Replacement Window Question?

Max10

I been in the replacement window business for 17 yrs. Lately at most of the Home Shows and Fairs there has been anywhere from 4 to 8 window booths. Most of the window companies offer basically the same options,warranty,ect. One of the main questions I get asked is what is the U-factor on your window, in which I tell them it ranges from .33 to .28 all depends on what options you pick. Argon,Low e,Krypton,Foam Filled ect..The problem is most of the other companies say the same.
I been looking for a different type of window to market
I found a company Accuweld which manufactures with the new sashlite system. There is only a few companies that started manufacturing there windows with this new technology. The glass is bonded to the vinyl sash frame and the bonding agent is the spacer.It sounds like the window sashes would be much stronger since the glass would help stiffen the window. I like the idea of a equal sight line throughout the window but I would be suspect of seal failures within regards to pressure differentials. The super space, TPS, and intercept allow for the expansion and compression of the air in that space across the spacer. I am not sure that vinyl would be as accommodating for temperature related pressure changes. For a company to switch there machines over to this system it cost a fortune so a lot of research must of went into it.
Here are the ratings from the NFRC thermal Edge of glass test.
.64 Aluminum Box
.59 Swiggle
.53 Super Spacer
.51 Sashlite
I could offer my customers a window that is rated .27 for the same price as a window rated at .32

Anybody ever deal with this type of window system?

dougchips

I have installed the Accuweld windows for a few years. They are an OK window overall. I have not installed the glass option that you are talking about. Have you shopped around for triple pane windows in order to get better ratings? What part of the country are you in?

Max10

I'm in PA. I have been looking at the Shuco window. The ratings on it are great and they use the TPS system. The price isnt that bad on the triple pane shuco.
How is Accuweld's quality?

dougchips

Overall good, the worst part is their customer service. Since vinyl windows are prone to small issues (ripped screens and such), service from the vendor is very important. I work with a window company now that will respond quickly to my service needs.

Accuweld has a nice fiberglass wrap option that compresses nicely into the opening and does a good job insulating the windows. The top frames can pick up a slight bow on wider windows. to the best of my knowledge, they do not offer a snap on sill adapter.

BTW, what prices are you getting for the Shuco windows, PM me if you don't want to publish the prices in open format.

house bldr

Are you familiar with the Gorell line of windows? If not you should check them out,higher performance than what you mentioned and excellent warranty.Maybe a little higher priced,not sure what you are paying.Check out their website at www.gorell.com

boo

Gorrell are good windows. I live in Pa, just about 20 miles from Gorrell. I've installed several of them. They also have triple pane. and they are lifetime warranty.

Sider' Brian

Simonton Windows were just rated best overall by J.D. Powers for the umpteenth time.

http://www.jdpower.com/homes/ratings...ndow/index.asp

__________________
http://wellworthonline.com

IHI

How much did that award cost Simonton?

__________________
Hot Rod Work Van
Car video clip
Web
The Photo Gear- Type Josh into Contact name when ordering

KevinD

Have you looked at the Win-Core window? Same as the Simonton

www.wincore.com

__________________
Please visit my web-site: www.ExteriorDesignKC.com

IHI

I have a rep that offers Simonton windows, I looked at them and maybe I'm missing something, but i did'nt see anything that really screamed "I'm worth all the hype" I read all the time. Personally I really liked timeline windows when we had a dealer in town, really nice design on all aspects for sealing and back up sealing, easy adjustiment/installation and we never had call backs with them. We've been installing quite a few Lindsey windows lately too and it's another brand I'm really liking, but they're like Simonton in the price range aspect...they scare alot of homies away when they want a few brands priced out.

But this is where things go back to the homeowners and the mentality- I personally dont care what they buy, I'm a work whore and will install "almost" anything so long as i know it wont come back to haunt us later. But people are enamored by "name recongnition". I'll offer folks a best and "better than most other cheap windows" (which is exactly how i word it and explain the differences) We've been selling a boat load of those junk Pella Encompass windows. Everytime i try to talk them into the upgraded window and try to help them see the little bit of extra NOW will pay dividends down the road, but like I said, HO mentality is garbage, they would'nt know quality or smart investing in their home if you smacked them in the face with it....everything is cheap cheap cheap and "better than what i have now".

The audience that actually understands buying upgraded products is a long term investment is shrinking. Esspecially with a economy that's been going down more and more...the "buy on credit/buy on refi's" is over so it's now more of an out of pocket type purchase, so they want cheap because like i've said "it's better than what we have now"

__________________
Hot Rod Work Van
Car video clip
Web
The Photo Gear- Type Josh into Contact name when ordering

mikec

"The audience that actually understands buying upgraded products is a long term investment is shrinking. Esspecially with a economy that's been going down more and more...the "buy on credit/buy on refi's" is over so it's now more of an out of pocket type purchase, so they want cheap because like i've said "it's better than what we have now""


This is very true.

fenestrationman

Boo

Where abouts in PA? I am relatively close myself.

buddy110

I know a lot of people like simonton. I keep asking myself, why? I see nothing about them that indicates their more than mediocore.

Look into Okna Starmark, Serious or Marvin infinity. They all offer alternative materials to vinyl.

Vinyl is on it's way out IMO. And none to soon

__________________
Just Exterios Plus. www.justexteriors.com
http://www.facebook.com/JustExteriorsPlus
Vinyl replacement windows New York, Fiberglass replacement windows New York, Fiberglass siding New York, Residential roofing New York

olsson

This time last year I sold price in despiration! What did it get me; Headaches, reduced margins, work without profit. I'm up-selling again and giving customers choices. They are choosing value again. I will always lose to the customer that only wants the lowest price; and I'm thankful for that!

buddy110

I guess I'm going out of business then. I refuse to sell junk.

__________________
Just Exterios Plus. www.justexteriors.com
http://www.facebook.com/JustExteriorsPlus
Vinyl replacement windows New York, Fiberglass replacement windows New York, Fiberglass siding New York, Residential roofing New York

dougchips

I refuse to sell junk as well but I can see the benefits of it! We all know of the junk brands that will fail in 3-10 years and that might mean repeat business for the install company???

Repeat business or being able to sleep at night..........I'll take being able to sleep at night.

__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.

buddy110

I can't sleep at night knowing I installed junk..

Profit is not a 4 letter word. We raised our prices 6 % this year

__________________
Just Exterios Plus. www.justexteriors.com
http://www.facebook.com/JustExteriorsPlus
Vinyl replacement windows New York, Fiberglass replacement windows New York, Fiberglass siding New York, Residential roofing New York

Tom Struble

im more concerned with my install methods than i am with the name on the unit,be honest as long as its anybodies better- best unit ill install it and sleep just fine knowing that i put it in the best i could

its just my job to offer the right window for the budget not to decide what the ho can afford

now don't yell at me saying their decision to purchase a lesser unit reflects on me,i make sure all options are discussed with them

__________________
Tom

buddy110

The installation is certianly the most important component. I just refuse to lower my high, tin man standards

__________________
Just Exterios Plus. www.justexteriors.com
http://www.facebook.com/JustExteriorsPlus
Vinyl replacement windows New York, Fiberglass replacement windows New York, Fiberglass siding New York, Residential roofing New York

Tom Struble

i wish there was a ''high five'' smilely here

__________________
Tom