looking for mid-range vinyl replacement windows in Chicago area

16 years ago

We want to replace 11 double-hungs and one picture window in our house. The current windows are from 1951, so the draftiness and peeling paint have become too much to handle. We decided to look for a mid-range vinyl replacement since we plan to be in the home another 7-10 years. They are doing a lot of tear-downs in this neighborhood (sad), so I'm looking for windows that meet our needs and budget now and not planning that we'll necessarily get a lot of resale value from this project. That said, I'm hoping to get some recommendations on both windows and installers/companies that we might contact. So far, we've spoken to a private installer (uses Alside Ultra Maxx or Excalibur), Illinois Energy (Worthington), Sears (Wincorp), and Champion reps. Seen a lot of complaints on this site for both Alside windows and Sears installation and windows. Illinois Energy seemed to have a good product, but I can't find much info and it seemed pretty expensive (12K) for our house. We just spoke with Champion today, so haven't made up my mind on that yet. Simonton seems to be referred to often here, so we will contact them. I would really love to hear any experience or suggestions. We are new to this process and trying to learn what we can and do it right. Some bad experiences lately with other home projects, so hopefully this will be a good one! I would like a decent quality, good service, decent warranty, and mostly piece of mind with the install. I would also like it if we don't loose a lot of glass with the replacements. Please share your expertise and recommendations!

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

16 years ago

You have pretty much picked all the worst of the worst so far. Not an insult, just the bad luck of the draw so far.

Best vinyl windows in Chicago area are going to be Soft-Lite, Okna, Gorell, Sunrise, and Simonton...in no particular order.

I would Google "Window4U" He runs a replacement company out of Chicago and has all the best brands at far better prices than you have seen so far.

Here is a link that might be useful: Strong Windows

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Comments (11)

skydawggy
16 years ago
Spammer. :7)
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nict
Original Author
16 years ago
Windows4U is some little questionnaire where I have to fill in my info and have someone contact me. I'm not looking for that. Doesn't anyone have real suggestions that would be helpful? This forum has so many questions with great info. I was hoping for the same!
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
16 years ago
Window4U is actually a very good contractor by the name of Dave that runs probably the most well respected window replacement company in Chicago. His phone number is on the website as well.

I suggested several brands in my previous post. The 4 brands that you have looked at so far are average at best and all high pressure sales organizations. You will get long sales pitches that start with vinyl windows costing over 1K per unit and drop as you haggle. That is an exhausting process and especially if you consider that the 4 windows that they would try to sell you are middle of the pack at exorbitant prices.
awsdan
16 years ago
Murphy's Windows on the south side. Good family company started by a retired cop, his kid runs the company now.
No funny business, Jimmy will give you a straight deal plus they know what they are doing, top notch installers.
skydawggy
16 years ago
My advice would be to forget the brands you have already looked at as they are either poor quality or overpriced.
Rasvan01
15 years ago
Hello,

Try Midwest Windows, they carry Rehau products, the biggest vinyl manufacturer in Europe. Heavy duty windows, german vinyl, good prices. Or a medium duty window - from Chelsea building products, almost as good and cheaper.
Call this number: 773.704.3919
Ask for Steve, he is a construction engineer and glazing contractor for about 10 years in Chicago area.
ode4minerva
10 years ago
Is ClimateGuard's (aka Remodeler Supplier) windows out of Chicago held in any esteem?
thedeuce53
10 years ago
Another vote for Dave at Strong Windows. They do a great job and have great prices, we went with StarMark (which from my understanding is sort of the premium wing of Okna) and couldn't be happier. Great windows, great company, and Dave is fantastic.
gemgal33
10 months ago
I know it's been quite a few years since this was originally posted, but I, too, am curious about ClimateGaurd in Chicago. Anyone want to weigh in on this company to replace windows?
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 months ago
Crazy to see some of these threads get bumped up and realize that a couple of the posters either posting or referenced are no longer with us. Life is fragile folks

To the poster asking the question about the window, I do not have any personal feedback on that product. Of that short list mentioned previously, Soft-Lite, Sunrise (MI), Okna, and Simonton are still well regarded brands.