Icebreaker – replacing windows in Zone 6A
Hi! Long time lurker who’s excited to make better use of this great resource.
We are in the process of slowly updating/renovating a 1000 sq/ft 1980’s ranch-style home in Midcoast Maine. Along the way we’ve tried to make contentious decisions while working with what we’ve got. Most likely due to previous neglect, the time has come to re-side and for good measure replace the sun-cooked vinyl windows.
My struggle is, and probably always will be, balancing various ideals. I’ve researched and gotten estimates from a few manufacturers, and while I was very excited about the technical specifications offered on Alpen casements for example, I also realized this home wasn’t built to be a passive house so the impressive U Value offered may not be necessary.
My partner rightfully values aesthetics more than I, which is pushing us towards options with wooden interiors. Something we both agree on is the value of buying local, so in this case I think we are strongly leaning towards getting as much as possible from our local loved building supplier (shout out to Viking Lumber).
Out of the brands they carry we’ve narrowed it down to Loewen and Andersen A Series (Sierra Pacific was in the running due to the proposition of the H3 line, but ultimately I think we want avoid even vinyl framing from a plastics perspective).
Because this is the beginning of a bigger project we are always mindful of balancing quality against price. One way of doing so is trying to order standard sizes that will fit our current ROs. This has tipped things in the favor of Andersen as we’d gain about 2″ width on our most commonly framed openings.
Lots of thoughts here, maybe some questions posed along the way, but mostly an introduction post to this community. Are we making a mistake if we go with Andersen A or is the quality of Loewen windows significantly better? Prices are fairly aligned since we’d essentially be paying for slightly less actual window from Loewen.
As I alluded to, we are also beginning work shortly on converting the hayloft of our 80’s era barn into an ADU. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of real questions along the way regarding that project. We will probably give something like Alpen a closer look over that way as well.
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Replies
Sean,
I'm sorry, I haven't used either Anderson or Loewen windows. I'll bump your question in the hope someone with some experience with them see it.
I have used Andersen windows on several projects, the most recent being the 100 Series. I have not used the A-series, but if the entry level 100 series is an indicator of the window they produce, the A-series should be a great fit for your project.
We installed the 100 series several months ago for a project that is featured in an upcomong Fine HomeBuilding magazine issue (issue 333). The project was a rental property/shower house at a resort my brother owns. He was impressed enough by the window that he is looking to replace the 30-year-old all wood windows in his home with the 100 series.
Unfortunately, I do not have any experience with Loewen.
I do not have experience with those Andersens or Loewen, but I recently installed a lot of Alpens in our home and love the quality. The inside of the window is warm to the touch in the middle of winter and they close like a vault. I doubt you'll get that with double glazed.
I've put in a lot of Andersen 400s, and they always came in at a great balance of quality and price. I've never installed the A-series windows, but I am considering them for when I replace the windows in my own home.
I have never installed Loewen windows myself, but the firm I work at has used them on several projects with no issues. They're solid.
Given you're starting with two halfway decent windows, if they are installed well I don't think there's a right or wrong choice. I'd take a mid-range windows and a conscientious install over a high-end window and a mediocre install any day.
Paul,
Very good point!
I've shied away from Marvin, Anderson, Pella.. all of the major production brands. PH windows when a project warrants, when it doesn't:
Mathews Brothers, Sanford Hills line casements. If you're prioritizing local materials, these puppies are made in Maine and carry a lifetime warranty. Sanford Hills has a 1 1/8" triple glazed option and perform quite well. Wood interior is a compromise- in this case, it'd be a veneer. The price point is great.
https://mathewsbrothers.com/
Weighing in as a New England carpenter…
Andersen has been a go-to (mainly 400 series) for as long as I’ve been in the trades. As mentioned, fine balance between quality and price.
How your windows are installed means a lot in the end.
A-series for historical restorations, but 400 series for almost all other projects.
For whatever reason, this was my experience as well when I worked in the Boston area and surrounding suburbs - it was nearly always Andersen 400s. Not sure if that's driven more by local availability or quality or something else, but Andersen certainly seemed to have the market cornered.