Opinion on HD American Craftsman replacement windows

Jims69 · 10-26-2006, 12:37 AM

I'm interested in feedback regarding HD American Craftsman vinyl replacement windows. My home is circa 1950 w/ steel casement windows, block construction. I'm going with the DP single hung, low E with a u value of .36. Is the argon worthwhile to get to a u value of .30? I live in Central Florida and the house gets a lot of sun. I'd also like input as to how to install them-everyone at the big box stores,etc leads me to belive that I will have to add a piece of 1 by or some sort of stop to the opening after I cut out the old windows. However there are a few that have already been replaced with single pane aluminum framed (I will be replacing these as well). In those I don't see any such wood, the window just seems to be set into the opening and tapcon or screwed to the block. Welcome any advice..thanks.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 10-26-2006, 07:41 AM

IMHO - There are better quality manufactured windows than the ones you are asking about....
Those ones tend to have many minor flaws due to the very fast mass production process (even the custom-size ordered ones).

Off, the top of my head, theses are some of the problems I have observed on them (we have installed many, many of them):

measurements slightly off from actual listed sizes.
significant warps in the sashes and frames
panes and frames slightly off-square on even small windows.
multi mullioned windows: not equal in dimensions
double hung sashes not lining up and closing properly
etc...

also:
windows coming in with slight damage
windows not delivered as ordered
etc...

fhivinylwindows · 10-26-2006, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlanticWBConst.

IMHO - There are better quality manufactured windows than the ones you are asking about....
Those ones tend to have many minor flaws due to the very fast mass production process (even the custom-size ordered ones).

Off, the top of my head, theses are some of the problems I have observed on them (we have installed many, many of them):

measurements slightly off from actual listed sizes.
significant warps in the sashes and frames
panes and frames slightly off-square on even small windows.
multi mullioned windows: not equal in dimensions
double hung sashes not lining up and closing properly
etc...

also:
windows coming in with slight damage
windows not delivered as ordered
etc...

I'll second this opinion. The Low E with Argon is the way to go. You should spend some time researching what the ratings mean. In FL you will be concerned about how much heat enters your windows. Some better window companies offer 2 layers of the Low E which will help.

http://www.energystar.gov/

http://www.aamanet.org/

http://www.astm.org/cgi-bin/SoftCart...html?E+mystore

http://www.nfrc.org/

These should keep you busy for a while, if you need more, PM me.