Replies

1. 
   JohnK | Jan 19, 1999 12:12am | #4

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   Matt,
   I had K&K in my last home. They were alum clad casements. I moved when they were 9 yrs. old. I liked them a lot. Much better quality than the Pella Pro-line Patio door I installed later. John

1. 
   Joe_H_in_TN | Jan 19, 1999 08:08am | #5

   *I'm a builder/remodeler/designer who tried to diversify into the "millwork" (wood window and door) business a few years ago. I didn't have the financial oomph necessary, but learned quite a bit. After a disapointing start with Weather Shield, I discovered K&K. I met Herb Kolbe (founder), went to Wausau and toured the K&K plant, and sold enough product to get a good feel for it. While no company's perfect, I give them an excelent rating. I haven't had much contact with the product recently, but what I have seen tells me the quality is as good as ever. If the price works for you, then you should be very satisfied.

2. 
   Guest_ | Jan 19, 1999 10:39pm | #6

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   Our local builder supply said that the Pro-Line's are junk, bottom of their line in quality (they sell them).

   -Rob

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 20, 1999 02:20am | #8

   *Matt, we used 20 of their replacement sash, 1 fixed and 5 casements in our rehabbing, with plans for 5 more of the replacement sash (change of plans). Very happy with them. We chose the prepainted wood option largely for color reasons. A good product.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jan 20, 1999 02:20am | #7

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   Anyone know anything about Kolbe & Kolbe Windows? I need 33 in all and the ones I'm looking at are formed aluminum clad wood double hung, and 1 casement & 1 awning style. Low-E & Argon. They carry NFRC rating stickers. They also can be ordered with a prefinished interior option, which is another consideration? They are about $1000 less than a few other major brands I priced, and about $1000 more then the Pella Proline - which I gather is near the low end of the Pella product line.

   Good Experiences with K&K? Bad? Callbacks? Warranty response?

   They look like really nice windows. The company has been around for 50 years. The reason that I'm looking at metal clad is because I want maintence free windows and feel the aluminum will hold up better than vinyl clad.

   TIA

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 15, 1999 06:48pm | #1

   *Matt,I have had good luck with K & K windows. I've put in maybe a dozen all wood double-hungs on a couple of different projects. The workmanship seems good on them. The oldest job has been in place about five years. I replaced some really cheesy Weathershield units that were only about five years old at the time. The Weathershilds just about disintegrated when I took them out of the client's house. No callbacks yet.Steve

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 15, 1999 10:46pm | #2

   *Matt, I recently installed a sliding glass door and a French door by Kolbe & Kolbe. It was the first time I have been exposed to their products, so I can't speak on their longetivity. However, their mill work was spotless and their hardware seems to be excellent. In fact, the slider works more smoothly than any I have seen. I would not hesitate to use them again.

1. 
   Scott_O. | Jan 17, 1999 08:05am | #3

   *I've used many of their alum. clad units. They've got an excellent product. They are also available in a wide (3.5") brick mould option which is really nice.BTW, Pella is the last brand of window I would ever choose.