Hi, we’re enclosing a porch on our 1940 house. First time we’ve ever bought windows. The contractor suggested Pella, but way under-estimated the actual cost. In particular, a French door stands out as being way out of line. My husband ran into someone that recommended Windsor; they say they are “just as good as Pella,” and they’re also trying to talk him into a polyvinyl window.
Can you offer any advice? We’ve never even heard of Windsor, and what about mixing polyvinyl and wood in the same room?
Thanks!
Replies
Many brands have several lines. Pella ranges from the less expensive Proline to the very pricey Architect Series. You need to know which line you're buying and not just the brand name.
I have often found that Andersen has a great balance of price and quality, and if you ever have a problem, they're easy to find.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
"just as good as Pella,"
My response to that, as a professional would be; "Quantify just as good."
If the person is unwilling, or lacking in knowledge to the point of not being able to compare likeness' and differences, then it becomes mere heresey.
I'd second what Mongo said about Andersen. If you want a little better quality, nicer look and more options and features, consider Marvin. But then, that may be above your budget as well.
Andersens rarely bust a budget.
Eric
I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
[email protected]
You're addressing a lot of my issues. I've never bought windows, and I'm not sure how to learn which brands are better. I've always heard of Pella and Andersen........... Maybe I don't know how to compare two brands. Money is not the hugest part of the problem.
What kind of differences should I be comparing?
This is an interesting topic.
First, in my opinion, you need to think how the addition, and it's windows will match the existing architecture of the house.
Keep in mind that there are considerations to think about that may not be obvious at first. Try to think of how all the units will look together. I was never able to find Pellla french doors that were appropriate to their windows and transoms. Marvin was about the same $, (actually less as it turned out) but their capabiities in terms of design and compatibility were better.
Marvin, is not however, cheap. (In the case where the future holds the need to replace the windows in the existing house, Marvin, and others have replacement sash kits, so consider choosng a company that can supply those if needed)
Kolbe and Kolbe is top notch.
I am not a fan of the architectural qualities of most non-wood windows, but some are better than others.
A good French door is never cheap, nor should they be, Price out differing options, (fixed one side, open in or open out, etc.) as the price is often variable, depending on options. (To me open out is easier to weather seal, but thats just me!)
It is a surprisingly coplex decision. Take all things into account.
Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
Pella was suggested because we said we wanted the new to blend with the old. And 25% of the cost of the french door is to match another french door nearby. I guess we were surprised at how much more it is than a plain wood door.
Just as a point of reference, the last two Marvin French door sets I got were pretty typical .....sized, 2 wide, 6 high insulated glass, wood primed bith sides and were in the $3300 range. Changing the hinging and lockest can add $500 easily.
Anderson is a good middle step, anything less, in my opinion, is of little interest to me. There always seems to be something unacceptable...ugly or flimsy or something!
Some things to look at. The profile of the muntins..do they match existing? The DLO..(daylight opening) which is the actual glass opening you look thru...does the company provide windows that match your existing DLO? Also, (and I see this all the time) the munting thickness...why are people putting muntins that are seemingly 1.5' wide on houses with existing muntins that are .75" wide? Nothing says "new and non matching" like that!
Design, of course...if your house has big double hungs with 2 lights over 1, can you get the same proportions?
Quality of the windows themselves. Go take a look at a good millwork supplier, and compare side to side. The weatherstripping and construction differences become obvious. To some degree, the more you pay, the more you get!
I've boiled it down to Anderson for value, and Marving and Kolbe and Kolbe for better but pricier options. All IMHO, of course!Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
I'm not familiar with Windsor, but have regulalry used both Andersens and Marvins with much success.
As others have said, Andersens are a great value, and Marvins will work with you to match just about anything.
The Andersens have a wood interior, but part of the plastic jamb liner always shows.If you are going to stain, it might be a problem.
I've also used Pellas in the past, but was never overly impressed by them as as far as cost vs. quality. I've also heard some horror stories about service from Pella. Andersen has great customer service- any problem ( and they've been few )I've ever had has been dealt with promptly.
Don't skimp on the windows-They are something you'll regret being cheap about.