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If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)

by , Posted to on 03/10/2010 7:03 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/29/2009
Location: ND
I'm replacing all my home windows this spring and looking for some input since some of you are very knowledgeable of this type of thing in addition to hunting and fishing.  So I'm kindly asking for some suggestions.

So far I've checked on some Marvin Integra (fiberglass) and some Pella Thermastar (Vinyl).  Now I hear a lot of good things about Anderson Renewals.

What I want is maintenance free (more time to hunt and fish), and the best performance, along with being long lasting.  Double hung windows so you know, and most all come with the easy tilt in cleaning so that's not an issue at this point.

Question is do any of you window or construction guys have any advice for me?  And any of you do-it-yourself guys who've recently done it?

It's 9 windows including a bay window and both the Thermastars and Integras are really close to $6,000. I only want to buy the windows as I have a couple of very experienced installers to install them (I still believe, if you want it done right, do it yourself).  I don't have a problem with spending more money if the quality is there.

Any recommendation on what you would buy or any ups or downs you've experienced?

Thanks.
"Lifes tough pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid"  --John Wayne
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/10/2010 8:51 PM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/07/2006
Location: ND
I went with the Marvin and couldn't be happier.
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/10/2010 8:55 PM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/17/2009
Location: ND
i work at a lumber yard and sell alot of different windows.  first they are marvin intergrity, they are very good but costly, anderson is very good but also costly, check with your local lumber yard to see what they recommend or shoot me a pm and i will give you better more cost efficent windowsw.  i also just installed 5 new windows this oast fall and 3 the year before.

It ain't always easy when your FAT and GREASY 

Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 08:15 AM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/15/2003
Location: ND
 We have Vinylite in our new home and I am not impressed. We put some replacement windows in our old home a few years back and the were very good, they were made by MinnKota. I believe they are out of Fargo. They are vinyl also.

Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 08:49 AM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/16/2001
Location: ND
Whatever company you get, I'd advise you to buy the low E and Argon filled ones. I built a cabin last summer and even leaving the heat on low all winter, the bill is amazingly low and the windows don't feel cold holding your hand in front of them, like in our house! Better windows in the cabin! LOL Also, as I'm sure you know, spend the time and effort to insulate them really well around the edges, etc. before you put on the trim, etc.
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 09:30 AM | Reply #5 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/29/2009
Location: ND
bobkat Said:
Whatever company you get, I'd advise you to buy the low E and Argon filled ones. I built a cabin last summer and even leaving the heat on low all winter, the bill is amazingly low and the windows don't feel cold holding your hand in front of them, like in our house! Better windows in the cabin! LOL Also, as I'm sure you know, spend the time and effort to insulate them really well around the edges, etc. before you put on the trim, etc.
Thanks bobkat, I've got the low E and Argon gas part covered.  I've requested that in all estimates.  I thought for insulating around the jams I'd fill about half of the opening with non expanding foam.  And only about half way so it has room to expand somewhat which I'm sure non expanding will still expand a little.  Then I'll stuff fiberglass insulation to fill the rest of the void up to the interior wood trim.

Also they have some special wide window tape that goes over the nail fin on the outside.  I plan to use that also to avoid any draft.

Am I missing anything? 

"Lifes tough pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid"  --John Wayne
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 09:44 AM | Reply #6 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/29/2007
Location: ND
 I replaced my windows a couple years back with Anderson replacement windows. I replaced 9 regular windows and a very large picture window. Double hung and tilt out for easy cleaning. Western Products from Fargo put them in as they were the new rep for Anderson replacement.  Since I signed up for the windows during the initial consult they threw in maintenance free exterior for free. No more painting window trim for me.  They were a little more expensive than the other ones we looked at but are well worth the price. I think it cost me around $8500.
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 10:04 AM | Reply #7 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/05/2007
Location: MN
MGD2 Said:
   Since I signed up for the windows during the initial consult they threw in maintenance free exterior for free. No more painting window trim for me.  They were a little more expensive than the other ones we looked at but are well worth the price. I think it cost me around $8500.

Western Products does NOTHING for free. i install Minnkota Widows and have for years. give Brent a call.
the more food you have in your mouth, the better you can taste it !!
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 12:50 PM | Reply #8 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/29/2009
Location: ND
bucksnbears, since you install Minnkota windows, what can you tell me about them?
Are they any good for this climate?
Who is Brent?
Thanks
"Lifes tough pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid"  --John Wayne
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 1:01 PM | Reply #9 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/15/2003
Location: ND
 Here's their website:

http://www.minnkotawindows.com/index.php

Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 1:15 PM | Reply #10 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/05/2007
Location: MN
pm sent
the more food you have in your mouth, the better you can taste it !!
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 2:46 PM | Reply #11 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/05/2010
Location: ND
I work for Infinity Replacement Windows, a division of Marvin, so keep in mind I will be a little biased in my opinion.  I feel we have the best bow/bay window in the market and some really good replacement windows, especaily if you want mainteance free, performance and good looks.  Here's the rub, quality isn't cheap, and we only sell to installing retailers.  That means you can't just buy our units and install them yourself.  The reason is that the majority of problems with all windows is they get installed wrong.  The other thing windows can get a bad wrap for is customer service.  We strive to make sure our customers get the best service and the best install.  If you buy from an Infinity dealer, it just like dealing directly with Marvin.  Ok, thats the sales pitch, here are the things you should look at:

LoE and Argon is a givein, check out LoE 366,a better LoE and if the window you buy has it, there is a good chance you can get the tax credit.  So it may be a free upgrade.  The benefit of this LoE in norhern climates can be debated becasue it has lower solar heat gain.  The amount if technical info on windows can be mind numbing.

The other thing you might want to do is shop a couple of installing retailers, Infinty of course and 1 or 2 competators.  A good retailer will ask you what your goals are; maintenance free, quality, inexpensive, performance, looks, etc., and recommend a type of window; wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and god forbid, metal.  Replacement or full tear out.  This will give you a start to be able to shop your DIY windows.

Since you want to install replacement windows yourself, you need to make sure you measure everything correctly, because those windows will be custom made for you.  If you plan on doing a full tear out, that might even be more expensive overall becasue how intrusive that is, so please educate yourself on the differences if you haven't already.  There are good replacement window forums to do research on.

Lastly, I obviously recommend a Marvin family of windows, especailly fiberglass, but if you don't want to go that route, I recommend any of the big names.  They are big for a reason.  Also, if you live in Fargo, and try shopping where the installers do, like D&M Industries.  The box stores or lumber yard is not your only source.
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 3:27 PM | Reply #12 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/29/2007
Location: ND
 
bucksnbears Said:
MGD2 Said:
   Since I signed up for the windows during the initial consult they threw in maintenance free exterior for free. No more painting window trim for me.  They were a little more expensive than the other ones we looked at but are well worth the price. I think it cost me around $8500.

Western Products does NOTHING for free. i install Minnkota Widows and have for years. give Brent a call.

Yeah that is true.  I am sure that goes for every company of any kind when they say they will throw something in for free.  
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 3:35 PM | Reply #13 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 03/02/2006
Location: ND
minnkota and nothing else-replaced 7 windows in my home a couple years ago with minnkota windows on the advice of my brother the contractor and they are the best i have seen-had lots of positive comments on looks and performance has been well beyond expectation-good stuff
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 8:20 PM | Reply #14 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/29/2009
Location: ND
Thanks for all the input guys.  I've been casually researching this for about a year and you guys have been most helpful.  At this point the Minnkotas are looking pretty good along with the Integrity's.  Haven't got all the info yet and made a firm decision, but if anyone has any pros or cons on these two or additional suggestions, please feel free.................

Thanks again.
"Lifes tough pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid"  --John Wayne
Re: If you have knowledge or advice on replacement home windows (please click here)
by on 03/11/2010 8:45 PM | Reply #15 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 09/24/2006
Location: ND
I had my house built in 2002. The builder put in Marvin Integrity Windows. My experience with them is that I wish I would have put in Anderson's instead. I have mold and mildew on the wood along the glass. I have to run my humidity lower than normal in the winter to prevent it from happening. The finish on the wood has rubbed off from cleaning the mold off at least twice a year. I have contacted Marvin about it and was told that they are a LOW MAINTENANCE WINDOW, not a maintenance free window and so they will require some cleaning with a product. I also run my furnace fan all year around to try preventing the moisture buildup.
 
I would highly recemmend a vinyl window to anybody replacing windows. I am sure lots of people like the Marvins but I absolutely hate them. I have co-workers that are in the same boat as I am with the same windows.

Just my two sense and good luck with your project!
Grunt747
Posted By: guns4ever
Posted On: 03/10/2010 7:03 PM
1534 Views, 43 Comments
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