Hello, I'm looking to replace about 20 DH windows and a sliding door with high quality vinyl. Based on the advice in this forum and elsewhere Okna is my top choice. I like that they are local, seem well-engineered, have a good warranty, and pretty good lead times.
I have a dealer close to me that I haven't been super impressed with so far. I'm looking for someone to explain in detail why they are recommending a certain window, a certain installation method, etc. The guy I've interacted with so far didn't seem super experienced.
A few questions:
1) Is there an Okna dealer that folks on this forum are familiar with that services central NJ? I'm near Freehold in Monmouth county.
2) The dealer I spoke with seems to only sell the 500 series. Other than aesthetics, are there compelling reasons to consider upgrading to 600 or 800? I saw something that a reinforced sash. Is that important? FWIW I'll probably only be in this house for another 2-5 years.
3) Are there other brands I should consider instead / in addition?
Thank you!
Okna dealer in central NJ
Re: Okna dealer in central NJ
The 600 is a nice product which has reinforcement. There is an Okna dealer about 45 minutes north by morristown who may go down your way. Id call and ask. They are AGM Window.
Last edited by Ricknez on Tue Oct 08, 2024 4:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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TheWindowNerd
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- Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:05 pm
- Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex
Re: Okna dealer in central NJ
I also would based on your description select the 600DX.
The key difference for one MFG over another is draftiness. The 600DX is well made, durable, attractive and NOT drafty.
Most sales people are not technical. An owner who is or has been and installer can answer most questions correctly, or at least find the correct answers.
theWindowNerd
The key difference for one MFG over another is draftiness. The 600DX is well made, durable, attractive and NOT drafty.
Most sales people are not technical. An owner who is or has been and installer can answer most questions correctly, or at least find the correct answers.
theWindowNerd
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TheWindowNerd
- Posts: 2354
- Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:05 pm
- Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex
Re: Okna dealer in central NJ
What are your questions about install method?
Two basic types of install, they do not always apply to every project.
Insert replacement: the fastest, cleanest, cheapest, and most common.
Full frame/full tear out: more extensive, longer, 33-50% more. Most companies do one of the methods well, but not both.
We do both just as readily. Either can be right.
wayne theWindowNerd
Two basic types of install, they do not always apply to every project.
Insert replacement: the fastest, cleanest, cheapest, and most common.
Full frame/full tear out: more extensive, longer, 33-50% more. Most companies do one of the methods well, but not both.
We do both just as readily. Either can be right.
wayne theWindowNerd
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manalapanNJ
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2024 9:50 am
Re: Okna dealer in central NJ
Thanks for the great info. With regard to installation method...
I am replacing aluminum windows. The front of the house is brick, which I understand makes an insert replacement the only practical option on that side.
The rest of the house has aluminum siding. The guidance for the windows on those faces has varied widely. One guy swears that the only way to do the job right is to pull back the siding and install with a nailing fin. Another claimed that an insert replacement into aluminum is preferred. One guy insisted that a new construction installation was undesirable because you'd be nailing through the existing moisture barrier, which in new construction would go over top of the nailing fin. One guy that advocated for a nailing fin did mention it can create gaps with existing interior trim, requiring quarter round stops. Others seem to be assuming that jam extensions and casing will be replaced.
I'd love a clear explanation of the tradeoffs in terms of quality and cost/effort for this particular application (replacing aluminum window with vinyl window on aluminum siding).
Also, @TheWindowNerd it looks like you service part of NJ, but maybe not this far east. Is that right?
I am replacing aluminum windows. The front of the house is brick, which I understand makes an insert replacement the only practical option on that side.
The rest of the house has aluminum siding. The guidance for the windows on those faces has varied widely. One guy swears that the only way to do the job right is to pull back the siding and install with a nailing fin. Another claimed that an insert replacement into aluminum is preferred. One guy insisted that a new construction installation was undesirable because you'd be nailing through the existing moisture barrier, which in new construction would go over top of the nailing fin. One guy that advocated for a nailing fin did mention it can create gaps with existing interior trim, requiring quarter round stops. Others seem to be assuming that jam extensions and casing will be replaced.
I'd love a clear explanation of the tradeoffs in terms of quality and cost/effort for this particular application (replacing aluminum window with vinyl window on aluminum siding).
Also, @TheWindowNerd it looks like you service part of NJ, but maybe not this far east. Is that right?
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TheWindowNerd
- Posts: 2354
- Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:05 pm
- Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex
Re: Okna dealer in central NJ
We would service you.
With 45 years of installing windows of all types, I believe the key is NO leaks.
Personally I am not a fan of siding drops or cut backs. Both are valid options. I do not like the extra expense when we can get everything done as an insert water tight air tight, clean and crisp.
With your project we would deglaze the existing units, pry out the frames from behind the brick and aluminum siding. We then eval the need for mechanical drip caps for each opening and elevation. On the aluminum siding we would pre J channel the opening, install the unit, caulk and finish the interior, carefully foam the exterior perimeter,
cut and fold the J channel corners, caulk the exterior.
The above is the typical process, site conditions may alter approach.
Guys who insist there is only one correct way are mistaken and have big egos.
theWindowNerds.com
With 45 years of installing windows of all types, I believe the key is NO leaks.
Personally I am not a fan of siding drops or cut backs. Both are valid options. I do not like the extra expense when we can get everything done as an insert water tight air tight, clean and crisp.
With your project we would deglaze the existing units, pry out the frames from behind the brick and aluminum siding. We then eval the need for mechanical drip caps for each opening and elevation. On the aluminum siding we would pre J channel the opening, install the unit, caulk and finish the interior, carefully foam the exterior perimeter,
cut and fold the J channel corners, caulk the exterior.
The above is the typical process, site conditions may alter approach.
Guys who insist there is only one correct way are mistaken and have big egos.
theWindowNerds.com