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Windows
lorimbee

Please help with replacement windows

3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago

We are looking to replace our bad Pella windows with either inserts or full replacements. We live in a higher end home in West Michigan on a golf course so the view is important and it does get windy. We’ve looked at some of the pocket inserts which look like cheap vinyl (Alside Mezzo), Jeld Wen replacements, and Anderson 100s amongst others. Looking to avoid painting (wood) windows and their expense. Any ideas/suggestions?

Featured Answer
  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Commonly held belief on the upper end windows, in the vinyl family of products, are Soft-Lite, Sunrise, and Okna. That said, I have to agree with the above person that it will be tough to recommend Sunrise in this transition. Until proven otherwise.


    What did you husband not like about vinyl? The reality is that all of them will have some shared designed manufacturing likenesses, but can be mitigated by quality and attention to detail.


    Keep in mind, if you are wanting a really airtight window, most of the good players on that front are in the vinyl or composite space. Not wood or fiberglass. There are some good fiberglass windows with regards to air and performance, but they are mostly going to be confined to the smaller vendors and will be pushing 2X or more than quality vinyl windows.


    As we used to say in the hot rod aftermarket world...the question isn't how fast to you want to go...how much are you willing to pay?

    Comments (14)

    • 3 years ago

      Those are all very lower end, especially jeldwin.

      Look into Sunrise, Okna , or Soft Lite as they should all be available through dealers in your area. All are higher end vinyl and super efficient.

    • 3 years ago
      last modified: 3 years ago

      Thanks, however, there are no dealers for those anywhere near me. We have Anderson, Pella, Marvin, Alside, Provia, Polar Seal ( local and only inserts) Jeld-Wen, Simonton, Great Lakes by Plygem…

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    • 3 years ago
      last modified: 3 years ago

      Sunrise should be. They are based in Michigan. Soft Lite are made in Ohio. I would call them directly.

    • 3 years ago
      last modified: 3 years ago

      Sunrise was bought by MI windows and doors. They didnt show any dealers in my state, but i went to look at Marvins and that supplier sells Sunrise. My husband doesnt like the vinyl look…..

    • 3 years ago

      Sad to see one of the very nice brands be absorbed by a company that is more well known for producing sub-standard product. There is no way that the Sunrise product, albeit doesn't exist anymore, doesn't suffer quality issues with this transition. Used to be one of the flagship windows and one that I considered for my home and new build. Wouldn't touch them with a 10' pole now. No chance.


      By the way...that's fine if he doesn't like the look of vinyl. But you should know that you'll pay at least a 150 - 200% premium for another material like fiberglass or even more for wood...for a window that will have lesser performance across the board.

      Lori B thanked winston1man
    • 3 years ago

      Thanks. Do you recommend any brands vinyl or otherwise? He is leaning fiberglass right now.….

    • 3 years ago

      Thanks @Windows on Washington Ltd. He didnt like the welded corner look of vinyl, or the plasticky things that can be pulled down as window stops on the double hung. What is good composite ? Andersen 100? Should we pursue inserts or go full replace? Seriously nervous after this Pella proline nightmare and water running down our walls!

    • 3 years ago

      Maybe Marvin Essentials or the Elevate for full framed replacement's or Infinity of you want the insert type.

    • PRO
      3 years ago

      They did mention draftiness though @millworkman.


      Elevates might be okay, but the Infinity complaints on drafts are notable.

    • 3 years ago

      Fair enough @Windows on Washington Ltd

    • 3 years ago

      Thanks @Windows on Washington Ltd and @millworkman. We did like the Essential. Are those drafty? Noisy? I also heard a mention about their appearance being very slim…

    • 3 years ago

      They are a pretty good window as far as performance. The higher end vinyl are better performance wise, but they are a solid window.

      Lori B thanked millworkman
    • PRO
      3 years ago

      Elevate and Essentials seem to be fine. The Infinity has some complaint history on drafts.

      Lori B thanked Windows on Washington Ltd
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