window replacement in md

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cmar2
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:14 pm

window replacement in md

#1 Post by cmar2 »

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.

michaeldelliott
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 8:22 am

Re: window replacement in md

#2 Post by michaeldelliott »

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)

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Windows on Washington
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Re: window replacement in md

#3 Post by Windows on Washington »

Michael Elliot?

Are you friends with Mike Morris? I know a Michael Elliot in MD.

cmar2
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:14 pm

Re: window replacement in md

#4 Post by cmar2 »

I was considering vinyl at this point because I was already planning on going w/Softlite. However, I originally considered clad wood interior, fiberglass.

TheWindowNerd
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Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:52 pm
Location: SE PA & NJ; CT
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Re: window replacement in md

#5 Post by TheWindowNerd »

Over all the vinyl will be less care, and more energy effecient.

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