I live in a suburb of Balt. Co and am looking to replace 13 wood windows (picture counts as 2) on a house built around 1960. It is a small brick rancher. I believe the value would be around 200k range. I have no idea if I will move soon or stay here forever & other h/i projects.
My chief concerns are: Quality/VALUE/Resale value (ie, what it makes sense for me to pay vs. the best or cheapest window)
performance/energy efficiency (SGHC, U factor, Condensation, Air Infil, Durability)
Aesthetics: Small house so don't want to lose alot of glass space, not sure if would prefer fiberglass, vinyl, or vinyl w/wood laminate interior
Warranty/company soundness/ratings w/NFRC, AAMA, etc (both windows & installation/customer service)
These are the windows I am considering: Pella Impervia for 5.6k, Soft-lite Imperial LS for 7.4k (without wood trim interior), Bryn Mawr II for 6.6k, Alside (many around same price) =5.3k.
Pros/Cons:
Impervia Pros: Consumer reports high rating, good cost if good product, performance/durability of fiberglass (as far as I now), Pella
Impervia Cons: Doesn't meet tax credit criteria, fiberglass new material, not sure I like looks, Pella,
Softlite Pros: Great reviews on forums, Great rating w/BBB, wood trim an option, get tax credit
Softlite Cons: Regional-not as well known as the big players so less ratings like Con. Reports. What if something happens to the company (same concern w/all regional comps-see below), glass issues??
Certainteed/Alside Pros: cost & reviews on Con. Reports, Big companies
Cons of Certainteed/Alside: They aren't spoken of alot (Bryn Mawr) or get bashed alot (Alside)on forums (from what I have read).
Others I thought about but haven't seen are Okna/Gorell/Simonton/Sunrise because of what I have read on forums though BBB seems to have low grades for some.
Then, money being no object, Marvin's fiberglass (looks out of window and hopes to see pig flying).
I know this is all over the place & appreciate any help I can get.
window replacement in md
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Re: window replacement in md
I read your post and was hoping I could help. One basic question:
Are you considering all PVC vinyl only or also the combination of vinyl and wood (vinyl on outside, hardwood interior)?
Once I see you rposting I'll give you my experiences.
Mike (also in Maryland)
Are you considering all PVC vinyl only or also the combination of vinyl and wood (vinyl on outside, hardwood interior)?
Once I see you rposting I'll give you my experiences.
Mike (also in Maryland)
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Re: window replacement in md
Michael Elliot?
Are you friends with Mike Morris? I know a Michael Elliot in MD.
Are you friends with Mike Morris? I know a Michael Elliot in MD.
Re: window replacement in md
I was considering vinyl at this point because I was already planning on going w/Softlite. However, I originally considered clad wood interior, fiberglass.
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Re: window replacement in md
Over all the vinyl will be less care, and more energy effecient.
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