A close friend of mine decided it was time to replace windows in his home. He contacted 3 window companies and a big box store for comparative analysis. After receiving all 4 quotes, he called me over for advice.
Fenestration is a major component of the building envelope. Best overall performance of the new windows is a consideration for energy costs and indoor air quality. Although the window products were all vinyl, there were subtle differences that made big differences in which to choose. To make the best decision possible, we made a list of pros and cons for each. Since overall performance was not important, the list consisted of: manufacturer, installation method, installed cost, online customer reviews and warranty.
1. Manufacturer. There are an untold number of vinyl window manufacturers in the U.S.
2. Installation method. Most window replacement companies will cut out the existing windows and install new with no flange. That is to say, the flange is cut off and the windows are fastened into the sides of the window opening instead of to the outer wall. The flange is designed to be sealed to the sheathing before the siding system is applied. Without it, a bead of caulk is all that prevents the opening from leaking. Since method was not specifically stated, each of the 4 companies had to be queried. Proper flashing at the top of the window and use of self-adhesive rubberized ice & water shield on the flange is best to prevent problems with air and water leaks.
3. Installed cost. 3 of the proposals included installed cost and 1 was for materials only. This is important to know, because of the labor variable. When a new window is specified to be installed with the flange intact, it requires the installer remove the adjacent siding and cut back the interior liner to accommodate the window thickness (vinyl windows are thicker than aluminum, but not typically as much as wood). If it takes 1 hour to install a window without flange, it can take up to 8 hours to set the same window with a flange intact. In many cases where horizontal siding covers an aluminum flange, the siding can be cut back in place to accommodate a picture-frame flat trim, which changes the look of the house.
4. Online customer reviews. The internet has become a powerful tool for consumers who share their experiences with service providers and the products they choose to represent. Although reviews were rather scattered, we were able to roughly determine that the lowest cost also had the highest percentage of complaints. Interestingly, the highest cost had the best reviews. My friend understands the value of service and ranked the pros and cons accordingly.
5. Warranty. It turns out a “lifetime” warranty is not always for the life of the home. Fine print revealed that some of the warranties do not cover installation method nor transferability to a new owner. Sometimes the salesperson has not read the warranty of the product they sell.
This exercise proved there was really only 1 company from the field of 4 that was best suited for my friend’s home. In the final analysis, the selection could have been made before wasting his time to meet all 4 estimators. Because it was also the most expensive, he chose to save up for this investment and promised the company he would be calling them in the spring.
Michael Tenhulzen, CGR, CAPS is President of Tenhulzen Remodeling in Redmond
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