house window question - Milgard

[markem]

Not cigar related, but I'm asking around in many places because I know chit about windows.

Our 10 year old house has some rot problems around almost all windows on the south side of the house (which faces into the weather). The problem isn't caulk or poor maintenance, but appears to be improper installation by the builder (now protected by bankruptcy) and their installer (who successfully argued in court last year that 'it wasn't their fault they did what the builder wanted'). All of which means that the repairs and such are on my nickle.

As long we will be having work done around the windows, it makes sense to consider putting in new windows (effing hate that our 'high end' builder used bargain basement 'lowest bid by far' windows). Two of the 5 windows have had failures that were repaired by the builder a few years ago, but peace of mind may be worth throwing a few grand at this as long as that side of the house is opened up.

We are considering Milgard Tuscany 3D windows, based on recommendations of friends who have replaced windows in the past couple of years. Anyone here have experience with them?

We are hoping to have the contractor working on the trim/rot issues by next week and haven't talked with them about what they think with regards to window replacement. The three main contractors (window/trim specialist) we are talking to are recommended by people we absolutely trust and so don't think that they will try to take us for a ride (caveat emptor, I know)

Anyway, anyone have knowledge or experience on these windows that they would be willing to share in the thread or via PM?

[Scottw]

I have Andersen in my house, never heard of these.

[mmblz]

Originally Posted by Scottw

never heard of these.

we used Eagle

[shilala]

Never heard of those windows, Mark. I'd go with Pella, or whatever Mikey Carsella tells me to put in, cause he's my window guy and he's been my bud since I was a kid.
I do have Andersens in a couple places and they've been good for 30+ years. Don't know if that means anything as far as how they are today.
Windows are kind of regional nowadays, so you may do just as well with something close to home. I know we have a factory right by home here and they make good stuff. They've been in business for 20 some-odd years, at least.
Pella is everywhere and they're pretty much the standard for top-notch construction nowadays. They're expensive, but they're good stuff.

[taltos]

Here in Massachusetts we used Harvey windows ten years ago and have not had a problem. Never heard of the brand that you mentioned. Just make sure that the company who made and installed the windows have a track record so that you have some sort of protection. Good luck on the project.

[neoflex]

That sucks and unfortunately I know the joys of dealing with builders and their short cut like tactics. Windows seem to be the number one spot for them to take the ultra cheap route. I am always finding cr@p I would do a lot differently in this house and it drives me nuts.
I would recommend Anderson. I am in the same boat with everyone else and have never heard of that brand.

[Col. Kurtz]

That sucks. I just finished up a vinyl window swap last year. Most of the siding had to be replaced also....

What kind of siding is on the house? Do you have wood windows now? Or is this a "new construction" window swap. Single hung, double hung, LowE?

Just curious.

I'd probably go with the window that your trusted contractor says is best. He probably sees all brands, however there are multiple grades within any brand.

[wayner123]

Alright, I held off replying to this thread till I asked my brother who is a windows expert. He has easily put in over 5,000 windows. He said he would recommend PGT vinyl windows. While Pella and Anderson are both good, he loved the way PGT windows fit. However he wasn't sure if you can get them where you live. If not, the next best he said was Pella.

[mosesbotbol]

See what brands real high end new houses are touting in their real estate ads in your local area. As other have mentioned, windows are a regional item except for the real big names.

As some top real estate agents about what are the big name windows people look for.
Windows are an investment and will add to your re-sale, so get something with cache and of course in your budget.

[markem]

Thank you, everyone for the feedback. Milgard, JenWeld and a few others are well regarded by all the contractor and homeowners who I've been able to talk to. The 2 contractors who came by in the last couple of days who work on siding, trim and windows have all said that the windows are good and that the real problem was that water got to the trim (but no apparent siding issues right now). The trim pieces are pine, which is being phased out in the PNW because of the heavy rain issues we have. The costs are moderate to replace all the pine with cedar, so that's what we are going to go with. The second story windows have small ledges (don't know the proper term) that seem to trap the water and may contribute to the problem that we have, so only the second story window trim facing into the weather really are affected by this.

We hope to have this problem completely fixed by the end of next week. Looks like the total contractor time will be no more than about 8-10 hours.

It made a world of difference getting in highly recommended general contractors who specialize in this as opposed to companies that specialize in selling replacement windows. I should have known that up front and definitely know it now

One more siding/trim/window specialist contractor coming today or tomorrow to evaluate and give a bid and then we'll make the decision and git 'er done!

[RGD.]

I've installed about a gazillion windows in my 30 plus years in the trades. I have never installed Milgard but have removed a lot of them. Not that they were bad really - just outdated metal windows. Milgard is an old company, been around forever. A lot of you probably grew up in homes with them - just didn't know it, nor cared really.

And while it is true that a lot of windows are regional - know that a lot of big name windows (vinyl) are made by local companies. CertainTeed is just one example. That's how they get them to you quickly.

Never been a big fan of Anderson - Pella I like though. Alside I do like and have their top of the line siding on my home. Alside is not a company most homeowners would know - but contractors would. Jen-Weld I consider a homeowner do it yourselfer Home Depot type window.

Also check out your local manufactures. They normal have excellent warranties, make your windows on site and a lot will even give you a tour of their facilities.

During my remodel two years ago I used a local company, Vinyl Lite, to custom make my windows, triple E glass glazing, UV coatings, cut bevels, etc - at a ton better price than the majors - with lifetime warranty, no prorated stuff either.

Anyway - just rambling now. So good luck with it all, check out local companies, check warranties, etc etc.


Ron