We put thousands of Simonton replacement and new construction windows in over the years. Very few call backs. Their mid grade was equal to most companies high grade. My sister just had a sash that fogged up replaced for free (they sent it to her and BIL replaced it). Their windows were put in 19 years ago. Took a tour of their West Virginia plant in the late 90's and was impressed with their quality control and pride in workmanship. With that said, I haven't been around their windows for 10-12 years. Stay away from Anderson, Mid grade window at a high end price. They have to pay for all of their ads and salesman somehow. Pella are good but pricey.

Decisions that need to be made. Will be a big difference on budget. Full replacement will give you the best energy efficiency, but windows and labor cost more. Also your interior trim will be changing.
Staying with slide by??

Vinyl windows can be foam filled frame. Double stay away from Andersen. Both the windows, and Renewal By.
I install a lot of windows per year. Be ready for sticker shock!! If it costs to much for your budget, split it up over a couple/three years. I do it all the time. But also install a full (15-25) at once.

You can have the plastic windows,
gunstocks too

Twice with the customers request $$
was enough for me.

The plastic windows, yeah. Plastic gunstocks…not so much!

A side note for those who insist on clean glass .

Windows that tip into the room are so easy to keep clean. Especially in upper story homes, where access from outside is difficult to clean them.

I really like that type window . Quality and good insulation from cold.

It saves so much in time and easy access for me to have those that open and tip inwards so that I can clean well the outside of the glass.

I cant recall the company that features this option but Im sure a number of them have it.

I cannot tolerate any glass that is dirty and spotted up. So this type works wonders for me.

Nearly all newer double-hung windows offer the tilt-in feature Sharon. I think you'd have to go very low-budget for that not to be an option.

Pells used to be king but quality has gone down hill. They are still decent and will install them for you.

I sure appreciate your info. I didnt know that. Many thanks ! I will remmeber this.

We built a house about 10 years ago.
I like the European tilt and turn windows myself.
My builder and wife vetoed me.
They are much more efficient than anything the big 3 make (Anderson, Pella and Marvin.) and better quality.
The big three make mediocre windows at best.
They swing in which is great for cleaning 2nd story or hard to reach windows.
Double hung are probably the worst window design as far as efficiency is concerned.
Casement windows swing out and are hard to clean on a 2nd floor or hard to reach from the outside windows.

We ended up going with Fiberec, they are made in Canada, fiberglas frames and triple paned.
we got casement windows.
Now after 10 years my wife wishes we'd got the tilt and turns primarily cause of the cleaning aspect.
Only downside of tilt and turns are potentially screens.

I think its best to spend the biggest part of a house budget on the shell, Highly insulate and air seal, it pays you back, about the only part of a house that does.
Windows are big part of those two things.

Triple panes are superior to double panes, you just don't feel any cold at all from the windows when standing next to them.
No drafts and very little to no frosting on the inside.

I guess depending upon the house and if you plan on staying there for many years I'd spend the money on better windows.

I don't know about current pricing (tarriffs and all), but I know that a couple of years ago these better windows were less the domestic higher end windows.

Built my house in 1988.All Anderson windows.Other than one crank out window over the kitchen sink that the crank is going bad on,they are all still in great shape.If I do have to replace a window,,I would replace it with another Anderson.

I have installed many hundreds of windows the last 30+ years as a contractor, from very high-end to budget-but-decent.
For a decently priced vinyl (composite), window I would recommend Mil-Guard. They should be available in most areas, have a good warranty, are easy to install, and not only come in a vast number of sizes off the shelf, but can also be made to any size you might need.
For instance, Anderson used to make their windows about a 1/2" different than most other manufacturers, causing grief for remodelers and window replacement contractors. Pella was another.
Jeld Wen made a decent window as well, but not sure how available they are across the country.
The windows themselves really aren't that expensive. It's the labor, which can vary extensively. A lot depends on type of siding, odd sizes, whether or not the inside jambs need to be modified or replaced, and quality of the contractor.
And make sure that whoever does the work properly seals the window, chinks or foams, (non-expanding!) the windows to the framing members, and that the windows operate smoothly and close completely.
And one last thing: If the windows don't currently have drip flashing above, now is the time to put it in!

We installed 16 Anderson windows and two sliders. This is my last house, I wasn't going to skimp on the windows. We had a bid from Pella, but the salesman never called back. Spent $54K on installed windows, would do it again.

How long do you need them to last ?

Just long enough?


Something to consider

I could but a new vechile for the price of a few anderson windows and their installation