I'm going to start looking into replacing 5 windows and 3 patio doors on my almost 60 year old house. Any suggestions or things to look for/avoid would be appreciated. I will need them contractor installed. I'm too old and inept to do it myself. I expect it to be costly.

I gotta follow along, my windows are shot also

Same here. 1970's vinyl clad wood, and there isn't much wood left.

At least in the old house, with the 1920s wood windows, I could rebuild those windows.

I install a good amount of replacement windows. Unless the customer insists on a high-end window, I almost always recommend MI windows.

They are a mid-range, all-vinyl window with most of the options the high-end windows have available. Things like different Low E coatings, safety latches on the windows and screens, a decent warranty, etc..

In my opinion, they are one of the best values for the dollar in replacement or new construction windows. They are about half the price of some of the high-end windows.

I recommend staying away from Anderson’s. They have a great marketing team and a decent warranty which you probably will end up using.

I put MI’s in my own house as well as my woodshop and my currently under construction fur shed/summer kitchen.

Thanks Lugnut. No MI dealers in my area. Unfortunately the closest one is 4 hours away. Your info may help someone else. That is the kind of information I'm looking for. I appreciate the heads up on Andersen. The send me flyers constantly but I've never responded. Now I won't.

Watching....in the same boat.

Moosetrot

Do you want insert windows, or full replacement?? Makes a big difference. If full replacement, what exterior- clad or wood, what interior- composite or wood??

None of the building supply outfits or big box stores in your area can order them for you?

I get mine through one of several local building supply yards that I deal with.

Window World !!! great product and installation. I had all windows done and a custom made sliding door. I had half done one year then the other half with the slider 2 years later. It made a huge difference in heating and cooling. they will give you a per window price. they have a life time warranty. I had to call them on 2 windows (seals broke and the window fogged up) . Gave them the code from the top of the window, they showed up the next day and swapped them out. no charge. I did tip him $50.

I don't know. I'm just getting into this. The house is brick. The existing windows are wood slide by with wood interior and exterior. Interior is wood framed single pane. Exterior storms and screen are aluminum in plastic frames. I'm assuming total replacement. I'm looking for energy efficient easy to clean windows that won't frost up in the winter. We can get to minus 30 here. At this early point I don't know the specifics of what I want and am open to suggestions.

I got on their website and they replied no dealers in my area. The closest are in the Milwaukee area.

Is MI a brand or is this an abbreviation ?

Doug it looks like you may have several potential customers waiting for you. I also am due for new windows in our log home. I don't think you are too far away from me. You can stay here during the replacement period. Save you room and board if you would be interested.

Gone elkn is asking the right questions.
I like clad. Don't like hollow vinyl,
unless you are super low budget.

I did MUCH better through real
builder supply vs box stores.

My best luck with Pella, Western,
Anderson and Peach Tree.
BUT I been out of it awhile now.

Did I mention the real builders supply in your area?
They know the what and who.

Judging by how fast the package I ordered from you arrived Bob, you must be right next-door!

Actually, I think you’re on the other side of the state from me. I’m over here near Allentown, I think you’re out near Pittsburgh aren’t you?

I do travel for work, have done it many times when the customer offers to put me up for the duration of the job.

MI Windows and Doors is their name brand.

Nothing wrong with clad windows, especially if you got a lot of money to burn.

Good quality, all vinyl windows are definitely not “super low budget.” I just spent over $500 on a single window to replace an older window in a garage gable. It was not an MI which I tried to talk to customer into but he had his heart set on another brand.

I have been working for some of my customers for over 30 years. I have installed all vinyl windows in some of their houses and they continue to perform with zero maintenance.

I do agree that if you’re going to be purchasing windows on your own, that you will be much better off going to a regular building materials supplier and staying far away from the box stores.

Pittsburgh is an hour away North of me. I would say you are around 4-5 hours away. It kind of smells around here but it should be tolerable for an outdoorsman.:)

I would guess that it probably smells wonderful to me!

I will say that if you really try, you can certainly find some very low budget vinyl windows. I built a large, wraparound addition for a customer some years ago and he insisted on buying the windows himself.

He bought them from a building material surplus place known for its very cheap (quality and pricing) materials. They were the worst windows I’ve ever seen. The sashes literally rattled around inside the frames and I’m sure if I’ve tried I could’ve just popped them right out with very little effort.

When I pointed the poor quality out to him, he returned them and bought better windows.