Anyone anywhere disappointed with the Loewen window?
THey will cost about the same as Marvin for Aluminum exterior cladding.

Is there anything to look out for while ordering?

I'm curious how your installation went. I've been pricing Marvins and Pellas, but now I'm seeing all this talk of the Loewens. Are you happy with them now that they are in? If so, can you tell me where you purchased them? I'm in NY as well. Thanks!

Brickmold is the type of trim on the outside of the window. The name given to this type comes from the fact that it was designed to provide a proper reveal considering the thicker wall due to brick. Therefore, comparatively speaking, brickmold is thicker and has a distinctive routing that makes it thicker where it meets the wall and graduates thinner to meet the window. It also does not have the wide face as board trim.

For wood or composite siding 1 x 4 flat board trim is used. You can also get the same effect by applying PVC board trim.
For vinyl sided homes, vinyl windows are manufactured with a nailing fin that is made to lie under the siding and has a groove all around to accept the vinyl siding. Cheaper windows come only as vinyl with fins to accept vinyl siding. Better window manufacturers will offer a window unit with a choice of brick mold or east coast (board) trim as an option. With replacement windows, obviously, trim issues are not relevant.

Also, full vinyl windows are not compatible with single wall construction as in a garage, nor are they compatible with vinyl siding. Some contractors will rout out the back of a 1 x 4 to fit board trim onto a vinyl window. It is like putting a sterling bridle on a mule.

I researched all the replacement window forums on the web and never heard a negative about the company and learned that they do, indeed, stand by their products.

That one fact alone swayed me, plus the fact that the fiberglass didn't have that "replacement window" look.

I was on the site due to another post, happened to spot this and thought I'd reply.

Kathy - I trust you are working through the point of purchase, that's best. If for any reason this is not working - please contact me and I'll route your call personally. ads@loewen.com. 800.563.9367. Mitch

Windowsurfer, I hope that you can help Kathy out wiht her issue. Probably not hung square, no?

We priced both, but in the end decided to go with Marvin in pine, which was 30 percent less. Since our windows are protected by a very deep overhang and will be painted, I think we'll be fine and it's not worth the extra cost for the douglas fir.

Chimayo: I don't think your nuts at all. Sure it will be more maintenance, but not that much if you keep an eye on them. And I imagine it rains much less in NM than it does here in Virginia.

Ivette

Kathy - Sorry to hear that the TD was not fitting properly, i'm sure that with the help of your dealer and the Loewen head office, your disappointment will turn around.

Chimayo - the difference between TDL (true divided light) and SDL (simulated divided light) is that in a TDL all the panes are separate inside each grille, as SDL is a complete sealed unit with a metal and or wood grill attatched to it from both sides. The TDL's are more expensive but provide a huge difference in the look and feel of the room.

Also nice to see you here windowsurfer, glad that forums and chat groups provide information on our customers needs, wants, concerns and praises.

I'm a Loewen employee and am proud of it!!

I'll follow up as I have more experience during the harsh upcoming weather.

I am having a similar experience with Eagle French Doors that were installed on a new home contructed by a large builder. They charged $4000 per set of French doors and now they are giving me the run around.

I had a Loewen sliding glass door and about 40 windows (double hung, casement, and awning) installed a couple of months ago. They look/work great and have a nice tight fit. I would highly recommend them.

I've been a contractor for over 30 years and until now had never used the Loewen product. These units were for my own home and I wanted the best. The quality is superb, way above any window I've used in thousands of projects for other people.
The point being, that not everyone wants or needs a window of this quality, but if you do Loewen is amazing!

One caution, since these were huge AND triple glass, it took 7 men to get each unit off the truck and into the openings.
Loewens frames are twice as thick as the norm, plus three layers of glass, wow!

I don't specify Loewen for my projects anymore. There are some good Loewen products, but the problem is that there also some true lemons. In particular I would stay away from the large casement windows. Loewen uses the same size framing on the larger windows as on the smaller ones, and it is inadequate to support a larger window properly. As a result the windows tend to warp when you close them, if you can close them at all. I had a project in which you had to go outside and press the top corner of two of the windows in to close them at all. Another inherent design flaw is that the point at which the window is pulled shut is from the bottom. Add that to a 5 foot tall window that warps, and it simply doesn't want to seat itself properly when you close it.

Unfortunately I have also found Loewen to be unresponsive to addressing problems. What use is a good warranty when there is no backup to get the work done? It is a shame because Loewen windows look great, the craftmanship is excellent, but there is a design flaw in the system. My recommendation is that unless you just have small windows in you house, stay away from Loewen until the large window product line is fixed.

I am curious about your comments regarding the posting from pnwarchitect. This is the 2nd time I have read this same type of complaint. Here is another one http://www.greenerbuilding.org/product_detail.php?cid=60&pid=26

I am just in the process of spec'ing the window type for my architect for a new build and in the ring is Pella and Loewen. But I am building lake front on a massive lake facing your country, Lake Erie. I find it interesting that living less than 100 miles from you my options for distributors/service are VERY limited. I only have 1 dealer in my entire "viewing" area. And the comments about the large windows being a problem has set back a bit. I am optimistic as your windows are far superior to anything I have seen to date but pesimistic for the reasons stated above.

I've been delighted with everything I've received from Marvin. The oldest window is now about 10 years old and is like new. I just got a new 15 1/2 foot, four section, custom slding french door - it is a thing of beauty and operates flawlessly. I'm in Minnesota so I will only go with top quality windows - because others just do not hold up in our weather extremes. I also have Marvin at my lakehome - now about fifteen years old - again, still like new.

In my opinion, without all of the design criteria for the project there is little point in discussing different brands.

Rabbit12, If you are in the Chicago area, there are several very good dealers in your area. The all have their own territory, punch your zip code into the dealer locator on the loewen website. As for the casement issue...any oversized units will have butt hinges on them, like door hinges that support the sash in several places. By oversized, I mean not standard size, and have to be approved by the drafting department. Also, if you are in chicago, there are two Loewen factory service techs located there, as Chicago was once our US head quarters. Most sash sagging issues are due to the unit not being installed square and plumb. Has nothing to with frame being too thin, as we use thicker frame componets than all other window companies. You can check that by looking at the cross sectional drawings of the different companies out there...usually can get that info from the dealers in their tech books. I do agree with MIGHTYANVIL, we really need to know your design criteria to help you...including ..is your project new construction or replacement...what size units do you want, what type, french style, push out, roto gear etc...how many will you be mulling together...are you going wood exterior or clad...glazing type wanted...please fill me in, I hope I can help you...and anyone else that might have questions with Loewen

kavo United States – registered on November 18, 2006 – birthday June 19.

From kavo on November 18, 2006 at 1919 (in the Windows forum) –

"A cautionary note...we are having a major problem with some of Loewen windows just installed on a new addition to our house. The service from Loewen has been terrible and their rep is unresponsive."

From kavo on November 18, 2006 at 1922 (in the Windows forum) –

"We are having a major problem with large french casement push out windows by Loewen. Just installed and do not operate properly -- the rep insists they are fine and is stonewalling us"

Kavo has no additional posts on any THS forum

pnwarchitect – United States – registered on November 19, 2006 – birthday May 19

From pnwarchitect on November 19, 2006 at 2138 (in the Remodeling forum)–

"In particular I would stay away from the large casement windows. Loewen uses the same size framing on the larger windows as on the smaller ones, and it is inadequate to support a larger window properly. As a result the windows tend to warp when you close them, if you can close them at all. I had a project in which you had to go outside and press the top corner of two of the windows in to close them at all."

From Adrian Justin on November 19, 2006 (not from a THS forum - but the link to this post is in a THS forum post) –

"…the larger ones are defective. The primary reason for this is that Loewen does not increase the size of the frame in the larger windows, allowing them to warp signicantly when they are closed and therefore not lock correctly. Two of our windows actually require a person to stand outside and push on the window while another pulls to get it to seal correctly."

From pnwarchitect on November 19, 2006 at 2303 (in the Windows forum) –

"I'm not surprised. Loewen has been going downhill since it (over)expanded a few years ago. Sales have become more important than quality. I think that attitude will catch up with Loewen soon, I've heard many negative stories about Loewen from builders and other architects recently."

From pnwarchitect on November 19, 2006 at 2310 (in the Windows forum) –

"If you choose to go with wood, I would stay away from Loewen, their large windows are underdesigned and fragile."

From pnwarchitect on November 19, 2006 at 2320 (in the Windows forum) –

"Some manufacturers do not upsize the window frames for larger sizes and the windows do not function correctly due to warpage without constant adjustment. Loewen windows are notorious for this problem. Whatever you get, make sure that the larger windows have upsized frames."

From pnwarchitect on November 19, 2006 at 2326 (in the Windows forum) –

"Unfortunately for you, Loewen casements are a problem in larger sizes (small ones are ok). Also, Loewen windows are generally fragile, the douglas fir is a veneer and can come apart easily"

pnwarchitect has no additional posts on any THS forum

magnum pio – Canada – registered on December 5, 2006 – birthday January 6

From magnum pio on December 5, 2006 at 2004 (in the Windows forum) –

"I wouldn't waste any time with Loewen (speaking from experience!)"

From magnum pio on December 26, 2006 at 2008 (in the Windows forum) –

"I'd love to E-mail you some pictures of my Loewen windows (triple glazed units!) with frost/ice build-up on the inside of the glass!
Do waste your money on Loewen!"

magnum pio has no additional posts on any THS forum

My point to all this?

In the intelligence biz (my previous occupation before entering the glass and window industry) one looks for consistency and patterns when gathering data. People tend to be creatures of habit – they tend to be consistent in how they do certain activities.

Note, for example, that the number/date of registration and the number/date of birthday is the same (once) and one number lower (twice) for these three folks and that for two of the "individuals" the date of registration was also the date of their only posts to THS.

Note the similarity of pnwarchitect post and the Adrian Justin post on another website forum – and on the same day…note the timeframe of posts from all three individuals.

From all three "individuals" – the essence of their posts is to slam Loewen – nothing else. In addition, pnwarchitect made a number of factual errors and misstatements that have been addressed by others following his posts in the specific threads.

Also note that in all three cases the "I live in" was the country US, US, CAN. Again, many people also list their country of origin – many don’t.

Again, there is nothing about any of these comments that cannot be applied to many others who have posted on THS and elsewhere – but within the framework of this particular discussion there are a good many consistencies that seem to add up.

I will offer no conclusions since this is simply idle conjecture, but I would suggest some interesting possibilities.

Again, while I have debated with myself whether to actually post this thing – and I really don’t care one way or the other if folks decide on Loewen as their window company – but it does bother me when I see other folks becoming hesitant about their potential window purchase based on information in posts that one might consider to be not quite as straightforward as they might be.

And as a disclaimer, I certainly don’t spend my days "analyzing" what other folks post - I really enjoy reading what other people write - but, I was once trained to recognize patterns and I have spent a good part of my life identifying and analyzing consistencies – and in this case the numerous consistencies pointed out a very distinct pattern that I could not help but notice – I suspect that others may have noticed these as well….

RMC Builder, I am not saying Loewen is perfect...no company is...including Marvin. Have you been in the buisness long enough to experience the rot issues and law suits Marvin had a number of years ago?..ten or so...I invite you to do a search on window company law suites concerning rot, performance, seal failure...etc. Please tell me what you find.

Loewen has had no catestrophic failure issues with any aspect of their product.

Loewen will replace warped sashes and I am not saying that we do not product them once in a blue moon...I would be stupid if I did say that...However all of our casement sashes are all laminated fir that is put together at opposing grain angles...wood warps towards it's grain angle..we have three pieces of wood working against eachother, thus more structually sound and eliminating any warpage issues. I invite you to look into that specific detail of our sashes and tell me what you think. We feel it is much more rigid that just on piece of pine...(give me your email, I will send you what I am talking about)

We also use double and mortise tendon joints, a traditional way of putting wood together..again much more rigid joint than a single mortise and tendon (Marvin). Other companies use a mitered joint...very weak..others dowel

We do have Loewen factory employees that will go out on larger service issues. All other smaller adjustments are done by local dealer, who are all factory trained at our service training in Steinbach, Manatoba. (It is a requirerment to be a dealer) There are three levels to the training...most dealers have at least level two training..in level three.. they learn really special stuff..like reganging copper clad units and sodering them in the field (if needed for some reason)...etc. All the basic to hard things are covered in levels 1-2.
If you are in anyway not satisfied will dealer's sevice on product issues, have them involve their territory manager. TM then gets Loewen factory service tech to fix the issue if needed.

I don't think you understood my statement about the casement units. Butt hinges are only put on units coming out of the factory that are specially approved by drafing department that are oversized ..meaning not within our standard size categories. Butt hinges are not put on standard size units as some type of fix for sash sagging. I have seen this sagging issue before in the field 95% of the time it was because of shotty install..Loewen product will be twice as heavy as pine..therefore you have to be dead on in your install. You cannt have Johnny framer installing the windows. Has to be level and plumb and installed by a guy that takes pride in his work, not just stuffing a vynal window in a hole in two minutes and moving on. Again not saying this sash was not warped, but I invite you to research our constuction that I discribed..and argue how other companies address it..

OK, talking/typing too much..Sorry for mispellings...I always need spell check!
Looking forward to comments. I trust your contractor buddy will complain about the wieght of our windows, but will be impressed by the fit and finish and quality.

RMC: pnwarchitect (pacific northwest?) and Adrian are probably the same person.

RMC Builder, I am not saying Loewen is perfect...no company is...including Marvin. Have you been in the buisness long enough to experience the rot issues and law suits Marvin had a number of years ago?..ten or so...I invite you to do a search on window company law suites concerning rot, performance, seal failure...etc. Please tell me what you find.

RMC: Been in business since 1987, mostly ultra expensive custom homes...
Never personally experienced those kinds of problems from marvin... Kolbe and Pozzi were particularly bad in quality and lack of service.

Loewen has had no catestrophic failure issues with any aspect of their product.

Loewen will replace warped sashes and I am not saying that we do not product them once in a blue moon...I would be stupid if I did say that...However all of our casement sashes are all laminated fir that is put together at opposing grain angles...wood warps towards it's grain angle..we have three pieces of wood working against eachother, thus more structually sound and eliminating any warpage issues. I invite you to look into that specific detail of our sashes and tell me what you think. We feel it is much more rigid that just on piece of pine...(give me your email, I will send you what I am talking about)

RMC: All sounds good.....

We also use double and mortise tendon joints, a traditional way of putting wood together..again much more rigid joint than a single mortise and tendon (Marvin). Other companies use a mitered joint...very weak..others dowel

RMC: Also sounds good.....

We do have Loewen factory employees that will go out on larger service issues. All other smaller adjustments are done by local dealer, who are all factory trained at our service training in Steinbach, Manatoba. (It is a requirerment to be a dealer) There are three levels to the training...most dealers have at least level two training..in level three.. they learn really special stuff..like reganging copper clad units and sodering them in the field (if needed for some reason)...etc. All the basic to hard things are covered in levels 1-2.
If you are in anyway not satisfied will dealer's sevice on product issues, have them involve their territory manager. TM then gets Loewen factory service tech to fix the issue if needed.

RMC: Also sounds good... our dealer has assured me of the service competence and their willingness to make things right.

I don't think you understood my statement about the casement units. Butt hinges are only put on units coming out of the factory that are specially approved by drafing department that are oversized ..meaning not within our standard size categories. Butt hinges are not put on standard size units as some type of fix for sash sagging. I have seen this sagging issue before in the field 95% of the time it was because of shotty install..Loewen product will be twice as heavy as pine..therefore you have to be dead on in your install. You cannt have Johnny framer installing the windows. Has to be level and plumb and installed by a guy that takes pride in his work, not just stuffing a vynal window in a hole in two minutes and moving on. Again not saying this sash was not warped, but I invite you to research our constuction that I discribed..and argue how other companies address it..

RMC: On our last job the very large casements (Eagle) came fitted with full length "piano hinges"... someone in design knew the hinges needed to be stiff.
We've been doing this along time so our installers are very competent.

OK, talking/typing too much..Sorry for mispellings...I always need spell check!
Looking forward to comments. I trust your contractor buddy will complain about the wieght of our windows, but will be impressed by the fit and finish and quality.

RMC: My finish carpenters will be doing the interior of his house so we'll see firsthand. We're going ahead with the Loewens since our architect has specified them for 12 other houses and still likes them. Thanks for your input... RMC- monterey bay area builder

The Loewens I have I cannot say enough good about. I just put a clear finish on the douglas fir and have received many compliments, even from contractors and architects.

I live next to the entrance to one of NYC's major tunnel, the sound-proofing by using window panes of different thickness is exemplary.

I am using an unusual type of window that rotates almost 360 degrees so the outside can be cleaned from the inside. Even at large sizes these windows work great.

I am beinning the process of replacing my 17 year old Marvin windows with new Loewen ones. Enuf said?

Good Luck!

We went with Loewen windows, and could not be happier.
They came perfectly and fit just right.

We have a wall of glass that is 17 ft high in the south exposure. It is composed of windows 6', 5', 4' and 2' at the top. There is 4 inch supports between the panes. It is 10 feet wide with vertical 4" supports. BEAUTIFUL.

We used casements where we wanted openings. Terrific, they seal so tightly. Guess they have cold weather in Canada.

Anyway, They have clear stainable fir on the inside and extruded aluminum exterior. We plan to stain them and then put the Polyurethane on the interior.

Service and all was excellent. TImely delivery. No problem with the Loewen windows or doors.

Could you go into specifics about the size, type and product line of Marvin windows you installed? I am considering replacing my 4.5 x 4 gliding windows with Marvin Infinity casements but I also need to meet egress codes.

To anyone else,
I would prefer to have low maintenance windows so I have looked at Shuco and Renewal by Andersen. I'm not all that comfortable going with vinyl because of its expansion/contraction over time. I live in Minnesota like gibby3000 so I must have longevity of the U-factor, not just how it rates in a factory test. I haven't found any statistics on Shuco or Renewal windows over time. Does anyone know of any?

Because of my concerns about vinyl, I feel I should go with fiberglass so I would love more feedback on people's experience with Marvin Infinity. One builder I spoke with told me not to use Infinity but I haven't seen many complaints online with this product so more input would be fabulous.

You might want to check out the Windows forum for more info. (I think it is younger than this thread!)

I'm a happy Marvin replacement window-owner in S. Wisconsin.

-Lena

I would not hesitate to go with them again.

That being said I am about to use Marvin Casemaster windows in part of the house. The reason has nothing to do with the quality of the Loewen windows but is due to the fact that I can get the Marvin for less money and of the standard sizes quoted the Marvin are a better fit.

My second batch of Loewen windows have had numerous problems, including sashes that were defective, the wrong hardware, poor communication about the style of the window, etc.

I cannot say enough good things about the quality of the windows when manufactured correctly. But it has taken far too long for the Loewen rep to make needed repairs and the distributor for NYC is completely passive.

I still owe the distributor a lot of money, and the problems have not been solved for months, despite two visits by the local rep. These are nice people, but they live without a sense of urgency.

Listed from best to least quality
1) Uni-lux
2) Loewen
3) Marvin (Tied)
3) Windsor (Tied)
3) Jeldwen (Tied)
3) Semco (Tied)

If you need a distributor let me know, at cj_spolski@comcast.net

Are there any up to date comments about Loewen vs Marvin...this original thread is pretty old. Thanks

Any Feedback Appreciated