What brands of windows do you like?
Last Post 29 Dec 2008 08:54 AM by Manfred. 24 Replies.
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crashkahunaUser is Offline
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18 Sep 2008 10:42 AM
I am building a new house would like double hung tilt out windows. The ones I like so far are Pella, Crestline and Marvin. I would like wood interior and clad exterior. I am leaning toward the Pella but not sure if I like aluminum cladding - my previous house had Marvin vinyl clad which showed no wear at all in 11 years of pretty extreme weather whearas the white flashing, gutters etc on my house were faded, spotted, mildewed (?).  Energy star is a must.  Thanks!  -- Steve in Iowa
gregjUser is Offline
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18 Sep 2008 11:37 AM
I believe casements seal better than double hung and therefore are more energy efficient.
wesUser is Offline
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18 Sep 2008 11:25 PM
I thought it was a law in the state of Iowa that you had to use Pella?
Seriously, there are several types of windows that will be far more energy efficient than a clad wood double hung.
If you just gotta have a wood window, any of the windows you mentioned will be equal in quality. Note: avoid the Pella Pro-line series, very CHEAP , and not worth the money, either.
Wes Shelby<br>Design Systems Group<br>Murray KY<br>[email protected]
crashkahunaUser is Offline
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19 Sep 2008 10:06 AM
I am open to any brand of window. Main reason I like the double hung is for ease of cleaning (upstairs) when they tilt. Also I like screens on the outside and double hung seem less likely to be damaged by wind if left open. Thanks for any recommendations!
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19 Sep 2008 12:37 PM
With casements you can reach both sides of the window for cleaning from inside by opening the window. Most open 90 degrees with a 4-5" gap on the hinge side. I live in nearby Nebraska so can appreciate your wind concern but casements are in common use around here and I've never heard of any wind damage. The casements do seal better against wind infiltration when closed. If you want screens outside then double hung is the way to go.
CFL-ICFUser is Offline
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23 Sep 2008 03:26 PM
I like Peachtree and ESP brands.
newflowersUser is Offline
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26 Sep 2008 01:21 AM
Do casement windows come with screens that go on the inside of the window?
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26 Sep 2008 10:21 AM
Posted By newflowers on 09/26/2008 1:21 AM
Do casement windows come with screens that go on the inside of the window?

Most do, yes.
....jc<br>If you're not building with OSB SIPS(or ICF's), why are you building?
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26 Sep 2008 02:02 PM
We prefer Simonton, low "e" argon filled

at the last builders show I was impressed with the quality, pricing and warranty of Paradigm http://www.paradigmwindows.com/ and would like to try on our next project
Chris Kavala<br>[email protected]<br>1-877-321-SIPS<br />
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23 Oct 2008 11:36 AM
Look at Schuco. I searched the web for days investigating the major brands, this is the only one I failed to find a complaint about.
warmsmeallupUser is Offline
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27 Oct 2008 05:23 PM

We installed all new Pella casements throughout. Yes, when closed they are tight. I don't think anything comes close that still opens.
 
However, open them up and everything changes. It's difficult to open them just a little if the crank handle isn't in the right place. They are subject to "creaking" on a mildly windy day and anything wider than 15" +/- and they hang heavy. That means that they won't close without giving them a "running start" if they've been open for the day. That means that you have to open them wide and then crank fast. One of our window locking mechanisms broke because of the constant striking the window frame made against it coming together. Close it any slower and the hooks wouldn't grab the window. Granted, all our windows were special order sizes but if they know it's a problem, don't sell them.

<a href="http://www.comfortradiant.com" target="_blank">COMFORT RADIANT HEATING, LLC</a><br> <a href="http://www.comfortradiant.com/zmeshinterior.php" target="_blank">Floor Warming</a><br><a href="http://www.comfortradiant.com/roof-deicing.php" target="_blank">Roof De-Icing</a><br><a href="http://www.comfortradiant.com/snow-melting.php" target="_blank">Snow Melting</a>
wesUser is Offline
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28 Oct 2008 07:32 AM
warmsmeallup brings up an interesting point. One that I have experienced occasionally, myself, and not just with Pella brand casements. It seems that the casement mechanisms are a lot more 'touchy' that they should be. Anyone else noticed this? by the way, if your interested in woodframed windows, take a look at www.hwindows.com. a very interesting concept.
Wes Shelby<br>Design Systems Group<br>Murray KY<br>[email protected]
CathyKUser is Offline
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28 Oct 2008 06:05 PM
We're going with a fiberglass window (oak clad interior) from InLine out of Toronto. The customer service has been great. We'll see how the windows work out. Another company I'm familiar with is Aspin from Colorado. Their president presented at a Green Building Conference I attended and he had a lot to say that made sense. Check out the NFRC web site. Lots of good information (actually, overwhelming amounts of information). Cathy
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02 Nov 2008 12:13 PM
Try Eagle windows...they are good windows for the price. Also, depending on the weather casement windows are not a great choice. Here in the northeast when rain can show up at any moment, often casement windows do not weather being left open in the rain like a double hung window. The hardware can rust and wood interior can rot.
warmsmeallupUser is Offline
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02 Nov 2008 12:59 PM

An update:

We called Pella Corporate and were basically blown off. "Yeah, the casement windows can't be left open for long. The wind and weather reaks havoc on the frame." I replied, they won't close after being left open over night. No wind, no rain, no inclement weather". They repeated what they said the first time.

So, the bottom line is that Pella sells a window design that they know has issues and they have no excuse for why they haven't fixed the problem. A larger window requires a more supportive bracket and cranking system and they choose not to make the advancements to their product line.

It's on to The Better Business Bureau, forums like this one and word of mouth.

DON'T BUY PELLA CASEMENT WINDOWS. THEY DON'T LAST AND THERE'S NO REPAIR.

<a href="http://www.comfortradiant.com" target="_blank">COMFORT RADIANT HEATING, LLC</a><br> <a href="http://www.comfortradiant.com/zmeshinterior.php" target="_blank">Floor Warming</a><br><a href="http://www.comfortradiant.com/roof-deicing.php" target="_blank">Roof De-Icing</a><br><a href="http://www.comfortradiant.com/snow-melting.php" target="_blank">Snow Melting</a>
bob swinburneUser is Offline
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14 Nov 2008 11:55 AM
Do some research on fiberglass windows. Marvin make the integrity line which gets used a lot here in Vermont. I have seen a lot of relatively new (last 20 years) windows fail and it seems to have a lot to do with thermal expansion rates. wood, aluminum, vinyl all have different thermal expansion rates than the glass and some manufacturers seem to handle that better than others. With fiberglass, it's not an issue. The canadians are making some superior fiberglass windows as well. Better thermal performance from fiberglass as well.
Bob Swinburne<br>Vermont architect
mikeinnycUser is Offline
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29 Nov 2008 08:53 PM
I have all anderson 400 series. I think they are "da bomb" as the kids say. Very high quality. Low heat loss. I do have one non argon window in my basement which sucks. I feel cold air via window. Spay foamed frame otherwise. I will be ripping this piggy out soon and ebaying this Home Crapo for one buck.
MIKE IN NYC
ManfredUser is Offline
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03 Dec 2008 03:40 PM
For what it is worth I am making a pitch for Heinzmann windows from Germany distributed here in the US by European Windows. Go to www.europeanwindows.com . By far the best window around. It is pricey, mind you, about 10% more than Anderson 400 series. But you will get lifetime warranty and unsurpassed performance. These windows are good at the coast, in the tornado belt and everywhere in between. Just my humble opinion.
Manfred Knobel<br>Moss Pointe Builders, Inc.
alex08User is Offline
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04 Dec 2008 01:10 AM
Hi,

I will give u some ideas for windows' brands. This is my opinion.  upvc windows, energy related windows, Whitegrain windows, upvc tilt and turn windows. These brands are very comfortable and effective for our home. All brands are available in conservatory outlet. Conservatory Outlet also specialise in providing quality PVC Doors, Double Glazed Windows, French Doors, Patio Doors and a range of Roofline products. It’s conservatories are quick and easy to install<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> <!--[if gte mso 10]>
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04 Dec 2008 11:49 AM
We have Andersen 400s as well - so far so good.

Their Tru-scene screens, while pricey, are nearly invisible.
Curt Kinder <br><br>

The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is - Winston Churchill <br><br><a href="http://www.greenersolutionsair.com">www.greenersolutionsair.com</a>
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