Cost / benefit of replacement windows?

[OldShooter]

We are bombarded with more-than-weekly direct mail pieces from multiple window replacement companies. What that tells me is that the business is very, very, profitable. Lots of good advice here, including not buying from door-to-door salesmen, but in the end if you decide to get serious about this, I would start with a price that is 60-70% of the first offers and be sure to get more than one offer. When they object, thank them for their time and tell them you'll think about it. Then wait. Someone will call with a much better offer.

Re guarantee, a guarantee by the installation company is worthless. Look for a guarantee from the window manufacturer and read it very carefully, especially the "Exclusions" section. Check all the obvious places, BBB, the municipal building permit authorities, state attorney general consumer affairs, etc.

 

[Texas Proud]

I have people knocking on the door about windows also... even though there is supposed to be no solicitation in my neighborhood...

I see no reason to change what I have... and my house was built in the 80s... Costs to cool and heat are not that much and I see no payback... also, they do not install them the same as a new window... if building new there is a 'rim' (cannot remember the name) that is part of the window that goes over the siding sealing the hole. New ones just cut out that and put in using caulk or whatever to seal them.

Now, not all do it that way. My sister had hers replaced and they removed the bricks around the window to install a complete window and then put the bricks back. A good seal..

 

[rk911]

We used Replacement by Andersen last year on our whole upstairs. Interesting process as they don't have to take molding or siding off. Not cheap but very good windows.

Anderson measures, manufactures and installs their windows. You won't encounter finger-pointing should a problem arise. 5-stars!

 

[SecondCor521]

Well, as follow up:

The guy shows up, and we talk for about five or ten minutes and it's the usual spiel. At the ten minute mark he asks: if he is able to address all of my concerns, am I willing to sign a deal today? I say absolutely not. He disengages and leaves within thirty seconds.

Sigh.

 

[rk911]

Well, as follow up:

The guy shows up, and we talk for about five or ten minutes and it's the usual spiel. At the ten minute mark he asks: if he is able to address all of my concerns, am I willing to sign a deal today? I say absolutely not. He disengages and leaves within thirty seconds.

Sigh.

Congratulations on a good outcome. Now call Anderson and a one or two other reputable companies and get proper quotes and details.

 

[Dash man]

We used Replacement by Andersen last year on our whole upstairs. Interesting process as they don't have to take molding or siding off. Not cheap but very good windows.

We’ve been very pleased with their windows too. I was shocked how much our utility bills went down, and we’ve only replaced half the windows.

 

[Sunset]

Thanks for all the replies.
....

I'm actually not even sure my windows need replacing. My energy bills aren't great, but they're not horrible. The windows are mostly fine - I have one broken sash, but I could just have that repaired if it bothered me more than it does now.

If your frames for the windows are in good shape, not rotten and the glass is clear (no fog or water between the panes) then you don't need new windows.

If your house is cold it's because the insulation is not enough or has settled, that means add more to the roof, insulate the basement walls, check living area walls for spots where insulation has settled down from the top.

If you have a window that needs replacing, say it's foggy or can even see water between the panes, it means the seal is broke on the window. You can get the glass replaced within the existing frame. Reason to do that instead of replacing the entire window is: Perfect match to existing windows as frame remains the same, cheaper by a lot.

If you are handy, you can order the glass for your frame and do it yourself. I did that for 1 Anderson window frame we had (just the top part of a window) as it broke (bird/thermal stress). Cost me just over $100 to diy vs $400 for new complete frame where I still would have to move over all the hardware ( not as simple as simply replacing existing window frame).

 

[AudiDudi]

I had a quote from (renewal) Andersen - $65k 12 windows before their advertised discount. That was not going to happen. I had a local company install 2 4 x 3 Anserden "100"windows in 2019 at a cost of ~$1300. I just got a quote from the same outfit for 6 more windows for ~$6k, Window cost is about $3400 (Andersen "100") so the rest is in labor and materials (caulking, etc). They installers will have about 2 1/2 hours of travel time round trip. I have one 8x4 window that's a 4x4 solid pane with 2x4 sliding windows on either end - they wanted $1700 to do that one. Probably BTD the end of July.

 

[SecondCor521]

Congratulations on a good outcome. Now call Anderson and a one or two other reputable companies and get proper quotes and details.

I'm more likely to just repair the one broken sash. My windows are fine; I'm not really sure what I was thinking.

 

[TrvlBug]

We replaced our 30 windows, one slider and 2 entry doors in 2015 for $50K. After lots of research, we went with construction vs. retrofit installation which meant they had to remove and replace with new, all the trim. And by trim, think tudor style, 6"x1" horizontal planks from roof line to dirt and vertical across top and bottom of the windows.

Low e3, double pane glass and local code required that ALL the windows be tempered glass.

We chose a reputable window installer and Milgard windows. One of our windows is ~ 12' x 3' and they had to engage a company to custom make that one. The 'typical' window manufacturers did not have anything near that size and did not allow for custom fabrication.

Choosing low e3 really kept the house cooler in the summer. Real BTD spend and very happy with our decision.

 

[Teacher Terry]

Yeah, the new windows we got were SO easy to operate where as the old ones were warped and were real knuckle-busters. They had "stops" that allowed you to leave them open a few inches but no one could simply slit the screen and let themselves in. They folded in for cleaning and were also more attractive than the old ones. Definitely quality of life BTD.

What’s the brand of your windows that fold in for cleaning? I have one window in each bedroom and would like that so I could clean the outside. Thanks

 

[Sunset]

What’s the brand of your windows that fold in for cleaning? I have one window in each bedroom and would like that so I could clean the outside. Thanks

If you are in a condo, they may have rules about what windows are allowed.
We have Anderson windows, the double sash ones, and the lower sash folds in for cleaning, and with it out I can reach up and clean the outer of the upper sash.
Of course both sashes are removable, but no real need just for cleaning.

 

[RunningBum]

We replaced our 30 windows, one slider and 2 entry doors in 2015 for $50K. After lots of research, we went with construction vs. retrofit installation which meant they had to remove and replace with new, all the trim. And by trim, think tudor style, 6"x1" horizontal planks from roof line to dirt and vertical across top and bottom of the windows.

Low e3, double pane glass and local code required that ALL the windows be tempered glass.

We chose a reputable window installer and Milgard windows. One of our windows is ~ 12' x 3' and they had to engage a company to custom make that one. The 'typical' window manufacturers did not have anything near that size and did not allow for custom fabrication.

Choosing low e3 really kept the house cooler in the summer. Real BTD spend and very happy with our decision.

I'm looking at something at least this big. I think I count 46 windows, and 5 triple sliders. 24 yr old house, with one side getting pretty fierce weather over the years, and the back getting some too. 4 broken mechanisms and at least one slider that barely opens anymore. More than a few with seals broken. In my two story living room, looking out to my view, I have 12 fixed windows and 3 triple sliders.

So now the question is whether to do them all now, or just the ones that need to go? I want to take the opportunity to replace some side windows with awning windows for more privacy and to be able to keep them open in all but the very worst rains. Where I've got a good view I'm thinking to replace 2 large double windows with awning plus fixed, so I'm actually increasing the number of windows. By the time I replace the ones that need it, I'm mostly done so I might as well do them all?

I was going to do it this year but I don't want to add tariffs to the cost so I'll probably hold off.

This is the hidden cost of a view home in the mountains. BTD, baby.

 

[WWDog]

Redid my windows several years ago. I have steel frames. I simply had the glass replaced. The old timer that replaced the glass showed me how to add strips around the bottom and sides of the window to impede air flow . Then he told me what spray paint to buy to restore the original color to the steal. While he was manufacturing the new windows, I taped the outside of the windows and spray painted the steal to it's original color. He replaced the windows along with my over spray. Then the shutter guy installed shutters on the inside of the windows. I went with the synthetic lovers in white with wooden frames. It cost me much less than putting in new windows. Noise is much less. I have control over the amount of light entering the house along with added privacy. I added thumb screws to each window for added security. The house is very sound proof. Looks good from the outside, looks fantastic from the inside, low noise, and insulated very well. All for a fraction of the price of replacement windows.

 

[Koolau]

What’s the brand of your windows that fold in for cleaning? I have one window in each bedroom and would like that so I could clean the outside. Thanks

Many companies build windows that fold in for cleaning. The company that we used was a small custom window builder in our home town. It's not a name brand. Might as well be "Joe's windows." How they got access to the technology for the windows, I have no idea.

 

[Montecfo]

B

Many companies build windows that fold in for cleaning. The company that we used was a small custom window builder in our home town. It's not a name brand. Might as well be "Joe's windows." How they got access to the technology for the windows, I have no idea.

Yes, that is kind of the point. There is no need to go for Anderson Windows or whatever the most heavily promoted brand in your area seems to be. Very unlikely that is the best deal for what you get.

There are likely highly reputable smaller companies in your area that can do the same for much less.

Same thing with most other home services.

 

[wrigley]

I've been in my house for 32 years now. Still have the original builder windows. I noticed a huge drop in my utility bills when my kids finally moved out!

 

[bigcmagor]

I'll cast another vote for Andersen Windows. We built in 1989 and took the builder grade window over Andersen over a few thousand dollar difference. We ended up replacing about half the glass due to seal failures over the years. We finally replaced them all with the Andersen 400 series and will not have to think about windows again. Need a crank mechanism for your 1950 Andersen casement window? They will provide one.

My daughter needed windows in her condo. The HOA recommended contractor bid $19,000 for two sliders - one oversized - and three windows. The local "employee owned" window company came in at $39,000 or $76,000 if she financed the purchase for 15 years. She ended up using the Andersen 100 series unit and used installers from 3 hours away for $12,500.

In my experience, the quality of the installation is as important as the quality of the window, perhaps moreso.

 

[zinger1457]

Where I live Renewal by Andersen is one of those companies that send out salesman door to door soliciting business and in my opinion way overpriced even if they do have a quality product. I was looking to replace my sliding patio door with a french style patio door so decided to listen to their sales pitch after a couple ladies from their company were in the neighborhood. I already had a good idea what a quality replacement door would costs, their quote was $12K with a one time 'take it or lose it' offer of $8.8K. I ended up buying a very nice door that was on sale for $1.5K and had a local contractor install it for $1k, it was an easy replacement.

 

[Music Lover]

We’ve been very pleased with their windows too. I was shocked how much our utility bills went down, and we’ve only replaced half the windows.

Unless you went from single pane to dual pane then most likely the reduction in energy costs was due to properly sealing the gaps between the windows and the frame on the new install.

It's a myth that replacing decent windows that were installed correctly will result in large energy savings.

 

[Gallaher]

Hi all.

My home was built in 2004 as a builder grade spec home. It has completely average and adequate finishes and features.

Two guys knocked on my door from a window company and gave me a spiel about me being an advertising home for which they would cut me a great deal on the windows. I'm mildly intrigued but would do research first. And I've got several other "blow that dough" priorities ahead of the windows (travel and a new roof, to name a couple).

How much should I expect to spend? My house has eight typical sized windows, plus two little horizontal ones above the showers in the bathrooms that I probably would just leave because those two are newer. Their argument is that I'm not paying for Anderson Windows advertisements - which is true; I see Anderson advertising all the time and I know that costs money.

How do I know that they're a company that will be around for any issues and won't just go bankrupt and reopen under another name the next day (as I've seen happen with another small business in another industry recently).

I was going to ask if you need new windows. Your subsequent post was “my windows are fine”. So you answered that.
Guess we are all just burning some time on a retirement forum.

 

[Chuckanut]

My windows are old and have moisture between the two panes. The cost of getting new windows installed is very high and the “payback” is in decades.

Instead, for about $2000 I bought and had installed new widow coverings including the kind that have a bit more insulation built into them. I can raise the bottom or lower the top to control the amount of light that enters the room. During the coldest months of the year, I keep the window coverings up most if not all of the way.

What really helped reduce my heating costs was purchasing a heat pump to replace my baseboard heaters. Alas, in two years since that installation my electric rates have gone up so much, that I now pay a little more than I did before the heat pump installation. I can only image what the bill would be if I was still running with the baseboard heaters.

Heat pump and new window coverings were still thousands of dollars below the cost of new windows. And I now have AC in my house.

 

[Teacher Terry]

If you are in a condo, they may have rules about what windows are allowed.
We have Anderson windows, the double sash ones, and the lower sash folds in for cleaning, and with it out I can reach up and clean the outer of the upper sash.
Of course both sashes are removable, but no real need just for cleaning.

I’m on the board and the only rule that we have is that the color must match the outside of the building. My windows are original to the building which is 48 years old and they are hard to open.

In addition, there is absolutely no way to clean the outside and the condo does not hire window cleaners for the complex. Most people never wash the outside of their windows and occasionally someone hired somebody to come in with a cherry picker to clean the outside for their condo. I figured it was cheaper just to get new windows since I only have one window in each bedroom and then I could clean them myself and open the windows easily.

 

[SecondCor521]

Guess we are all just burning some time on a retirement forum.

Seems like we do that a lot.

I guess I provided a thread for people to vent / discuss windows anyway.

 

[Sunset]

My windows are old and have moisture between the two panes. The cost of getting new windows installed is very high and the “payback” is in decades.

...

This is perfect for replacing the glass only.
I had this done for 2 good sized windows at my rental, each glass was approxmately 30"x30".
The company came out measured, quoted ~$400 for one , and ~$600 for two, so I went with the two.
Discount for 2 was simply, they would be there, etc, so extra effort not that much.

They took out the original glass, and put in the new glass, didn't even have to remove the frame or anything.