Los Angeles Window Options/Questions

9 years ago

I am looking to replace 1 sliding window, 2 casement windows, 1 sliding door and 1 outside door with a window making up most of the door. The windows and slider will be vinyl replacement. For the door I'm leaning toward wood, but vinyl isn't out of the question. Eventually we will end up replacing another another 31 windows in the house - a combination of DH, Sliding and casement. We are in Los Angeles on a hill with no shade and have a huge amount of glass facing the south/west and get bombarded with sun all afternoon.

My primary requirement is efficiency. Second and third would be price and look in no particular order.

It seems we can't get any of the top tier windows like Okna, Softlite or Sunrise.

I've done a bunch of research on this forum but don't see a clear cut leader of the following (in alphabetical order - don't want to judge yet): Alside, Amerimax, Anlin, California Deluxe, Milgard, Plygem and Simonton.

Assuming the top line for the above, which is the best in terms of efficiency, quality, durability?

Also, if anyone can recommend a great socal installer, I would appreciate it as from what I've read, it's at least as important as the window.

Finally, I realize that California Deluxe may be a lot more expensive but are they worth the difference?

Featured Answer

jleves
Original Author

9 years ago

Shockingly, the Anlins came in slightly less than the Amerimax and have much better u value and SHGC ratings. The installer also knew I live in a high fire hazard area and they have to be tempered and that was included in the Anlin quote (not in the Amerimax).

I'll update the contractors name after everything is done in case anyone else in LA is looking for a good contractor.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
9 years ago
Can't help with the installer but the short list of CA offering that you have on there is a good one.

Anlin and Amerimax seem to get reviewed favorably by my recollection.

What type of window and exterior do you have currently?
bpchiil
9 years ago
+1

CDW looks like a quality window as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: CDW

This post was edited by bpChiIl on Sat, Nov 29, 14 at 11:41
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jleves
Original Author
9 years ago
@windowsonwashington Currently I have standard builder windows. They are about 13 years old, double pane but not low e. They are pretty good at keeping sound out, but our family room facing west gets really hot. We really can't open the blinds during the day.

@bpChill I had CDW in the list (California Deluxe), but I've read they are about $900/window and I'm wondering if they are worth an extra $400 or so over a really good window. I will have them come out and get an estimate.
jleves
Original Author
9 years ago
Update: After several more hours of research, I think I'm down to a choice between Amerimax and Anlin. It seems that the Anlins may be slightly more efficient, but Amerimax has more choice and probably a lower price. People coming this week.

As for California Deluxe, I can't find any published ratings, but it appears they are no more efficient than the other two, probably more expensive and the company has some shady sales techniques. If they call, I'll talk to them, but I don't see going that way.

So any comment on Anlin vs Amerimax?
PRO
Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
9 years ago
I'd go with Anlin over Amerimax. Amerimax looks a little cheaper to me from what I've seen. I don't have direct experience with either. I don't deal much with vinyl but i've seen them at home shows and around. I wasn't that impressed with Anlin either but it has better options than Amerimax.
brockwin
9 years ago
I lived and worked in the LA area for 10 years and had some good experience with Anlin products. The west coast doesnt seem to have access to some of the better brands available in the mid west or central atlantic region.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
9 years ago
Thanks for the follow up and keep us posted.

Positive feedback will certainly help folks out in the future.
resultsunlimited
7 years ago
Love to get an update as I'm looking at Anlin Bayview windows now. Hope the interior doesn't block too much of my views as I realize moving from thin aluminum to vinyl can do that from the interior??