What is the best type of window (Portland, Belfast: house, contractor)

[lowellmaine]

Okay, I need to get some new windows. I have two windows that have been here since the house was built. the others are the white vinyl that tip in so you can wash them easier. I wanted to replace them this year. But with mom in the hospital for four months the savings went down. anyway, what would be a good window to replace mine that would not be to overly expensive.

I am excited about keeping the cold air outside.

[Acadianlion]

There are several companies in Maine that make Energy Star compliant replacement windows. They are really good products, and in case your house has odd window sizes, it is pretty easy to have one of these outfits make the window to fit your window openings.

I have no connection with these people, but one company whose products I have seen being made is Matthews Brothers in Belfast. There are others, too.

If you go to the lumber yards they will probably have a variety of windows from a variety of manufacturers. Probably the largest brand name in windows in Maine is Andersen, which is very high line stuff, and quite expensive. They have a very strong distributor in New England, and one advantage to them is that repair and replacement parts are easy to source when needed.

You have many options and replacement windows do not need to be horribly expensive while giving excellent results. Try talking with the local lumber yard. They can help you sort through what can be quite a maze.

[Maineah]

We just installed 17 replacement windows in our house.
They're Andersen windows made for Home Depot.
They have full removable screens and mullions(fake window panes) between the glass.
We paid just over $4000 for them and another $1500 to get them installed.
They are much better than the old windows and aluminum combos we had before. They are not perfect though,the screen pull tabs are cheap and fall out easily, but we can remedy that problem. A few of them had problems with the seal too. You get what you pay for!

[Submariner]

Any window that lets you Open/Close and remove the screen all from inside, is the best for us.

That way you can stay inside with your rifle, open a window and take a shot at the critters harassing your livestock.

[island mermaid]

IMO- Harvey windows are a much better product than Andersen. We installed them in every spec we built, everyone loved them and we never got a compaint.


Find a Contractor - Windows & Door Manufacturers - Harvey (http://www.harveyind.com/asp/find_a_contractor.asp - broken link)


Harvey also sent us on numerous paid vacations to many wonderful tropical locations too. Not that I'm biased or anything.

[Bydand]

Harvey make a very good product, I agree. Anderson makes a decent line, but I think they rely on brand recognition more than they should at this stage. I haven't see as much progression in quality or innovation in the last 15 years from them like they used to do.

[kellysmith]

I'd have to go with Harvey as well. I think they are the best window on the market. I believe they only sell wholesale however. Portland Glass carries them. Otherwise you need to find a contractor who does business with them.

[island mermaid]

True, but if the OP was going to hire someone to install, chances are he would have an account with a major supplier. I believe the link directs you to finding reputable GC's in your area as well.

[lowellmaine]

Thanks for all replys. I am sure my husband could install them. I just don't know the diffrence between windows and neither does he.

thanks again

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

Any window that lets you Open/Close and remove the screen all from inside, is the best for us.

That way you can stay inside with your rifle, open a window and take a shot at the critters harassing your livestock.

Raising the window spooks them. Take a quick shot right through the window!