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Author: | Peter (NY) |
Subject: | Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-22 01:05:13 |
I have an 80 year old brick colonial, and am in the process of obtaining estimates for replacing windows. The previous homeowner replaced the originals with vinyl replacements at some point, and the job was obviously not done well. Here is the dilemma: The first person we had in was going to strip the windows down to the studs, and replace them with top of the line vinyl replacements. The company actually builds them to size on their premises. He said it was more like a "new construction" process, rather than, "replacement windows." The second person, also said he would strip everything down to the studs, etc., but replace with the wood window of our choice, ie: Marvin, Andersen, Pella, etc. depending on our taste....The area I live in is upscale and my wife and I love the wood look. We understand that the wood windows will not be custom made, but the carpenter assured us that using "stock sizes" in our existing openings would work out perfectly, and referred me to the size charts so I would be comfortable. I guess my question is what option should I go with? Price wise, it's within a few thousand dollars, depending on what wood window I go with....And since you took your time to read this, what wood window would be a good choice middle of the road wise in terms of price?????????? We will probably go with Marvin, Andersen, or Pella.....................Thanks for your time.
Author: | Peter L |
In Reply To: | Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by Peter (NY)) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-22 02:47:53 |
Hi Peter,
I'm another Peter, and have just been through this process myself. I will tell you that we have chosen to do "new construction" replacement of about 30 windows using Marvin Ultimate wood-clad windows (wood windows, clad with extruded aluminum on the outside). After comparing Marvin windows to Anderson and Pella, I am convinced there is no comparison! The Marvin windows function much better than the others, are made with greater attention to detail, use better materials, etc etc. Marvin windows will be made to order specifically for you, based on your opening measurements.
With a beautiful old brick colonial, I wouldn't mess with vinyl windows, although some on this board will tell you they are wonderful. I replaced windows in my old home with good quality vinyl windows, and they were fine, but just not the same as a well made wood window. The only other thing you might want to consider is a fiberglass window such as the Marvin Integrity. This is a fiberglass window with genuine wood interior. Main drawback is that these are only available in stock sizes....if you're lucky, you may have a match, but perhaps not. Marvin also makes a full fiberglass window with custom sizes (Infinity line), but availability is limited. Finally, Milgard makes a fiberglass line (Ultra, Wood-clad), but the double-hungs in this line have had some issues, and I assume you need double hungs if you are in an old colonial.
Compare the Marvins with Anderson and Pella, side by side, and look them over carefully. I am sure you will agree. You may also want to look at Eagle. I understand they have a nice wood window, but have not really checked them out.
Good luck
Author: | Peter (NY) |
In Reply To: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by Peter L) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-22 13:40:26 |
Peter, thanks for the insight......As I said, my contractor said that the measurements he took, will accomodate "stock size" wood windows, almost perfectly. Besides, "custom" Marvin's are probably going to be a bit pricey, as opposed to others....And I agree, the home and area calls for wood windows, and double-hung is definitely the way to go.......Thanks for the input.......
Author: | Guy |
In Reply To: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by Peter L) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-22 13:43:51 |
Hey Peter, Peter (Funny Thing Here) gave you an answer I can't argue with. He's right on the money! In your location the window means everything. Marvin will make the window to your sizing. We do it everyday here. Marvin is a great choice and you will not regret it. I would be skeptical of the one who tried to sell you stock windows though!!! If he takes a shortcut there he will surely take them on the installation. Then FenX will find them and push them down. I would if they were in my town!! JK
Peter you answered it like a Pro!! Great Job!!!
Guy
Author: | Peter L |
In Reply To: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by Guy) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-23 00:50:45 |
Thanks, Guy! Since I started reading posts on this site from you and others, I have learned a tremendous amount, and it has allowed me to investigate on my own and make what I think is a good choice for our house.
Here's to you and the others (Randy from Houston, FenEx, Windowman200, Oberon, Window4U, and a few others)
Peter L
Author: | Guy |
In Reply To: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by Peter L) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-23 01:13:43 |
Thank You! I appreciate it and I'm sure the others do to!!
Guy
Author: | FenEx |
In Reply To: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by Peter L) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-23 01:50:31 |
Always nice to see appreciation... Thanks Peter.
Author: | Ed |
In Reply To: | Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by Peter (NY)) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-23 16:21:21 |
Go with the marvins.
I think the custom size marvins are not really any
more than the stock sizes.
Ed
Author: | FenEx |
In Reply To: | Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by Peter (NY)) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-23 23:03:49 |
Of three mentioned, Marvin is the only I would recommend... and highly when it comes to wood windows.
Author: | DOLORES |
In Reply To: | Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by Peter (NY)) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-24 23:39:15 |
we have just bought vinyl windows (Softlite) and they are not cleaning well. What could the problem be?
Author: | Guy |
In Reply To: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements (posted by DOLORES) |
Subject: | RE: Vinyl vs. Wood replacements |
Posted At: | 2004-08-25 01:49:48 |
Glass or the Vinyl?