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Need replacement windows. and door..help, please..

15 years ago

I live in a late seventies ranch style house that has six 36 x 72" windows across the front of the house. The house is oriented toward the SSW. Previous owners had put single glazed storm windows over the single glazed windows many years ago but there is no telling how big some gaps might be between them and the windows.

The action of the heat build up on the windows has caused nearly all the glazing to buckle and pop and it is just simply time to replace them.

We don't have a lot of shade on the front of the house and the heat can be pretty bad (west central Alabama) in the summer. No porch or overhang, either. Even in the winter, when the sun is low, the door is affected negatively because the door handle gets very hot behind the storm door over the door.

I've been reading the threads and some of the horror stories about replacement windows and some of the brands that have caused problems. (As well as the installation probs and what to look for.) I'm now totally confused, which only puts off the decision making even more.

I'm worried about vinyl due to the harshness of the exposure. I would like little to no maintenance for them and also need them to be very insulative, again, due to the exposure.

Would fiberglass be better than vinyl?

Aluminum clad wood?

Triple glazed low E?

TIA for any pointers or help you can give...recommended brands welcomed.

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Comments (3)

oldpellaguy
15 years ago
Take a look at Pella Proline windows. Make sure that you get Insulshield glass to protect from the harsh rays of the sun. In cases like yours i would always recommend a fiberglass front door not steel. Pella, Therma tru, there are many. Do not add a storm door this will just build heat between the panels. Of course windows can just do so much......sounds like nice plantation blinds on the interior will add to your comfort.
pennymca
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Oldpellaguy...I do have plantation shutters already. They do help. Will look up Proline with Insulshield.
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When you discussed wood windows with him, did you clearly tell him that you wanted wood, or were you up in the air about it? That will make a difference, I think. If you were clear that you wanted wood, you really should stick to your guns. Ask him why he quoted vinyl when you said wood. Or, is it that the cost of wood has risen enough that his quote is insufficient now? The window gaps don't need to be "boarded up" while waiting for the order to arrive. Until really cold weather gets here, clear vinyl can be tacked in place with weatherstripping to keep wind and water out. But, the longer you wait to get the order in, the farther back in line you will be to get them. Ask at your local lumberyard how long it is taking to get windows in. IME it is only the cheapest windows, in just a few sizes, that are generally "in stock" anywhere.
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fenmaster
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A good vinyl window will do well for you and be the most economical, such as Simonton 5500.
Or you can step up to fiberglass, though it is not needed, unless you are doing a dark color on the exterior.

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