Replacement window reviews

[Karen O.]

Working on a project in the NE.  

I have two quotes for replacement of windows.  Debating on getting a 3rd.

One quote is for Harvey Classic Vinyl windows - Double Hungs (7) and Casements (4).  

The other is for Alside Mezzo windows (need to reconfirm as I was given a Fusion catalogue but a Mezzo quote) - DH (11)

Mezzo's pricing is lower (possibly due to all DH no casements) but I'm asking about the quality of the window.  

I would really appreciate insight from contractors in the BP community.  

Thanks in advance.  

[Account Closed]

@Karen O.

PA home improvement contractor here.

I've never heard of either of these windows companies. That's not unusual. There are a LOT of companies out there in this game. "Professional" window replacement is pretty much the biggest and best scam in home improvement. Because you CAN save a lot in energy costs by replacing windows, you'll see insane markups, up to $1000 to install a good-sized window.

I use American Craftsman by Andersen Series 70 Double Hung and casement for replacing failing old windows in my rentals. Basic white vinyl replacement windows with lifetime guarantee. I buy them from Home Depot. Lowes sells the Pella brand -- I feel they're not as well made.

I pay about $170 per replacement window and I can remove an old double-hung window, remove the weights, insulate the weight cavity with rock wool or fiberglass insulation, and put in the window in about 2 hours each. It's isn't particularly difficult to do the work yourself -- just a handyman's job. I urge you to investigate online videos and check out the instructions for installing these windows on homedepot.com

If you've gone through two quote processes, I know this is all hard to believe. You'll probably also see people loudly and proudly disagreeing with me here. They'll tell you that you need to go to all kinds of expense to change windows. They'll tell you that wooden sash windows can be repaired to be just as good as new vinyl windows with argon-filled cavities between window panes and well-insulated weight cavities. They'll tell you and they'll tell you, and ultimately it's all baloney, which you'll find if you investigate enough.

Then on the other hand, you'll get people in the window replacement industry who will talk about the purity of the argon between the panes, the e-coating, the seals failing, virigin vinyl being better than recycled vinyl, the glass is too thin...the windows have a lifetime guarantee. If they fail you replace them for free.

The people making money off this gig and those who don't want to believe they've been swindled roundly are always going to protest that these windows have to be CUSTOM-MADE at the factory. If you tried to make replacement windows exactly to size you would have to deal with the same problems you have to deal with when you hang doors. Foundations shift, things go out of square. Their "professional installers" use Great Stuff Window and Door insulating foam to fill in small gaps just like you would with your own replacement windows. They use silicone sealant to seal gaps. It's all baloney again.

Another thing you'll hear about is window wrapping. In this process, the outside wooden frame is "wrapped" in vinyl-coated aluminum. It's all done onsite with a roll of the stuff and a bender and a lot of caulk. Window wrapping supposedly preserves the exterior wooden frames and keeps you from having to paint them. What window wrapping really tends to do is hide away your problems as they get worse and worse. I've found it's better to paint. Higher maintenance, but at least you can see the problem happening before the window rots out of its frame. You will hear different opinions, lead paint hysteria, more and more and more baloney and obfuscation about this.

Ultimately, you'll believe what you want to believe on the Internet -- we all do, after all. But I'll urge you to do your research. It's reached a point where I simply would never trust anyone to come out and replace my windows for me. What these companies do is hire any schmo off the street and give them 5-6 hours of quicky training max before they go on jobs. The expectations of speed they put on these guys make it impossible for them to be thorough, especially about packing in and spraying the insulation that will really get your money out of your new windows in energy costs.

Good luck, Karen. You can believe me or not...but at least investigate the possibility of buying these windows and just hiring a handyman to put them in, OK? I'll make no bones about it, I don't like rip-off artists and what they do. I see a lot of it with window replacement.