Advice on Alside Mezzo down vs Harvey Classic up
Devan
8 years ago
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Devan
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Replacement windows in Austin, TX
Comments (27)Hi. Thanks angiebangie and gang for going through this process. I too am looking at new windows. Seemed like an easy process (tho time consuming) at first glance a 1 1/2 weeks ago, I chose installers and plus a local area mfctr to speak with thinking I would be getting the diverse windows I thought would be good after some research on mfctrs & contractors (angies, yelp, bbb, etc). I mistakenly thought my questions, their mini-me window samples, technical information, warranty, and bid would help me narrow down to a couple of windows where researching the detailed window specs at places like NHRC, etc, would help me decide. Not how it worked. Only 1 of 3 bring came w/ sample window & glad b/c made me realize Milgard Styleline was not for me. Tuscany looked a little better, but saw more contoured or wood-looking windows in Lowes that were aesthetically pleasing (Pellas, but wasn't/dont want Pellas for reasons usually cited). I want to balance looks with energy and cost since will look at them another 15-20 years...not all or nothing...hadn't expected sooo much vinyl & so little glass....losing almost triple width of frame (which means losing 2/3's all the way around). My last guy was a HIGHLY rated construction company installer who's site says Don Young along with Simonton. The owner forgot if set appt and called when appt was. Ten minutes later his right hand young man who acts on his behalf showed up (works my part of town). No samples. Said nothing about what I was getting or why suggesting. As leaving, I asked manufacturer. Simonton. What series? 5050. Says need 5500 if want lifetime warranty with labor. Bid to come last night. Guess later. Doesn't matter after that. Also, the last guy said something about my vinyl when I asked because Ringer windows' owner mentioned and could drive up cost...but no real numbers on how much and he was trying to say something that didn't seem correct which would maybe cause major price increase...but not $2000. Ouch! (I am no expert, but pretty good at construction...I may not use them..but doesn't mean he isn't correct...I don't like big $ surprises). Really disillusioned. Feel like having to start all over again. Don young doesn't warranty labor which is most expensive part of bids I have been getting. Unless I misunderstand the warranty- your installer will be your warranty for labor if they provide it. The two-tone coloring is not always available from what I remembered. But now need to consider since 3/4 of house is stone, that is a very good point angiebangie. :-) I saw you had a hard time anagiebangie with Sunrise dealer. I haven't found one yet. Would you be willing to share who was helpful or not...even sunrise? Seems like you did a lot of research (can email). All ears here or by email for anyone with really good experiences and windows to suggest that look nice...possibly less vinyl, but decent efficiency, decent leakage ratings, and visibility ratings. (Sunrise was "said" to have really good visibility ratings compared to Soft-lites (darkness vs light). Apparently you don't have to sacrifice one for the other from what I have read...but is just reading. Apparently I have gone about this wrong. I just want new, nice looking windows with great warranty...mid-upper may be fine...price is one of many factors; not rich. Ringer windows of Taylor,TX- great reviews. "Seems" like good product on first look. Anyone know anything about them? Permit- I really need tempered glass in places, and do I need to pull a permit? Everyone says no. I know city is a pain, wants a permit for about everything, but not always for the better. (can send email..don't want to cause anyone trouble. can say what is important from code standpoint..dont want redflag down road for other work..inspectors have right to reflag other work according to architect friend). Appreciate any feedback to help me through process. :-)...See MoreThe estimates are in....which one?
Comments (15)The Don Young estimate just came in at $11385, about $400 cheaper than the Soft-lite Classic vinyl. Don Young pros: cheaper, slimmer frame, bronze inside and out, cardinal glass, great installer reputation on Angie's list, uniform color throughout the whole house. DY cons: shorter warranty if transferred, glass breakage and labor not covered under warranty, no vent lock to prevent kids from opening upstairs windows too far, higher U-factor Soft-lite Classic pros: lifetime transferrable warranty on everything but bronze color on outside, all cleanable from the inside of the house, vent locks, installed by the end of June, better u-factor SLC cons: 10 year warranty on exterior bronze paint, thick frames, haven't actually seen the window in person, installer has a good rating on Angie's list but only about an 8 month history, installer has never installed the Soft-lite because he just started carrying it Am I missing anything? I think I'm about to flip a coin....See MoreWindow Replacement Options
Comments (12)Based on input here, I am kind of ruling out the Berkshire Elite. I went back and got a quote from another company and they quoted Vytex Fortis windows. He said they do Sunrise, but they have a great relationship with Vytex (factory is probably 10-15 miles from here), the Vytex is just as good as Sunrise, and we could get a better price/deal on the Vytex. His quote on the Vytex (lifetime window warranty from Vytex, 10 year labor from the contractor) was as follows: Energy savor plus R-4 rating (double pane)=$6,997.00 Energy savor max, Triple pane r-5 rating =$7,972.00 Energy savor Ultimate Triple pane , Krypton r-6 rating,=$8,322.00 They also offer an Energy Savor max triple silver low-e coating: Cost for the Energy savor max 3S r-5 rating is $8,372.00. Energy savor Ultimate 3S, r-6 rating is $8,522.00 The triple-pane R5 has a U factor of 0.2, SHGC of 0.25, VT 0.42. I believe the AI is 0.05. The triple-pane R6 has a U factor of 0.16, SHGC 0.25, VT of 0.42. AI is the same at 0.05. I don't have CR ratings. These are the values for the base windows - not the ones with the triple silver low-e. I don't have any info on how that coating affects the ratings. In addition, I found out there were some discounts from the Okna dealer that I didn't account for. The updated price of the 1800 series triple pane is $10696 ($764 per window). I double checked - the contractor's labor warranty is lifetime. For reference, the quote for the Okna 1800 lists a U factor of 0.19, SHGC of 0.23, AI of 0.01, CR of 75, and VT of 0.37. The Okna contractor said they would use low expansion foam during the install. The Vytex installer said they would use it if needed (and probably because I brought it up). As of now, I think I have narrowed it down to these two options. What would you guys recommend? Is the Vytex triple silver low-e coating any good / worth it? Is the R5 Okna 1800 ~$2000 better than a triple pane R5 and/or R6 Fortis? Thanks....See Morequality vinyl options with SDL grids?
Comments (3)Thanks for your thoughts. I only began to consider the Marvin because I was having so much trouble finding a quality vinyl window near me that can be ordered with SDLs. Improving the curb appearance with nice-looking windows is sort of secondary to the basic goal of getting a durable, low-maintenance weather-tight window. In this sense, the Harveys might be our cheapest option with available SDLs, and "good-enough" performance, but I've just located somebody who sells Okna vinyl near me, so I'll get a quote there. We'll see if I can afford Okna 800s, since I think those are the only ones available with the grids I want. Maybe I can do 800s in front and 500s (without grids) in the back of the house....See MoreDevan
8 years agoDevan
8 years agoDevan
8 years agoWindows on Washington Ltd
8 years agoDevan
8 years agoDevan
8 years agoWindows on Washington Ltd
8 years agoDevan
8 years agoAlside
8 years agoDevan
8 years agoUltra Windows
8 years agoDevan
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8 years agoHomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
8 years agotoddinmn
8 years agoDevan
8 years ago
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