Buying Replacement Windows - Watch Before You Buy!

Watch this video to find out 4 important things you should be asking before you decide on a replacement window for your project.
There are many details to cover when buying replacement windows. Replacement window companies will spend a lot of time telling you about all the bells and whistles of the actual window, but neglect some important details.

[@iceman1677]

wow I'm so thankful for your time! I really appreciate you my friend, thank you so much Matt P

[@jjc355]

Thank you for this much needed information. Great job!

[@joapps8135]

One big tip: dont go to lowes. Should emphasize that poor installation is usually the main reason windows leak....know about flashing tape for waterproofing and insulation around the new install (whether low expansion foam or fiberglass strips)...make sure it is clearly stated in contract. if u dont want to take a shortcut, look into full frame windows (aka new construction windows) which include nailing fins. what they call "replacement windows" r a cheaper way to go but may not be good choice if u need flashing

[@bridgetleone8171]

Great information to have before window shopping. Thank you.

[@Koflers]

Thank you Justin Howe. I have a rental home in northwest Indiana. Every window person that I have called offers a window manufacturer I've never heard of. It's awfully confusing. Thank you for sorting it out for me and those 34,124 (so far) viewers who have watched this video! This reminds me of the classic movie, 'Miracle on 34th street' when Santa Claus begins to advise shoppers on how and where to get a better deal! You rock!

[@TheWindowExperts]

Koflers thank you for the kind comments. I’ve been doing this for awhile and the one thing I get satisfaction out of is helping people get the info they need. I work in an industry that has some bad apples, and my goal is to neutralize their bad habits by shining a light on the real information whether you are in San Antonio TX or Indiana. Just remember don’t get caught up in names or sales pitches. Compare the hard facts between companies: warranty, service, installation window performance etc. No company can razzle dazzle the facts and if they aren’t willing to share them with you, find the next one. This is your house and your project and the right company will present the facts and let you make the decision. Have faith, you’ll make a good choice!

[@NateR227]

Thanks for the information. Very helpful. I’m in the process of getting new windows.

[@dr.tracykreidernd]

Super information!! Thanks so much!!!!! Wish you were in Michigan

[@raymondmahany9461]

Awesome advice. THANK YOU for posting this video!

[@Taylorraeconstruction]

Good information. The point including a service warranty is great. We always include service in our warranty when we do the installation. But your first point about using a window brand that has direct factory service is not realistic in my experience or necessary. Every manufacturer I can think of including Pella, Andersen, Jeld Wen and Marvin use local service technicians and will usually only provide that service ( if they have it at all) for the first year or two. After that you would have to pay to get someone out there. I would recommend hiring a contractor who is a certified dealer of whatever brand you choose and who would provide a 1 stop full comprehensive warranty in writing. Meaning there is no finger pointing if something goes wrong because the manufacturer will back the certified dealer and vice versa.....this has been the most successful model in my experience. But great discussion and awesome points in this video, very informative.

[@DoorwinGroupCom]

Taylor Rae Construction LLC we are professional manufacturer and supplier from China and specialize in European Style Tilt and Turn Window, Including Wood Aluminum Window and Thermal Break Aluminum Windows. Pls kindly let us know if you are interested in our products. DoorWinGroup.Com

[@fisherohvf-men623]

You left out Champion window company

[@mvines1894]

Fantastic information! Thank you so much!

[@cynthiapayne7503]

Thank you! This is very helpful to me.

[@tolits310]

Very informative. Thank you!!!

[@debrarivera6271]

20/20 information was so was very enlightening and informative thank you

[@larrybeach7124]

Very informative and important info explained in detail.

[@SuburbanWindows]

Great points to consider. The warranty and the what ifs for the installation are very important when choosing a window company.

[@edwardo588]

Thank You SIR VERY HELPFUL

[@zealthsteel7542]

Love your videos on Windows I serch and search and found you

[@susana5052]

Great advice. Thank you!

[@dedede666]

Beautiful information. Thank you.

[@ricflair3807]

Excellent summary! Thank you for your insight!

[@thewindowexpertssidingpros4977]

ric flair thanks for the feedback. Glad we could help out “The Nature Boy” 😉

[@ricflair3807]

Whooo!

[@sophiagymnast5552]

Very helpful info before buy

[@timothyfogarty4840]

Very helpful...thanks

[@gijimoinu]

Super useful thank you!

[@jeanjackson266]

Very informative. Thanks

[@lelandpaul172]

Very good info.

[@scottbinder7886]

Very helpful!!

[@clevelandfinest329]

Thank you great questions you asked

[@jeanettehampton4141]

thank you. I made a list and asked questions.

[@sbuzz5889]

great thanks

[@donaldlee6760]

Really great video. If DIY installing the window is it preferable to find a window with a "no labor covered" warranty? Most contractors here in the SF Bay Area don't use the latest "best practices" in flashing, such as using liquid flashing or stretch tape around the complete rough opening, sloping the sill slightly, air sealing from the inside, etc. These are all time consuming and in a modest rain climate like California likely won't cause rot for at least 10+ years, just as the warranty expires. As a homeowner I don't mind taking my time to go the extra mile for a bomber install that realistically no contractor would do if they want to stay in business.

[@johnstoudt7476]

I found that window depot was a very good company overall and was happy with the results.they seem to combine value and practicality with energy efficiency.they make a nice window and great installation.

[@rty900]

if you don't mind how much it cost per window? I have 5 in my condominium and right now I have $3700 for all five for new windows. Another one wants to change only the necessary windows and not all. I am not sure what to decided.

[@teresab208]

Can the glass in the window be good but the framing and grid B shot?

[@Kramer677]

good stuff..

[@steverogers9824]

Good vid ...

[@michaelperugini4199]

Any idea how good Aslide is? how well the window is, how is the warranty.

[@georgettekhalil9814]

How do we shop for good warrantees on residential windows?

[@edgu71eg]

You sir are a gentleman On my way to Lowes Thank you

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

1:20 Service if window fails? 3:10 Is labor covered if window fails? 5:00 Installation warranty?

[@chodkowski01]

If you’re buying for hurricane protection just buy impact windows and stay away from the Low-e glass. The Low-e glass is thin and they put it on the outside which gives very little impact protection.

[@dal23860]

Any experience with Alside windows? Also what are your thoughts on garden windows would be in a kitchen?

[@thewindowexpertssidingpros4977]

Haven’t worked with Alside windows before but they are a pretty large manufacturer. If I am correct they build windows and let a lot of regional companies put their own branding on the windows. Always check the warranty and support after the sale. Garden windows are a unique window. Not many manufacturers are making them today. The old ones are terrible as far as energy efficiency is concerned and many times when we are doing replacement on a house the home owner has us remove the garden window and install a standard window in its place. Modern design has moved away from the garden window, but if you like plants and having the around, go for it. Hope this helps and thanks for commenting.

[@vanessabanyas164]

As best I know, labor is not typically covered?

[@vicwilliams5637]

Not sure what state or city you are located in Justin but it would be nice if you were located in the nearby city of Atlanta Georgia.

[@TheWindowExperts]

VicBrazil eWilliams Hey Vic, I️ wish I️ could be everywhere to help everyone, but my home is in San Antonio TX. If you are looking for help with your windows, there are good guys out there doing it the right way in the ATL. The hard part is that you as a consumer have to do your legwork on the front end. Don’t be afraid to ask a hundred questions until you feel comfortable. You will know when you have the right contractor because they will have answers to all the questions and they will be patient with you until you have had a chance to ask all of them.

[@RichieColemanSr]

What's your thoughts on Hanson's, Wallside, Anderson, Weathergard and Magic Windows? Or should I go through Home Depot or Lowe's?

[@TheWindowExperts]

Mr. RDCS thanks for the question. Unfortunately I do not have any experience with any of those brands outside of Andersen Windows. I have used their 100 Series window with the Fibrex material and it is a good window. The important thing when choosing is to ask the questions to the company that you will be working with. The warranty, service and installation will help determine the right window/company to use. I would recommend working with a well respected, we'll reviewed local company... And be patient to find one. The Box stores can give you great pricing on product, but if there is an issue with the installation, you might find challenges in getting issues resolved. In addition, if their are service issues with the windows the box stores won't be able to help and you will be left without an ally to help deal with the manufacturer. Again... Take your time, ask the questions and if you have to pay a little more to go local, it is worth it if they back their work and their product.

[@joereeder]

Renewal by Andersen does their own 20 yr warranty which covers all parts and labor as well as fully transferable

[@Acklafan]

I just read the Andersen warranty and it doesn't cover service labor for replacement window parts.

[@joereeder]

Fred Estill that would be correct if you buy a retail window from any lumber yard but when you buy from Renewal by Andersen they sell exclusive composite frame window and yes it does have a 20 yr glass and frame warranty and yes it does cover the material and labor. I work there😉

[@whelenvortexr4]

@@joereeder That's what kind of windows I want when I become a homeowner

[@dustinmcdowell1109]

good

[@Sourdoughgirl]

Should have watched this before paying Jeld Wen $52,000 for all the doors and windows. One of the windows started to crack 2.5 years after installation. Pulled out their package to find their "A Life Time of Coverage" comes with a fine print "spontaneous glass breakage, 1 year". Parts are not covered neither is labor.

[@TheWindowExperts]

Sourdough Girl that sucks to hear, but you might have a case if you want to pursue it... Often times a piece of glass can have a small chip or scallop on the edge when the window is made. You don’t see it because it is hidden behind the frame of the window. This defect creates a stress on the edge of the glass. Eventually it can fail causing a “runner” in the glass. This is evidenced by a long single crack in the window that just shows up. Typically we see these in the winter because the glass expands and contracts as it warms in the day and really cools down at night. The movement causes the glass to crack. If this is what happened to your window then it is a manufacturing defect and should be covered under the warranty. You might want to go back to the company that sold the windows and plead your case. $52k is a very nice window package and if you were my client, I would be getting you a new piece of glass at no charge to you.

[@Sourdoughgirl]

Hi Justin, thank you for your response. The crack that shows up on our window does look exactly as your descriptions. It started near the top right corner (behind the trim) and cracked down diagonally toward the bottom left. The window is about 6' and the crack itself is a bit over 2'. We found the crack after a Canadian cold spell. Worse yet, the cracked pane is part of a bay window that has three sections with the largest section in the middle, the cracked one is the smaller pane on the right. When I checked the entire window this morning I noticed a tiny crack, no more than 3 mm, on the main section. But this one is about 2.5 inches away from the edge. Do you think it's a heat stress as well? I went to look at Jeld Wen's warranty but it has very little information on it. It vaguely mentioned their lifetime limited warranty promised their products perform in real life situations, from seasonal changes to daily use. Near the bottom of the page is where it mentioned the warranty for spontaneous glass breakage for 1 year. That doesn't bode well for us since that bay window was installed 2.5 years ago. We bought everything from Home Depot so we will try to approach them to see what they have to say. I went to read up reviews on Jeld Wen but it's pretty much 1-star across the board. Currently I am not holding my breath. Thanks again.

[@TheWindowExperts]

Sourdough Girl - yup stress cracks and cold weather are not a good combo. I'm not sure what series window you got from Jeld Wen but there is likely a serial number somewhere on the windows that is specific to your order. Sometimes it's printed on the spacer between the glass, sometimes it's etched on the glass. Call Jeld Wen directly and ask for their service department, don't bother with Home Depot. Let Jeld Wen know you have a stress Crack on the glass. It should be covered under their standard 20 year warranty for glass. You will likely have to pay the labor for replacement, but you should get the glass covered. Best wishes.

[@Sourdoughgirl]

Thank you so much for your advice. Do you think the small crack on the main pane is also a stress crack? When I call Jeld Wen I will bring up the small crack as well.

[@Sourdoughgirl]

Just an update on the Jeld Wen window claim. I called them about the stress crack and they asked for pictures, serial numbers and proof of purchase etc. I submitted everything immediately. Received an email reply today stating spontaneous glass breakage had only 1 year coverage therefore the stress crack would not be covered. But they said if we wanted the window repaired they would be happy to send quotes on parts and labors. How generous! Based on all the online reviews on Jeld Wen can't say I was surprised.

[@suec9816]

warrantys usually cause a huge run around.

[@dustbat]

I cannot think of any area of home ownership where a person can get ripped off, than replacement windows. Look how many replacement windows are replacing replacement windows.

[@Twins0302]

Thank you so much for this information, now which is better vinyl ?

[@TheWindowExperts]

Gladys Fuentes - great question. There are a lot of brands for vinyl windows and the quality can vary. I prefer Milgard products for my clients because of their options, warranty, and quality of product. Milgard may not be available where you live but you can also look at Simonton which is also a good company. The main thing is to look at the company, the warranty, and the “feel” of the window when you see it. If it feels cheap compared to others you look at, trust your feelings. Hope that helps and if you have any other questions, I’d love to hear them.

[@Twins0302]

Justin- I wrote down all the points from your video, so I looked for manufacturers in Central Fla,specifically the Orlando area, I narrowed my search to a few, so I contacted several and I took inside & outside measurements, as directed, I sat with Lowe's Home Improvement. So I came across another co, Reliabilt, and checked them put on replacement windowguide.org I got a good price and options for our area but I will do more pricing to compare. The home I'm looking for window replacement is a rental home but will do Energy * which will add value down the line. You've been very helpful....I have another priorty...while in Lowe's I found an Exterior Moulding & Trim by Royal the material is PVC offering lifetime warranty...how do I look for people that do that work? I must replace my home, and the rental because that trim is wood & rotted out..South & Central Florida is wet. They are not roofers, I've called roofers & they say that's not their area...let me know.

[@TheWindowExperts]

Gladys - first the Mouldings: I really like the PVC products for trim. We are in San Antonio and while it’s not as humid as Florida all the time, we get our share of water and rot. The PVC trim will eliminate that forever. You pay more up front for the materials, but the long term savings pay off. Just be sure to properly prime it and paint it with a good quality exterior paint. Regarding installation. You can go to the Installation Masters website to find a window installer that is AAMA certified in your area. This person will have had training for window installation and be a good fit. www.installationmasters.com/ One last thing: check on the code requirements in your area for windows. Because of hurricanes, you will want to have windows that meet certain design performance requirements for high winds. The installation is also important because you want to be sure they are secure in the opening. Please do some research on this because how these windows perform in a hurricane will be very important for your area. Good luck and remember, there are never too many questions to ask to make sure you get the right window and the right installer for your project.

[@jakehose4089]

Infinity ultrex windows by Marvin.

[@conservativehippie13]

@Amy Woehler get many more quotes.

[@Oo7Hola]

That’s why you buy renewable by Andersen

[@maciejfassa4394]

Has anyone seen Dako doors and windows? I bought them a few weeks ago, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for good design and quality.

[@ghostwavewrider]

Does anyone offer tempered glass only on the bottom half of a hung window?

[@mwaller66]

Nate Legakis, yes, most companies that custom make the window for your opening will allow you to specify which pane is tempered.

[@elizabethbetty2662]

Thank you for your video. I didn’t ask detailed questions before signing my replacement window contract so now I have new windows with exterior perimeter white caulk bad contrast against my darker stucco wall. Installer now says I can paint the caulk to match stucco but that is not covered in their window install service. Now I will need to hire someone to paint that. I thought these detailed services are automatically included in a window install without my having to ask.

[@anonymouspost9144]

who are some of your favorite window companies?

[@gallardo360]

Tyrones windows and grass cutting, he be good 👍

[@wanttruth3876]

I wish I'd seen this before I purchased windows from Window Nation.

[@commonlaw5400]

Why? Have you had a problem with them? Which brands to they sell? I get so many mailers-BIG ONES-from them . I don't want to be footing the bill for someones huge ad vert expenses.

[@Iliketoboard]

He has a very loud swallow. You're welcome: 0:20 0:40 1:31 1:42 2:27 2:55 3:49 4:05 4:45 5:25 6:11 6:30 7:00 7:32 8:05 8:21 8:43 9:42 10:13 10:26

[@waltstevens8913]

Give us a break, Troll!!

[@jeradkiester698]

HahahahahahahaHahahahahahahHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahahaHahahahahahaha

[@cfldriven]

Four tips in 11 minutes! Wish it was concise and to the point.

[@JA-wp6cj]

Lifetime warranty? Mine, or sleepy Joe's?

[@orchardmudtwin]

No clue why this guy is yelling.

[@JamminClemmons]

* *MorchardOudtwin,* * - BÓG nie jest tego częścią! To jest SZATAN. Dlaczego? Jesteś jak wielki idiota. Nie rozumiem sposobu, w jaki myślisz i może myślę, że jesteś wyjątkowo dużą rasistowską osobą. Zgłaszam to członkom zespołu KZbin, tak tak tak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@prombe]

I appreciate the discussion. However, I was distracted by all the mouth noises and gulps. Did you, by chance, eat a lemon before posting this video?

[@bobhuddleston8883]

BLAAA BLAAAH BLAAAH , For crying out freakin loud mister, I could have brought forth all of this information in a 2 minute video!! GEESH!

[@philhochrun4167]

why don't you then?

[@beyondlimitsproductions1468]

This was a real informative video ....thanks for posting !

[@TheWindowExperts]

Thanks for the feedback. My hope is that it helps others.