I need to tap into the collective knowledge here. My house was built in 1959, and damn near everything is original, right down to the single pane windows. They were damn good windows in 1959, but the age and weather have taken their toll. On a really windy day you can feel cold air blow if you put your hand by the window. This is obviously not very efficient and hits us squarely in the wallet every month.

I want to replace them and I'm going to do it myself. I'm pretty competent with carpentry, building stuff, and the like, but I have never done windows. Motivating me is the fact that some yahoo wanted 15k (yes $15,000 to replace my windows) and then offered a cut rate of $13,500.

I have 19 windows total to replace, to include a 60" one that will be replaced by a single bay window (no dividers). I want at least double pane windows with a grid pattern inside, beyond that I'm not sure what I want. I don't really care about argon filled windows since within 5 years it's pretty much gone in all brands of windows unless I spend $450 each for some super duper fusion welded uber window that looses 5% per 15 years. (not happening if I'm paying for them). White PVC/PVF (?) works fo me unless there's something I should know about them.

I have 19 windows to replace in all. I have a brick house so I will be removing the sashes from my existing windows and installing the new ones in those rough openings.

Most are 36" x 37.5"

a few are 36" x 53.75"

and 2 are 24" x 53.75"

What should I be looking for in a replacement window? Is there a brand to avoid at all costs? Personal experiences? TIA

 

I just had 10 windows replaced with triple pane, Argon filled glass for $3500.00. Installed by pros. This was glass only in the old frames. Your price does seem high. My frames are 19 years old but in good shape. Five panes were about 5 feet high and 18 inches wide. Good luck.

 

Might look at the Silverline windows. Anderson bought them out a few months ago...HD carries the lower end group of windows, but their top series are not bad and the cost is right. Definitely not a Pella, but overall a decent window for the price. The one I have had the most trouble with is Weathershield: they have a good name, but my dad has gone thru 6 different windows [fogging and moisture getting trapped in between the panes over the last 20 years. I have low Anderson's and while I am getting ready to replace them, none of the panels have fogged.

Woof
Bowser

 

I used to install both Bristol triple pane windows, and Pella windows. I've installed some off brands too.

I can tell you that if you can afford it, there is a company up in Canada that produces Fiber Glass framed windows that are unbelievable quality. They can't be beat, but I cannot for the life of me remember the company's name. I'll search Google in awhile.

If you can't do something like those, then stick with the Anderson's, or Pella's, or even Marvin windows.

The reason is that they are large companies, and they stand behind their products. I personally like the Pella brand, but any of those three are great brands. I would NOT go with lower end brands. You will get what you pay for. These three will be around in the future should you ever need parts or take a baseball through the window.

If you have the money, triple pane and casement windows will give you the best results for energy savings. Make sure you get the coated, argon filled, and make double sure that the windows aren't made somewhere that they have to put bleeder tubes in for shipment. If windows travel over roads that exceed 4000' (like a mountain pass), they have to have small bleeders in between the panes to keep the windows from bursting due to changing air density unless they are manufactured at that altitude.


EDIT That company in Canada is right here....

The Best Windows Available


Seriously...these are the best.

 

I've replaced a lot of windows and I find Anderson wood window with factory paint-like finish to be tops for structure (vinyl windows are FLIMSEY=plastic) and great durability. Pella mid-range vinyl windows are hard to beat also.Just remember when we completely seal out every single source for air intrusion next comes air quality issues like mold and breathing problems, so don't go berserk with Cadillac window advertisement==middle of the road is good. Also when you change out a window don't tear out too much, replacement windows are 20-30 minutes to change out,the rest of the time is wrapping the trim or caulking and painting the casing etc.Do get the metal grids between the panes or none at all.LOL

 

Actually the fiberglass windows are probably the best but man are they gonna cost you !!!!!!!!!!!