Sunrise Double Hung Sunrise

Overall quality: 5
Locks: 4
Balance System: 5
Warranty: 5
Window Grade: 4.8
Install Grade: 5.0

S. Bielak (ionized) Northern VA

November 28th 2007 at 10:29:19 PM

Window Comments

We got prices from 8 different window specialist for 24 double-hungs. The Sunrise came in well below mid range on price but had a build quality and feature-set that were better than most of the higher priced units. The sales approach by Window Replacement Company was forthright and without pressure and the warrantee offered was above average. I even travelled 50 mi to their showroom before buying to assure myself I would not be disappointed. Unique feature of these windows is a multi-position lock leaver that also allows release of the lower sash to tilt for cleaning. Foam core and fiber re-enforcement of the sashes and the foam band added to the outer frame were among the features that distinguished this window from the others.

Install Comments

Installed by Window Replacement Company (WinRepCo) of VA

The installer (Ernie) was prompt and made it a point to establish good communcations on the scheduling of the work. He also kept us aware of his work plans and what to expect in terms of the install. My concern was for a good overall install finished with a color-matched brick-mould capping. This was achieved beyond expectations. When he ran short of the color caulk on the exterior, the insatlled could have substituted a close lesser quality caulk for the remainder of the job. Instead, he travelled some distance to get more of the better quality caulk he had been using. All the capping is well fitted and neatly caulked. The interior on all the units is again, well installed and neatly caulked. Clean-up on completion was thorough both inside and out with the installer disposing of all packaging and scrap materials. I would rate the job as done with the care one would apply in doing the job for themself.

Price Information

Quotes for 24 double pane low E double hung units (all less than 100") ranged from about $9,000 to over $38,000. All were vinyl replacements- no fiberglass or similar. The WinRepCo bid was in the $15K range. The bids at the upper end were provided under a more pressured sales approach and were stepped down to under $30K. I had no interest in playing that game and chose not to do business with those companies.

Overall quality: 2
Locks: 2
Balance System: 2
Warranty: 3
Window Grade: 2.3
Install Grade: 2.0

September 25th 2007 at 02:12:55 PM

Window Comments

Windows have very noticable air leaks on windy days up sides of bottom sash. Weather stripping does not meet at corners and may contribute to the problem. What good is a window if it leaks, regardless of what you pay? Locks seem a bit out of level and the tightness/loseness seems inconsistent.

Install Comments

Installed by Door Gallery Mfg., Inc. of NJ

When contacted in January for service after new windows installed and had serious air leaks, service guy did not show up until late July after I withheld some payment funds from a different casement window they installed. They were unresponsive to my calls. In July, the service guy only patched the weather stripping, that did not meet at corners of sash, with a very different size, and did not have enough material. I can't tell if air leak problems are resolved until next very cold days to judge wind. That'll make two winters with leaky windows and large energy bills.

Price Information

12 standard double hung windows cost about $5000 installed. If I did this again, I would get single hung windows or casements that have less trouble with leaks I now hear.