OT: Window Replacement

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I thought I remembered this being discussed before, but unfortunately the word "windows" produced way too many search results to sift through thanks to the transfer portal and various other sports terms.

Anybody have theirs replaced recently? Mine are getting pretty bad, and I have 14 (or 12, depending on how they count the ones that are side by side) that will need done. Curious what the damage might be for something of mid-quality.

 

[MorningCoffee13]

I thought I remembered this being discussed before, but unfortunately the word "windows" produced way too many search results to sift through thanks to the transfer portal and various other sports terms.

Anybody have theirs replaced recently? Mine are getting pretty bad, and I have 14 (or 12, depending on how they count the ones that are side by side) that will need done. Curious what the damage might be for something of mid-quality.

It will be very expensive. I would say lowish 5 figures depending.

 

[Las Panteras]

I thought I remembered this being discussed before, but unfortunately the word "windows" produced way too many search results to sift through thanks to the transfer portal and various other sports terms.

Anybody have theirs replaced recently? Mine are getting pretty bad, and I have 14 (or 12, depending on how they count the ones that are side by side) that will need done. Curious what the damage might be for something of mid-quality.

I had Blyth & Shearn in McMurray do mine

14 windows good quality

11K. Once installed, i was more than pleased and had them do my patio doors.

Highest recommendation. There are lower cost vendors but I sleep well knowing this was done right.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I had Blyth & Shearn in McMurray do mine

14 windows good quality

11K. Once installed, i was more than pleased and had them do my patio doors.

Highest recommendation. There are lower cost vendors but I sleep well knowing this was done right.

How long ago was that, if you don't mind me asking? 11K is actually a lot better news than a lot of what I've been reading.

 

[Las Panteras]

How long ago was that, if you don't mind me asking? 11K is actually a lot better news than a lot of what I've been reading.

Its been about 5 years now.

Jeez........seems like last year

 

[HailToPitt1985]

I had mine done with Jeld Wen wood inside, aluminum clad outside, 10 double hung, 3 casement (expensive). They were top of the line Jeld Wens. Did it through Lowes. NEVER AGAIN! Avoid the big box guys. But mine were $22,000. I can't go into the details because of legal matters. But let's just say I'm happy with the outcome. This was 2 years ago.

I wouldn't do vinyl. I think Metropolitan Windows is a good, reputable place, but expensive. If I did it again, I would do Pella wood inside, aluminum clad outside as I did. But I wouldn't scrimp.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

Tell em Colin Dunlap sent ya

 

[CaPAPITT76]

Wincore are good replacement windows and not as expensive as the top brand names

 

[Conemaugh]

I have done a lot of window replacements. The costs now are absolutely astronomical. I don't know what you are looking for, but plane white double frame windows are painful, let alone nice wood frame. Window world as an example is going to be 600+ per double frame. Wood or wood clad is going to be multiples above.

If anyone knows otherwise I would love to hear it. Even a shitty steel door replacement is in the thousands. There is real money to be made as a window/door replacement guy. I am just too damn old to do it now.

 

[BurghGuy68]

We went with vinyl not fiberglass and we're happy with the work that was done by the local company we had do them...15 plus 2 small bathroom windows converted to casement style.

 

[HailToPitt1985]

I have done a lot of window replacements. The costs now are absolutely astronomical. I don't know what you are looking for, but plane white double frame windows are painful, let alone nice wood frame. Window world as an example is going to be 600+ per double frame. Wood or wood clad is going to be multiples above.

If anyone knows otherwise I would love to hear it. Even a shitty steel door replacement is in the thousands. There is real money to be made as a window/door replacement guy. I am just too damn old to do it now.

You're totally correct. I did my window replacement a couple of years ago after a lot of research into each type of window and value. If you want a window that will last and perform as it's designed, it will cost at least $1000, some more like $1,600 if you buy a wood window that is aluminum clad. Casements are ridiculously expensive. You get what you pay for when it comes to windows.

 

[Conemaugh]

You're totally correct. I did my window replacement a couple of years ago after a lot of research into each type of window and value. If you want a window that will last and perform as it's designed, it will cost at least $1000, some more like $1,600 if you buy a wood window that is aluminum clad. Casements are ridiculously expensive. You get what you pay for when it comes to windows.

I recently spent about $800 for a white vinyl casement window that was about 20" by 30". My elderly neighbor just spent $4,000 for a six panel white steel door replacement. I put the same door in my back door about 10 years ago.... I spent a total of $200 dollars on it and put it in on a college football Saturday. I probably spent more money that day on alcohol and grilled meat than the damn door.

 

[bobfree]

My house has Andersen. Went to replace all the windows, 4 sliding doors, 2 5 bay windows and the estimate was $121,000

Needless to say we are replacing them as we go. Got the 2nd floor done now we are working on our first floor. CRAZY.

 

[Conemaugh]

My house has Andersen. Went to replace all the windows, 4 sliding doors, 2 5 bay windows and the estimate was $121,000

Needless to say we are replacing them as we go. Got the 2nd floor done now we are working on our first floor. CRAZY.

Ouch.... thats almost what I paid for my house (back in 2007). I did buy a dump of a house though. Thought it would be fun to fix it up. 😵

 

[Atilla Cosby]

Your best value, regardless of window quality, is to find a good carpenter who you know and trust to install the windows. Then order the windows direct or through a wholesaler/building supply store.

I've used Zaleski's Exterior Building in Springdale and ABC glass and mirror in Gibsonia with good results. The manufacturers raise their prices on an annual basis, so do it soon.

I'm a landlord so I always buy vinyl. I spend a ton on my houses, but I can't go overboard in any one area. They usually sell a cheaper vinyl and slightly more expensive vinyl window that is of much better quality. If you go vinyl make sure you get welded seams. I've bought somewhere around 70 new vinyl windows in the last 9 years, and exactly one panel has developed a seal leak with condensation between the panes. But I can send that out and get it fixed. Tenants haven't broken any of them either.

I'm gonna look into aluminum window prices, but I'm guessing they'll be too rich for me. I have a bunch of houses loaded with Traco TR5000 aluminum windows from the 1990s, made in Butler County. They last forever, and replacement parts are available.

Five years ago I could get good quality vinyl for about $200 each. Now it's more like $300 each. Install isn't bad, as my carpenter can do a window in 2 hours or less, and I pay him $45/hr.

I cringe when I hear the radio commercials with the buy one, get one free offers, because I can only imagine what they charge for one window plus install. Gotta be a fortune.

Good luck with your project.

 

[Panther Holla]

Thermo Twin. Ten years ago and still in fine shape.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

My house has Andersen. Went to replace all the windows, 4 sliding doors, 2 5 bay windows and the estimate was $121,000

Needless to say we are replacing them as we go. Got the 2nd floor done now we are working on our first floor. CRAZY.

not surprising. We had 4 Anderson windows that needed to be replaced. Anderson now has a type of replacement window (still wood, but you don't have to rip out the existing frame or sill). The total cost was $5000, and it included the painting of the windows.

 

[HailToPitt1985]

Doing my whole house with Jeld Wen aluminum clad wood windows as I did the already installed 13 windows (only the back of the house) would have run me another $90,000. I'll do those if and when they need replaced. Not now.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

What I'm mostly discerning from this thread is that I have two options:

1) Sell a kidney

2) Get some saran wrap and call it a day

Nah, I appreciate all the comments/suggestions.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

What I'm mostly discerning from this thread is that I have two options:

1) Sell a kidney

2) Get some saran wrap and call it a day

Nah, I appreciate all the comments/suggestions.

I think a vinyl replacement window can be done reasonably. When you get into wood with Andersen is when the cost begins to skyrocket.

 

[str61166]

What I'm mostly discerning from this thread is that I have two options:

1) Sell a kidney

2) Get some saran wrap and call it a day

Nah, I appreciate all the comments/suggestions.

Hah. Being a new homeowner, I’ve come to learn quickly that pretty much everything I would need to hire someone to do will end up being more expensive than I would think.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

Hah. Being a new homeowner, I’ve come to learn quickly that pretty much everything I would need to hire someone to do will end up being more expensive than I would think.

Yeah, it definitely pays to be handy and be able to do some things yourself. I've done more than I ever thought I would (with mixed results!), but windows are one of those things I wouldn't even joke about tackling myself.

 

[MorningCoffee13]

Walked by a Renewal by Anderson booth at a fair yesterday and a prize they were offering was a $30,000 whole house window replacement. So that should tell you something.

 

[johnsbe3]

My house has Andersen. Went to replace all the windows, 4 sliding doors, 2 5 bay windows and the estimate was $121,000

Needless to say we are replacing them as we go. Got the 2nd floor done now we are working on our first floor. CRAZY.

I feel your pain. My house was built in 1989 with wood (interior and exterior) windows and doors. In 2024, the woodpecker decided he didn't like them anymore. Nineteen windows and the front door later, I was out ~$67k. We looked at various brands and multiple quotes and chose Pella lifestyle wood / aluminum casements. Besides the cost, we are very happy with the quality and the installers did a very good job.

The next project is replacing the remaining 7 exterior doors (two double French with 20" sidelights, four French hinged patio and one standard 36" exterior door - all 1989 and wood). I think we were quoted nearly another 90k for those (without the cash discount). They are on layaway for likely longer than the remainder of my natural life.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I feel your pain. My house was built in 1989 with wood (interior and exterior) windows and doors. In 2024, the woodpecker decided he didn't like them anymore. Nineteen windows and the front door later, I was out ~$67k. We looked at various brands and multiple quotes and chose Pella lifestyle wood / aluminum casements. Besides the cost, we are very happy with the quality and the installers did a very good job.

The next project is replacing the remaining 7 exterior doors (two double French with 20" sidelights, four French hinged patio and one standard 36" exterior door - all 1989 and wood). I think we were quoted nearly another 90k for those (without the cash discount). They are on layaway for likely longer than the remainder of my natural life.

A freaking woodpecker took you for nearly 70 grand?! Now I feel like a total wimp for bitching about a few robins defecating on my windshield.

 

[johnsbe3]

A freaking woodpecker took you for nearly 70 grand?! Now I feel like a total wimp for bitching about a few robins defecating on my windshield.

The concern was that the woodpecker was attracted to the windows because he was searching for or found wood-boring insects. Luckily, that was not the case and the damage was limited to the window frames.

 

[OH Pete]

We are sort of in the same boat. We had a company give us a quote a couple years ago. About a 3300 sq ft home with 15 windows. Quote was around $30K for premium level windows (through Alside).

We are a little more serious now than we were then so we are starting to look again. Anyone every use Costco? I think their brand is Infinity. I've never purchased anything from Costco (except for that dried seaweed that tasted good in the store, but sucked when I got it home) that didn't meet expectations. Generally pretty high quality / good value. So we are definitely going to have them quote.

 

[lilspainishflea]

I thought I remembered this being discussed before, but unfortunately the word "windows" produced way too many search results to sift through thanks to the transfer portal and various other sports terms.

Anybody have theirs replaced recently? Mine are getting pretty bad, and I have 14 (or 12, depending on how they count the ones that are side by side) that will need done. Curious what the damage might be for something of mid-quality.

I replaced mine in 2021 and did a ton of research. There's not really a "mid" window. There are cheaper vinyl windows and everything else is very expensive. Your options are:

1) Vinyl

Pro​

​

- inexpensive compared to others​

- the good ones seal really well​

​

Con​

​

- thicker frame because the vinyl is way less heat tolerant than other materials. So if the vinyl warps and loses some strength, you need more of it to hold the glass. The thicker frames take away some of the window area so you see more frame and less glass.​

- I happen to think they don't look as good.​

2) Composite/Fiberglass

Pro​

​

good combination of strength, aesthetics, and cost​

​

Con​

​

- somewhat expensive​

- very few manufacturers do this kind so you have less selection, basically Infinity by Marvin and I'm not sure what else​

3) Wood

Pro​

​

- look awesome​

​

Con​

​

- extremely expensive​

- needs a lot of maintenance (paint)​

- not many companies do it. Renewal by Anderson​

​

I did a lot of research and scheduled 5 quotes (3x vinyl and 1x each of composite and wood). I would not do wood again had I known their cost. Renewal by Anderson was at my home for like 4 hours and the guy quoted me something like $55,000 for 24-28 windows. Next most expensive was Infinity by Marvin for $30,000. The vinyl ones were like $12,000-$22,000.

The thing about vinyl is that you're basically buying a window from a manufacturer and a separate installer is putting it in for you. The installer has ZERO input into quality control during the manufacturing process and also they only do one manufacturer. They CANNOT get you another type of vinyl window. The vinyl manufacturers are also locked into certain areas. So if you think Okna is the best but you're in a Jeld-wen area, you might be locked into that no matter which installer you go with. I forget which manufacturers were good but in North Georgia I couldn't get the vinyl manufacturer that I wanted no matter how many vinyl installers I called.

I ended up going with Infinity by Marvin because my house is very traditional looking and has two large porches that are heavily trafficked so people would see the windows up close a lot. They better matched the aesthetic of the original wood windows and I thought would hold up better to all the eyeball scrutiny compared to vinyl. Vinyl also didn't have as good of a color match for my home.

 

[lilspainishflea]

We are sort of in the same boat. We had a company give us a quote a couple years ago. About a 3300 sq ft home with 15 windows. Quote was around $30K for premium level windows (through Alside).

We are a little more serious now than we were then so we are starting to look again. Anyone every use Costco? I think their brand is Infinity. I've never purchased anything from Costco (except for that dried seaweed that tasted good in the store, but sucked when I got it home) that didn't meet expectations. Generally pretty high quality / good value. So we are definitely going to have them quote.

I got Infinity by Marvin and they are very, very, good windows. I think I paid about $1,100-$1,200 per window but that price was partially driven by a large picture window in the kitchen.

 

[BurghGuy68]

We got a quote from Renewal by Andersen (outrageous price, not sure how they stay in business), Thermo Twin and Legacy Remodeling. Legacy had the best deal and had vinyl windows that my wife researched and found to the the best of the bunch.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

We got a quote from Renewal by Andersen (outrageous price, not sure how they stay in business), Thermo Twin and Legacy Remodeling. Legacy had the best deal and had vinyl windows that my wife researched and found to the the best of the bunch.

I thought Renewal was Andersen's version of a vinyl replacement window?

 

[BurghGuy68]

I thought Renewal was Andersen's version of a vinyl replacement window?

I think so...may have been fiberglass? But it was like 3-4x the cost of the others.

 

[MorningCoffee13]

I replaced mine in 2021 and did a ton of research. There's not really a "mid" window. There are cheaper vinyl windows and everything else is very expensive. Your options are:

1) Vinyl

Pro​

​

- inexpensive compared to others​

- the good ones seal really well​

​

Con​

​

- thicker frame because the vinyl is way less heat tolerant than other materials. So if the vinyl warps and loses some strength, you need more of it to hold the glass. The thicker frames take away some of the window area so you see more frame and less glass.​

- I happen to think they don't look as good.​

2) Composite/Fiberglass

Pro​

​

good combination of strength, aesthetics, and cost​

​

Con​

​

- somewhat expensive​

- very few manufacturers do this kind so you have less selection, basically Infinity by Marvin and I'm not sure what else​

3) Wood

Pro​

​

- look awesome​

​

Con​

​

- extremely expensive​

- needs a lot of maintenance (paint)​

- not many companies do it. Renewal by Anderson​

​

I did a lot of research and scheduled 5 quotes (3x vinyl and 1x each of composite and wood). I would not do wood again had I known their cost. Renewal by Anderson was at my home for like 4 hours and the guy quoted me something like $55,000 for 24-28 windows. Next most expensive was Infinity by Marvin for $30,000. The vinyl ones were like $12,000-$22,000.

The thing about vinyl is that you're basically buying a window from a manufacturer and a separate installer is putting it in for you. The installer has ZERO input into quality control during the manufacturing process and also they only do one manufacturer. They CANNOT get you another type of vinyl window. The vinyl manufacturers are also locked into certain areas. So if you think Okna is the best but you're in a Jeld-wen area, you might be locked into that no matter which installer you go with. I forget which manufacturers were good but in North Georgia I couldn't get the vinyl manufacturer that I wanted no matter how many vinyl installers I called.

I ended up going with Infinity by Marvin because my house is very traditional looking and has two large porches that are heavily trafficked so people would see the windows up close a lot. They better matched the aesthetic of the original wood windows and I thought would hold up better to all the eyeball scrutiny compared to vinyl. Vinyl also didn't have as good of a color match for my home.

Today Renewal by Anderson quoted me $89,040 for 18 windows ( various size and types) and a 8’ x 6’ French door replacing a slider. Separately the door would be $18 grand.

 

[MorningCoffee13]

I think so...may have been fiberglass? But it was like 3-4x the cost of the others.

Renewal is not vinyl. I think they call their stuff fibrwx or something. Almost like a wood composite.

 

[BurghGuy68]

Renewal is not vinyl. I think they call their stuff fibrwx or something. Almost like a wood composite.

Yup I think it's a fiberglass/wood composite

 

[johnsbe3]

Today Renewal by Anderson quoted me $89,040 for 18 windows ( various size and types) and a 8’ x 6’ French door replacing a slider. Separately the door would be $18 grand.

Yep. That tracks for retail - do they offer any discounts for cash or bundling?