Window replacement brand recommendation (sales, new house, contractors)

[alex3181]

I know that window replacement topic was already discussed on multiple threads, but I'm just looking to replace my old aluminum windows with simple double hung vinyl windows. Are there any brands other than Anderson, Pella and Marvin that people used and are happy with? I just feel that if I'm going with vinyl window there is no reason to go with this expensive brands.

[gx89]

We used Unified at our old house. Ideal was the brand, in 3 years never had any issues. Lifetime warranty. Rest of home was 15-18yr old Andersons that still looked new and had no issues. New house we are going with Pella since we needed all custom sizes. I think we paid $299 installed per window for ideal.

[Elke Mariotti]

In my last two homes I replaced existing old windows with Alpha Windows and had no complaints!

[VA Yankee]

I went with Window World, great experience and far more reasonable then the Anderson Replacements.

[Nevar242]

Alpha no longer makes windows.
Anderson Renewal is among the best but about twice the cost per unit. [ They do use sub-contractors for the install, as do 99% of all companies]
Triple glass is better than Double, but you have to weigh the extra cost . Skip the Heat mirror, sun shield and the 100 other names unless the window gets direct sun for many hours. All it does is reflect the suns heat in the summer ,nothing else. The Warm Edge Spacer is Great No metal in it. It is the object that is between the panes of glass. Skip Home Depot and LOWES.
Be aware that any and all samples you see in the show room or at your home are built with extra special care [ GOT IT ??]
Life time Warranty ! ON WHAT ? Should say All parts and glass. And how many years for Labor.
Get everything, I mean everything the sales guy says in writing. EI rotted or damaged wood replaced. If he says Broken/damaged stop molding replaced. WRITE IT. Most times Aluminum and steel window removal does not include stop molding.
My favorite lines are
1] I am part owner
2 The owner is my Uncle, Dad ETC. [ 1 company does have a son a sales TS]
Last note You are negotiating The Sales guy Commission only. Owner has a Fixed profit on each opening
Good luck 32 years as An installer

[lubby]

My MIL used king quality.

[AndreaII]

The make of the windows is just half of the equation. The installation is the other half. If the installation is done well, then you're set. If it's lousy, those new windows will be rotting from water within 5 years.