Replacement windows

[Phil Thien]

Any good online sources for replacement windows that I can price/order myself (with online pricing), have shipped directly to me, to install myself?

I'd like decent windows and quite honestly I'd like to do as much as possible online without having to involve other humans. So I'd like to select the window style, size, color, any options, etc., then add them to a cart, and then order them.

Is that possible?

Seems so many places want you to deal with a salesperson. But I cannot even understand all my options going that route.

[Jason White]

Most window companies/dealers won't sell directly to you unless you're a licensed contractor and have an account with them. That said, you can probably order custom tilt-in replacement windows from Home Depot. I think they still carry Andersen Windows. You'll have to go into the store to order them, though.



Any good online sources for replacement windows that I can price/order myself (with online pricing), have shipped directly to me, to install myself?

I'd like decent windows and quite honestly I'd like to do as much as possible online without having to involve other humans. So I'd like to select the window style, size, color, any options, etc., then add them to a cart, and then order them.

Is that possible?

Seems so many places want you to deal with a salesperson. But I cannot even understand all my options going that route.

[Andrew Kertesz]

Replacement windows are easy to understand. Some places call replacement windows "pocket" windows because you are putting them in an existing opening. You can go somewhere if you have your measurements; (take three for the width to make sure it is square: bottom, middle, top, go with the narrowest and round down to the 1/8"). You may want Low E depending on the application, UV protection. You can get but don't really need special gas in the windows. Like everything else the more you pay the better quality window you are goinig to get. You can get single hungs to save some money, how often do you open the top half of your windows? Then you only need a half screen. Unless you have an aluminum brake for bending trim you will either need to pay someone or rent a brake. This is for outside finish work. Get some fiberglass insulation to go around the windows before replacing the interior trim back on. If you have any questions send me a PM. I used to do windows and siding...

[Brian W Smith]

Just an opinion;Go find a "real" glass shop in your area.......don't call,go visit(middle of the week).Just ask them what they can do,or order.They should be able to steer you in a professional direction.

[Patrick Grady]

Don't underestimate the amount of work it takes to install windows especially on an older house. The outside sealing and caulking and trim are one thing but you may also have to prepare for interior molding and wall work. You will need ladders and jacks for second story work. I would go with a major brand -I went with Pella purchased at HD and they are not bad. I did one room at a time. I had all the equipment and it was still alot of work. To do over again I would get three estimates from trusted contractors (my father had his whole condo done in one day for a price I thought was very reasonable) because you'll get alot of information from the salesmen even if you still go the DIY route. And along with Andrew's thoughts, take special care with preparation and exterior sealing and caulking. Also try to have a way to cover the openings in case of rain/wind. I enjoy most all rebuild tasks and I used to put up siding when I was young (I ran a brake most of the time), but I must say that replacement windows are a tedious task.

[Bob Vavricka]

I just ordered some replacement windows from my local lumber yard. They are Anderson Windows. I'm not aware of any place to order them online.

[Patrick Grady]

This thread is about online window purchase. First, I would never trust myself to order windows online because there are too many deadly variables such as non-standard wall thickness. But as an aside, I wanted to expand on my experience working on a siding crew. Our crew did decent work when everyone was sober, but that was rare especially after 'lunch'. We did such shoddy crappy work that one time the home owner wanted to fistfight us. The company was crooked and had an insider bank loan approval route. The salesmen promised the moon (they actually said that our siding was made of the same stuff that coated the Apollo rockets) including guarantee that we could replace windows and doors. Our crew ( larger companies have individual crews) had no experience with window and doors and onetime we replaced a beautiful old downtown rowhouse picture window in Philly with a crappy vinyl window and the homeowner wouldn't sign the completion paper because he could see visible sunlight cracks. This company was so dirty and crooked and corrupt that stuff happened that can't be printed in a public forum. That company existed years ago. Obviously there are excellent honest experienced contractors (my father found one last year). I don't intend to degrade any section of construction trades. My opinion, the contractors that are in business today have to be good, partially because of the internet as word of mouth. I have done my own windows, but these days I might lean toward a quality window specialist company.

[Peter Quinn]

This is one time where ordering blind from a computer is maybe a bad plan. I like Anderson's, their whole catalogue is online, options are well explained, they give a guide for the DIY'r to measure, then you go to a professional seller to initiate the order. My best window purchase experience to date was actually at my local Home Depot! Very knowledgeable man at the contractor services desk with 25+ years experience in the fenistration industry walked me through every option, I had come prepared with grill patterns, rough openings, color, series etc. Personally when all that stands between my worldly possetions and Mother Nature is piece of glass, I'm not trusting some seat of the pants cheapo replacement sash company to do the job. My MIL went that route and you could fly a kite in front of one of those windows in a stiff breeze. So I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but you may find that no reputable vendor sells anything online because the liability is too great, and they have a reputation to maintain.

[Jim Andrew]

I have installed replacement windows, had my yard salesman measure them, and after I installed them, found a problem with some of the sashes. Was glad I went through the lumberyard, as they replaced all the bad sashes. Had I ordered them myself, chances are the company would not have replaced those sashes.

[Phil Thien]

So I know it's not what you wanted to hear...

I want to hear all of it, if this I a bad idea I want to know.

This is an online seller of replacement windows:

http://www.windowestore.com/

But I have no idea if they're junk or what.

[Mike Goetzke]

I too am replacing windows one at a time. I ended up going to Home Depot and buying Anderson - they have sales on the special order windows every now and then. After replacing two of them (one was about 7' x 3') it's not that big of a deal if you have all of the misc. material on hand.

Mike

[Stephen Tashiro]

If you order windows, it's best to order only a few if you haven't tried installing them. The terminology for dimensions can be confusing. There are the dimensions of the glassed area and the dimensions of the "rough opening". For putting windows in a masonry opening, I wanted a "single fin" window and I needed to know the dimensions that define the very edge of the fins since the fins would go over a wood frame, not overlap the exterior masonry. The only way I found to get this dimension was to have the hardware salesman do a mock oder of a similar window that was in stock and then measure that window to see how much to add to the "roiugh opening" dimensions to account for the edge of the fins.

[Phil Thien]

If you order windows, it's best to order only a few if you haven't tried installing them. The terminology for dimensions can be confusing. There are the dimensions of the glassed area and the dimensions of the "rough opening". For putting windows in a masonry opening, I wanted a "single fin" window and I needed to know the dimensions that define the very edge of the fins since the fins would go over a wood frame, not overlap the exterior masonry. The only way I found to get this dimension was to have the hardware salesman do a mock oder of a similar window that was in stock and then measure that window to see how much to add to the "roiugh opening" dimensions to account for the edge of the fins.

The building I'd be doing is a single-story (ranch) brick house, so this got my attention.

I'd sort of love to just yank one window and board it up, so I can see what exactly I have to work with. But I doubt my daughter would appreciate this.

I will say, though, that the way the front door was installed was a surprise to me. So I'm not sure I wouldn't be further surprised by the windows.

BTW, these window openings on the outside are approx. 55" wide and 65" high. Do I have many options for windows from Home Depot that won't break the bank?

[BOB OLINGER]

This is not totally applicable, but would like to share it. When we built our house in 1979, we installed Anderson permashield vinyl casement windows. In 2012 when we wanted to upgrade, I found out that I could buy replacement sashes with the latest technology ( like nonglare glass, etc.) directly from Anderson. So, over a period of 2 years, we replaced every window sash in our house. Changing them out was a piece of cake (really) - changing a sash took about 15-20 minutes per window. Little did I know that buying Anderson windows at the start would pay off this dividend.

[Andrew Kertesz]

That is a big window especially in a ranch home. If they are double hung I would be concerned with the width, many places will try and move you away from a double hung that wide. I'm guessing they are casement or sliders. One of the hardest things with windows in brick is the outside trim work. Not a lot of nailing surface for the aluminum trim. You could still do the install and pay for the outside trim. We used to call it; "Deluxing" the window, essentially totally covering any exposed wooden trim with aluminum to make it truly maintenance free.

[Phil Thien]

That is a big window especially in a ranch home. If they are double hung I would be concerned with the width, many places will try and move you away from a double hung that wide. I'm guessing they are casement or sliders. One of the hardest things with windows in brick is the outside trim work. Not a lot of nailing surface for the aluminum trim. You could still do the install and pay for the outside trim. We used to call it; "Deluxing" the window, essentially totally covering any exposed wooden trim with aluminum to make it truly maintenance free.

The current windows are fixed, and there are louvers below for ventilation. So the actual opening is 55w and 65h (approx.), but the bottom maybe 20" isn't part of the window, it is the louvers.

I've thought of doing a larger fixed window on top of a smaller awning window below, sort of maintaining what she has now.

These are just thoughts now, early planning stages for what will come in the future. My goals are to keep the costs down as much as possible but provide a product that she and future owners of the house will be happy with.

[Andrew Kertesz]

You could do a fixed light above an awning window or you could increase ventilation and do a casement with 2 operational lights. That would really let some air flow through the house. What ever you decide make sure you check frame construction. To many people and companies focus on what is in or on the window but don't talk about frame construction. I know you have Menard's in your area. Take a look at Crestline and Jeldwen both good windows.

[Tom M King]

You can get any single part for any Anderson window. Even replacement glass to go in existing sash.

[Tom M King]

Unless you need heat mirror glass, check around for recycling places. I just bought an amazing assortment of windows at a place called Community Forklift in Hyattsville, MD. to close in a carport into a sunroom, for dimes on the dollar. Some were even new. For instance, a Marvin triple casement, true divided lite, almost six feet wide by seven feet tall for 225 dollars. It had been installed, and taken out, but otherwise perfectly new condition. A new fiberglass, all heat mirror glass 9foot wide by 8 foot high swinging patio door (regular 3' hinged door in the middle of fixed glass all around) unit for 725. There was some sort of discoloration in one upper corner of the wood frame, but it's going to be painted anyway, and otherwise new.

For a shop building, I'll check what windows are available, and design around what I can find.

[Dennis Peacock]

Check on getting Quaker Windows. They are made in MO and are excellent replacement windows. They were over $1200 cheaper via my local building supply than getting the cheaper windows through the big box stores. The Quaker windows are better all the way around that the big box store Anderson windows (just my experience on this and YMMV). We love our Quaker Windows.!!! :D

[Phil Thien]

Check on getting Quaker Windows. They are made in MO and are excellent replacement windows. They were over $1200 cheaper via my local building supply than getting the cheaper windows through the big box stores. The Quaker windows are better all the way around that the big box store Anderson windows (just my experience on this and YMMV). We love our Quaker Windows.!!! :D

Thank you Dennis, I'm looking into them now. Found a couple of local dealers on the Quaker website, very interesting!

[Stephen Tashiro]

I'd sort of love to just yank one window and board it up, so I can see what exactly I have to work with. But I doubt my daughter would appreciate this.



Even if you have all the windows at hand, you probably will board a window up. Can you time it so each window removed is immediately replaced? - no interruptions due to material shortages or the other adventures of life?

[Phil Thien]

Even if you have all the windows at hand, you probably will board a window up. Can you time it so each window removed is immediately replaced? - no interruptions due to material shortages or the other adventures of life?

She won't mind if I board-one up for a few days, she just wouldn't want it boarded-up while I think about what to do next.

[Curt Harms]

This is not totally applicable, but would like to share it. When we built our house in 1979, we installed Anderson permashield vinyl casement windows. In 2012 when we wanted to upgrade, I found out that I could buy replacement sashes with the latest technology ( like nonglare glass, etc.) directly from Anderson. So, over a period of 2 years, we replaced every window sash in our house. Changing them out was a piece of cake (really) - changing a sash took about 15-20 minutes per window. Little did I know that buying Anderson windows at the start would pay off this dividend.

We've done similar with the windows in our 1995 townhouse. The seals started failing so the glass started getting foggy. SWMBO had the foresight to keep one of the stickers on the glass so we knew the manufacturer -- Pennco. They're nothing special, just single hung builder grade vinyl. But we were able to buy just the glass and received instructions on how to remove the old glass and install new without messing with the frames. 'Twas a piece of cake, took about 20 minutes/window to replace one pane. We did install two additional windows and were able to buy them directly from Pennco.

[Bryan Rocker]

While you can save some money doing it yourself, I decided to purchase windows from Gilky, they are high quality triple pain windows with a great warranty that I used within the first week. I would HIGHLY recommend Gilky windows unfortunately they are a Dayton Ohio company.

The old addage which is more important your time or your money......I am glad I had them installed after watching them custom fit each of the flashing's around each window.....

[BOB OLINGER]

Although not totally applicable, here's my experience. When we built our house in 1979, we installed Anderson Permashield casement windows. There weren't as many window companies as it seems now. I had installed Anderson when doing summer construction jobs, they seemed good quality, so we went with them. Little did I know that when we decided to upgrade a couple of years ago, we simply replaced the sashes (with low-e glass and other updates). We dealt directly with Anderson by phone - simple. Each sash took only about 20 min. or so to replace - a piece of cake. So, over a couple of years we replaced every window in our house. The original installment of Anderson windows turned out to be a big blessing!

[Jim Koepke]

Last time I did this it was just the frame around the window that needed replacement. The window assembly was aluminum.

It was a real learning experience and gave me the confidence that I could do it again if needed.

There are pitfalls and hair pullers, but with both eyes wide open and using the advice from the previous posts there is no reason you can not have a great outcome.

jtk

[Phil Thien]

All of the positive reports about the Anderson windows are encouraging. Very encouraging. I had no idea that they provided this type of support.

In terms of whether I do this work myself, well there are six or maybe seven windows I'd have to do. So the upside is, not that many windows I'd have to tackle. The downside: The windows are quite large and the windows themselves (just the materials) will likely be quite expensive. So I will have to take that all into consideration.

These are really picture windows with louvers below. I'll snap a picture and post it on Saturday so you guys can see what I'm talking about. One thing that occurred to me, though, is that I could build new picture window frames and instead of louvers below, I could insert an awning window (from Anderson, for example). This may keep costs down. I've studied the windows that are there and I don't think I'd have any difficulty duplicating the picture window part, but I would not want to tackle making my own moving-sash window.

So much to think about.

This weekend I'm going to continue repairing the rot I found on the existing windows. Previous work on these windows apparently involved mixing-up Rock-Hard Water Putty and patching the rot. There was a new window sill that had been installed and when I saw it I thought, "well, finally someone just replaced the rotted wood."

But the person that did this ripped a 15-degree bevel on the outside edge, but not on the edge towards the glass. So they had this gap between the glass and the top of the sill, so they shoved more Rock-Hard Water Putty into it (the entire 55" long gap). And the stops were rotted where they met the sill, so they shoved more putty in there, too.

A $10 stick of cedar provided enough stock for two sets of stops, plus one sill. There are some (I think) small spots that I may have to epoxy fill in the louver area.

It is kind of enjoyable work for me. Thankfully I haven't found anything (yet) beyond my grasp.

[Phil Thien]

Last time I did this it was just the frame around the window that needed replacement. The window assembly was aluminum.

It was a real learning experience and gave me the confidence that I could do it again if needed.

There are pitfalls and hair pullers, but with both eyes wide open and using the advice from the previous posts there is no reason you can not have a great outcome.

jtk

Thank you Jim!

[Curt Harms]

................
We dealt directly with Anderson by phone - simple. Each sash took only about 20 min. or so to replace - a piece of cake. So, over a couple of years we replaced every window in our house. The original installment of Anderson windows turned out to be a big blessing!

I agree with Anderson's customer service. We replaced the rollers on a 19 y.o. Anderson slider. The person on the phone asked for the model # on the glass to be sure we received the correct parts. No attitude toward a DIY customer. Had the parts in a couple days and it only took a few minutes to install. It does take two healthy people though, that sucker ain't light.

[Harry Hagan]

While you can save some money doing it yourself, I decided to purchase windows from Gilky, they are high quality triple pain windows with a great warranty that I used within the first week. I would HIGHLY recommend Gilky windows unfortunately they are a Dayton Ohio company.

The old addage which is more important your time or your money......I am glad I had them installed after watching them custom fit each of the flashing's around each window.....

Bryan,

One of the issues I have with these companies (window, siding, decks, etc.) is that they sub out the work and you don’t know what you’ll get until the job is completed or not completed. Gilky advertises in my area and I’m thinking they use their own crews. Did Gilky have a “factory” installation crew do your job?

[Matt Meiser]

Our Anderson slider had an issue with a pin in the latch mechanism coming loose so I called customer service. They told me how to get the door to latch temporarily, then overnighted a whole new redesigned latch.

Anderson makes different levels of window. We went with the 400 series (same with the door) and that latch is the only issue in 9 years.

Regarding actually doing windows...
I did one on our house and it took my dad and I the better part of a day. I then hired someone to do 9 more, replace another 2 with the slider mentioned above including the associated drywall work, and adding nicer custom aluminum trim around them all. They were here a week.

This winter we hired someone to do our 3 oversized basement windows. I think he was here a total of 2 hours including doing the outside trim and he did a really nice job. My friend who is a handyman-job contractor didn't even want to do it because it would take him all day and he knew that was too long. For those windows which are at or slightly below grade I didn't want wood so we went with Sunrise vinyl windows which are made only about 6 miles away. My parents have them throughout their house for several years now and really like them.

How long does she plan to stay? Being able to say it has ____ windows who buyers would recognize from a flashy TV commercial is probably a good selling point, especially if that company has a transferable warranty.

[Jason White]

Whatever brand you go with (I'm partial to Harvey & Andersen), the easiest type to install are the tilt-in "sash pack" types. Basically, it's a double-hung window pre-installed in a frame that you drop into an existing frame once you remove the old stops, sash and parting bead. I've installed dozens of these things and you don't have to mess with redoing trim. It's a great opportunity to insulate those old weight-pockets, too.

Here's a good example of what I'm talking about... (fast-forward to 1:13)

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/ask-toh/video/0,,20642725,00.html





I want to hear all of it, if this I a bad idea I want to know.

This is an online seller of replacement windows:

http://www.windowestore.com/

But I have no idea if they're junk or what.