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marcdc

Jeld-Wen Siteline Auralast vs Windsor Pinnacle: Large Window Arrays

8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago

Hi There,

Any thoughts on these two options would be greatly appreciated. I know everyone likes Marvin, but the problem is we have a number of window bays/arrays that are 5 to 6 windows across, and unfortunately Marvin does not make a full frame solution that accommodates 5 to 6 windows in an array/series. To use Marvin for this application you'd have to fuse together two different 3 window array frames, and universally everyone that we spoke said that's a bad idea and won't be as sound as a product that is actually meant to fit that space natively.

From what we gather the Jeld-Wen Siteline series is a good product, and we've seen the window samples and have to agree that it seems very well made. However we don't know anything about Windsor. I know there are some people on this forum that are vocal about Windsor not being a great product, but does that change when you're comparing their top of the line window vs other windows that might be more builder grade?

We had Anderson come out as well, and a lot of people recommended their vinyl/pvc/fibrex product, which we're just not crazy about for our house. And for whatever reason no one really recommended their high end product...

I've also seen some recommendations on here for Kolbe, but not sure if they manufacture a window that's a full frame product that will accommodate 5 to 6 windows across.

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Comments (9)

  • 8 years ago

    "but the problem is we have a number of window bays/arrays that are 5 to 6 windows across, and unfortunately Marvin does not make a full frame solution that accommodates 5 to 6 windows in an array/series"


    I am confused about what you are looking to accomplish. And honestly if Marvin will not make a prodcut to meet you needs then they must have a good reason as everything they make if made to order, and they make dam near anything and everything. AND if Jeldwen and or Windsor will make it, that is enough of a reason to make me rethink my plans.


    On that note, post up exactly what you are looking for/think about and that may give us more options to help you. As what you posted originally is just not clear to me what you are looking for.

  • 8 years ago

    @millworkman So I'm not sure exactly how to explain it better, but I'll try again. This was verified by multiple companies that are certified Marvin installers, as well as a Marvin rep themselves.

    We have a home built in 1986 with 69 windows. Some of those windows are in rooms that have 5 to 6 windows across in a row. The original windows are made of wood, and have rotted out over the past 31 years. We are not candidates for inserts since the frames we have are made of wood and they are damaged to the point where they are not structurally sound enough to support a new insert, so we need full frame tear outs and installs. Does this make sense? Due to having so many windows in a row, and needing new full frame installs for these areas, we need to go with a company that makes a full frame product large enough to fit the space. If it was just a matter of fitting the frames with a new window insert we could use Marvin, but since the frames need replacing as well it is far more cost effective to go with a window that allows for a full frame tear out and install.

    Marvin does not make a full frame replacement that is 5 or 6 windows in a row (integrity/ultrex/etc). As a result, their product is not a fit for our particular house since they don't make a full frame product large enough for some of the applications. Everyone we spoke to said Marvin makes a great product, but it's better suited to traditional and more modern homes that tend to not have the large window arrangements (not floor to ceiling, just regular windows) that were common in the 80s. Whether or not they have good reason to make it or not I can't speak to... this is the house we have and we need a product that can accommodate it accordingly.

    Most people have said this is where Jeld-Wen shines, since their Auralast Siteline full frame wood replacements are high quality, have the same exact warranty as Marvin, and look great as well.

    After reviewing this site we called Kolbe as well and they are coming to the house in the next couple of days to look at our house as well.

    Just wondering if anyone has thoughts on these two products bc they're the ones that keep popping up as good applications for our particular house due to the number of windows as well as size of the some of the spaces.

  • 8 years ago

    OK, you did not mention the Integrity line earlier that was what was throughing me for the loop. Essentially what you have is this setup (but 5 wide) and in a wood window?

  • 8 years ago

    As far as Windsor and Jeldwen, I do not believe you will find any pros on this site who would give either product a warm review.

  • 8 years ago

    @millworkman yes, basically we have that setup (they don't open, they're static windows, but yes) but 5 to 6 wide in some areas.

    If no one likes those two companies, who else makes quality full frame replacements that accommodate that many windows wide in some areas? If you have anyone else you could recommend I'm all ears.

  • 8 years ago

    @Windsor Windows & Doors we are getting close to finalizing our project using your Pinnacle clad windows. One of the questions/concerns we have is that the interior wood isn't treated with anything to prevent rot, warping, cracks, etc... is there a reason why Windsor doesn't use treated wood for the interior portion of the window like some other companies do? For a wood interior with aluminum clad exterior, what is Windsor's warranty on the interior wood portion?

    Lastly, how can I find out if a distributor/installer is in good standing with you if I can't find them on your Dealer Locator page?

    Thank you!

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Hi Marc - Where are you located? That will help us point you to a distributor.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Marc -

    In answer to your question about the interior wood, Windsor treats wood for all
    parts that are required to be treated. According to WDMA IS.4, which is the
    industry standard for treated wood, interior parts that are primarily cosmetic
    are not required to be treated and thus are not.

    The dealer locator on our
    website represents most of the Windsor distributors throughout the North
    America. There may be a small number not listed due recent changes. To verify that the dealer your are using is in good standing with our company, you may call our divisional office and speak to our director of sales,
    Scott Renke. Our office phone number is 800-283-6186.

    Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. Thanks!

    Marc Helman thanked User