New build SDL window suggestions

2 years ago

Hi! Window question for the community. We're doing a new build in TX with SDLs, white inside and out. These match the house style and excluding SDLs is not the desired appearance. There seem to be a lot of negative reviews of more affordable windows and rave reviews for very expensive ones. My question is, what windows would you suggest that fall between the high end category and the builder spec house category (i.e., that are a good value)? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

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millworkman

2 years ago

In addition to the above question, what material are you using (vinyl, fiberglass, wood, wood clad aluminum, al aluminum, wood clad fiberglass)? What stile window (fixed, double hung, casement, awnings, patio doors)? What type of construction (spec, tract, semi-custom, custom)? Define "very expensive"? Define "affordable"? If affordable means builder grade they are less expensive for a reason

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Comments (10)

User
2 years ago
Why SDLs? They will only truly be "seen" by the folks in the house.
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Home Owner
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you both for responding.

The SDLs match the style of the house and every side of the house is (and SDLs will be) visible from the roads. The house was designed with these details in mind. White grids between the glass (that I've seen) are an off color because of the LowE coatings.

Also, this is a custom build and the windows will be double/single hung. Not sure about the material, but likely vinyl, or possibly wood clad. Exterior doors will be wood with lites that are consistent with the lite shape of the windows. Marvin and Kolbe are not even ones we'll price out. On the other end of the spectrum, we don't want PlyGem. What's the next best (offering SDLs) after Marvin and Kolbe types?

Thank you again.
millworkman
2 years ago
Marvin Elevate (wood clad fiberglass) or Essentials (all fiberglass). Stay far away from Plygems or anything similar.
Home Owner thanked millworkman
Home Owner
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you. We're trying to target a grade below Marvin. Are there any others you'd recommend?
dan1888
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Call this guy and watch some of his videos. Houston Window Experts - YouTube
Home Owner thanked dan1888
User
2 years ago
Nobody I would recommend more in Houston than Randy at Ultra Windows. Class act and the only person that I send my family members to.
Home Owner thanked User
Home Owner
Original Author
2 years ago
Very much appreciate the TX window guy recommendations. This window selection process is a lot tougher than I would've figured... Thank you again for your time!
millworkman
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
"Nobody I would recommend more in Houston than Randy at Ultra Windows."

100% spot on. And I would steer clear of a guy who feels he needs to do YouTube videos and calls himself an "expert".
Home Owner thanked millworkman
dan1888
2 years ago
I find information from YT to be a start to the research needed to get educated on a subject. Any expert in a category isn't a unbiased source if they also sell the product. They're a sales expert who can tailor the amount of information they release to favor a result. I take in a broader range of information and add experience to get a shot at the best choice for a set of conditions.
Home Owner thanked dan1888