FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Replacement Window Questions

jean1107 | Posted in General Discussion on August 5, 2008 04:28am

Greetings~   I been reading this board on and off and have learned many things.  Tonight I have a question.  I am on a board of directors for an elderly housing unit in west Wisconsin and we are looking at replacement windows for bedrooms – four sets of twin double hungs and nine single double hungs.  (Casement is out of the question as they are not easy to clean the outside, dbl hung flip inward to clean)  The board had presentations last week from two companies.  One company uses Lindsey (sp?) windows and the other company uses Heartland.  I am wondering if anyone is familiar with either product?  If so, what can you tell me about the actual quality, about the manufacturers reputation, etc.?  One company only addressed double insulated glass, the other company spoke about both double and triple glass.  In today’s world, are triple glazed windows worth the extra $1,320 for 13 windows or will the payback be too far off?  We looked at sliders, but one company refused to sell to us because of the weight for elderly to handle for cleaning.  As for energy efficiency, I always understood that sliders were basically a dbl hung on it’s side, but with today’s technology, that could all be changed.   

Any suggestions about other brands of replacement windows? 

We are replacing awning windows that were installed at least 20 years ago and they are not egress accessible.  When you put in replacement windows, do they need to meet code for egress? 

Both companies are saying it is taking 6 to 7 weeks to get the windows and that installation is 10 weeks out from date of order – Ouch!  So we need to get moving so that the windows are installed before November. We had each company put us on their work order board the night of the presentation. 

Would I be better off posting under a different topic?  Thanks for your time and assistance!

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Dave45 | Aug 05, 2008 04:52am | #1

    Jean -

    I'm unfamiliar with either manufacturer but would think that the triple glazed would be a good investment - particularly if you're heating with oil.  (I spent quite a bit of time around Green Bay in the mid-70's, so I know a bit about your winters. - lol)

    You really need to talk to your local permitting authority about the egress issue.  If the windows are part of the egress plan, size will probably matter.

  2. User avater
    Jeff_Clarke | Aug 05, 2008 07:26am | #2

    These are both vinyl window companies (Heartland and Lindsay).

    If you are looking at relatively lower-end windows, you should at least get a price for pultruded fiberglas, like Marvin's Integrity Line - http://www.integritywindows.com/?page=The_Ultrex_Advantage

    Jeff

    1. User avater
      AnimaMundi | Aug 19, 2008 10:57pm | #4

      hello-

      i am looking at Marvin integrity casements for replacement windows for steel windows.  But i?

       found a website that knocks Marvins' products and service.  does anyone know if the Integrety windows have been tested enough to hold up over time?  i have a 1939 brick house and my steel casements are a pain to maintain.  but looking at Marvin some people replied that the windows should be painted ever, or every other year.  That's why i want to replace them, so that i don't have to paint them.

      any experience?

      should i forget about replacing them and try to find another painter, who i would have to struggle with to get them painted right?

       

      1. User avater
        Jeff_Clarke | Aug 19, 2008 11:09pm | #5

        John Seekircher is the 'American dean' of steel window repair - http://www.seekirchersteelwindow.com/  he knows more about it than anyone else I know.

        Don't know much about the Integrity line - but why not the aluminum clad?  No maintenance.

        Jeff

        1. User avater
          AnimaMundi | Aug 20, 2008 01:45am | #7

          thank you for the info.

          But unless i were to do this myself, it would be too costly to do.

          I have been in this house for over 20 years, and these windows cost me $7,000 last time i had them painted, and i suspect it will only go up. 

          i can't find workman who will do this right.  now the windows are in poor repair, i let them go to long....it is a really big job to reputty and paint.  but i am not ruling it out but only if i sell the house.  as an older homeowner, i cannot deal with the maintenance of this windows.

      2. frammer52 | Aug 20, 2008 12:36am | #6

        Marvin's are good, when I had problems they take care of their product.

        1. User avater
          AnimaMundi | Aug 20, 2008 01:48am | #8

          the posts i read told a different story. (http://www.topix.com)

          i am presently researching the pultruded fiberglass window options.  In Canada they have been in use since the 80's.  Marvin has recently introduced them.  Pella does not have casement windows yet.

          I am wondering how they hold up.

          thermotechfiberglass.com

          fibertech.com

           

          1. frammer52 | Aug 20, 2008 01:56am | #9

            Perhaps you linked me wrong as I can't find anything on that site.

            Canada has had fibreglass casements for awhile.  I have no experience with them.

            Customer service tends to be a local issue, as I have nothing but bad to say about Pella and others on this site swear by the service they recieve.  Again, I have installed Marvins and have nothing bad to say about them or their service.

          2. User avater
            AnimaMundi | Aug 20, 2008 04:32pm | #13

            http://www.topix.com/forum/business/online-music/TEK1HSLAQT011G6FA/p2

             

            this is where i found a long discussion of Marvin windows and service.

             

            i am sure you are correct as to your local installer, but it also speaks of Marvin's lack of response.

          3. frammer52 | Aug 20, 2008 05:12pm | #14

            I am a local installer, or was.  I have never had a problem with responce from customer service.

            Remember, I can probably source problems with all windows made.

            If you believe the manufactorors, most are installation problems.

          4. sledgehammer | Aug 24, 2008 04:17am | #22

             I had a customer that installed all Marvin windows in his house. He had problems... seems the windows were actually made by KML and since Andersen bought the factory there was no longer any service available through Marvin. They gave the homeowner Andersens number. 

          5. frammer52 | Aug 24, 2008 06:33pm | #23

            could you show some proof of that.

          6. sledgehammer | Aug 24, 2008 08:44pm | #24

            Whad ya want, customers name address and phone number?

            I was givin the job to inspect windows sold by Marvin, from Andersen after they bought out KML. Are you suggesting I never went there? I never inspected the windows? I never reported the issues? Want me to post a copy of the check Andersen paid me?

            Don't know what the final outcome ever was, KML was contemplating sending a crew from Canada to replace them as the glued on grills were no longer available. Kinda interesting Andersen sending a crew 1/2 way cross country to fix a problem they never got one dime of income from.

          7. frammer52 | Aug 24, 2008 11:49pm | #25

            I would like to see where KLM ever made Marvin windows and when and how it was sold to Anderson.

             

            Why are you so hostile all the time?

            Edited 8/24/2008 4:50 pm ET by frammer52

          8. sledgehammer | Aug 25, 2008 01:02am | #27

            Hostile? Me.... Sorry... I just have no patience with limited google skill people. Ask stupid questions expect harsh answers.

            You're the guy who has install 1000's of windows including Marvin... how is you do not know this public information?

            Kinda makes your responses suspect till verified.....

            Deal with it.

             

             

          9. frammer52 | Aug 25, 2008 01:25am | #28

            Hostile, yes.  I know it is hard to believe........

            Your posts have become suspect because of your attitude.  Try to get along, we are a nice bunch.

            The only reason I posted about the quanity of windows installed was in respose to how you know it all, because you used to fix Andersons.

            Edited 8/24/2008 6:26 pm ET by frammer52

          10. User avater
            jocobe | Aug 25, 2008 02:50am | #29

            KML makes high end windows/doors and sold them to other manufacturers, like Andersen and Marvin. Then Andersen bought them out. It is now Andersen's Architectural Line..View Image

          11. User avater
            jocobe | Aug 25, 2008 02:58am | #30

            Andersen bought KML in 2001:http://www.andersenwindows.com/servlet/ContentServer/AW/Page/awMediaContainer/1115823198035?mrid=1117213217577Before that KML sold windows to other manufacturers that weren't capable of fabricating this high end product line..View Image

          12. frammer52 | Aug 25, 2008 03:08am | #31

            Thank you, that is what I wanted t know.

          13. frammer52 | Aug 25, 2008 03:13am | #32

            Then I would guess that warentee problems with them would be Anderson's responsibility.  I don't know where sledgehammer is coming from most of the time.  I guess, I won't ask him anymore questions.

          14. User avater
            AnimaMundi | Aug 25, 2008 05:01pm | #33

            it seems at least Andersen is around to service their windows.

            I just talked to a friend who had Andersen Renewal Double Hungs installed 6-7 years ago, and she is happy with them.  they are fibrex.  when she had a minor problem, they came out and fixed it.  she was happy with the company installers.

             

            i will go to their showroom and see what they have.

          15. jean1107 | Aug 26, 2008 06:06am | #34

            Thanks to everyone who has replied.  Sorry I haven't responded sooner.  Too much on my plate some days.  I have learned lots, enjoyed your personalities, and then some. 

            We went with a local lumber yard that sells vinyl windows by Lindsey (sp?).  We tried to get a local contrator to bid the job, but he didn't respond.  I will let everyone know how the installation goes. We also went with sliders because it would meet the egress code and it also matched the casement windows in the newer addition to the building.  Even though casement window cranks have improved, the sliders are easier to clean.  

            Feel free to continue your discussion - I'm still learning! :-)  Thanks again!

             

          16. User avater
            Gene_Davis | Aug 20, 2008 06:09pm | #15

            I cannot tell where you live because your profile is empty of info, but if you have an Andersen Renewal window dealer available, you should look into having them do the work.

            The Andersen Renewal window product line is the finest available replacement window I know of, and I have seen many, and also worked in the business.

            The Renewal windows are only available on a furnish-and-install basis from a Renewal dealer.  They are not lumberyard or window dealer "products," available to DIYs or contractors.  They are nothing like the Andersen windows available from home centers and lumber dealers everywhere.

              

            View Image

            "A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."

            Gene Davis        1920-1985

          17. User avater
            AnimaMundi | Aug 20, 2008 08:19pm | #16

            i live in Washington, DC, and i am near Andersen Renewal dealers.

            i have not checked them out but a neighbor of mine had his replaced and i did not like the way they looked. they used sliders in a # of openings instead of casements, and the windows had large brickmolds, reducing the light that was there.  I don't know if his were custom or not, but i know he paid around $24,000 a couple of years ago.

             

          18. mackzully | Aug 20, 2008 09:49pm | #17

            Take a look at Loewen windows. The main dealer in the area is up in Bethesda. I priced out Marvin Ultimates and Integrity, Fibertechs, Loewens and JeldWen. The fiberglass windows were by far the most expensive, followed by the Ultimates, then Loewen and JW. The wooden framed windows where all spec'ed as aluminum clad. This was a year ago before the dollar tanked, and I am waiting for a new quote for the Loewens, I'm not hopeful though... The strong CDN will probably have erased any price difference.Z

          19. User avater
            AnimaMundi | Aug 21, 2008 02:02am | #18

            if i can get someone to call me back on the canadian windows, which has not happened, then the second problem will be installation.

             

            I had looked at Atrium windows installed in a high-end renovation but on closer inspection they did not seem to be installed all that well either.  and when i asked the installer to give me a quote, he never got back to me.

             

            I will take a look at the Loewen.  I looked at them before but don't remember why i did not pursue them.

            Today I spoke with a contractor and he is only interested to install Pella or Marvin. Won't even explore these Canadian windows.

             

          20. User avater
            jonblakemore | Aug 21, 2008 11:31pm | #20

            Have you spoken to anyone at Smitty's Building Supply about your quest for quality windows?

            We used them as a supplier for a while and they were always good to deal with. They have a pretty good selection of good window brands (including Loewen). You may not want to purchase from them direct (I'm assuming you're looking for a turn-key job), but you will be able to see the differences between the various manufacturers. 

            Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

          21. User avater
            AnimaMundi | Aug 24, 2008 02:29am | #21

            thanks.

      3. ChicagoMike | Aug 20, 2008 04:02am | #10

        Another vote for Integrity Windows. Casements are bulletprof. 

        "It is what it is."

        1. User avater
          AnimaMundi | Aug 20, 2008 04:10pm | #12

          casements are "bulletproof"?

          only if you put bulletproof glass into them, i would think.

           

          1. ChicagoMike | Aug 21, 2008 02:03am | #19

            I meant they had very little prbs if any. 

            "It is what it is."

  3. JeffyT | Aug 05, 2008 07:38am | #3

    Don't write off side-swing casements too quickly because of hard cleaning. The better designed ones don't pivot on the side of the unit, they draw into the opening so that when fully open you can simply reach out and wipe down each side of the glass. They certainly are the easiest to operate for people with compromised mobility, in my opinion.

    JT

  4. cargin | Aug 20, 2008 04:49am | #11

    jean

    I would look at Anderson or Marvin complete window replacement.

    I would get a local contractor and not a window company.

    Vinyl windows are a price point product. Good for tract homes and rentals IMO and I have a couple in my home in out of the way places.

    Replacement windows usually refers to leaving the jamb and trim intact, removing the sash and putting the replacement into the old jamb.

    Complete replacement means you remove the whole window unit, flash properly, seal the window the the framing and install a better unit with a tighter seal.

    Window companies generally send out a crew of installers, not carpenters and they are real dependant on the caulking gun.

    Rich

    Rich

  5. IdahoDon | Aug 25, 2008 12:02am | #26

    With cost and utility as major factors, you will get the most bang for your buck from regional vinyl window makers, probably the type of companies you listed.  To find faster install times, you might have to look farther from your location to less busy parts of your state.  Right now some parts of the country are slow and will produce and ship windows in a few weeks.

    I couldn't compete with the installation prices of the local vinyl window makers, but often their installs are rough by higher quality standards.

    I would want to know if the installers are independant and responsible for warrantee issues related to the install, or if the buck stops with the supplier.  Many guys who install windows come and go and won't be around to fix something they've screwed up.

    Good luck!

     

    Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fast, Accurate Wall Framing

A rear addition provides a small-scale example of how to frame efficiently.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"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.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data