Replacement Windows (vinyl, Home Depot, Lowes, heat)

[Alter]

What should I look for? What should avoid? I have two windows that face the blazing afternoon sun. The sun has rotted the wood, so that effect is a factor for me. I live in California so heat is a factor, cold, not so much.
How about installation companies? Any thoughts on what to look for there?
Thanks!

[ShaneSA]

All the companies show and demonstrate the "double hung window" They also make single hung, that do not open from the top. The top is stationary. It's less expensive for single hung windows. I shopped around the window companies to replace 34 windows in my house. A wee bit pricey, but I did find the place to do it.
Most of the window comapnies started out thier hi pressure bids at way high dollars. When I started to refuse the bid aor say I would get back to them, the window companies started to drop thier price drastically if I would sign there and then. One company dropped thier bid $30,000.
I finally chose Lowe's becasue they had one price in the store, sent a man out to measure, gave me the quote in the store a few days later and the only change was some trim that was not included in the window. They installed them(single hung) with trim and even cleaned them. No changes and no problems. The price was not bad at all.
I would strongly reccomend Lowe's or Home Depot.

[Cosmic]

It is difficult to describe what to look for.

Basically want it to be full vinyl, heavy weight. Good glass, good workmanship, Low E, all the hardware heavy duty. Should have bottom strip that seals the angle formed with the window framing, this will be separate from the window and snap into a groove in the bottom. Allows for a seal and better looking appearance because most older windows have a slope to the stool area. Top should have an adjustable cap that allows about a 3/4" tolerance to fit the window in the vertical plane.

You also want the flanges around the window to be a full U shape. This will vary from manufacturer. Some only provide a flange on the exterior side. The better window will have a double flange, both inner and outer, this forms a U shaped channel that is easy to pre-insulate before installation. Plus it makes the overall window stronger and stiffer, you get two surfaces to seal with caulking.

In general a bigger window like 60" and above will be quite heavy and take a bit of grunting to lift. The poor windows will have a noticeable difference in weight and the amount of vinyl in the framing. That is one of the major difference between windows. Plus the poorer windows handware in general is also smaller and more cheeny. Things like the lock mechanisms, etc.

Your typical better grade window will cost something like $180 on average (contractor's price). Each window will have a sticker with a serial number, its dimensions and be registered with the manufacturer. Replacement parts, glass, etc can be gotten using that information.

I don't think much of most of those window replacement companies. Your typical mark up on a window is ~100% for the installation. They try to make a big mystery about the entire process and pretend it is difficult, play games about discounts and do whatever to fool you. It is a fairly easy buck but the markups are justified in a way not from all the work to install them but because of all the time and running around prior to actually getting the windows. So something like $300 per window for the better grades might be a fair price if a contractor installs it. Do not try to judge window quality from one of them lil demo window things the salemen carry around. You need to see a real window to judge.

From the contractor side of it, you want to bag every job. Quotes cost time and money. Nothing is free, especially if you have to go thru the process of doing all the measuring. Explains a lot of the games that happen, the customer is not always right. You tend to not give as high a price break in older houses. If there are old aluminum storm windows, they will try to run off with those to resell for scrap. Excellent money today in scrap aluminum, could be couple hundred dollars worth.

Also understand any contractor will give you about 15 minutes max per window. The homeowner can do a far better job. They also tend to measure the windows a bit on the loose side. When in doubt shoot more caulking. You will get no repair in the really nasty situations, that puppy is going in quick.

I don't like Lowes or HD, they have junk in terms of windows of all types. True of a lot of their gear.

The last windows I bought for replacement got thru a local hardware store (Part of the DIY chain). That is the other part of the problem. Finding a good source where the homeowner can buy direct without messing with one of those window companies. Can be done, save you a lot of money, not difficult to do. Some tricks in doing the measuring but it is not rocket science.

[Sunnydee]

Pella and Marvin make good windows.

[stock66]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I wish I was capable of doing the install but I think that is beyond my DIY skills. I will look over the windows well though!
Is vinyl better than wood or fiberglass?

[texdav]

Wood is mostly for higher end homes now days and very expensive. The vinyl and aluminum have their advanatges. Vinyl are best in white because vinyl fades pretty badly. Even replacing a white vinyl window wtih aniother five years old may show.Alumiun like wood take painting after they age but are more prone to need more up keep because the original color is a finish not all the way thru.A good aluinum window is more expensive than a good vinyl window because of material cost. In cheap widows I prefer a vinyl window in white. No expense sparred a wood window for looks.

[Julie W]

Has anyone heard of Jordan Windows? A contractor is willing to install Dual Pane & Low E windows and only charge me his cost for the windows plus minor charges for installation.

[texdav]

If it is the Jordan windows and doors that started in the 1800 they make aluminum and vinyl widows and have a good reputation from veryhting I have heard. Make sure the contractor is laget at that price by checking with BBB. Best to use a well known local contracotr that has been in busienss for years and get referrals you can look at and talk to.

[motormaker]

Originally Posted by Sunnydee

Pella and Marvin make good windows.

Don't forget Milgard Windows.