Vinyl Replacement Window Questions

Marty1Mc

I posted this in the wrong forum (construction forum) by mistake. I am reposting it here in hopes it will get better visibility. I apologize for the double post.

I have read a bunch of threads on this but have a few questions. My house is brick first floor, finished attic with shed dormers and masonite siding on the gable ends and sheds. I also intend to remove this and install vinyl siding.

I want to replace my windows as the wooden windows I have are starting to rot. I am going with vinyl replacement windows.

The downstairs windows are encased in brick but the upstairs windows are like any sided house.

The downstairs windows have a sill that extends out over the brick about 4 inches. The upstairs windows do not. Some of my windows are quite large ex: 76x77 triple wide double hung. I am also looking for windows that tilt in for cleaning as my wife has trouble cleaning the current ones.

1). Is there a different type of window I need to order for the first floor? All of the vinyl windows I have seen do not have this sill on the outside of the window.

2). Is vinyl a good choice for very large windows. I am concerned about sagging of the frame over time.

3). Are tilt in windows prone to loosing seal over time? My current windows feel like they are open during the winter.

4). Has anybody had experience with VantagePointe by Simonton? HD sells these and I was going to try to get Simonton, but would consider these if they are decent.

5). Any other brands anyone recommends?

Thanks!

Just Bill

see reply on other forum

HomeSealed

1.No. That is part of the wall cladding system, not the window.
2. Yes. Most quality vinyl windows will offer reinforcement (fiberglass, steel, etc) to prevent any sagging over time.
3.No. Further, you'd be hard-pressed to find a replacement DH window that does not tilt-in.
4. Not familiar with that particular line, but Simonton is generally well-regarded. I'd stay away from the "cheaper" lines is possible.
5. Gorell, Softlite, PlyGem, Okna, Sunrise, to name a few.

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Marty1Mc

Thanks for the answers to those questions. I went to HD and Lowes last night, I know, I know. It was to get a gauge on what I would be spending, at least the floor anyway. The estimate I got was for two different brands of windows, Jeld-Wen from HD and Thermastar by Pella from Lowes. I am aware of the issues with Pella, but wanted to see the pricing difference between them.

I have 22 windows to replace, 4 are triple wide double hung (over 77" tall), 3 are double wide double hung (one is over 78", one is under 60" tall) and the rest are singles, most are around 70" tall with 3 that are 48". The estimate for the windows from HD (Jeld-Wen) was around $9500. The estimate from Lowes for the Thermastar was $8000. This was just for the windows, no tax or installation.

I know the Thermastar are not worth buying, but what about Jeld-Wen? I think it was Premium line that was quoted.

Marty1Mc

Update: I went to a local distributor for Simonton and looked at the 5500 window. I will have pricing on Monday for the windows. I asked him to price my largest window so I could gauge the cost of all of them (ratio based on % comparison between the 5500 and Jen Weld). Well, my largest window 77x77 triple double hung was 1126 for Jen Weld and 1075 for the Simonton 5500. I am going with the Simonton. It is a very nice window.

Now I have to contact a buddy of mine who installs them and see what price I can get for that. But, I think if all goes well all 22 windows will come in under $15k.

HomeSealed

Assuming that your buddy knows what he's doing, Id say that you are on the right track

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Marty1Mc

Well, he has several crews that work for him. I just am not a fan of the brands he sells.

I am also considering doing it myself. I have done quite a bit of carpenter work, remodeling, building additions. I was talking with my neighbor tonight about this ( he also does a bunch of work) and we may team up and do both houses. These windows are pretty large and it's not a one person job due to their size, so I need additional help. That's why I was looking at hiring someone. His are pretty simple, single window double hung and we could knock them out in the evening/weekend without much effort. We could both save enough to do our roofs. That IS something I want to contract.