Home window replacement recommendation needed
 

Hey Guys/Gals,

We're looking to replace the windows in our condo this summer and would very much appreciate any recommendations. We live in northern VA and will need to replace five windows and two sliding glass doors.

Any recommendations on brands, types, and contractors will be very much appreciated. We did get a recommendation from a friend who recently bought Traco.

Thanks!!

Stefano, we have a local company named Atria out of Johnstown Ohio that builds a great product at a reasonable price. I installed 13 white vinyl double hung low e windows myself for just under 3 grand. Don't think twice about doing the job yourself, it's actually quite easy!!!

Before you order,
If you haven't already done so, check with your condo association and check the master deed to find out about any restrictions on type, quality, color, etc. of replacements.
I presume the answer to the obvious question is, the windows are not part of the common elements, right?

Since you mentioned doing it yourself, HD, I am thinking of replacing my frond door. It doesn't seem like it would be that hard. I've put in pre-hung interior doors before. Did your project include one of those, or just sliding doors? I don't know if it matters. I'm just afraid of getting the old one out and finding that I can't get the new one put in correctly.

My Dad has been in the window, door and awning business since 1952 and he has always sworn by Pella. Don't know if their quality is the same as it was in the 60's and 70's (Dad's peak years) but my house has them from 1965 and they are in fine shape. Check sources because I notice that the big lumber yard chains now carry them and there may be a different grade available through contractors only.

We had Anderson windows in the old house. I liked the look of them...

Anderson makes a decent product at an attractive price. I always prefer them to the vinyl replacements.

If you really want to step up.........consider Marvin........but, they're pricey. You get what you pay for.

Too many horror stories regarding Pella not standing behind the product. Avoid them.

As far as contractors, I recommend a subscription to Angie's List. I think it's about $6/month, but it lets you see what others have thought of contractors.

We got Simonton vinyl replacement windows installed about 3 years ago. The contractor also wrapped the wood trim with aluminum, so no more painting! We are happy with the quality.

http://www.simonton.com

Anderson is the best "all around" window. There are high-end windows, but all in all a great window, and great service when things aren't right.

Pella is junk (as you can see from my sig.) -- I have given up on them entirely and will just watch as they continue to rot out of their frames. (I do enjoy giving people that are having work done with Pella windows, a link to a few sites to tell them to get them out of their home before they are stuck with the trash too.).

So, yeah. Anderson is the way to go.

Looks like Pella quality has suffered. I sure can't attest to their new products, only the older ones. And, in my limited experience, once a major retailer starts carrying a product such as this and it no longer is a contractor only offering, quality deteriorates.

PGT is made just down the road a bit, and I have never ever heard a complaint about their product. http://www.pgtindustries.com/Index.aspx

If you have a cinderblock house, replacement will be easy. (check if you have to have a permit)

Just measure carefully, as most are a standard size. You can just purchase the door without the threshold if the old one conforms to standard door dimensions...just replace locks and hinges and hang. Newer frames have adjustable-height floor threshholds...important to seal properly, or you willl get heavy rains and bugs making an entrance!

Only issue is with older homes or a house that has settled...if the old frame isn't plumb, you WILL have problems getting the new door to fit and seal properly.