Marita Posted October 25, 2007 Report Share Posted October 25, 2007 We are trying to pick windows for a new home being built. Could any home inspectors suggest what brands they would recommend and/or which ones to stay away from. I understand most issues with window performance have a great deal to do with installation. Looking for mid price, good quality, tried and true mfg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark P Posted October 25, 2007 Report Share Posted October 25, 2007 I like Andersen windows. I find few if any leaking seals, like I do in the cheap $189 vinyl windows. They have been around for a long time and maintain a good inventory of parts if you do ever need a replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted October 25, 2007 Report Share Posted October 25, 2007 Marvin, Anderson, Pozzi. Weathershield used to make total crap, but now they make some good product. The window industry is centralizing like everything else; I think Jeld-Wen bought Pozzi, and a lot of the lines are looking similar w/similar hardware. You are right. Window performance is largely about installation. I've got a document somewhere indicating that 87% of all window problems are installation related, and something like 90% of all windows have some sort of installation defect, i.e., no one installs them right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonOfSwamp Posted October 25, 2007 Report Share Posted October 25, 2007 Originally posted by Marita We are trying to pick windows for a new home being built. Could any home inspectors suggest what brands they would recommend and/or which ones to stay away from. I understand most issues with window performance have a great deal to do with installation. Looking for mid price, good quality, tried and true mfg. Take Kurt M's advice on manufacturers. Also, before the installation starts, get copies of the manufacturer's installation specifications. Photograph and otherwise document the installation of the windows. If the installation doesn't match the manufacturer's specs, stop the job and make the installers -- or whatever other contractor you might hire -- do the installation right. It's almost certain that the windows we be installed contrary to the manufacturer's specs. So, it's likely that they'll leak. You'll want to have documentation of any screwups that turn into problems. WJid="blue"> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n/a30 Posted October 25, 2007 Report Share Posted October 25, 2007 Marvin, Anderson, and Jeld-Wen are all good brands for both windows and doors. They are far more than a builder grade product. Whenever possible buy off the shelf items. Try to avoid custom ones because the price will quickly skyrocket and delivery is very slow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonOfSwamp Posted October 26, 2007 Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 Must... resist... correcting... spelling... Dang! I can't help myself. It's Andersen windows. Two e's. No o's. Don't hate. It's the combo of a fading-but-still-useful eidetic memory combined with a little OCD. WJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicago Posted October 26, 2007 Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 So Andarson is pretty good eh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinger2k Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 Good quality and relatively affordable...Silver Line (ironically owned by Andersen). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fqp25 Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 I have always liked Pella Brand. But only trust their installers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghentjr Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 Andersen stands behind their windows. I had the original welded glass windows that had a lifetime guarantee. I also kept the original sales receipts. Two sashes lost their seals and Andersen replaced them no charge. They also have a good supply of parts at Home Despot as well as a good on line parts order system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marita Posted November 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2007 Thanks for the advise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted November 1, 2007 Report Share Posted November 1, 2007 Golly! Everyone agrees! My two cents worth - Pozzi or Pella. It is all about installation. I have seen crap windows properly installed that lasted and performed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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