<p>Our 15 year old home was build with poor quality windows. Several of them have lost the “seals” between the panes and have gotten fogged up. The latest to go - and for me the last straw - is the patio slider window.</p>
<p>Anyone have experience with replacement windows? Brands to avoid, or brands that were great? We’re looking for good quality, long term replacements, but we don’t necessarily need the MOST expensive windows on the market. Any estimates on cost? We have 15 regular windows, and one bay (large center window, regular pane-over-pane on either side).</p>
<p>I like the idea of the ones with the grills between the panes, but our woodwork (and grills) are currently stained natural. I’d like to paint all the woodwork (and grills) white one of these days, but DH is resisting. So I think we’d need to get grills that are natural wood for now, but could be painted in the future.</p>
<p>I’d welcome all feedback.</p>
<p>The world of replacement windows is full of shysters and guys who couldn’t make a living selling used cars, IMHO… We had several of the “big name” places in our area come out and give us estimates for a house we were rehabbing. For 20 windows, the estimates went up to $18K, even when we told them we didn’t WANT the top-of-the-line super-spectacular windows. If there’s a Premier Window place in your area, that was where we had the best luck. They advertised a $185 per window one…of course, we added things—mullions (the grill thingings), upgraded screens, wrapped sills, yada yada, I think they were about $275 per window when it was said and done.</p>
<p>That said, they were all replaced in one day and made a HUGE difference in the looks of the house (and in closing gaps of air coming in/out).</p>
<p>We don’t have to replace the frames, right? Just the actual windows (I hope). And the screens - the ones that came with the original windows are awful.</p>
<p>We have had several windows with moisture between the panes, and we have had to get the entire window with frame replaced. The first 2 windows we did went in great, by the guy I have doing my work now I would fire if he didn’t have money for work not finished yet. My painter that I have used for 20 years recommended this guy and I have not been happy with his work ethics. Today he calls me and tell me he needs $600 more dollars as his estimate was off and gas is high, oh and yeah, he needed to have two guys come help him with the rot on the soffits! The work is the work whether it take 1 guy or 3; not my problem if he decided he needed help because he got behind as his mother is sick.</p>
<p>Sorry, I am rambling, but I just want him to finish his work and get out of my hair!!</p>
<p>You don’t have to replace the frame/molding around the window, but all the workings of the window–the tracks, and casements, locks, etc. are all replaced.</p>
<p>We got Trimline replacement windows. They are wood on the inside, clad on the outside with simulated divided lights. The double hungs tilt so they are easy to wash. I’ve been very happy with them. A couple of disadvantages. They are put together with staples and we had to putty the holes before we painted, and you can’t get them primed. I’m also not crazy about the fact that you lose about an inch off the bottom of your window do to the way they construct it. See drawing at bottom: [url=<a href=“http://www.trimlinewindows.com/double.asp]energy”>Double & Single Hung Archives - Trimline Custom Wood Windows]energy</a> efficient, aluminum clad wood replacement double hung windows - TrimLine Legends DR200<a href=“Pella%20for%20example%20has%20a%20different%20bottom%20detail%20that%20looks%20much%20nicer%20on%20the%20interior,%20but%20you%20pay%20for%20it.”>/url</a> However I think they are much better looking than your typical vinyl window and for the price a very good deal. Three or four years ago I paid $9000 for 27 windows .</p>
<p>Again, I realize this is an old thread, but if anyone is thinking about windows. . .
I used ClearChoice when I replaced most of the windows in my house last fall.
I was very happy with their service/one-day installation and the price was better than I was expecting. I liked the no BS sales presentation, which was in my house. They measured everything. Their pricing system was easy to understand. (Don’t forget about that Tax rebate. . .) I replaced 17 windows and three of them were HUGE. If I remember correctly, I think it cost me around $5200 after the rebate–which was what I paid for windows in another smaller house 10 years ago. I didn’t get the cheapest or the most expensive windows. These are vinyl, til- in windows (You have to have a certain level of energy efficiency to qualify for the tax rebate.)</p>
<p>Of course ymmv depending on your local dealer.</p>