Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 29, 1999 03:24am | #2

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   Sparky, I don't know if this will help you but a friend has just looked at a window replacement job and the windows to be replaced are Lincolns . They'er only 10 years old and leak air and water in large amounts. This is a log cabin and the windows came with the house.By the way they'er clad in forest green.Vince

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   Guest_ | Sep 29, 1999 06:12am | #3

   *Sparky stay away from stinken Lincolns. A tight ass contractor I worked for a few years ago speced these on a couple of jobs. Crap threw and threw. Hurd makes a nice green clad window now. Much nicer product. Marvin is over priced, starting to get that Pella swollen head syndrome.Also look into Eagle windows they are pretty impressive and priced very competive.

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   Guest_ | Sep 29, 1999 07:27am | #4

   *Sparky:A short while back I did some research on windows. Something I learned was that to say that brand X is cheaper than Marvin isn't saying much since everything is less expensive than Marvin. Not to say that Marvins may not be worth it.Another thing to consider is that many/most clad windows are not built with brick mold - OK, if you like that look. Some manufacturers sell brick mold for their clad products as an accessory. Some manufacturers offer a prefinished product that is supposed to go much longer before needing paint.There was an excellent article in JLC entitled "Energy Efficient Windows" - or something like that, this last spring. Bottom line in this area is that if you are interested in energy efficiency find about NFRC ratings and buy windows that are rated favorably - many "house brands" are not even rated.A better approach for you might be to find out what window brands are sold locally so that you will have the chance of some kind of warranty service should you need it. Then research those brands. Besides, what are you going to do - mail order 12K worth of windows?Search the Breaktime archives. This topic has been discussed several times

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   Guest_ | Sep 29, 1999 03:29pm | #5

   *Sparky, Where are you? A big part of the decision may be based on your geographic location. If you are on the coast Pella or Marvin may be worth the money. You used the word comparable. Lincoln and Marvin are as comparable as much as mercedes and Yugos are comparable. This is your house, it doesnt pay to skimp.Rick Tuk

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   Guest_ | Oct 01, 1999 05:51pm | #6

   *Go with the best You can afford. Pella or Anderson can help sale a house down the road and the comfort and quiet in between is good.

2. 
   Guest_ | Sep 02, 1999 05:58am | #1

   *Sparky - Semco (based in Wisconsin) makes dark green aluminum clad windows with wood interior.

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   Guest_ | Oct 04, 1999 05:08pm | #7

   *Forget the brand name, look at the sticker with the performance ratings.

2. 
   Andrew_Fethes | Oct 04, 1999 06:13pm | #8

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   We've just done some research for a project and have discovered Loewen windows. They are Canadian made, match Marvin specs, but cost 5 to 10% less. The feature I like the best is the wood species - Douglas Fir (in lieu of Pine). They do not use finger joined boards where visible, so you can specify a *real* transparent finish. We prefer wood exteriors that are painted versus the aluminum cladding (although this is an option).

   Anyone else out there use a Loewen window? I'd like to hear some real-life experiences.

   Andrew Fethes, Architect

1. 
   aaronk | Oct 09, 1999 10:28am | #9

   *Just ordered Marvins for my house. Checked out loewens, Norway H-windows, Minn-Kotas, and a few others. The Marvins were the best price, example...108 1/4x60 1/2 three wide double hung....low e argon....marvin 889.60....loewen 910...not a big difference, but the place that sells the marvins is close by, and I buy a lot of material from there. Also I was kind of leary about trying some other brand of window that I didn't know anything about. In this part of the country , (northern Mn) Pellas are generally thought to be junk,(although there was a 28 million $ summer home that I saw that had them)

3. 
   Sparky | Oct 09, 1999 10:28am | #10

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   Which windows to use in my new home? Like everyone else,I too like low maintenance when it comes to my house.However,I'm not too thrilled with a white vinyl clad exterior window.I would like to have a dark green exterior and a stained wood on the inside.I know several companies offer Aluminum clad in various colors,but i'm not sold on its durability nor its colorfast ability.After all what do you do with an aluminum window that has a faded oxidized color after ten years,Paint it?Vinyl as well fades and I dont know of a good company that carries a dark green clad window.I think my only choice is to use an all wood window and be resolved to painting every 5 years or so.Does this sound right?Has anyone used Lincoln windows and if so,what do you think? I'm told the quality is good and could mean a savings of 30% over a comparable window like marvin.I have no clue and it's getting too close to ground breaking to be deciding this now. Input Appreciated Much, Sparky