Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 04, 2000 05:23pm | #1

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   Anderson probably makes the best doors/ windows available. Pella- not far behind if at all. I've installed a lot of different windows and doors and those are the two I put in my home.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 04, 2000 07:48pm | #2

   *Bill, i'd agree with doug.. the Andersen Frenchwood hinged door is a superior door..multi-latching, adjustable hinges.. glazing options..don't know price comparisons.. but my customers love them..forget the custom sizing.. reframe the openings..go with clad...and forget weathershield..IMHO

1. 
   Guest_ | May 04, 2000 08:23pm | #3

   *hey now that's a good idea. standardize those openings if you can...

1. 
   Guest_ | May 05, 2000 03:29am | #4

   *If you choose Anderson, think through the installation as the Height of the threshold is quite a bit. If you need more room you may be able to drop down the bottom by cutting out the finish or sub-flooring. Could pick up maybe a whole inch. Those frenchwoods are nice but you gotta put it in right. Don't expect their adjustable hinges to make up much. Their for fine tuning.Best of luck.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 05, 2000 03:49am | #5

   *Go with the Marvin. They custom size & hold up better in harsh conditions than Pella. Don't even think about weather sheilds.

2. 
   Guest_ | May 06, 2000 02:29pm | #6

   *Stay away from therma tru. I'd take matal stanley before those therma poos again. My customers who have exsisting Pellas love um and want nothing else. My lead carpenter prefer the Pellas. Never tried the Marvins. Had one customer that we switched her french inswing to an outswing with the fixed side permenately fixed, custom order, her choice,she wanted it for a better seal agiast the weather at the sill. Hill top home facing into the wind.

2. 
   Bill_Shivers | May 07, 2000 01:44am | #7

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   Thanks to all of you who offered suggestions! If my information is correct, Andersen only makes patio doors, not French doors. Your suggestions about using standard sizes sunk-in. I put some more effort into how I could use a standard size and it worked. Weather Shield has a size I could make fit but some of you said not I/I -- the salesman left a lot to be desired and their price was very near the same as Pella.

   After my sad experience with Peach Tree, your advice and my shopping experience, I bought Pella. Being able to use the standard size made them very cost competitive compared to the others.

   Thanks for your help, this site is a great help to me and thanks again.
   Bill

3. 
   Guest_ | May 07, 2000 02:17am | #8

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   Bill:

   OK on your choice to use Pella, but your info was wrong about Anderson. They make both inswing and outswing French doors. FWH series for French Wood Hinged. I bought them for my house, so I know they exist!

   Frank

1. 
   Guest_ | May 07, 2000 04:28am | #9

   *hey bill! glad you got some good out of the replies. you won't be dissapointed with the pella. thanks for coming back and fillin us in...

1. 
   Guest_ | May 07, 2000 01:07pm | #11

   *Thanks, it's nice to hear the end of the story once in a while.

4. 
   Bill_Shivers | May 07, 2000 01:07pm | #10

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   Help! I have 3 sets of in-swinging french doors that I need to replace.

   I want to use very good guality doors. I have priced Pella, Weather Shield, and Mavin. There is a huge (1/3 to 1/2 more) difference in price between Pella and the others. Is Pella that much better or am I just paying for the name.

   I've looked at Therma-Tru, and Young. I like the look of the Weather Shield and Pella best but who else makes a better quality french door.

   My application is severe - facing a lake, rain splatter from a deck, gable end and little overhang to protect the door.

   The factors that seem to run the cost up is clading due the severe application and custom sizing to fit my existing framing.

   I need your thoughts on manufactures, best value, good quality, other.

   Thanks