they matched in look enough that you absolutely cannot tell them from the others in the house by looking.

We installed a total of 15 windows and the total cost for product and labor came in just under $7000. So depending on the market where you live, a good quality replacement window job for an entire house doesn't have to warrant a second mortgage.

I tried to go with Rosati Windows out of Columbus, but we were just a few miles outside of the area that they were willing to travel for work. Too bad, because we did the entire house, plus a sliding door. It really would have been worth their time to consider the job. They manufacture and install their own windows, and I was really interested in looking at their product, but it wasn't an option.

Our house was built in 1973, and quiet frankly, we have about rebuilt the thing. I never really cared for the style or age of the home (I'm an old house girl, before 1920 suits me best), but bought because of location. We really didn't want to put the very best, top of the line product in here, but wanted lasting quality. The house just doesn't warrant the very best, and being in our 50's, we attempted to buy good enough to last the years we plan on being here, but not what one would do for a better quality house. Our old windows were wood, totally rotted and repaired so many times they were beyond repair, and we had to make a move on something. We are so far, after three years, happy with what we chose.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

151949 — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 16:54:59 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
@151949 wrote:
We replaced the windows in our Pittsburgh home in 2001 - we went with Great Lakes Window Co - an employee owned co. WE went from aluminum frames (awful) to vinyl which were wonderful. It was money very well spent. We would like to replace the builder grade windows in our current home soon as they are very cheap. We would most likely install hurricane proof ones here. when we replaced those windows in our first home we got ones that flip over so you can clean the outside from inside the house - best idea ever.
We used Great Lakes windows for a sliding glass door and a kitchen window replacement about a decade ago (or maybe a little more now), and while the quality seemed good, both installs have since failed. The argon gas leaked out of both, and when that happens, the window clouds completely over and is not only energy inefficient but terribly unsightly and hard to see out of.

Great Lakes is good about sending replacement sashes for free, but you have to figure out how to install them or pay a company to do so. We simply replaced with another brand, as the cost wasn't that much more than dealing with finding someone who would help out with the replacements. The original installing company has since gone out of business.

We had our Great Lakes Windows for 9 years when we sold the house and they were all still in perfect condition. Maybe it depends on the company that installed them.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

Mominohio — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 17:02:52 GMT

@151949 wrote:
@Mominohio wrote:
@151949 wrote:
We replaced the windows in our Pittsburgh home in 2001 - we went with Great Lakes Window Co - an employee owned co. WE went from aluminum frames (awful) to vinyl which were wonderful. It was money very well spent. We would like to replace the builder grade windows in our current home soon as they are very cheap. We would most likely install hurricane proof ones here. when we replaced those windows in our first home we got ones that flip over so you can clean the outside from inside the house - best idea ever.
We used Great Lakes windows for a sliding glass door and a kitchen window replacement about a decade ago (or maybe a little more now), and while the quality seemed good, both installs have since failed. The argon gas leaked out of both, and when that happens, the window clouds completely over and is not only energy inefficient but terribly unsightly and hard to see out of.

Great Lakes is good about sending replacement sashes for free, but you have to figure out how to install them or pay a company to do so. We simply replaced with another brand, as the cost wasn't that much more than dealing with finding someone who would help out with the replacements. The original installing company has since gone out of business.
We had our Great Lakes Windows for 9 years when we sold the house and they were all still in perfect condition. Maybe it depends on the company that installed them.

I agree. The company that installed turned out to be quite a mess, and baled out on a lot of customers when the went out of business. I never thought the installation of the one window was done right, as after about a year it would not lock, no matter what I did. The fact is that windows with argon inside are subject to failing, and will given enough time. The actual Great Lakes window company is great to deal with and their warranty stands strong, but the installation company we used was a definite mistake.

And so as not to confuse anyone, this comment is not in connection with the long one I made about the company that recently did all our windows. That company has been great. The Great Lakes window and sliding glass door were installed a decade or more ago, and failed so we repaced with Joyce installed by The Window Place not only those two, but the entire house, and are so far happy with the products and service.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

Fressa — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 18:36:11 GMT

We purchased Pella for our home and love them. I can see the savings in our enery bills every month. I love the look of them and the ease to clean or use the screens. I reserach a purchase forever before we actually buy and I found mixed or awful reviews on the Marvin, TherrmoTtwin and other brands. Anderson was our second choice but our neighbors had a bad experience the year prior so that swayed us to Pella.

Our installation seemd to go smoothly compared to some of my friends who had replaced their windows in the years prior to us. I had no issues with drafts or frames not sealing and I have huge windows. My only issue was with the color of the stain for the windows on the lower level. They were a shade darker than I had selected but still within an accpetable range for us.

My friend is always replacing windows in her Mom's home and has had issues with the windows being too heavy for the frame. I think the salesperson took advantage of them and sold them windows that didn't fit the house correctly.

I spend quite a bit of time checking reviews and the company's reputation thru the BBB. Some times you can have a decent product but a shoddy crew. Check your guarantee carefully.

I won't have anything else but Pella for our needs.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

151949 — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 22:55:34 GMT

I would have loved Pella windows but they were not in our budget for the job. As it turns out - the windows we chose had etching instead of muttons to make it look like panes and the people who bought the house absolutely loved those etched windows. I think they really sold them on the house.

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

IamMrsG — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 01:31:21 GMT

@Mominohio Thank you so much for sharing your window shopping experience. Your reasoning is sound, and it gives us solid decision making points. Again, thank you.

As I do about all kinds of decisions we make, I prayed about this one. (If this offends anyone, I advise you to skip this so you will not feel the need to criticize.) I prayed for guidance to make the right choice.

Well, we went to a competitor's show room today, arriving at 1:45ish. If you will believe it, the showroom was unexpectedly closed and we found a sign on the door that said they would return at 2:00. We went next door for a late lunch, then came back around 2:30. The business was still locked and the interior lights were off. The "2:00" sign was still on the door. DH called and spoke with the corporate office about it, and was put on hold as they 'checked into it.' After too many minutes holding, we hung up and left.

I'm certainly neither superstitious nor looking for signs everywhere, but when God closes a door...

Re: Have you replaced your windows?

novamc1 — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 02:11:32 GMT

@IamMrsG

It might not be unusual for a window dealer to open its showroom "by appointment" or only keep it open all day on weekends, when there is adequate walk-in traffic to justify it.

Marvin Windows opened a store near me, and I believe it stays closed on most weekdays. I'm sure someone would be glad to open the door if a meeting is scheduled in advance, though. Windows very often are sold by appointment in a buyer's home. I had one company bring samples of their window styles and show them off right in my dining room.

I did visit the showrooms of Pella and Renewal by Anderson.