Top-quality vinyl window manufacturers?
jennysjetta
17 years ago
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lakedog
17 years agofusion866
17 years agoRelated Discussions
HELP! vinyl round top windows vs square fiberglass marvin
Comments (42)the autocad rendition above is taken from my preliminary drawings that I had made to give to the designer. I am not an expert. A long story, but the original designer was a guy my first builder recommended but turned out to be a costly mistake. He was in the middle of a divorce, strung out on anti-depressants, and did not complete the project. He also was not a CAD user. What a mistake. Needless to say, I deep-sixed this contractor and unfortunately learned an expensive lesson. I then started the project with another designer who finalized my plans similar to the last autocad design, but he used a different program, chief architect. I don't have that program, so I only posted changing the windows from my old autocad program. That is why the proportions and things don't look right. I do have a PDF file of the entire plans but I dont know how to convert them to either post, or email. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the insights. thanks again....See MoreThe differentiating factors for window design and quality
Comments (6)"I would give very serious consideration to the experience of the installer. The best window in the world is only as good as the quality of the installation." DING DING DING... We have a winner. I'd rather have poor windows installed perfectly then the best ever made installed by an idiot that can't follow basic instructions. If I had a dollar for every bad installation that was supported by a testiment of having previously installed thousands of windows, I'd have retired years ago. There are plenty of window installers that will be quick to tell you they have put in thousands without including the vital information.... not one was done correctly....See MoreAre there quality mid-level vinyl windows?
Comments (22)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....See MorePOLL: Best Vinyl window manuf. for West coast etc.
Comments (4)Consumer Reports is not a very good place to rely on for window ratings. To begin with there are over 1200 window manuf. in the U.S. alone. Consumer Reports only tests a handful and out of those, the only ones they select for testing are windows that can be purchased at a retail store. So unless the manuf. is sold at the retail level, it's never tested. The better quality vinyl windows aren't sold thru retail stores with the exception of Simonton and they can usually be purchased for much less from a local window installer than hardware stores. Much better to do your own research thru NFRC, AAMA etc. instead of taking the seemingly easy way and allowing someone else (CR) to think for you....See Morefusion866
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