Replacement Windows

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reicherb

Platinum Member
Nov 22, 2000
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I got a few quotes to have replacement windows installed and the prices were all over $10,000 so I'm going to do it myself. I went to Home Depot and found 2 different brands. Andersen and American Craftsman. Does anybody have experiences with either? I know the Andersen name and the sales guy said they were very good, however the warranty was only 10yrs on the non-glass parts but is transferable. The American Craftsman look just as good to me and have a lifetime warranty on all parts. The sales guys said the Andersen warranty is actually better, but I read them both and the only difference I see is the ability to transfer the Andersen warranty to a new owner. The Andersen's are almost twice as much money and only come in standard sizes which means I'll have to fill 2" gaps in some places. The American Craftsman come in custom sizes. Any thoughts on either window?

Thanks.
 
ElFenix

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,402
8,574
126
could be a selling point when it comes time to move but really, how often do window fittings and mechanisms fail? never? and filling those gaps would be a pain. i think its pretty clear cut
 
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reicherb

Platinum Member
Nov 22, 2000
2,122
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I guess one other plus the Andersens have is that I can get a pine interior and a white vinyl exterior. The pine might be nice, but I plan to trim the windows with 4" oak and wonder if the woods would clash when stained or if I'd be able to get a consistent color with 2 different woods. Would I be better to stick with white or try the 2 different woods?
 
zbalat

zbalat

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,501
1
81
Without a doubt go with vinyl replacement windows. Do not mess with Andersen or American Craftsman. One of the best replacement windows is made right in Michigan and they are running a free LOw E / Argon glass special until the end of may.

YHPM.
 
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arcas

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2001
2,155
2
0
I wish the windows (Certainteed brand) in my house came with a transferrable warranty. I bought the house about a year ago and two windows have air leaks around the sash and on one window, the top sash will lower but it's a b!tch to raise again. Takes two people straining. Of course, the warranty did not transfer to the new owner (me) which means I'm stuck. It's ridiculous when you think about it. One would think a 10 year warranty would remain in effect 10 years regardless of how many times the house changes owners :(

Same thing goes for Delta faucets. The tub faucet began leaking a couple months after I moved in. The 10 year warranty did not transfer. Actually, it was my mistake for admitting to the CSR that the house had changed owners. The repair only cost me $15 but the idea that a company thinks its product liability only applies to the original buyer pisses me off. Going that route, a company can assume that an average homeowner stays put for 5 years so they'll issue a 10 year or 20 year warranty expecting to only be liable for 5 years. I'll never buy a Delta faucet.

Whatever window you decide to buy, you might want to see if you can buy a few yards of the felt weatherseal for that model window. As the windows age, the felt wears out and eventually you have air leaks. Seems the felt strips differ from window manufacturer to window manufacturer (thickness, how they attach, etc) so the easiest way to make sure you get the right style is to get it when you get your windows. That way you don't have to worry about that style being discontinued in the future. I know it sounds trivial it beats having to run scotch tape around the joints as a quick fix when it's 10F outside and your windows are spewing cold air into the house (I've been down that road) :)
 
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RU482

Lifer
Apr 9, 2000
12,689
3
81
My parents put Andersen windows (the tall crank out kind) in their house when they remodled back in ~83. In about 93, the got a call from an Andersen rep. Appearently, they discovered a known defect that caused the life of the windows to be shortened, something to do with the seal or jam or something. Anyway, they came out and replaced the windows for free. Not only that, but the 30yr warranty reset and started from the date of the fix.

That said, I'm gonna have to point you in the direction of Andersen.

Aside from that, my dad's a contractor. He recommends Pella or Andersen windows..
 
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