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cmar_gw

replacement windows in md

cmar
14 years ago

I live in a suburb of Balt. Co and am looking to replace 13 wood windows (picture counts as 2) on a house built around 1960. It is a small brick rancher. I believe the value would be around 200k range. I have no idea if I will move soon or stay here forever & other h/i projects.

My chief concerns are: Quality/VALUE/Resale value (ie, what it makes sense for me to pay vs. the best or cheapest window)

performance/energy efficiency (SGHC, U factor, Condensation, Air Infil, Durability)

Aesthetics: Small house so don't want to lose alot of glass space, not sure if would prefer fiberglass, vinyl, or vinyl w/wood laminate interior

Warranty/company soundness/ratings w/NFRC, AAMA, etc (both windows & installation/customer service)

These are the windows I am considering: Pella Impervia for 5.6k, Soft-lite Imperial LS for 7.4k (without wood trim interior), Bryn Mawr II for 6.6k, Alside (many around same price) =5.3k.

Pros/Cons:

Impervia Pros: Consumer reports high rating, good cost if good product, performance/durability of fiberglass (as far as I now), Pella

Impervia Cons: Doesn't meet tax credit criteria, fiberglass new material, not sure I like looks, Pella,

Softlite Pros: Great reviews on forums, Great rating w/BBB, wood trim an option, get tax credit

Softlite Cons: Regional-not as well known as the big players so less ratings like Con. Reports. What if something happens to the company (same concern w/all regional comps-see below), glass issues??

Certainteed/Alside Pros: cost & reviews on Con. Reports, Big companies

Cons of Certainteed/Alside: They get bashed alot on forums esp. Alside.

Others I thought about but haven't seen are Okna/Gorell/Simonton/Sunrise because of what I have read on forums though BBB seems to have low grades for some.

Then, money being no object, Marvin's fiberglass (looks out of window and hopes to see pig flying).

I know this is all over the place & appreciate any help I can get.

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