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

Window choices

| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on September 5, 2003 04:23am

This may or may not be the right forum for this question (and yes I tried searching for prior discussion threads to no avail), but what is the better choice for replacement windows:  vinyl, vinyl clad wood or aluminum clad wood?  We are looking to replace the windows in our Philadelphia area colonial, so we are mostly talking about double-hung if that makes a difference.  The sales reps all seem to think their own products are the best (what a surprise), but that’s not particularly helpful.

I’d appreciate any thoughts.

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

Replies

  1. WINSTALL | Sep 05, 2003 05:18pm | #1

    YOUR BUDGET MAY DIRECT YOUR CHOICES... MINE WOULD BE MARVIN CLAD W/ LOW-E AND SIMULATED DIVIDED LIGHT.... YOU DO NOT SAY IF YOUR OLD WINDOWS ARE ROPE & PULLEY OR NEWER???? FOR THE MONEY & THE BEST WARRANTY & QUALITY, THE MARVIN IS HARD TO BEAT.... THEY ARE ALSO VERY EASY TO INSTALL... YO U COULD SAVE A LOT OF $$$$$ BY DOING IT YOURSELF...

    1. mmolder | Sep 06, 2003 02:07am | #3

      See, I'm so dumb, I didn't even know the right information to give.  I think this should cover what you guys were looking for.  I live on the "Main Line" in suburbs of  Philadelphia  (while it's not a palatial estate like they show in "The Philadelphia Story," it's a fairly nice 4 bedroom center hall stone colonial.  Houses in the neighborhood go in the range of 400 to 500k.  As for resale issues, unless I somehow come into large sums of money, I fully expect to be taken out of this house feet first, and I figure that to be a good 20 to 30 years away. 

      The existing windows are original to the house and about 55 years old.  I have been told that most of the frames are ok, but there are a few where a former owner permanently installed a/c units and slapped aluminum siding around them filling in the window opening in the stone.  I expect that over the years there may have been some rot in those.  They are not weight and pulley types, they have a spring loaded thing that runs from the bottom of the sash to the top of the window opening.  (I'm sure there's a technical term; it's just not in my vocabulary.)  I think tilt-in is a great idea, in the ten years we've lived here, we've never washed the windows at all.  Maybe if they were a little more accessible we could overcome that inertia.

      I would prefer not doing this job myself for a couple of reasons.  First its a little too visible for me (one of those: if I screw a window up, I'll be looking at it every day for years - lol.)  More important there are around 18 windows altogether, and I have limited time available for projects.  I think it's important to have this completed before my 9-year-old graduates high school, and if left to me, I might not make that deadline.

      Last, as I recall, is the budget question.  While obviously, money doesn't grow on trees, I'm more concerned with getting the best product available and having it properly installed.  I believe that this house is the single largest investment I'll ever make, and I intend to treat it with the respect it deserves.  Cutting corners on structural-type house projects is not acceptable.

      OK, did I miss anything?  I really appreciate your help.  I think this experience has moved home-improvement sales reps up on the list to tie with car salesmen on my list of people to avoid.  Thanks again.

      1. NPitz | Sep 09, 2003 01:50am | #6

        I am a contractor on the Main Line. My recommendation would be for Kolbe & Kolbe replacement sashes. I think Kolbe makes an excellent product. I particularly recommend their K-Kron (pre-painted) windows for replacement sashes. IMHO it is at least the equivalent of top of the line Marvins. If you would like to e-mail me, I can give you the name and number of the Kolbe distributor in West Chester. Incidentally, I am not posting this in an effort to solicit the work.

        Edited 9/8/2003 6:54:16 PM ET by Nick Pitz

        1. draket | Sep 09, 2003 07:22pm | #8

          Nick,

          I have noticed your posts supporting the Kolbe & Kolbe product. We purchased and installed over 40 Kolbe & Kolbe Ultrea Clad casement windows and French doors in our new home. Nearly every one of these units leaked when exposed to moderate or heavy rain. Of coarse the first thing everyone assumes is that they were improperly flashed or installed. These were installed with the greatest care and consideration for the elements of weather. When we first reported the units leaking, Kolbe was aware of a problem and had already prepared a field fix memo that instructed their service technicians to go on site, drill holes in the mitered bottom corners of the frames, and inject a large amount of silicone into them. Along with many other attempted field fixes these proved unsuccessful. Kolbe & Kolbe later sent out a team of experts to perform isolated water tests removing any possibility of water entering anywhere other then the windows themselves. All the units tested continued to leak. Months later and they have yet to resolve this problem. Kolbe makes a few different lines of windows and doors, so I can only speak from our experience with the Ultra clad casements and the Ultra inswing French doors. I do not know much if anything  about the performance in the other lines.

          You seem a loyal supporter of the Kolbe & Kolbe product. But from my experience, and from what I've seen thus far, when a company's product fails or is defective and any legal action is taken, no matter how much business you have brought them, you will be one of the first people they will drag in and attempt to point the blame to, even if you were honest in your recomendation and installed them correctly. (I'm just talking from first hand experience and this is my honest opinion). So be careful, and you might consider  more research on their new clad windows before promoting them with such loyalty. A company can be great for many years but they should also be judged based on their most current products.

          Regards,

          Fighter

          http://www.leakywindows.com

          1. NPitz | Sep 09, 2003 11:35pm | #9

            I appreciate the information. I have installed Kolbe's Ultra series in several past projects, and to date I have had no problems. That doesn't mean that other people haven't. Always good to hear other people's experiences. If I seem like a loyal customer it is because I have installed at least a couple hundred Kolbe products over the past seven years with virtually no problems whatsoever.

            Edited 9/9/2003 4:45:30 PM ET by Nick Pitz

    2. Piffin | Sep 06, 2003 04:23am | #4

      I KIND OF AGREE MORE OR LESS.

      Excellence is its own reward!

  2. andybuildz | Sep 05, 2003 06:01pm | #2

    You gave us way to little information.

        Replacements as in leaving in the frame or replacing the entire window?

    I like the Marvin "kit" windows. Easy to install and the look and work great.

    I hate anything spelled v-i-n-y-l ! But thats just me......another way to spell it is U-G-L-Y! But thats just me...(ugly, lol)

    Is your house old? Is it charming? Is it worth over a few grand? What are the other houses in your hood like?

    Care about resale? Staying there a spell? Want tilt in windows on upper floors to be able to wash the outside with out a ladder (not that anyone here washes windows.specially outside......specially on upper floors. Another thread I'm sure.lol)

    Be more specific

                         Namaste'

                                        andy

     

    Emptiness is not really empty, emptiness is full of everything.

    The "everything",  just isn't manifest

    http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

  3. mmolder | Sep 08, 2003 03:33am | #5

    Thanks for the info.  I've heard from some folks that vinyl windows expand and contract alot in the heat and sun.  Have you had any problems with this?  I appreciate your help.

  4. mmolder | Sep 09, 2003 02:00am | #7

    I understand.  We're looking to replace the windows in our house.  Our windows are around 55 years old.  I don't know if you saw one of my earlier posts, but the original owner of our house was one of those 50s era Popular Mechanics DIYers (I call them that not to disparage Popular Mechanics, but because my father was one of them.  He would see something in the magazine and do it in our house.  Since becoming an adult, I've come to understand that it is only by the grace of God that I wasn't electrocuted and the house didn't go up in flames.)  Anyway  Mr. B decided air conditioning was a good thing in about half the rooms in the house.  So he permanently installed window units, sealing the windows up with aluminum siding (really tacky on a stone house), insulation and painted the window panes on the inside so you couldn't see it.  30-some years later, the old man died and somebody bought the house as an investment property.  Needless to say, neither the absentee owner nor the renters cared a whole lot about the house.  When we installed central air and pulled out the window units, the insulation was black with mold -- it was gross.  In any event, they had disposed of the storm windows and screens, so we are left with a bunch of windows in serious state of disrepair.  We can't open them in the spring and fall, and they are energy pits in all seasons.  So we're going to bite the bullet and replace all the windows.

    Thanks again for your help.

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

Two Ways to Test Windows

New devices showcased at the Builders' Show make it easy to measure glass performance, u-factor, SHGC, window thickness, and more.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 695: Saving Bricks, Cut-and-Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial

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 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • 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

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