Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

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MichiganGuy
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Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#1 Post by MichiganGuy »

What choices do I have in Metro Detroit?

I've got Taylor Made coming out and I believe that is Sunrise windows.
I had home Depot out and they sell RBA and Simonton
I had Marvin Window rep out. Fiberglass windows are expensive.

I've got a 1200 SqFt ranch with 8 windows one door wall and a bay window.
Marvin $18k
RBA Fibrex $16k
Simonton 6500, $12.5K

Any advice will be appreciated.

MichiganGuy
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#2 Post by MichiganGuy »

Found a Soft Lite Dealer in CenterLine Mi.

I'm thinking Soft Lite and Sunrise will be my 2 best options.

Any advice on triple pane for South East Michigan?

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HomeSealed
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#3 Post by HomeSealed »

The fibrex sold at HD is not RBA. Same material, but not the same window. Either way, box stores installer pay is on the low end of the spectrum so its really a crapshoot at best. Revolving door.

Marvin's are nice although not the best performers. Whether or not they are a good option for you depends on whether you prioritize appearance (Marvin/wood) or performance (higher end vinyl)... If by chance you were looking at the all fg Essentials, that one doesn't check either box.

Based on the fact that you are asking about triple pane it sounds like energy efficiency is a primary factor for you, so I'd say yes, triple pane is advisable in your area, and the upper end models from Softlite and Sunrise would be good choices.

MichiganGuy
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#4 Post by MichiganGuy »

I'm not comfortable with the Anderson Windows from Home Depot. So that's off the table for now.

Just had a salesman out and he's quoting Northstar windows. Anyone have an opinion on this brand?

TheWindowNerd
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#5 Post by TheWindowNerd »

I would suggest SL or Sunrise.
I would stay away from NorthStar primarily for the bad design of a pocket sill.

theWindownerd

toddinmn
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#6 Post by toddinmn »

Soft-Lite for double hungs and either for casements.

MichiganGuy
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#7 Post by MichiganGuy »

New Quotes;
8 windows (7 sliders & 1 double hung), 1 sliding Patio Door and a Bay Window

North Star $13,800

SunRise (Vanguard) $17,600

masterext
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#8 Post by masterext »

TheWindowNerd wrote: Sat Nov 20, 2021 11:49 am I would suggest SL or Sunrise.
I would stay away from NorthStar primarily for the bad design of a pocket sill.

theWindownerd
I totally agree with that. Go with soft lite or sunrise, they are built much better than north star.

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HomeSealed
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#9 Post by HomeSealed »

Based on your description, that Vanguard price sounds decent. The bay window and door (I assume a 2 panel sliding door?) are a good chunk of that. If that is above your budget, rather than downgrade quality I'd consider doing a regular window configuration in place of the bay. That would likely save a few thousand right there.

MichiganGuy
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#10 Post by MichiganGuy »

The Marvin windows and the Sunrise windows seem to be pretty close in price. Any opinions on which performs better?

Thanks for all the replies. I do appreciate it.

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HomeSealed
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#11 Post by HomeSealed »

Which Marvin line? The Sunrise will be the better performer regardless, but the delta will vary by model and style. Casements are a bit closer than double hungs for instance, although if we are talking Sunrise vs Marvin Essentials for instance, many would say that the Sunrise looks nicer in addition to the superior performance.

What are your goals and priorities for the project? If you are looking for the most beautiful window that you can buy, the Marvin Ultimate is striking and well built, albeit not supremely air tight nor thermally efficient. If you are looking for performance and efficiency where aesthetics are secondary, the high performance vinyl options are better.

MichiganGuy
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#12 Post by MichiganGuy »

Marvin Essentials

I'm sweet on the Sunrise windows. The wife likes the Marvin, mainly because they are fiberglass. Our last vinyl windows (American Craftsman 25 years old) warped so she feels all vinyl windows will leak because of warping.

MichiganGuy
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#13 Post by MichiganGuy »

Goals and priorities

1) Warm the house up by eliminating drafts. Our current windows are very drafty
2) Replace the current Anderson bay window which leaks
3) Lower energy bills
4) Increase the value of the house
5) look nice

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HomeSealed
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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#14 Post by HomeSealed »

American Craftsman is an awful window IMO, I'd caution against moving away from a material because you had a bad experience with a poor version of it. It would be like abstaining from steak because you had a gristly, leather puck at Applebees.

The Sunrise window is very good and IMO, an easy winner against the Marvin Essentials based on your five points. The only item that could be questionable would be number 4, as names like Marvin and Andersen are well known and can resonate with homebuyers if you plan to sell soon.

Would you regret going the route of the Essentials? Probably not, although it depends how sensitive you are to drafts, etc. Marvin doesn't make any bad windows, but the Sunrise will be more air tight and thermally efficent.

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Re: Replacement Windows in Metro Detroit Area

#15 Post by TheWindowNerd »

+1

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