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Use the voice recorder to ask a question in this section and it’ll probably get answered!
Me and my wife just received a quote from Apex energy solutions here in Charlotte NC. We have 19 windows to replace and were quoted at $578 per. The windows are Insigna and triple pane. This is first window purchase we will be making. Just cannot find any information online about these windows.
They came and gave me a quote out in Colorado. Mine were ballparking around $700 a window, but I’ve got some pretty big casements. They are essentially a mix between the Alside 8000 and the Alside Mezzo I believe. I’m not going with them simply because they got pushy with their “promo” rate and I’m opting to have custom fiberglass windows built and install them myself. See the linked website for the company I’m ordering through.
If Silverline and American craftsman are both bad, who makes a reasonably priced wrapped wood or vinyl basement hopper or sliding style window. I need 31.25 x 12.5-12.75″
Pick a window manufacturer that you like based on your research, and they are likely to make a basement hopper. Quality, price, and performance will generally be consistent across all styles that a manufacturer offers.
I spoke with Wincore Rep. They said, Repair
If an inspection indicates that the claim is valid in accordance with the provisions of this warranty, Wincore® agrees, at its option, to repair or replace any defective part or component
as warranted herein, free of charge to the warranty holder, when said defective part or component is returned to Wincore®. The warranty holder shall pay return transportation charges. THE WARRANTY HOLDER IS PINNACLE EXTERIORS, NOT THE HOME OWNER.
We are debating about going with Apex Energy here in Denver with there Insignia series. We know it’s an Alside product based on research (and this site) they haven’t claimed that it wasn’t. They are have an attractive window with triple pane, insulated frames and other great benefits for a window. We are being quoted around $750/window with installation. I know that price can change based on market and Denver is more expensive than most markets along with install complexities. Are they worth it? Can we find a better window that offers similar features elsewhere? The windows warranty is being billed as transferable and lifetime.
We’ve also asked for LOCAL referrals and I’ve reached out to them to see if i can meet with them and discuss their experience..
any input would be helpful
Well, for example we offer a similar Alside window in Denver with tighter air infiltration ratings, better VT ratings, triple pane glass, foam filled frames, etc for about $500 per window. There are a lot of options and the prices can vary a lot. I’ve written about our program here and we’ll be expanding things soon. Good luck with your project!
I’m in Fort Collins and checked out Alpen Windows in Boulder. It’s worth a look if your budget can go to fiberglass. They even gave me a personal tour of the shop which was pretty rad! Apex quoted me at about the same for my place, but I’m sold on Alpen after visiting with them.
Jay, please post back to this page if you actually go ahead with the Alpen window. I would be very interested in learning how your project goes. I am in Colorado Springs and am looking at replacing 38 of the infamous Oldach wood windows.
Are they the Oldach, metal-clad 2000 series windows? If so, it would be worth your while to have a quick conversation with me. I am one of just a few guys that deal with Oldach windows on a regular basis. Almost all people that I deal with, that have these windows in their home, end up getting their Oldachs replaced with high-efficiency, triple-pane, lifetime warrantied windows, at a total cost of about $1,000. Many, pay nothing out of pocket at all. Let me know if you would like to chat. Don’t worry, Im not a pushy sales guy or anything. Most likely, you will walk away more knowledgeable, and better prepared for window shopping than you were before. I live in Stetson hills, but work anywhere between Pueblo and Denver, and am willing travel further for large projects.
Hello, I’m looking at getting my Windows replaced. I wanted to do black vinyl Simonton platinum prism. Some of the contractors I was working with said black Windows aren’t a good idea due to it drawing heat. What are your thoughts. I live in north east Ohio if that helps for climate. Thank you
I’m not aware that Simonton makes a black window. Historically black vinyl didn’t hold up well which is why you just about never see them. Some companies make a very dark brown now with good results so there are options. If you’re in Northeast Ohio you should check with my friends at Window Universe.
i am currently getting bids to replace our 25 year old aluminum windows with vinyl. I have recieved a bid for Alside Mezzo and Simonton Azure, both estimates are about the same $14000. we have 21 windows we are replacing. My question is the comparison between the 2 window companies. Also i am looking at a local family company, they make, sell and install there own windows. The company name is Sun Windows they are located in Troy Missouri. Have you ever heard of this company or know anything about this company. there windows seem vary comparable with the other 2. they are about $5000 cheaper. they have a lifetime warranty.
Well, $5k is a pretty big percentage of a $14k project so I understand why you’re looking at them. Between the Simonton and Alside, I think the Mezzo is a nicer window. Not too familiar with Sun. What did you see as the biggest differences? I know when we install in St Louis we do a lot with the Alside and Revere products, but there are certainly other great options.
Do you know anything about Alliance windows model Hawthorn. i just received a quote on these and it was about $9500.
On the sun windows they looked identical to the Mezzo but i did not see a cross section as far as how many chambers it had or the U Factor. they are supposed to send me this info.
You state that the reason people buy fiberglass is because it looks more like wood, but in my understanding, there are other reasons. Fiberglass performs better than vinyl and some fiberglass windows won’t warp and stand up better over time. Also, they don’t require the maintenance of wood.
What are your thoughts?
I don’t think that’s true, I think it’s just what the fiberglass salespeople say. The air infiltration ratings on most fiberglass windows are so high that it’s hard to believe that they really think they stand up better.
You can also get a wood window with an aluminum clad exterior and a lifetime warranty. If you want the look of wood that’s a great option.
I don’t understand the advantage of a fiberglass window in most scenarios.
I have a question regarding double strength vs single strength glass. Is double strength worth it? Also, one of the local window makers also makes a 1″ thickness double strength glass unit. Is there a benefit over 7/8″ single strength unit? Also, could glazing stop being on the out-side of the window be a security risk? I am hearing mixed views, basically those that sell the outside strips, say it’s better, those that sell inside one say this is more secure. I don’t know who is right. Is this a difference that makes a difference?
Great questions. I do think double strength glass is a great feature. It’s really strong, probably stronger than you’d expect. Whether it’s “worth it” or not just depends on how much someone is charging you for it.
The ideal dimension for argon gas is 5/8″ and wider is actually a bit worse, not better. If you have a 7/8″ glass unit with double strength glass (3/16″ each piece) you’re left with a 5/8″ space in the middle. Wider is a sales pitch, but it does not produce a better result.
Remember, you don’t need to worry about any of that. If you want to know if one is more efficient than another just look at the U-Facotr. You don’t care if the glass is 3/16″ or 3″ thick. What matters to you is how efficient the window is and you can see that in the U-Factor.
Good luck with the project.
do you have any reviews about Anlin Window Systems ?
Not yet. What did you see that you liked or didn’t like?
Ever heard of EnviroGuard Windows? Or cellular PVC? These are sash kits that a couple of remodeling companies in my area (North Atlanta) like to use. Advantages are that they are paintable, let in as much light as my current windows, and look very similar to my current windows (traditional double hung circa 1990). But I wonder how they compare to replacement windows like Okna 500 series (another local company likes these). The cost of the Enviroguard sash kits is somewhat less…and I really like that they are paintable. The only way to get Okna’s (or any other vinyl windows) painted is in the factory and the cost is pretty high…about $140 additional per window.
So do you have an opinion on sash kits or cellular pvc in general? And do you know anything about this manufacturer?
Thanks,
Kevin
I’m not a huge fan of sash kits. We’ve installed hundreds of them and the results are mixed. The issue is that you’re not buying a window, you’re buying window parts. The success of the project will depend on the condition of your existing frames. You’ll spend thousands of dollars and you still have old windows, you just have old windows with some new parts.
Unless you’re in a historic area that requires certain dimensions I’d suggest staying away from sash kits.
I know Okna has a cellular PVC option if you’re into painting. They’re called Starmark. I was playing with them when I was at their plant a few weeks ago. That’s the extent of my experience, but seemed like a nice product.
Any thoughts on wrapping trim vs not wrapping trim (with aluminum or vinyl coated aluminum)? I had a contractor try to convince me that wrapping wood window trim is a bad idea because he frequently sees wrapping over rotten wood that you couldn’t see since it was hidden.
Is there typically any warranty implication to not wrapping?
Thanks,
Kevin
No, there’s typically no warranty implication. You can install either way. Typically we’ll do what’s called blind stop capping when the customer doesn’t want the trim wrapped where we’ll just cap the exterior stops. It looks like part of the window and we can still install from the exterior without disturbing the interior trim. Just talk to the person doing the installation and they’ll be able to show you the options.
Installation question, I have a newer home with vinyl single-hungs in it. The window had a built in J channel with the siding ending it it. How do I replace this window safely? Some companies are proposing to cut the window out, put another j channel on and caulk it in. Others say I need to cut back the siding and remove the whole window and reinstall with a nail fin window. This option sounds more logical but is more expensive. Any opinions?
Either of those options will work and any company can probably do it either way. If you’re not planning on replacing the siding anytime soon you may want to go with the easier route. Cutting back the siding and putting up new exterior trim over the nail fin will be the best seal you can get, but it does come with an added cost.
I live in Minneapolis. I’m looking to replace 4 sliders, 7 double casements and a quad casement. I’ve looked at Marvin Infinity, Berkshire Elite, Sunrise and Lindsay. I’ve been told that Berkshire Elite and Sunrise are pretty comparable and that it really just depends on the differences in options available. Don’t know much about Lindsay except that it looked and sounds like a pretty nice product. Perhaps a little less streamlined than Sunrise, though. I see that Lindsay is on your list to review. Can you tell me anything about them?
I have a home that I am flipping and I am looking at PlyGem windows do to price. Do you know anything about this window and is it any good? Cost is an issue but I also care about the end result and don’t want a family having headaches two years from now because I saved a few bucks. Appreciate your thoughts.
I am a new dad and homeowner. Trying to understand what Windows I have but the label doesn’t say much. New England St. 4000 double hung. 1997!
Any ideas on how to research that?
I had Window Nation (Grandview) and Home Depot (Simonton 6100) come out for a quote. First, I can’t find any performance data on Simonton 6100 anywhere on the web (u-factor, vt rating, air infiltration rating, etc..)! I’m hoping the Home Depot service rep get this back to me ASAP, but does anyone have this information? Secondly, Window Nation’s Grandview frame and shashes have foam in them… isn’t that a bad thing?
It’s not a bad thing to have foam in the frames, just not as helpful as many salespeople would lead you to believe. How did the ratings for the Simonton compare?
Dear Window Dog, I am hoping you can help us. In 2001, we replaced our double hung wooden windows on our Spanish style stucco home in Southern California with Milgard vinyl replacement windows that were installed inside the existing frame and stucco mold. We have had problems with leaks below the windows ever since. We get a different story and a different solution from each person we call. We are considering starting over completely with new construction windows, but do not know what kind of windows to get. One contractor wants us to use Madison Bella Vista, but they get terrible reviews. Help! Is there a way to fix our existing windows or do we get new construction windows? And if we do, what kind would you recommend? Milgard and the installer were no help at all ….
Can you tell if the leak is coming around the window frame or through the new window?
Not sure. Definitely the frame, not sure about the vinyl windows themselves. We have been told that the frames can be fixed and everything re-caulked by one contractor. But another has said that would be a band-aid and we should put in new construction windows … hate to have those Milgard windows go to waste …
Hi,
I’m in the Denver Area and would love some advice on window providers. Looking to get about get about 8 windows and 2 sliding doors replaced.
We’ve gotten quotes from a few companies Window World, K&H and Apex Energy Solutions.
Now I will say I was a bit skeptical with Apex’s approach for a “promo” home discount and all that but comparing the numbers and the windows/installation. It’s hard not to think of Apex’s bid as the best.
Window World was the cheapest by a 3k but their installation process and warranty are suspect.
K&H who is a great company (previously used them) gave us a fair quote but it was a good deal higher than for our last house which was roughly the amount of windows.
Apex’s quote is right around the same price as K&H but they are offering triple windows vs double pane from the rest and everything else about the windows seems to stack up or beat the other two quotes.
Time is a factor for us as is budget. Any suggestion/comments/recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Oh man, check our section on the best local window companies. We have a recommended company in Denver and I’m sure they’ll be able to help out.
Hi!
I’m very interested in fiberglass window frames and want to know what your thoughts are on them.
I tried to find a video where you might talk about vinyl vs. fiberglass, but I guess you haven’t done one. Thanks and best regards,
Barbara