Discussion Board Forum for Vinyl Windows

I have no personal experience with either Andersen or Paradigm but I would offer the following: If you're looking at Renewal by Andersen, there are a lot of posts on both this and the sister site about it, pro and con. Use the search function to locate these posts. As for Paradigm, according to the ...

I considered both the Simonton 5500 Series (Reflections) and the 9800 Series (Impressions), among others. Comparably equipped (Lo-E, Argon, Superspacer, 1" glass package, reinforced meeting rails, colonial grids), the price difference was only about $20 a window (here, anyway). Other than the g...

Thanks, mikey105. I appreciate your thoughts and am glad that my posts sparked some helpful discussion. I, too, am grateful to Randy, Window4U, Bill, Fenex and all the other seasoned pros who contribute to this discussion board; I would have been lost without them. I'll still check in occasionally t...

I decided on the Simonton 9800 "Impressions" series. They are a nicer-looking window than the 5500 "Reflections" line. I added the Glass Sensor upgrade package that includes 1" glass, Low-E, Argon and the Superspacer. I also added reinforced meeting rails. The difference in ...

Then I apologize and must have missed it. If its "stats" stack up against other comparably-priced windows and the window appears to be solidly constructed as compared to those windows, then (as is typically the case), installation will be the key. Under those circumstances, I'd focus more ...

A quick search on the web shows that ACAN windows are manufactured in Newfoundland (i.e., Canada). They are not listed as a participant in the NFRC ratings program here in the States and this is where you otherwise would be best able to gather information about how they stack up against other brands...

Window4U:

Glad we're on the same wavelength. Good luck with those crazies when you go back out to wrap their windows. But you should know by now, you'll never please people like this. They'll probably claim that the wrapping isn't the exact same shade of white as the windows...

What other job can men across the country who are conscientous top notch and experienced craftsman do, where they are hounded routinely their entire career by people who don't have a clue of the proper methods of their trade? I have some advice for people who think this way. Do the proper research ...

I'll add the following info for the 9800's, taken directly from the stickers off of the windows (all with Sensor Glass package and meeting rail reinforcement where applicable): DH (with grids) (sizes 32x37.5, 24x72, 32x72, 36x72): U-Factor 0.31, SHGC 0.26, VT 0.43, DP +50/-50 DH (no grids) (sizes 32...

While you are certainly entitled to post on the Discussion Board (at least for now), please don't use my topics as the basis for your commentary. Yes, I am happy with my new windows and I'm glad that you are satisfied with yours. In fact, I strongly considered purchasing the Alside Sheffields myself...

Seamaster: I'll have to leave your question about the reinforced meeting rails to the pros. Generally, I would say that the purpose is to strengthen the frame in the area where it's most susceptible, whether to wind, bowing, opening/closing, etc. I would think that it would be more important on larg...

I am aware of that, Randy, and given that I've found two golf balls in my yard recently, I may need it (some neighborhood kid broke one of my windows this way a few years back). My wife tells me that the A/C actually went off for several hours today (the high was 93 degrees today). That's the first ...

I hope that no one confuses me with some of the other posters who claim to have had windows installed recently. I'll try to keep this clean. After an 8-week wait (slightly longer than estimated), our windows were installed this week. Just for review, we purchased Simonton 9800's with the Sensor Pack...

Thank you for today's assistance in identifying the general posting rules. While I understand that contractors, sales reps, etc. should not use the Board to solicit business, is it acceptable for us mere mortal consumers to direct other naive buyers to one or more of the fine contractors/reps who re...

You would think by now a single "best practice" would emerge that would provide a long life to the window, guarantee no wind or water leaks and look presentable to the owner, inside and out. How hard can that be? I hear you, brother. Some variation in construction/installation is understa...