Doors and Windows - New Vinyl indows (eveyone says theirs is the best)
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Curious Homeowner
10-14-04, 07:01 PM
I live in southern Ohio and own a 50 year old brick ranch home. The windows need replacing (their 22 years old) I have met with several Manufactures and I am more confused now than before I started.
They all say their window is the best. I want a vinyl clad double hung window.
Is there someone that has gone through this process and is happy with their selection?
Tired of listning to Salesman!
Oh yea, is the test of the heat lamp some use a true test to find out wndow leakage? (The one with the little windmill thing)
They all say their window is the best. I want a vinyl clad double hung window.
Is there someone that has gone through this process and is happy with their selection?
Tired of listning to Salesman!
Oh yea, is the test of the heat lamp some use a true test to find out wndow leakage? (The one with the little windmill thing)
glasman2
10-14-04, 08:33 PM
That windmill thing your talking about is to show the differences between just a clear unit and 1 with Low-E ands argon, also the thickness of the unit.
1 inch is optimal. bigger and smaller than 1 inch will show a difference.
I say look for warranty on glass and frame. Vinyl windows are VERY good, wood with a vinyl clad is even better due to R value ect.
Shopping for windows is like shopping for cars, everyone is going to tell you " mine is better " they want to make the sale.
Look for what appeals to you, what options you like, colors , locks and latches.
1 person won't like a window cause "how" it locks, or how it slides, or because it tilts, or it doesn't tilt.
Find a salesman you feel comfortable with go through all the products he has, and with your wife, pick 1.
Remember, cheaper is not always better, ask questions about what problems a window may have and ask them to be honest. Find the 1 window you like then go someplace else that carries that exact same window and see if they can beat the price. Cars, windows, all the same when shoping ;)
1 inch is optimal. bigger and smaller than 1 inch will show a difference.
I say look for warranty on glass and frame. Vinyl windows are VERY good, wood with a vinyl clad is even better due to R value ect.
Shopping for windows is like shopping for cars, everyone is going to tell you " mine is better " they want to make the sale.
Look for what appeals to you, what options you like, colors , locks and latches.
1 person won't like a window cause "how" it locks, or how it slides, or because it tilts, or it doesn't tilt.
Find a salesman you feel comfortable with go through all the products he has, and with your wife, pick 1.
Remember, cheaper is not always better, ask questions about what problems a window may have and ask them to be honest. Find the 1 window you like then go someplace else that carries that exact same window and see if they can beat the price. Cars, windows, all the same when shoping ;)
homebild
10-15-04, 06:13 AM
If there is only 1 factor or criterion upon which, if you could, base a decision for any window, it should be the U factor.
U-factor is a measure of a window's overall ability to keep from losing or gaining energy.
The lower the U factor, the better the window's performance and it's ability to keep heat in for the winter and cool in for the summer and vice versa.
U-factor labeling is required by law in the US for every window sold, and your State and local building code sets requirements for minimum U factor ratings based on your local climate.
In my particular county, for example, all windows must meet a minimum U factor of .35 or less. Any window with a U factor above that rating cannot be installed.
All things being equal (which in reality with vinyl windows is usually the case) the U factor is the single most important item by which the windows should be selected.
Ask each manufacturer to submit to you the U factor for the units they want to sell you and compare them to your local code minumum.
The one with the lowest U factor is the window for you.
U-factor is a measure of a window's overall ability to keep from losing or gaining energy.
The lower the U factor, the better the window's performance and it's ability to keep heat in for the winter and cool in for the summer and vice versa.
U-factor labeling is required by law in the US for every window sold, and your State and local building code sets requirements for minimum U factor ratings based on your local climate.
In my particular county, for example, all windows must meet a minimum U factor of .35 or less. Any window with a U factor above that rating cannot be installed.
All things being equal (which in reality with vinyl windows is usually the case) the U factor is the single most important item by which the windows should be selected.
Ask each manufacturer to submit to you the U factor for the units they want to sell you and compare them to your local code minumum.
The one with the lowest U factor is the window for you.
daswede
10-15-04, 11:30 AM
I appreciate your deliama. I did what you did with different salesmen pitches. What i did was to finally find a reputable contractor and ask what they recommended. next step was to find out what was the brand that was predominately being installed in my area of the country.
With a little research/knowledge you will be able to make a intelligent decision. I know with all thats being thrown at you, its like buying a car.Ya gotta do your homework.
Good luck.
With a little research/knowledge you will be able to make a intelligent decision. I know with all thats being thrown at you, its like buying a car.Ya gotta do your homework.
Good luck.
Curious Homeowner
10-17-04, 07:29 AM
Thank you so much for your comments. I have learned so much about windows this past week. I guess a man should investigate fully before investing in this kind of money.
Thanks again! By the way, it looks lik Alside Window will get my busisness.I am very pleased with their produ
Thanks again! By the way, it looks lik Alside Window will get my busisness.I am very pleased with their produ
pgtek
10-29-04, 07:35 AM
hi
also check the thicknees of the thermal glass
if your in a cold climate ask for 5/8 in thermal
better heat and ac saver
here in nc mostly 1/2 in for not as cold as in newyork or chicago
also if possible get them with low-e
cheers
pg
also check the thicknees of the thermal glass
if your in a cold climate ask for 5/8 in thermal
better heat and ac saver
here in nc mostly 1/2 in for not as cold as in newyork or chicago
also if possible get them with low-e
cheers
pg
lefty
10-29-04, 09:23 PM
Low-E or Low-e squared glass is a 'no-brainer'. Don't buy a window without it!!
johnam
10-30-04, 06:32 AM
And most important...........the INSTALLATION of the windows. Get references. The best window with a poor installation is worth nothing.
glasman2
10-30-04, 08:55 AM
hi
also check the thicknees of the thermal glass
if your in a cold climate ask for 5/8 in thermal
better heat and ac saver
here in nc mostly 1/2 in for not as cold as in newyork or chicago
also if possible get them with low-e
cheers
pg
1 Inch over all thickness of the glass is the best you can get, anything over or under loses R/u value
also check the thicknees of the thermal glass
if your in a cold climate ask for 5/8 in thermal
better heat and ac saver
here in nc mostly 1/2 in for not as cold as in newyork or chicago
also if possible get them with low-e
cheers
pg
1 Inch over all thickness of the glass is the best you can get, anything over or under loses R/u value