Which brand of window to choose??
Question:We are looking at replacing our two front double-hung picture windows with vinyl casements. From what we've heard, each window would need two casements retrofitted into each opening, so if fact, we are purchasing four casements for the two openings. We are confused about the brands of windows and would love to get some feedback on the following: Milgard, Gilkey, Alside, CertainTeed, and Uniframe.
We were quoted around $4400 for the Uniframes (never heard of them) and they seemed to be built extremely well. We have an appointment with Gilkey this week. Someone told us Gilkey is very good and CertainTeed is equivilant to Gilkey.
Two other questions: what do we want to look for in a casement window and how good is kryton filled windows versus argon?
Please help and much thanks for all the responses.
Answers:
Well, my husband makes windows at Pella...
there product is great quality... and you can actually buy them at Lowes...they are energy star which will hold in the air inside and help lower energy bills... they are argon filled... and rated the number 2 window company!... ...i havent even heard of the windows you were talking about...
What you need in a window varies greatly with geography. Areas that are cooler or wetter have specific needs. In the DC area $4400 would be close to what you would have to pay for Anderson or Pella, both of which are extremely well built. If you have an Anderson or Pella salesperson comeout you can get them to go over what make a good replacement window. Even if you decide to go with another manufacturer you will get a great low pressure education.
Beware of any sales people that have a one day only sales price, typically these sales people only get a commission if you sign up on the day they come out to show you there wares. If you were to call their employer a day later to signup they would get no commission. So you can be sure that you could get the same price if not a better one from their employer a few days later.
I can'gt help you with the brands of windows you stated but, I use to sell replacement windows. You want to go for Low-E on whatever brand you go with. As far as gas filled I would not spend the extra to get it. If it is not a mark up price to have it then go for it. The gas only raises the temp. diff. by 2 degrees. They can only be filled 80% full and there is no way to measure the gas inside the window after they are installed. So there is no way to know if there is settling over time or even how long the gas is inside the windows.
Also stay with the casement type windows as they offer the best protection from air leaks because as the wind blows against the window the tighter the seal.
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