Overwhelmed by Choices

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Benjihana
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:58 pm

Overwhelmed by Choices

#1 Post by Benjihana »

Hey folks - was on the cusp of a very expensive remodel for my 1947 home, and the contractor/builder had selected Weathershield Contemporary casement windows with SDL (black alum exterior/black wood interior).

We've pulled back on the remodel (economy has us spooked to do a major reno), but still are redoing some siding and our windows (currently have double hung single pane with cracks... might as well leave the window open). I am in Austin, TX.

I've had two window contractors come out, one hawking a vinyl window out of Ft. Worth, the other desperately trying to get me to get Anderson 100s. Both feel way off from where my prior contractor was... I'm struggling to figure out the best option for my replacements...

A reddit thread called out wood composites or wood hybrids as the creme de la creme of balance between performance and looks, also said I should avoid metal spacers, should have at least two-three weather seal lines, etc.

How true is all that? Price is fortunately not a huge issue for me, but that doesn't mean I want to spend exorbitant sums... if you all had a fairly healthy budget and wanted black on black colonial SDL windows in the heat of Texas (mostly all casement or picture) - what would you choose?

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Randy
Posts: 1209
Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:26 am
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Overwhelmed by Choices

#2 Post by Randy »

While I don’t care for the Andersen single hung for multiple reason, the 100 series casements and fixed units are a fine choice.

There are no premium vinyl windows made in Ft. Worth, and the brands that I’m aware of from that area are mid-grade vinyl at best. With out extreme heat and UV, mid-grade vinyl isn’t the best choice for long-term durability and performance.

Have you looked at fiberglass? Marvin’s Elevate series would be another good option to consider.

I’m not aware of any specialized window professional who has high regard for Weathershield. Marvin and Kolbe are better options.

As to the metal spacer, if it’s Cardinal’s XL Edge, it is a great choice. If you avoid the lower end vinyl windows, you’ll avoid the cheaper spacers, as a general rule.

Benjihana
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:58 pm

Re: Overwhelmed by Choices

#3 Post by Benjihana »

Randy,

Thanks for this. I got a quote for Marvin Elevates, black on black, no screens, with low e3 and argon and sdls and black spacers. 14 casement, 4 fixed picture (smaller), 2 provia doors, 4 ntwindow tempered vinyl (going in for a year or two until we do an addition). All installed at about 48k then some incidental construction where we need framing done on a square space.

Does this feel in line?

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TheWindowNerd
Posts: 2216
Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:05 pm
Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex

Re: Overwhelmed by Choices

#4 Post by TheWindowNerd »

Difficult to tell because we do not have al the specs and scope of work. Easily could be fair price.
Did you give any thoughts to Essentials and giving up the SDL for GBG?
TheWindowNerd.

Benjihana
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:58 pm

Re: Overwhelmed by Choices

#5 Post by Benjihana »

We are okay with the elevate and sdl premium as aesthetic choices, just trying to see if I'm in line. Really appreciate the input. Here is the breakdown...

LINE MARK UNIT PRODUCT LINE ITEM NET PRICE QTY EXTENDED NET PRICE
1 Front Rm Elevate Casement
RO 36" X 60" 2,659.80 1 2,659.80
2 Front Rm Elevate Casement
RO 36" X 60" 2,659.80 1 2,659.80
3 Hallway Elevate Direct Glaze Rectangle
RO 58" X 63" 4,923.60 1 4,923.60
4 Utility Rm Elevate Casement
RO 28" X 51" 2,255.00 1 2,255.00
5 Bath Rm 1 Elevate Direct Glaze Rectangle
RO 35" X 22" 1,456.40 1 1,456.40
6 Bed Rm 1 Elevate Casement
RO 36" X 60" 2,659.80 1 2,659.80
7 Bed Rm 1 Elevate Casement
RO 36" X 60" 2,659.80 1 2,659.80
8 Bath Rm 2 Elevate Direct Glaze Rectangle
RO 30" X 30" 2,123.00 1 2,123.00
9 Office Elevate Casement
RO 36" X 60" 2,659.80 1 2,659.80
10 Office Elevate Casement
RO 36" X 60" 2,659.80 1 2,659.80
11 Office Elevate Casement
RO 36" X 60" 2,659.80 1 2,659.80
12 Office Elevate Casement
RO 36" X 60" 2,659.80 1 2,659.80
13 Bath Rm 3 Elevate Direct Glaze Rectangle
RO 35" X 34" 1,889.80 1 1,889.80
14 Bed Rm 2 Elevate Casement
RO 33" X 52" 2,420.00 1 2,420.00
15 Bed Rm 2 Elevate Casement
RO 22 1/2" X 70" 2,585.00 1 2,585.00
16 Bed Rm 2 Elevate Casement
RO 22 1/2" X 70" 2,585.00 1 2,585.00
17 Bed Rm 2 Elevate Casement
RO 22 1/2" X 70" 2,585.00 1 2,585.00
18 Bed Rm 2 Elevate Casement
RO 22 1/2" X 70" 2,585.00 1 2,585.00


They are all optioned the same way:

Ebony Exterior
Painted Interior Finish - Designer Black Pine Interior 189.20
Elevate Casement - Left Hand 1,918.40
Rough Opening 36" X 60"
Ebony Exterior
Painted Interior Finish - Designer Black Pine Interior
IG 74.80
Low E3 w/Argon
Black Perimeter and Spacer Bar 103.40
7/8" SDL - With Spacer Bar - Black 374.00
Rectangular - Special Cut 2W3H
Ebony Ext - Painted Interior Finish - Designer Black Int
Matte Black Folding Handle
No Screen
4 9/16" Jambs
Nailing Fin

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