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looking for mid-range vinyl replacement windows in Chicago area

14 years ago

We want to replace 11 double-hungs and one picture window in our house. The current windows are from 1951, so the draftiness and peeling paint have become too much to handle. We decided to look for a mid-range vinyl replacement since we plan to be in the home another 7-10 years. They are doing a lot of tear-downs in this neighborhood (sad), so I'm looking for windows that meet our needs and budget now and not planning that we'll necessarily get a lot of resale value from this project. That said, I'm hoping to get some recommendations on both windows and installers/companies that we might contact. So far, we've spoken to a private installer (uses Alside Ultra Maxx or Excalibur), Illinois Energy (Worthington), Sears (Wincorp), and Champion reps. Seen a lot of complaints on this site for both Alside windows and Sears installation and windows. Illinois Energy seemed to have a good product, but I can't find much info and it seemed pretty expensive (12K) for our house. We just spoke with Champion today, so haven't made up my mind on that yet. Simonton seems to be referred to often here, so we will contact them. I would really love to hear any experience or suggestions. We are new to this process and trying to learn what we can and do it right. Some bad experiences lately with other home projects, so hopefully this will be a good one! I would like a decent quality, good service, decent warranty, and mostly piece of mind with the install. I would also like it if we don't loose a lot of glass with the replacements. Please share your expertise and recommendations!

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

14 years ago

You have pretty much picked all the worst of the worst so far. Not an insult, just the bad luck of the draw so far.

Best vinyl windows in Chicago area are going to be Soft-Lite, Okna, Gorell, Sunrise, and Simonton...in no particular order.

I would Google "Window4U" He runs a replacement company out of Chicago and has all the best brands at far better prices than you have seen so far.

Here is a link that might be useful: Strong Windows

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Comments (9)

skydawggy
14 years ago
Spammer. :7)
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I'd be more concerned with his methods of installation. Many times an installer who is used to installing low end windows often times is more interested in getting the job done quickly than taking his time and doing it correctly. Some of the questions I would have would be, 1. Does he use fiberglass insulation or foam such as Dow or Hilti? Foam being the preferred method. 2. What type of caulk does he use? Quad being the preferred type but some of the installers still use silicon inside and out. BTW nothing wrong with using Silicon on the inside. We use it b/c the fumes are less toxic and noxious than the Quad for the first 24 hrs. 3. What does he do to level the window on the existing sloped sill? I'd ask him these questions to get a conversation started about his install technics and then ask for some references from jobs he did 4 or 5 years ago and call the people and get their input. I'd also ask for the addresses of a few homes he's done recently and visit them. Pay close attention to the capping and caulking. If the exterior molding was a Contoured Colonial type, did he just bend the trim coil into a "U" shape and cap or did he take the extra time to fabricate a piece that matched what was there. Also look to see if he made a rain diverter on the top of the window if it was installed into siding. He may very well do a good job for you but I'd still check on the above suggestions before signing a contract.
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1) What do you consider a retail store? My preferred list of vendors would be a window dealer/installation company, followed by lumberyard/building supply house, followed by box stores. You will see a linear decline in quality and performance as you move down that list. 2) All of those items are important (performance, quality, longevity, value), but the good thing is, when you are looking at vinyl windows they generally move the needle in sync with each other. The better the thermal and structural ratings are, the better the quality is and the longer that they will last. U value, air infiltration, and design pressure are the big ones to look at. 3) A few vinyl product choices that are very well made and offer great performance are Okna/Himark, Softlite, Sunrise, and Polaris. I know that you mentioned trying to find a product that might not be as "well-known" among pros, however there is a reason that those products are highly regarded. That said, you should be able to find a good performer that is more "regional" , just use the performance ratings of the better options as a guide for comparison. Alternatively, if your main concern is trying to find a dealer of those products, as someone else suggested you could contact the manufacturer and ask them for a referral in your area.
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Home is in the St Louis MO area. I believe Okna and Sunrise are not available, but would love to know which windows would have a wood like appearance. When you say wood like, we do want white interiors even if they are wood. Just want to clarify if you mean the unit itself looks more like the stule of a wood window or were referring to faux wood vinyl interiors,
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The idea that all of the windows from big box stores are "terrible" isn't quite accurate. That said, there are more than a few gaps in the story and information here that make it difficult to make an accurate recommendation. Simonton makes a decent window in their upper end lines and it is better than the other product that you mentioned here.
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nict
Original Author
14 years ago
Windows4U is some little questionnaire where I have to fill in my info and have someone contact me. I'm not looking for that. Doesn't anyone have real suggestions that would be helpful? This forum has so many questions with great info. I was hoping for the same!
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
14 years ago
Window4U is actually a very good contractor by the name of Dave that runs probably the most well respected window replacement company in Chicago. His phone number is on the website as well.

I suggested several brands in my previous post. The 4 brands that you have looked at so far are average at best and all high pressure sales organizations. You will get long sales pitches that start with vinyl windows costing over 1K per unit and drop as you haggle. That is an exhausting process and especially if you consider that the 4 windows that they would try to sell you are middle of the pack at exorbitant prices.
awsdan
14 years ago
Murphy's Windows on the south side. Good family company started by a retired cop, his kid runs the company now.
No funny business, Jimmy will give you a straight deal plus they know what they are doing, top notch installers.
skydawggy
14 years ago
My advice would be to forget the brands you have already looked at as they are either poor quality or overpriced.
Rasvan01
13 years ago
Hello,

Try Midwest Windows, they carry Rehau products, the biggest vinyl manufacturer in Europe. Heavy duty windows, german vinyl, good prices. Or a medium duty window - from Chelsea building products, almost as good and cheaper.
Call this number: 773.704.3919
Ask for Steve, he is a construction engineer and glazing contractor for about 10 years in Chicago area.
ode4minerva
8 years ago
Is ClimateGuard's (aka Remodeler Supplier) windows out of Chicago held in any esteem?
thedeuce53
8 years ago
Another vote for Dave at Strong Windows. They do a great job and have great prices, we went with StarMark (which from my understanding is sort of the premium wing of Okna) and couldn't be happier. Great windows, great company, and Dave is fantastic.

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