New construction vs replacement windows

[iRenaissanceMan]

I need to replace 26 windows in my home. I intend to rip off the siding and so will have access to the old windows' nail flanges. I asked one of the local window companies in my area (replacement window company), given the access, would they have a window with a slimer profile (more glass/view). They claimed those are new-construction windows and are terrible compared to replacement windows. I was surprised by this claim... I'm assuming guy was just trying to sell his stuff? Any fact to it?

Also, given that I'll be tearing off my siding and having full access to the frame, would you recommend new construction windows or replacement windows? Is there a replacement window that has a slim profile? I've seen Alside Mezzo 4000 series and they're pretty massive. I recently installed some Jeldwen's (i know, they suck... but they were cheap) and their slim profile is super nice. There's only like 1/2 inch of vinyl you can see once drywall was installed.

Thanks for the insight / education.

[Ricknez]

Im baffled that you said something about Jeld-win being “ super nice”??? Jeld-win is a very cheap looking window and i would not install it anywhere regardless of how cheap it was. Mezza isnt “ massive” as you claim, its an average width.
Installing with a flange is fine if you are already removing all the siding. It is a more costly install regardless. Will you be removing all the interior trim as well? Is your search for a brand reliant upon cheapness opposed to quality?

[iRenaissanceMan]

@ricknez, thanks for the reply. I completely agree on Jeld-Wen being super cheap. Yes, totally agree. I just like how slim the profile is. Once installed and drywalled, there's nearly 1/4 inch of vinyl visible from the inside of the home.

My search is not for the cheapest; looking for mid to high mid range. I'm trying to find one that is reasonable in price with the most view (most glass?). I've seen some where you lose 2-3inches of view as compared to the original windows on the home.

I'm in Denver, CO. If there's a company you'd recommend, I'd love to have them take a look and quote it. I've gotten a few quotes, but I've been learning that they may not be the best windows - Mezzo, Provia Endure, Simonton. I'm trying to find an OKNA installer in the area since it sounds like that's probably one of the higher quality options in my price range. I have Melvin Infinity coming next week, but I'm pretty certain that's going to be out of the budget.

[Ricknez]

So far, the Provia Endure is your best choice.

[Delaware Mike]

Most vinyl new construction or replacement is the exact same window in the mid to top tier offerings. The new construction simply has an extruded or factory applied nailing flange. Having the siding off is the perfect time for flanged vinyl. That sales guy doesn't know the industry at all.

[TheWindowNerd]

Slim profile is high on your list. How about drafty or not drafty?

Let me stick with slim profile till you consider the other question.
Fiberglass has the thinest frame.

How will they function? DH, CA, AW, SL

What colors and other features do you want.

You will not find Okna due to the elevation of your location.

[iRenaissanceMan]

Thanks for the responses. I'll create a new thread asking for selection advice once I have all the quotes in hand and need to make a decision.

From the 26 windows, 13 are picture windows and 13 are sliders. They'll all be white vinyl (or fiberglass or whatever). White is the desire.

I am in Colorado, so that's for the note about OKNA.

I should have an estimate from MI Sunrise sometime this week and Infinity Marvin at the end of the week. From what I've been reading, I should get a qnote for Softlite Elements or Imperial Elite.

I'm all ears if anyone's got a suggestion for a company in the Denver area.

Thanks!

[TheWindowNerd]

Back to what I think should be a more important consideration: air leakage.
How much draft do you want from your new windows? A lot, a little, none?
The PWs will be none, but the sliders can be all over the place. Compare actual test results, this is on a windows structural test report. The lower the number the better. .30 that is on the NFRC label is a pass fell, it is not actual.

So you have the normal consideration energy ( U value and air leakage AL), looks, duarbility, budget, and install quality.
We install Pella, Marvin, AW, Okna.
Vinyl will check all your boxes except for the thinnest frames. Good vinyl is good, bad vinyl is bad. Stay away from Mezzo.

In your area triple bay might be a good idea if thick enough.

[iRenaissanceMan]

Thanks! Air leakage is a good point. I have been looking at u and shgc as my home is beaten by the sun all day.

Window world quoted mezzo 4000(?) with triple pane and it came out similar in pricing to Provia endure. It was the first time I saw a vinyl replacement frame because the guy came with a sample and I thought it looked massive. It seemed like my view would be reduced by about 1 inch on each side... So 2 inches less view all around.

Any option/series of mezzo that would make them a viable option? And yeah, I totally understand windowworld is also not the best installer of choice.

[Ricknez]

The Provia is definitely the better option.