Replies

1. 
   torn | Apr 26, 2006 05:51am | #1

   Integrity by Marvin

2. 
   Danusan11 | Apr 26, 2006 06:11am | #2

   Semco

3. 
   davidmeiland | Apr 26, 2006 05:05pm | #3

   The best windows I know of in wood or wood/aluminum clad are Loewen.

1. 
   peteshlagor | Apr 27, 2006 03:38pm | #8

   Dve, you see their new copper clad models?  Super Sweet!

    

    

1. 
   davidmeiland | Apr 27, 2006 06:08pm | #9

   I haven't... but that does sound good. We're putting Loewen casement with red aluminum cladding in our shop. They're sitting out there in the packaging waiting for me. We may start getting them in next week.

4. 
   xosder11 | Apr 26, 2006 05:29pm | #4

   What type of windows? i.e. casement or double hung. We use Andersen frequently, like the 400 series may be what your looking for. You don't want "builders grade", and IMO the 400 series Andersen are not. Vinyl clad exteriers available in about 5 color choices I think (white green red sandstone or terratone). Also, if you are going Double hung, I think the woodwright windows by andersen are a nice step up from teh 400 series. The woodwright seem a little more solid and the interior jambs are a lot prettier, especially if you are staining the interior

1. 
   Abm | Apr 26, 2006 07:24pm | #5

   Anderson 400 series are very nice windows and easy to clean as well... the other nice thing with Anderson windows is that parts are always available... I've bought replacement opener parts for windows that were over fifty years old before. The Pella windows are nice as well (from a Pella store) and around here I see some Kolbe and Kolbe windows on some of the high end homes... but I really don't like them that much... even if they are hand made. Most of them that I see are true divided panes and they are a PITA to clean.

1. 
   xosder11 | Apr 26, 2006 07:26pm | #6

   "the other nice thing with Anderson windows is that parts are always available... I've bought replacement opener parts for windows that were over fifty years old before"Good point, I meant to mention that. They also have good customer service IMO.

5. 
   jcurrier | Apr 26, 2006 09:46pm | #7

   we used Norco windows (part of the jen-weld family) mostly because they have an option for an applied mullion.  THe house is a traditioinal colonial and thats what we needed to have it look right (I cant stand the smoothness of a mulklion-less window on the exterior of a tradional home)

   We also considered Marvins very close- I think they are also excellent windows

6. 
   BowBear | Apr 27, 2006 08:06pm | #10

   Loewen

   An ex-boat builder treading water!
7. 
   oberon476 | Apr 29, 2006 05:04am | #11

   A couple of other things to consider...

   Whatever window you decide on make sure it has a LowE coating.  It is worth the extra cost.  Don't even consider windows without it.

   Argon gas fill is a very nice additional option as well.  It shouldn't add significantly to the cost of the unit and it will pay for itself in energy savings.

   Use the NFRC ratings to compare different companies and options.

   Consider what material you want the sash and frame to be built of...wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum clad wood, vinyl clad wood.  If you want aluminum clad wood, then consider extruded aluminum rather than roll-formed.  All of those options are available from the companies mentioned - but not all from any single company.

   Andersen makes a vinyl clad wood window, for example.  Marvin Integrity has a fiberglass exterior with a wood interior.  Loewen, Pella, Kolbe use an aluminum clad wood.  But several of these guys also offer unclad wood as well.