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extruded aluminum clad vs vinyl clad windows! ?

13 years ago

Still confused as which is the best way to go... we are in SW Florida, and building new.

We are looking at Jeld-Wen, custom wood line (their most $$) that are extruded aluminum clad vs, Andersen 400 Woodwright series, which I understand are extruded vinyl. I hear so many good comments on Andersen, but we have had vinyl windows in the past that chalk and fade, and just look cheap.

thoughts & opinions?

P.S. (Marvin dealers are not in our area)

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Comments (10)

millworkman
13 years ago
If those were my only 2 choices it would be Andersen hands down. as I think nothing of Jeld-wen. I would certainly look for others namely Kolbe if Mavin is not around.
tinker_2006
Original Author
13 years ago
There are so many different posts /complaints about BOTH companies, why do you feel Andersen is superior. I would think vinyl would be much less desirable..? We do have Eagle brand here, heard some good things about them too.
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If you are basing your selection criteria simply on vinyl versus aluminum, I would look for an extruded aluminum (both frame and sash) with an AAMA 2605 finish. However, there are many other features that will come into play besides this question but it is an important one. I would look at the brands that are mentioned prominently like Andersen, Marvin and Jeld Wen among others and choose one that fits your criteria (quality, rating, budget etc.. Good luck!
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We're in upstate SC as well. We looked at Windsor too - in our opinion Sun was a much better window overall. I don't have any photos - the top sash just slides down on some of the windows when unlocked. Here's a video from their website showing "sash droop" as he calls it, and how to adjust it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1t0zmrdlsk And speaking of videos, one of the reasons we chose Sun (not a major reason, but I still appreciate stuff like this) were the videos they posted on their website showing stuff like that above. Here's more. We just moved in the house in July, and it's so hot here - as you know - that the last thing we want to do is open a window. So we really haven't made a big deal out of it with our dealer yet. We had them come out once to adjust a few windows that had the top sash sag, but we've noticed more doing it since then, and not all of the ones I've adjusted myself will stay up like they should even after adjustment. I'll be getting in contact with our dealer in the next week or so to get those top sashes fixed as we'll be heading into open-window season soon. I have confidence they'll fix it - Sun was very good about fixing the minor issues we had right after installation. It was primarily minor finish/paint issues (we had them paint the interior at the factory) and out of 35 windows they replaced about 6 sashes. Two of them were because the dealer didn't spec tempered glass in the stairwell - they replaced those sashes with the right kind of glass for free. Good service.
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PRO
East Bay 10
13 years ago
Check on this but I believe Jeld Wen custom (the old Pozzi) is not extruded aluminum but is roll formed (on sash). I agree with the other posts, there are better. Broaden your horizons and look at other brands as well.
millworkman
13 years ago
Personally even though Andersen owns Eagle I would use the 400 series before Eagle. But I also would probably use the 400 series as a last resort.
tinker_2006
Original Author
13 years ago
Guess it pays to read the fine print. I thought for sure that Jeld-Wen was extruded aluminum, the mullens are - but the sashes are rolled.

People keep saying there are better choices, but can someone explain why one would be a better choice?

Millworkman, I read so many saying go with Andersen 400, WHY would it be your last choice and what are your favorite brands?

Eastbay, what and why are other brands appealing to you vs. Jen-Weld?

How is Pella?

Is aluminum BETTER than vinyl clad (and particularly in Florida)?
millworkman
13 years ago
I don't care that much for Andersen, just they way they are manufactured. The frames and sash seem thin and the double hungs are not architecturally correct, I have sold probably several thousand some years back but they were never my favorite. I would hunt for a Marvin or Kolbe dealer if it were me and I would not touch Pella with a 100' pole,
PRO
Epiarch Designs
13 years ago
tinker, like millworkman says, check out Marvin. Why are they better? ONE look at them in person and you will see. Marvin uses thicker, stronger extruded aluminum frames with one of the highest finish ratings in the industry, thicker wood profiles interior (looks better) and their hardware is buttery smooth and strong. They will cost slightly more then the anderson WR, but possibly not that much more. If you are going to build a nice home, stay away from big box brands.
ibwindows
13 years ago
Woodwright is neither aluminum clad or vinyl.
jocobe
13 years ago
Andersen Woodwrights are made of Fibrex......
willinak
13 years ago
So why the "no love" for Eagle? The extrusion thickness is the same as Marvin, the finish coating on both is Kynar, and neither one uses "aluminum frames" as was suggested.
Personally, the only thing I really find substantially better about Marvin over Eagle is the weather strip design.

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