Need Help: Choosing a Band of Windows - Sunroom - The Hull Truth

chrisrack · 11-20-2009, 09:23 AM

We are converting our screened porch to a sunroom. We currently have Anderson (400 series I think .... whatever is their top-of-the-line) and have been happy with them but they are expensive.

The contractor said to consider MW windows since they are considerably cheaper and the quality is high. Any contractors ---- what are your thoughts? If you don't like MW, what do you recommend?

We need (4) triple 2452, and a single quad 2452 plus a 6ft sliding door.

chrisrack · 11-20-2009, 11:37 AM

What do you know about the Silver Line Brand of windows sold by Anderson? Looking at Silver Line 3000 or MW 800

gf · 11-20-2009, 12:45 PM

You're in RI, right?

I just replaced a bunch of windows with Andersen 400 series new construction windows. These are their top of the line double hung window, wood interior, etc. There are windows that are probably better and there are windows that are definitely cheaper but lots of contractors prefer to use them.

MW is a Virginia company, not real well known in New England, but if your contractor likes working with them, that is a plus. The MW 800 is a vinyl clad wood window, the Silver Line 3000 is an all vinyl window. What look are you going for?

SilverLine was purchased by Andersen a few years ago. They recently closed their manufactuering plant in Mass. due to the economy.

If you're just going with a vinyl window for the sunroom, I would probably go with Harvey. They're local and well supported in New England.

http://www.harveywindows.com/

chrisrack · 11-20-2009, 01:01 PM

GF - No, I'm in Delaware.

I don't know much about windows at all so I don't know the pros vs cons of an all vinyl window vs a wood/vinyl covered window. Seems taht the wood covered window costs more than all vinyl ..... which is something I didn't expect.

I have Anderson 400's in my house now but for the sunroom, I don't want to pay $5k for 13 windows and a sliding door. The Silver Line windows and door were quoted at $3k (even) and have an enerengy coefficient of 0.30 which qualifies for some kind of tax credit.

billinstuart · 11-20-2009, 04:01 PM

Is wind load rating or efficiency rating a building code issue?

chrisrack · 11-20-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billinstuart

Is wind load rating or efficiency rating a building code issue?

No. Not at all.

camnbo · 11-20-2009, 04:23 PM

Look at Kolbe. High end stuff and I think, not sure, they are a notch below Anderson and Pella in price. I have Kolbe casement windows in my house and they are nice!

gf · 11-20-2009, 08:38 PM

[quote=chrisrack;2625143]GF - No, I'm in Delaware. [quote]

Oops, my bad. Well forget about the New England comments, I guess.

Sounds like the Silver Line all vinyl window would be fine for your sunroom. Make sure your wife understands that the windows are white vinyl on the inside and not wood that can be painted.

I think you only get the tax credit if you are replacing existing windows not adding new windows.

gort · 11-21-2009, 03:08 PM

I just replaced 7 more windows in my house. I went with Andersen because their warrenty is excellent. Before deciding on any manufacturer check the warrenty and parts support because that's why I'm taking 15 year old windows that had a 20 year warrenty to the dump.