Replacement windows (for home)

[akelts]

I have had two quotes for replacement windows at my house in Tucson, AZ.

The first was cheap, but the windows were all vinyl framed and I think they will probably warp in a few years here in the Arizona heat. Not to mention the salesperson seemed more than a little shady.

The second was from Triple pane systems and while I dont doubt that they make a quality product, the price seemed STEEP to me.

Is there a happy medium between the two? Something that keeps the heat out, wont warp, but is more reasonably priced?

If so let me know.

[boostleak]

Yes, there is a happy medium. First of all, check out the company that's trying to sell you on their product and service with your state contractor's board. They'll be able to provide you with some valuable info that may save you money and headaches in the future. I'd try and locate a smaller, family-owned company that take pride in their work. Also, take the warranty in to consideration on both the product and the labor. It's not uncommon to see lifetime labor warranties, and 20 year product warranties on windows these days.
As far as brand - look at Milgard windows - even their budget-priced windows are of very good quality. You may spend a little more up front, but trust me, it's worth it as they'll save in heating and cooling costs over the years.
Keep this in mind - from my experience, good contractors don't expect to make a fortune in profit of the product - the labor is where they make their money. If the window seems insanely overpriced, it probably is. Just get several bids and research the companies. If you live in a very hot, very cold, or very wet climate, I wouldn't cheap out on windows, door, or siding.

[RichP]

I did mine a few years ago, replaced the aluminum builders windows that came with the house with Anderson Low E double hung. Bought the windows outright as well as the 8ft sliders. Then I hired a seperate contractor to remove the old ones and install the new ones, he charged if I remember correctly $120 a window and same for for the patio sliders.
One note, I did measure all the windows after removing the inside molding, I then ordered the next longest window, like from a 31 to a 33", pretty much all my window sill plates had rotted from the aluminum window frames sweating over the years. I actually did two of them myself so it was not hard work, just awkward plus he wrapped all my outside trim with aluminum which was a nice touch.

[90Blue_XJ]

I bought some Pella double pane windows while living in Georgia. They were great as far as being money savers but they were an expensive outlay of funds. But I would like to remind you that you get what you pay for.

[RichP]

I think desert windows are a whole different ballgame with those temps. I bet vinyl clad don't last long in that sunlight.

[XJMK]

What you want to look at is the NFRC ratings. Those will tell how how well they insulate and how much they block the heat from the sunlight. There are windows that are double-paned that can insulate as well as some triple-paned windows. There are many factors, but the numbers will give you a good comparison point.

As for frames, basically there are wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Some companies have a composite, but could run as much as $500/window. Vinyl is cheapest and typically has the best warranty, wood is in the middle (Jeld-Wen wood windows have a 20 year warranty on the wood, where typical warranties are 5-10 years), and fiberglass, I really have no idea. Sorry. I'd imagine it would have a lifetime warranty.

Fiberglass and wood don't expand/contract as much as vinyl, which puts less strain on the seal between the glass and the frame. Fiberglass and vinyl are maintenance free, while wood isn't.

I'm not sure if this info helps or not, but what I would do is make a list of things that you want your windows to be, like energy efficient, low maintenance, appearance(woodgrain or not), etc. And if you plan to move within 10 years or so, check out transferability of the warranty, which could add value to your house.

[RCP Phx]

Something not mentioned yet that effects the price(parts/labor) is the type of construction.Out here alot of homes are masonry so the fitment has to be perfect and it alot harder to install!My windows were already upgraded when I bought the house 12 yrs ago,they are vinyl and show no signs of aging.

[kastein]

My parents have Anderson windows from the early to mid 90s (forget when they were replaced) in their house, pretty good. They've held up to the test of time that's for sure; no broken seals and the vinyl housings haven't cracked or shrunk or anything.

I'm probably going to put "whatever home depot will sell me cheap" in my place, at least till I can afford good quality windows... will only be bothering to replace the broken or single-pane windows.

[RichP]

My parents have Anderson windows from the early to mid 90s (forget when they were replaced) in their house, pretty good. They've held up to the test of time that's for sure; no broken seals and the vinyl housings haven't cracked or shrunk or anything.

I'm probably going to put "whatever home depot will sell me cheap" in my place, at least till I can afford good quality windows... will only be bothering to replace the broken or single-pane windows.

Once you get started it's easy. As for price, cheap is half price of quality, not that big a savings. Key is correct measurement, it's easy to make adjustments if a window is a tad long, not so easy if it's too wide.