Question on Large replacement Window
Question on Large replacement Window
Hi all!
I have a large three part wooden window on the front of the house (near the ground) that is probably 20+ years old. It's about 96"x56" with all three parts. Middle section is one large fixed window with white grill, the two outer parts are open/close with white grill.
The seals have long since broken, so it's almost always fogged and the sill/bottom frame of the window has rotted in a few smallish places due to multiple years of high snow loads actually covering this window. Have not noticed any water or drafts from this window in the two years we've been here but it leaked in the past, as shown by caulking done by previous owners. Considering replacing it now with a Vinyl window, although I've also got the materials to attempt an epoxy fix on the rotted parts which might hold it over until next spring.
I've gotten two rather pricey quotes, but it's a big window! The local 'window world' has horrible reviews and supposedly cheap windows, so I am not going there.
Quote # 1 - Local guy who only does windows: Atrium Series 8300 Vinyl Window/removal/replacement/disposal. Same setup as my window. $1567.
Quote @3 - General contractor: Viwinco Pro Builder series (Argon/LowE/Energy Star). Same type as my window except clear center window (no white grille). $1200
What think you? Fix the rot, try again in the spring for a package deal with more old windows replaced? One of the deals above? Or get more quotes? =) Ask for a better window?
This is upstate ny, btw.
I have a large three part wooden window on the front of the house (near the ground) that is probably 20+ years old. It's about 96"x56" with all three parts. Middle section is one large fixed window with white grill, the two outer parts are open/close with white grill.
The seals have long since broken, so it's almost always fogged and the sill/bottom frame of the window has rotted in a few smallish places due to multiple years of high snow loads actually covering this window. Have not noticed any water or drafts from this window in the two years we've been here but it leaked in the past, as shown by caulking done by previous owners. Considering replacing it now with a Vinyl window, although I've also got the materials to attempt an epoxy fix on the rotted parts which might hold it over until next spring.
I've gotten two rather pricey quotes, but it's a big window! The local 'window world' has horrible reviews and supposedly cheap windows, so I am not going there.
Quote # 1 - Local guy who only does windows: Atrium Series 8300 Vinyl Window/removal/replacement/disposal. Same setup as my window. $1567.
Quote @3 - General contractor: Viwinco Pro Builder series (Argon/LowE/Energy Star). Same type as my window except clear center window (no white grille). $1200
What think you? Fix the rot, try again in the spring for a package deal with more old windows replaced? One of the deals above? Or get more quotes? =) Ask for a better window?
This is upstate ny, btw.
Last edited by featherz on Thu Sep 08, 2011 7:40 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Question on Large replacement Window
The rot will have to be addresses whether you decide to replace the windows or not, if it's into the frame. Obviously addressing only the rot will do nothing to repair the glass seal, so you are back to replacing the windows.
I don't really care for either of those brands but if you are looking for cheap windows, either will do as they are both about the same quality. I'm very surprised you think the quotes are pricey, that's about what I would expect those windows to cost based on your description. Better windows would obviously cost more.
I don't really care for either of those brands but if you are looking for cheap windows, either will do as they are both about the same quality. I'm very surprised you think the quotes are pricey, that's about what I would expect those windows to cost based on your description. Better windows would obviously cost more.
Re: Question on Large replacement Window
I have to admit that I have never actually priced a window, so I don't know if those are bad or good prices - if you had a choice, would either of those windows be better than the other, or pretty much the same? As for pricey I mean 'in general' - it's a lot of money to me, but is probably a perfectly legitimate quote. Both guys seemed to know their stuff.
And yes, rot will be addressed either way - either a patch fix now, replace window in the spring, or replace window now. I do have other windows I'd like to replace as well, but only have one 'big' project a year in the budget. I just replaced the roof, so that's my big project of the year.
Also 'better windows would cost more' - how much more? hundreds? thousands? =)
Thanks for the help!
And yes, rot will be addressed either way - either a patch fix now, replace window in the spring, or replace window now. I do have other windows I'd like to replace as well, but only have one 'big' project a year in the budget. I just replaced the roof, so that's my big project of the year.
Also 'better windows would cost more' - how much more? hundreds? thousands? =)
Thanks for the help!
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Re: Question on Large replacement Window
That's normal pricing for those windows due to them being lower quality. Is this a rental property?
If not, I would seek better brands.
If not, I would seek better brands.
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Re: Question on Large replacement Window
I would not put either product in the premium class of products. This is less important as it pertains to the picture window in the center, however, I would still like to have better product in the operating flanker windows.
Have you checked out Gorell, Okna, Soft-Lite, Sunrise, or Simonton?
You will likely need to figure on a full tear out and re-frame if the rot is expansive.
Have you checked out Gorell, Okna, Soft-Lite, Sunrise, or Simonton?
You will likely need to figure on a full tear out and re-frame if the rot is expansive.
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Re: Question on Large replacement Window
Some of the brands we like are made by Sunrise, Okna, Softlite, Simonton and Gorell. Why not see if you can find a dealer for one of those windows, and if your budget allows, ask for a quote for just the 3 that need to be done and also how much it would cost to replace all of them at the same time. Even if you decide to only do the 3, at least you will have an idea of what it would cost to do all of them.
Re: Question on Large replacement Window
Nope, this is my owned house.. A large house with lots of windows. So while I don't need top of the line and I am less concerned with appearance (the house is far from the street) I'd like something that will last for as long as possible. The rot does not appear extensive, but I know that may change when the window is pulled out.masterext wrote:That's normal pricing for those windows due to them being lower quality. Is this a rental property?
If not, I would seek better brands.
Can small contractors easily obtain one of those other brands? I know one of the quoters only installs atrium windows, but I can ask the other contractor as well as one more I am having quote me if they can obtain another brand.
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Re: Question on Large replacement Window
Atrium and ViWinco are brands made for contractors who don't specialize in windows, to use for additions or as part of a larger remodel job. The supply houses that carry them sell mainly to general contractors who do many different types of construction. Most contractors that buy those windows only care that they don't get too many complaints within the warranty period which is usually 1 to 5 years. Sort of the 7-11's of the contracting industry. Some General Contractors can get Gorell, Simonton and Softlite. Sunrise and Okna are only available to windows specialists AFAIK.
Last edited by EcoStar Remodeling on Thu Sep 08, 2011 10:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Question on Large replacement Window
Ok, I have two soft-lite dealers somewhat near me in Albany, NY - so I have sent in contact requests and we'll see. Thanks for the help! =)
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Re: Question on Large replacement Window
Does anybody know if Justext serves that area? I think Justext serves that location.
Re: Question on Large replacement Window
I'll take any referrals I can get. I am in Saratoga county,but it seems all the window people are in Albany. The local window world is popular, but those reviews are horrible!Windows on Washington wrote:Does anybody know if Justext serves that area? I think Justext serves that location.
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Re: Question on Large replacement Window
Search Justext in threads and you can click on his name.
Re: Question on Large replacement Window
Featherz,
Did you make a selection on the window? I'm looking at soft-lite (and I'm also in Saratoga County) and I was wondering if you had any feedback on the dealers you talked to...
Thanks,
Dan
Did you make a selection on the window? I'm looking at soft-lite (and I'm also in Saratoga County) and I was wondering if you had any feedback on the dealers you talked to...
Thanks,
Dan
Re: Question on Large replacement Window
Nope, we ended up digging out the rot and filling it in and repainting since it looked like it would be a bigger job than we had planned at the time when we started looking at it. Planning to get them all done this year, so I'd love to know who you choose to go with!
Re: Question on Large replacement Window
We are building a house and we will be doing the installation, so I'm just focused on finding the best price/service. But I'll let you know what we decide.
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks,
Dan