I need to replace lots of windows, and I’m looking for a high quality, historically accurate double hung window. I understood Marvin was the best, but the muntins on the ADLs and SDLs sure are lacking detail–just flat and modern looking.
Is there a higher quality window manufacturer–one that would look “right” in a historic district?
Thank you
Discover a concrete-free foundation option that doesn't require any digging.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Marvin is a darn good window but I don't like that detail either on historic work. You can go to custom small shops if any in your area.
Pella has a decent detail but overall they continue to disappoint me on quality etc.
Andersens new KML line is worth looking into though. That is where I'd suggest you start.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
Kolbe makes nice looking windows but I haven't used them:
http://www.kolbe-kolbe.com/home.shtml
Billy
I only found a few mfrs that do the historic sill (~2"). Marvin, Brosco (garbage, unfortunately), and Jeld Wen (Norco). I don't think Norco does an Single Thick Glass (which Marvin does). If you don't mind spending a few bucks, I'd second the Kolbe rec. That's a fine product. Otherwise, Piffin is right... you'd have to go the custom route. (I didn't know Anderson did an all wood window... will have to check out that rec from Piffin, also).
In the end, I found I had to make some small compromises, b/c I didn't want to spend top dollar. 43 windows will set a guy back a few bucks! Good luck.
_____________________________
HomeBase
__________________________ LLC
Edited 12/19/2004 8:25 am ET by homebaseboston
Andersen bought up a Canadian firm, KLM or KML...good products
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
KML may be owned by Andersen but Andersen quality it ain't.
I'd suggest you look at them carefully.
I've been in the window repair buisness for years. You will not see me use the words quality and KML in the same sentence outside of this thread. Hopefully Andersen will clean up thier quality and customer service quick before it results in more then a black eye.
Of course this is my opinion and your mileage may vary.
I'm listening. I have not used them yet but the milllwork I have seen on samples is very good. Are you finding problems with millwork, glass, seals, flashingand mounts, hardware, or something else? what are the specifics.
Asiide, what is your experience with LePage windows? I am considering them for an upcoming job
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Andersen bought KML because they lacked a response to the demands of the truly custom window market.
When you are in the window biz, it sometimes happens that a 3,700 window job comes along, in which 3,685 of the openings are within your standard offerings, and 15 are somehow off the chart. For a lot of jobs like this, the archy won't OK a supplier unless he can supply 100% of the openings. No mix and match.
Having a "super custom" shop, one set up to do one-offs, allows you to play that game.
KML isn't the first window maker that Andersen developed a partership with, in this vein of thought and marketing. There was someone earlier, but I cannot remember who. It was a less formal relationship. Dating, or maybe living together, but not the marriage of ownership they've made with KML.
Doesn't say that KML is anything super, though. Maybe they were the ones that said the most appreciative things about the wine Andersen served with dinner at the Grill Room at the St. Paul Hotel, or over on the private grounds, at Andersen House.
OK, that tells me about how Mr. Andersen wooed Ms. KaMeL but nothing about whether she is just a pretty face, a knockout in bed, or a classy dame with enough bottom for the long haul.
In otherewords, would you take her home to meet Mama?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Don't know nuffin bout KML other than how the Bayport crowd came to own them.
Let's see, this thread is in quest of a firm that can make a high quality historically accurate window. I guess that would mean an outfit that would reverse-engineer the windows in your old house, and match them in outward appearance, but with features found in modern windows like good sash balances and weatherstripping.
Does "historically accurate" rule out the use of vinyl jamb liners?
Does it mean that no insulated glass is allowed?
Or are we really just after sash frame widths, beading and muntin profiles, and such?
Great question. This is for a second (weekend) home, so the ideal combination is something that looks right to the eye, but is low maintenance enough so that my children (assuming they inherit it and continue to vacation there) are not saddled with scores of fussy windows that need need so much upkeep they are tempted to sell the house.
So, for our primary residence, which is in a historic district, we go the whole way (and already have good windows, so that's not an issue). Here, muntin profiles and other visual cues are the goal. With a New Hampshire location, good insulation is a must.
I suppose what I'm saying is that I'm looking for a compromise. And my problem is that Marvin is taking that compromise a little too far in the direction of ignoring historical visual cues.
KML isn't the first window maker that Andersen developed a partership with, in this vein of thought and marketing. There was someone earlier, but I cannot remember who.
New Morning windows, who if I am correct, still makes many of Andersen's custom circles and elipticals. I had the opportunity to listen to the New Morning Rep go on and on for like three hours at an Andersen seminar once. I was doing ok until I started to snore and the guy next to me kicked me.
Brad,
If the SDLs are your only concern with the Marvin's; they do have about a bunch of different styles and sizes that are available but shown on their website. My yard has a sample board that shows all of them. They also do custom grills but that gets very expensive and could cost more than the price of the window itself.
Regards.
Dennis
http://www.loewen.com/
carpenter in transition
call marvin - they will more than likely custom make anything you want. every window in their factory is custom made for a specific house/project.
that's why their motto is "MADE FOR YOU"
They will custom the sizes but not all the details. They have only about two or three muntin styles
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Kolbe makes a good window although I've heard complaints on them just like I have on every other brand. I've been using them for 4 or 5 years now and have no problems. They have a huge number of options and will custom make anything you can think up or show them. My rep told me that the only limitation was glazing size and ability to haul, handle and install a unit.
One of my current projects called for Oak sashes, jamb liners and jamb extentions. They did a wonderful job with the windows. I personally like their "performance divided lite" option. It has grilles out side and inside for a truly authentic look without the performance loss associated with "True Divided Lites". I use the Ultra Sterling series almost exclusively.
kcoyner
the Pella architect series is first rate, and of course expensive
they're kind of OK, but sure not first rate
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Check out this company if you have a couple hundred thousand to spend....;-)
http://www.zeluck.com/newsite/
As long as we're spending your money:http://www.woodstone.com/it will be right and tight Don't worry, we can fix that later!
we did a job where the archy"suggested" Zelucks.
I wish I could say whether they are worth the money, but the owner decided to go with Marvins when the Zelucks came in at three times to money.
Sheesh, and they say Marvin is expensive
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!