Need to have two large windows replaced

[lakelover]

I need to have two original windows replaced in my 60 year old house. I've installed double hung replacements in most of the other locations in the house with good results, but this will be more than I can handle, so I need to find a good local contractor. I'll have to get some estimates and go from there, but would like to have an idea about a ballpark cost range before I even do that.

I've talked to some people and at least two have told me to avoid Andersen completely. I want good, energy efficient windows that will last, and am not likely to have a big box store do it, more likely will go with a local business. Does anyone have recommendations of window brands that are good?

At least the sill will have to be replaced on the picture window because it is rotten, so not sure a replacement type insert would work? Maybe with just a sill replacement, but at this point, I'm not sure of the condition of the side jambs.

I know it ain't gonna be cheap:

Picture window: 117" wide x 63" high.

Kitchen window: 77" wide x 38" high.

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

I think all windows are about equal, that said like Geld Wins myself

 

[lakelover]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

I do have a Pella in the bathroom that I put in about 23 years ago and it's holding up very well.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

Okay he is the home state pitch....... Reliable and Energy Efficient Doors and Windows | JELD-WEN Doors & Windows The factory is in Ludlow, VT and nice quality.

 

[joelybob]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

Anderson windows are are a lot better window than people give them credit for. I put in a picture window 48" h by 72" l. I paid 300.00 best window in my house very energy efficient.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

Anyone heard of Ecoshield from KasKei, Harvey Windows, or Harvey Max-Vue windows? I found a highly regarded and reviewed local contractor who uses these.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

I replaced all of the windows in my house a few years ago and went with Jeld-Wen, they have made a massive difference in the heating here and it gets cold and went during the winter around here, never have had a problem with them, other than the dogs hated me after I did it. They used to lay on the living room floor with the old single panes and loved the heat of the sun, after the new windows, they couldn't figure out why they could see the sun but not feel it!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

I wish I had triple pane windows, even out here in the relatively mild winters of the PNW. On a cold winter morning. with the house at a comfortable temperature, we will open our mini blinds to let the light in (such as it is) and you can just feel the cold come rolling in like the fog that killed the first born in the Ten Commandments. Our double pane windows are 25 years old and still have aluminum frames but I think it is the number of layers of glass that is the real issue.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

Boom,

When I changed mine out, it was from aluminum framed double pane, to vinyl double pane and the vinyl double panes are so much better than the aluminum were, it addition to the gas in them and the coatings on them, we have no problems with condensation, or feeling cold coming through them, that is even at 20 below. One thing that gets you in the PNW is the darn humidity, I know when it is 20 degrees here, I can move around outside in a t-shirt and be fine, but when I visit Dad, who is less than a mile from you, 45 degrees feels frigid. One thing that will help you out, put a dehumidifier in your home and you will be amazed at the difference.

Another thing to check, is make sure after this amount of time, they have not leaked all of the gas out of them, I know you can get the gas replaced for a pretty reasonable price, Dad has all of his re-gassed and sealed in the house and it was not expensive at all.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

Agree on the aluminum vs. vinyl framing. Last summer, I replaced the three windows in our bedroom and made sure I got the vinyl separated panes and foam-filled frames. Can't believe the difference they made! A lot of times over the winter we were just too darn hot whereas we used to freeze at night when the temps dropped below the 20's.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

I am going through this same thing with my daughter. I was going to do it myself but just for the heck of it she called “World of windows” and they came out and gave her a turnkey quote that was less than I could even buy the windows for. 6 years ago she used the same company to replace a bastard size picture window similar to the same size you have and she has been very pleased with it. Back then She paid about $1200.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Need to have two large windows replaced

Thanks, that's encouraging news on the price. I like the view of that huge window, but it's a little drafty at this point, I'm sure it's a burden on my heating bill. Same as the kitchen window, tolerances are not good at all. I believe my originals are Andersen, 1950's vintage. The complaints I've heard recently about that brand is the loss of seal/gas, and moisture getting between the thermal panes.