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please help...need new windows

9 years ago

hi all....I desperately need help on which replacement window is best? I have certainteed windows that are in my home now...they are about ten years old and have failed miserably. every morning there is about an inch of condensation on inside of the house on window( and we do not use a humidifier) and some of the windows you can't see out of the glass. I contacted certainteed and they want to replace just the glass....not the whole window. I think doing it this way is not going to fix the problem so I'm set on purchasing new windows. I've been doing hours of researching which replacement window would be best. I live in new jersey and what I've found is that many people say that sunrise and okna are probably the best but they don't sell to the public. I did construction for about ten years so I'm capable of installing them myself. so I'm stuck with....reliabilt....American craftsman...Simonton...Viwinco and plygem. consumer reports rates Simonton #1...reliabilt #2 and American craftsman #3....but when you google reviews they all get horrible ratings for quality and air leakage. any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Featured Answer

uneeda

9 years ago

Of the windows listed the Simonton will serve you well if you stick with the Reflections 5500 or the Impressions 9800. In terms of air leakage the numbers are reasonable on these two. We have had a cold winter and the few calls we have for air complaints have been windows not closed and locked properly..

This post was edited by uneeda on Sun, Feb 8, 15 at 22:57

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Comments (6)

mmarse1
9 years ago
you just made a list of the lowest end windows; american craftsman, viwinco, reliabilt!!!! they are typical building supply windows and not only look cheap, they are made cheap.
ignore consumer reports. they only issue ratings on windows sold in hardware stores and building supply stores.
the higher end, well designed vinyl offerings are made very well/ strong, extremely air tight, and they look nice. these high end windows arent sold in stores but are sold through select dealers which greatly increase the chance of a solid install..
some solid windows are - Okna Windows, Soft Lite, Sunrise, or Kensington.
i would google search. example-
sunrise window dealer MS .
balboa2151
Original Author
9 years ago
thank you very much for your feedback. I know most if not all the windows I listed are not good but what choice do I have? the better windows are not sold to homeowners like myself.do I use Simonton? what other options do I have? thank you
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mmarse1
9 years ago
I would look at the ones i listed, what state are you in ?
balboa2151
Original Author
9 years ago
I live in new jersey. do these companies sell to homeowners? or do I have to purchase them and have a contractor install them? I want to install them myself since I capable. thanks
mmarse1
9 years ago
You have to buy through the respective dealer and they are going to want to perform the install ensuring that your warranty isnt compromised. I know you stated you were " capable", but i would HIGHLY recommend having a pro perform the installation. Especially since this is an investment that will last at least 20 years. No reason to skimp and try and save a few bucks. It just isnt worth it.

This post was edited by mmarse1 on Sun, Feb 8, 15 at 19:05

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