Windows in a New Build - Help please!

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I'm going to try to do more research. The brochures provided by our builder are weak at best.

We are currently building our first (and last for a long time) home. We have two choices of windows with a significant (basically double) cost and I'm trying to decide if that cost increase is worthwhile.

Option 1:

Silver Line Windows

Black out/White in

Brochure states energy efficient but does not go into any additional detail

Option 2:

Anderson 100s

Black out/Black in (a design pro for me that is not available at the lower cost option)

Brochure is more descriptive but doesn't give stats on energy efficiency

I plan to check out other reviews, read on Houzz, look at our local energy companies for any info. In m mine, the additional cost may be worthwhile if the window is significantly better at insulating thus resulting in long term energy/utility savings. I don't really know how to find that info and know shockingly little about what I'm looking for when it comes to windows. I initially balked at the price but my husband also pointed out that replacing the windows at any point would cost much more than what we are paying at build. Our windows are all oversized in our home.

Any advice on what I am looking for, differences between these windows, how much I'll care about the design aspects.... Anything is appreciated and fair game. Thank you in advance!

Featured Answer

D B

5 years ago

A few months ago I got a call from a contractor who was having trouble with a customer. He explained he was at wits end with them and asked me (as a favor) to come help.

I showed up to a very angry pair: both the customer and contractor. The customer had bought a large Silverline window somewhere and hired the contractor to install it. The contractor was not experienced in installing windows of this caliber and was really having a tough time. He had cut his teeth installing Marvin and Hayfield windows. The Silverline was a lot more difficult to install due to the flimsy materials. He had the vertical rails twisted and when I placed a 4' level against the rail the waves were easily visible. I spent some time explaining to the homeowner that the poor quality of window made it difficult to install correctly, then spent time with the contractor to show him how to overcome these downfalls. It worked out fine in the end and everybody left paid and happy. The window is going to perform pretty well over it's life, and it is certainly better than what he had before.

So, is Silverline a bad choice all the time? No, but usually it is. A better quality unit is more forgiving to the installer, and the parts will last longer. Usually the air sealing is better as well.

I like the Andersen 100 series windows. They are priced correctly for what they are, and they perform well. Easy to install as well. If you are looking for a good comparison, look for a Marvin Essential. I like them a little better, but it's really close.

Best of Luck

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Comments (8)

PRO
toddinmn
5 years ago
I’d rule out Silverline and would go with Andersen’s if these are casement windows. What is your location? Are you limited to what your contractor is offering?
oberon476
5 years ago
Agree with Todd,

Silverline is a bottom feeder window, I wouldn't use them if they were free.
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millworkman
5 years ago
I would completely concur with the above advice. Are there other brands available to you? Are these single hung? Casements?
Emily
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks everyone. That was what I was starting to get worried about. We are in Michigan. My understanding these are our options but I think if we wanted to we could ask about another window company. Can I ask what make silver line bad? I will have to find out but I think casement.
millworkman
5 years ago
"Can I ask what make silver line bad?"

Performance is subpar, Quality control is non-existent, design is average to poor at best, customer service is lacking. That should about cover it. Andersen actually had owned them for a time when they were looking for their own Builder Grade line. They then started the 100 series and dumped Silverline off on someone else so there is that as well......................
Emily thanked millworkman
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
The type of windows is important I do agree Andersen has a good track record so that would be my choice. Windows are IMO a big deal when choosing style so what does your architect say or show in exterior elevations. IMO that is how you decide what style of window. Making them black inside and out is always going to cost more .As far as energy efficiency that usually is listed with the window description at the dealers.
Emily thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Emily
Original Author
5 years ago
We went with the Anderson's. THANK YOU everyone for being so helpful and honest! Our future home appreciates it.