I’m in the mood to write something meaningless, just for some attention. That’s what the Really Boring Stuff thread is for, but I’m the kind that needs a tangible subject to talk about. Once I do that, I can wander off onto meaningless stuff.
Anyone ever get replacement windows? I did about 2 months ago, and I thought I’d pass on my experience. My house is nearly 21 years old, and it has lots of large windows – 28 double hung windows and 3 smaller casement windows. The original windows were typical builders’ grade (cheap) made by a company named MW. They were all double-glazed wood windows. The two layers of glass were about ¼” apart and were otherwise uninsulated. Low E glass existed back then, but it was an expensive option that I chose to ignore. I was aware that the builder had a warehouse full of existing stuff, including windows, and if I ordered something different, it would significantly delay moving in. So I got the standard windows, figuring I’d deal with them down the road.
I spent most of those past years regretting that. After about a year, many of the windows leaked something fierce. Weather stripping made little difference. After last winter’s extremely cold weather I decided it was time to pony up and replace the windows.
I got three different estimates. One was as high as $45,000
and the other two were about $16,000. The high-bid company (I really don’t remember the name, but they were based in Pennsylvania) accompanied their estimate with a high-pressure sales pitch. They even had the nerve to try to come back after their first visit. I was too nice on the first visit, but not the next time. I believe I told them to be fruitful and multiply – but not in those exact words.
I eventually decided to work with a local DC-Maryland-Virginia area window-door-siding installer who had very good local references: NOVA Installations
http://novainstallations.com/. The guy (Art Dunn) who came to my house for the estimate was the owner. He was a pleasure to deal with, had useful and money saving suggestions, and the actual installation was done quickly and without any trouble. So I have only praise for NOVA Installations.
I wasted a lot of time trying to decide on a brand of window. The online replacement window discussions I found were pretty useless in my opinion. There were people who either heaped praise or *****ed and moaned regardless of the window maker or who installed them. Eventually, once I decided I trusted Art Dunn, I simply asked him what he recommended. I got windows made by
Ideal Vinyl Replacement Windows New Jersey NJ. Typical of window companies, they sell a wide variety of models at a wide variety of prices. I went with their
UltraTite line to get as far away as possible from the cheap builders’ grade windows.
The windows are foam insulated vinyl. They operate smoothly and fit nice and snugly. The double glass panes are ¾” apart and have the Low E glass thermal insulation. In the last two months, I’ve noticed how quiet the house is when the windows are closed, and how I use less AC than last summer.
The Low E glass in the new windows makes a bigger difference than I expected. On a wall that faces west, I have two new windows next to a glass door that goes outside to the deck. The door is original and has double-glazed glass ¼” apart but lacks Low E glass. When the sun shines directly into them, the glass on the door is warm to the touch, but the windows next to the door are room temperature.
It’s only been two months, and the real test will be how well the windows age. Anyone else with window experience?
Ideal Window is in New Jersey. Speaking of New Jersey, markw and I often see eye to eye on many subjects, but recently we snapped at each other over politics. I’d rather not continue that. All is forgiven markw. I may not always agree with you, but I’ll defend to my death your right to believe what you choose (no matter how misguided
). Buy you a beer?
