Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877 |
We are thinking about replacing a few windows in our house this year. We are Considering Pella windows, and are thinking either vinyl or fiberglass frames.
Anyone have good experience with Pella windows or know anything about them?
Any other recommended manufacturers? Any comments on vinyl vs. fiberglass?
Thanks!
-David
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Re: Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
My father had Pella windows installed on his previous house, they are an excellent quality window. I had Rehau (German company) windows installed on my home several years ago(recently sold house), they are also an excellent product, more well-known in Europe than over here I understand.
Last edited by Adrian; 02/13/12 12:07 AM. Reason: no "s" on Rehau
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,181 Likes: 1
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,181 Likes: 1 |
I installed Pella vinyl windows in a previous house. I thought they were very good quality. Unfortunately I moved 3 years later so never got to evaluate them in the long run. Not sure if they're the same north of the border or not, but for 3 years I had no issues whatsoever.
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Re: Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 309
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 309 |
I can't speak to the vinyl vs. fiberglass issue, but Marvin, Milgard and Anderson are some other big names in the replacement window business. Regardless of the material or manufacturer, the quality of the installation is probably the most important factor. Make sure to use someone who does it professionally and check their references!
I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left M60 VP160 QS8 EP350 M22 VP100 Algonquins
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Re: Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,703
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,703 |
My parents rebuilt their sun room with all Pella (triple pane) windows. They do an amazing job in the August heat and January cold but they were hella expensive.
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Re: Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,210
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,210 |
I installed Pella vinyl frame high impact glass windows for our TV room going on 7 years and they are holding up very well so far, they look nice, function like new and haven't discolored or faded. I can't compare them to the Pella fiberglass frame windows but if I were to replace the windows throughout the rest of the house I'll install the vinyl windows.
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Re: Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877 |
Thanks for the input. The fiberglass costs 25% more, but supposedly is stronger and doesn't have the problems of shrinking and expanding like some vinyl frames can have due to temperature change. However, they both have the same warranty...
-David
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Re: Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
I never used Pella due to budget limitations but coming from a place that often has + - 30 degree Celsius swings in temperate and often extremely quickly, I have never experienced, nor seen evidence of vinyl windows having shrinking issues. In fact, that is the first time I ever heard anyone mention it.
Not saying it isn't a real phenomenon, just that I have never seen it as an issue.
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,422
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,422 |
Pella windows are made right here in the great state of Iowa.
I've never had them, but know a couple of people who either built their house or replaced their windows (hail storm) and used Pella windows. The last I heard, they really liked them. Pella windows are also the windows used on Extreme Home Makeover. Granted, they are probably donated for advertising purposes, but I don't think that they use any poor quality products in those homes.
Farewell - June 4, 2020
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Re: Replacement Home Windows?
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,015
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Aug 2009
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I replaced 2 of my windows last summer, thinking I was getting good thermal protection. I haven't used a thermometer yet, but just placing the back of my hand on an old window, then moving to a new window and doing the same, it fells like the new triple pane windows let through more heat/coldness. Not buying those again. I went cheap with a local company thinking I was saving a few bucks.
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