Windows 101: Costs & What They're Made Of

[@roseforeuropa]

Looking forward to Windows 102: Cost differences per U value change, decibel reduction, double pane vs. triple pane.

[@youtukang]

👍🤝🤝🤝🤝🇮🇩

[@maxhunter3574]

💯

[@ksukallie]

If you ever watch SMH vids they did just this..Simpson has a new vid every Friday on building science

[@AlexGower]

@@ksukallie how can you find the SMH? videos you are talking about?

[@RandomUserName92840]

This

[@hoss2239]

So how do these windows compare to the ones from European structural supply? Is it worth getting them or just going with Marvin or Pella? Any experience with Sierra Pacific windows?

[@danielperezwindowlux9488]

Here at Windowlux we fabricate both! Depending of the size and type of opening you want...you can select your best option. At my house, your house, I went all uPVC (european) with big triple glaze glass at bedroom areas. And Cortizo minimal thermally broken aluminum sliding doors at social areas. I'll probably install the small windows at the service area in vinyl (we actually call them the american PVC)

[@Adam-vp4oe]

I’m building a home starting in the Spring. This channel has helped me immensely with the design process.

[@davidfleuchaus]

Window weatherstripping breaks down and is rarely, if ever, available. Look at your warranties. The window may be a 40-50 year window but the weatherstripping is warrantied for 10-15 years. Manufacturers have a vested interest in keeping replacement weatherstripping out of your hands.

[@youtukang]

👍👍👍

[@FoshanAlwew]

Foshan Alwew Intelligent door and window technology Co,;LTD located in shishan Foshan China .Our factory enterprise with integrated design, research and development, production, sales and service in one innovative system . We have 19 years experience .We have more than 20 products, including sliding windows, sliding doors, casement windows, casement doors and sunshine rooms.

[@cwslsj]

I truly enjoyed this video. especially going over the pricing for the windows and sliding doors, and different options. Gives a basic understanding of material and dollar investment for future projects. Wind ratings would have been the icing on the cake. Thanks Matt

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

Excellent information on window frame options and door options but very light on glass options. Given glass door & window is >90% of surface area, in most cases, seems like glass options would have been higher priority. I would also suggest these guys lack knowledge of high elevation glass options, not surprising given their Ventura location. We live and build at elevation, lowest is 6200’ asl Lake Tahoe. We use sealed igu’s w/inert gas, they however are filled at elevation and transported to job site at elevation. Of course this is not an option w/the 4 brands discussed but we also spec .15 or better U-value window and door assemblies which none of these companies approach. The video of the contemporary home and its custom doors was worth the watch👍

[@mattp4079]

Pella will never recover from their defective aluminum-clad wood windows that rotted prematurely. They are still sold at the big store and still lack proper sealant between the aluminum and glass.

[@beglight]

Hmm, is that true? Their windows are still improperly sealed? I have these windows and they are rotten, mushroom and mold has grown between glasses. Just terrible.

[@fg3453]

Love watching your videos. I’m building my house right now. Framing stage now. Long time subscriber. Thank you for all your knowledge. God bless

[@darrelparlapiano2589]

Retrofit vinyl windows in the house we sold Milgrad was a good window. New craftsman house build again Milgard essential fiberglass exterior Vertical grain Doug-fir interior double hung windows and French double doors. Love them.

[@shanemb3]

My experience just meeting with a sales rep from Anderson is the composite are 2x more than Anderson vinyl.

[@MrFixItGa]

I'm the head maintenence guy in a vinyl window and patio door plant. Vinyl window manufacturing is a super labor intensive process.

[@timconnelly6340]

Truth/Amesbury has been a leading supplier of quality casement hardware to the window industry for many years. One other thing I grade a brand of window on is their warranty/policies against glass/IGU failure. Andersen offers lifetime or 20 warranty replacement on failed foggy insulated glass. Nothing is more annoying than a home loaded with windows you can no longer see through.

[@crshman]

Matt thank you for listening to the viewers and talking about pricing! I hope folks definitely understand that it's all area/situation specific so they need to get their own estimates.

[@urchin11]

admittedly I skipped forward the this , but was there any comparison to some of the EU style tilt and turn windows, in performance and price?

[@toddr3644]

If you like tilt turns in the US, look at Inline out of Canada. We got phenomenal triple pane tilt-turns from them. Way less than US or European brands and much more efficient than US windows.

[@bradleyrisinger7282]

I love my Anderson windows. 25 yrs old and still good.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

I have them from 40 years ago...and brand new...all with intact double pane seals.

[@goobster6257]

Definitely going in the to watch list!

[@iwillbnnedafterispeakwhy6498]

In this video Matt teaches us how people openly agree to robbery

[@Sainze]

You took the words right out of my comment.

[@maciejfassa4394]

Thanks for this insight. I saw that Dako has those types of windows. Now I will choose precisely what I need.

[@duggydo]

There really is a shortage of triple pane, high efficiency window options in the US. They aren’t easy to find.

[@toddr3644]

Order out of Canada. I did. Inline and Accurate Dorwin beat the pants off of Marvin and Kolbe. U-factors of 0.14 to 0.19 for far less at the time. Got tilt-turns, as well. They use their windows in the arctic, so efficiency matters.

[@kristensorensen2219]

The prices for this stuff is nuts!! What happens when that seal fails?! It will and unless the glass can easily be changed out then. HOLY CRAP $$$$

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

Igu’s can always be swapped out by any competent contractor or glass dealer

[@cengeb]

20 year seal warranty from most..since cardinal makes the majority of it units

[@cengeb]

Andersen and it's easy to swap out after 29 years..sashs on the casement windows is easy...operable or stationary..I swapped out 38 all of my casement with new sashes only..frames where fine...all new sun glass in the blue grey tint. Magic science thin film coatings...got them from windowparts.com. no shipping no tax when ya order a bunch...all arrived in perfect shape freight on a skid...not one damaged unit...dropped shipped directly from andersen warehouse...as they are stock sizes...just the sunglass versions are more special..got them in a few weeks...using stand sizes makes replacement easy..custom sizes make thing difficult.

[@donnybrasco6321]

Hey Matt - your black eye is perfect timing for my question! I’m in AZ, so, that full retractable hidden screen is pretty nifty. The “several thousand dollar” price tag gives me pause BECAUSE my current slider door screen has been DECIMATED by - yep - 4 month old puppies (mine and others) running smack into it at full speed over the years! Do any of these companies make reinforced screens - or does this just boil down to constant owner awareness/responsibility? (I’m pretty sure I know how you’re going to respond, but I thought I’d ask anyway! Btw - a couple of people have also done the same thing as the dogs, so it’s probably more common then reported..?) Thanks!

[@jennifer9528]

Several thousand dollars for a screen door is ridiculous, outrageous, and meant for people where money is not a concern. The fact is that there are options out there that work just as well to keep the bugs out, but they don't tuck/hide away quite as neatly as the screen door that costs $4-5k. Still, wasting money is not justifiable.

[@pablomax3045]

A little disappointed there was no proper European style tilt windows with actual seals.

[@FoshanAlwew]

Foshan Alwew Intelligent door and window technology Co,;LTD located in shishan Foshan China .Our factory enterprise with integrated design, research and development, production, sales and service in one innovative system . We have 19 years experience .We have more than 20 products, including sliding windows, sliding doors, casement windows, casement doors and sunshine rooms.

[@lizphillips6057]

I need to replace awning crank in a 1969 block house. The header (top) block is beveled towards window, sides are 90 degrees bottom are also beveled or sloped away. Hand made sils- no two are the same slope . There was water coming inside at heads.? I just uncaulked the weep holes. Who should I lean to - knowing the openings are all different

[@thejohnbeck]

Blink twice if the abusive dog is holding you hostage. Great rundown on the windows.

[@johnlyn1]

How much thicker is vinyl vs aluminum windows? I currently have a 72" W X 60" H aluminum frame Anderson casement window. It has 3 windows. The center window is fixed and the 2 end windows crank out. We are looking to replace it with a vinyl double hung with the same design. The 2 end windows will open and the center will be fixed. The actual glass is 19.5" on each pane. How much of that glass width would be lost going with a vinyl window due to the vinyl frame being thicker?

[@brent1041]

When our builder was pricing out marvin fiberglass windows last winter they were crazy expensive 19 windows to upgrade from super cheap builder grade vinyl was an extra 20K. And they weren’t the only one’s that price either every quote I got was in that range

[@cengeb]

Cheap windows are more expensive over time, good windows, installed forget about them for 29 years

[@josecito976]

Marvin certainly isn’t cheap, probably 10% extra across their lines compared to Andersen or Pella. Delivery times for their mid range windows is 6-8 weeks and 6 MONTHS for their top of the line windows Cheap windows will cost you more in the long run, put the money into the things that keep the elements out and protect the structure of the house. Replacing cheap windows or dealing with rot isn’t going to be cheap down the road

[@TRAZ4004]

Amazing, this video is super timely. Lawnmower kicked up a rock shattering a floor to ceiling window this afternoon. (Right before the small rain shower) Thumbs up Matt, you’re usually a few weeks behind my projects.

[@JosephHuether]

Not sure the "Matts" should refer to windows like Marvin Signature as "aluminum clad". They are really split frame / split-sash with extruded aluminum exteriors...much better than the old school clad windows.

[@lisabaginski9155]

How do you feel about the European style Crittal windows, or the thin frame steel windows? Love those. I don’t know the drawbacks, just the beautiful look and feel.

[@casbot71]

I also subscribe to a lot of computer channels and the title had me confused for a minute 💻👨‍💻

[@Sainze]

I really, really wish I had seen the this video and the one about the european triple panes before talking to the guys from Renewal By Anderson.

[@Padoinky]

Very timely topic - my 22y/o, 6600 sqft home has 40 windows, of 10 different sizes, due for replacement. Having the usual suspects in, to up-sell and give estimates (Pella, Andersen, Jeld-Wen, local mfgs, etc)… it’s incredibly annoying, as these various mfgs seemingly use their own boutique terms and measures, so I ended up with a big ‘ole Excel file full of more normalized and harmonious data, hopefully leading to some insightful data and observations. We are a “value for money” buyer, as we are relocating, out of state, by June 2022. This should be interesting lol

[@hickorydragon8114]

Any advice ? What are you going with?

[@LukePighetti]

Would be curious to know what you learned

[@Rubbercity1]

He probably still working overtime to pay for them lol

[@marlohowell7081]

We're going to build a home soon and would love to know what decision you made re: windows and why.

[@sparks6666]

This is a fantastic video. The world of windows is very confusing. This really simplified things for me. I like shopping at BMC for my pvc trim but will take a look at their windows on my next trip. After waiting 4 months to get a Simonton window I'm looking for other options.

[@Squidbillies1000]

Matt is the construction king!

[@rossmcleod7983]

I’m building my own simple fixed timber with IGU and with the savings (MASSIVE) buying a MVHR unit. Openable windows are so yesterday.

[@rcmen231]

Hi Matt, good to see you in California. Would you do a consider doing an interview with @meetkevin to talk about construction in California and the difference between California and Taxes and other parts of the country. He is running for California Governor. He says he know you a bit.

[@robertduffy5805]

Puppy Punch - Code for Matt's wife told him to get the house done.

[@jhealy3110]

This would all be impressive if you hadn't done so many vids on EU windows which basically makes the American building industry look a bit embarrassing...

[@KCkohler]

@R L can you get them in the US? What brand ? Supplier?

[@turningpoint4238]

You should see the windows and doors out here in Australia if you want to see bad quality for a fortune.

[@jacksondrumfoster]

@@KCkohler i work for a company that sells almost exclusively european windows. Reynaers and Schuco are a couple big aluminum names. We get all the slim profiles for the same ballpark as Marvin & Anderson

[@paulhill1665]

@R L I recently purchased 12M (36’) of full height 2.4M (8’) aluminium framed double glassing including 4M (16’) of bi fold doors, argon filled units with solar control and self cleaning glass and blinds inside the the DGU, with two top hung opening windows, the bifolds have 5 point locking with high security eurolocks, cost £8,000, ($11,300 ) installed, only have a 5 year warranty on the DGU, because of the internal blinds

[@screwge84]

You guys would be mortified if you knew what we got in Australia. New builds would be lucky to get aluminium framed double glazed windows. Thermally broken or PVC and you just about need to be a millionaire.

[@paulhill1665]

Is uPVC not used in America? Only vinyl (PVC?) is mentioned. uPVC is the entry material in Europe, where PVC is not used due to the toxicity of PVC caused by the use use of plasticisers Phthalates and BPA . uPVC also has a longer life and higher energy efficiency. Fully recyclable as well. But it is slightly more expensive.

[@pablo4youtube]

Check out ALPEN Windows from Colorado. They're a Licensed uPVC Window Manufacturer of Germany's REHAU Company. They come in Triple Ply up to R-10. Interestingly, they also have an American Fiberglass version of those windows too. They're easily the best windows in the US.

[@paulhill1665]

@@pablo4youtube Rehau is also available in the UK. Fibreglass is just staring to appear, we are several years behind Germany.

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

@@pablo4youtube Have you any personal experience w/Alpen? We did one house w/them, never again. Delays, promises, more delays. Not good quality, had damaged igu’s. They’re in my backyard and I would never consider them again. Zola is the best window we found in US. Schuco are also very good quality but their u-values can’t touch Zola. Of course these are both considerably more $$ but in this case, you get what you pay for. If you’re a builder or homeowner considering Alpen, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere

[@mattb4885]

I'm glad to see your builder's first reps have some knowledge... around here they just try and sell you top dollar glass with no backing behind their reason as to why you should buy said glass.

[@DonTruman]

I talked with Anderson recently about new doors for my existing home. For even the most basic of single doors it was about $3500. Then I asked them about putting them in a new home I might build and they said they don't do new homes, only retrofit. A requirement by Anderson. Huh?

[@martybauer9663]

Excellent video Matt.

[@mannyr9225]

can you do a video on options for retrofit windows please!

[@michaela.5363]

Here in Toronto vinyl windows are the vast majority. I hardly see wooden or aluminum windows except perhaps in luxury homes.

[@compactc9]

One category I want to know more about are impact windows, the sort of thing you'd install in hurricane or tornado prone areas, and how these might relate to one of these newer high performance houses. The area I've always wanted to build a house in, this would be of concern. I already have decided I want some kind of insulated concrete construction. Was leaning towards ICF, but I see this other insulated concrete block that might make a simpler thing to put together, but that takes care of walls, but not windows and doors.

[@adriansquare2370]

Thank you! That was very informative.

[@LauraElliott2525]

Would love to have seen more about the thermally broken aluminum windows... Im going with Fleetwood. They are incredibly well made and reasonably priced compared to most I got quotes for.

[@FreekHoekstra]

It takes a real man to admit their blue eye is not from some epic barfight, but i fact his adorable tiny 4 month puppy!

[@buildshow]

Ha! He’s cute but don’t get a head butt from him.

[@truesouthdesigns4304]

I'm looking to build a passive solar home in New England using passive solar design/build practices with the majority of windows on the true south side which is 166 degrees where I live. Old school is clear glass on the south side. We want high SHGC and low U-value windows/doors. What would you suggest for this application?

[@mrr2041Rags]

I have a all brick house & live in the South clost to ocean & hurricane 🌀 what do you think would be best compelect window middle cost

[@KCkohler]

Are the prices installed?

[@artv232]

The lift and slide looked like a 20ft opening with a 10 ft operable door panel… so I am wondering if when he says a 10 ft door is $20k, is he talking about a 10ft operable door panel + 10ft fixed panel inside a 20ft opening - OR - a 5 ft operable door panel + 5ft fixed panel inside a 10ft opening?

[@rolly5457]

Would these work for replacement windows?

[@cengeb]

Andersen owns several brands, Jeld wen, and a few others, they cover all price and quality points. Andersen sky lights are not made anymore i got 24 plus years out of Andersen Skylights, before the seals became compromised, went with 8 Velux, much lower profile, inside and out, same glass from cardinal 20 year warranty, but Velux doesn't offer SUN GLASS option like Andersen did, and does on windows, it makes a big difference, in un wanted heat gain control, Andersen sunglass is MAGIC, all my andersen windows are SUN, even the large 8 ft slider, grey tinge, no heat, clear view, magic

[@cengeb]

Only rich people can afford cheap windows...Andersen has such massive production they run for less..for top quality windows and doors....the actual glass for most majors is usually cardinal..they are the countries largest making glass and ig assembly for the andersen,pella,velux...cardinal has several window types..to meet what the others need. Watch some of the you tube stuff on cardinal making glass...its massive operation..the glas..then making the insulated assys...

[@timothykeith1367]

What about composite window frames ?

[@alexanderclaylavin]

I was amazed to see Build Show sponsor 475 Building Supply's pricing for Optiwin triple pane windows. Really not bad.

[@Natedoc808]

These don’t hold a candle to Anlin windows, made right in Clovis CA by a solid company who fly the American Flag highest, with the flags of all branches of military flags flanking it, all flying over their fountain with a large cross. Solid American Christian family owned business who contribute greatly to their local community.

[@kristensorensen2219]

I bought a triple glazed replacement and it will outlast my already 60 year old home. Super quiet no rot ever!

[@ridethetalk]

Different thickness glass means they will resonate at different frequencies...

[@jamesphipps8657]

Do sliding and french doors please

[@bobniles1928]

My experience with vinyl or aluminum wood clad windows is not good. The exterior seal between the cladding and wood fails and for follows.

[@bobniles1928]

And rot follows.

[@Katana_00]

What do you recommend ??

[@pablomax3045]

Not sure that it even matters with regards to the seal. There is still air in there. Metal will heat much faster, which makes a temperature differential causing condensation between the layers. Over time, it will rot. Use a single material. Just order some European style vinyl windows. They are not that expensive, seal way better and will last you long enough that by the time they need to be replaced there are probably force fields or something instead of glass.

[@engrpiman]

I just ordered windows a month ago. Should be installed in a week. I'm going from crappy leaky windows to nicer windows. This video is great but a little late (for me) 👍

[@lesliesweeney368]

Are their company's doing composite windows in basalt fiber or wood & composite

[@janethorp2114]

Just sold a home and I had to replace three vinyl windows that had seal break. It caused alot of fog between the panes. How can that be prevented? Would caulking occasionally help ?

[@cengeb]

no, vinyl is unstable, get Andersen vinyl windows are garbage, 20 year window seal warranty..once the seal is compromised the window is garbage

[@puzzykilla6947]

I’m also Matt so I guess I should binge every one of your videos

[@alexzapata936]

@Matt Risinger what is your opinion on Fibertec windows manufacturer???

[@WhiskeyDale]

the information here is incredible

[@alandavis7736]

I have decided to go with Salamander BE 82 now all. I. Have to do is find a distributor

[@trleith]

What is meant by saying vinyl and composite windows have a 30 year lifespan? I have 95 year old windows in my house...

[@RadDadisRad]

I live 30 minutes from Pella Iowa, I know what windows I’m buying.

[@cindyc.7097]

Pella windows are poorly designed and rot.

[@RadDadisRad]

@@cindyc.7097 their coastal rated windows won’t rot.

[@davidfeuerherdt884]

German windows are amazing!

[@jessiemartinfostersr.6067]

Sliding doors ,and east texas sugar sand dont last . ?? Alternative ?

[@nsmith1388]

Composite 30% increase over vinyl? Apparently Andersen needs to watch this. They were 3x any of the other offers on vinyl. They were 2.5x over fiberglass. Oof.

[@JJYSGYAJY]

Which Series of Andersen? 100, 400, A or E?

[@stevestalock3200]

Puppy? Yeah, we totally believe you.

[@israelreyes3123]

Check his IG. Benny is a beast!

[@ZNotFound]

It wasn't from a Bar Fight. It was from a Bark Fight.

[@davidblalock9945]

He doesn’t want to admit that he got into a fight with a warped 2x4 framing stud and lost.

[@johnwhite2576]

Do readers have any idea time cost involved with scribing that reflect detail to the floor😳figure 2 finish carpenters a week or even two!!

[@Natedoc808]

About to take on a remodel which is to serve as living quarters while my wife and I build our intended home. Always on this channel to stay up to speed as I’ve been out of the trades for 15yrs.

[@jillkaiser5064]

What is best window for living on ocean in Oregon a lot of rain and wind?

[@zefallafez]

Andersen’s brick window line😁

[@frankhartley6777]

Found it. Thanks

[@ledebuhr1]

Matt, Do any of these manufactures make a window that compares to a Schuco Window?

[@pablomax3045]

No.

[@walisultani3000]

Es windows

[@nauidiver227]

Can’t imagine fiberglass windows lasting 40-50 years

[@designed4yous]

Can I use Marvin Signature in the bathroom?

[@julieta203]

Matt got into a bar fight over R values and rockwool

[@bret3925]

Vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass for me. I've built the composite windows personally and I won't touch those for my own home.

[@billkohler5569]

which window is cheaper double hung single hung or casement?

[@seanm3226]

Single hung.

[@elisdaddy0326]

Great great show love it..!

[@gieb6428]

My Yorkie gives me trouble all the time.. You know they are Born Killers! I get scared!

[@michealolsen1344]

Pricing is BS. So very inflated. Love your videos.

[@richardprice5978]

i have always thought 💭of aluminium as 1940-90's POS cheapskates and more so for single pain uninsulated and 5-20+ years old in seems not to fix well and or work well ect. all wood seams to work better and its warmer in the wind and winter but requires more painting/maintenance ect.

[@organicvids]

354 fill with closed cell foam

[@justinw7323]

I had an annoying neighbor who hired a contractor it took him about 1 month to do one window. He was there bout 3 days a week for 8 plus hours to do just one. And it was during the hottest days of the summer. I dunno why he took so long.

[@aryaseth-lc5dw]

We are aluminium profile processing machinery manufacturer from China, we can provide the most advanced aluminium profile processing machinery

[@christopherday4027]

Studio??

[@sammie6174]

Hey Matt, great video, but a bit confused. 12 years ago I replaced all my windows with vinyl replacements and they look terrible today. Can any of these windows be used for replacement windows in a older brick home in Texas?

[@DavidSumlin]

Is it just me or do the European window manufacturers put the designs of these windows to shame?

[@hackbrettschorsch6855]

Felt the same. They all look so cheap compared to those Matt showed us in the European windows video.

[@fritz4345]

Absolutely. Windows in Germany have been a LOT better for the last 50 years. There is no comparison, when it comes to insulation and the opening mechanism.

[@pablomax3045]

@R L You'd be hard pressed to get a nice door in Germans for 1800. In plastic maybe. A decent looking door from aluminum will be at least 3k€. For a nice door, with install figure on paying 10k. Even though "home depot" home stores here, you'll pay 8 to 10k. Unless you have no side windows or such, then it's a bit less. Ending up getting one from Poland for 7K. Same door was 14k in Germany.

[@altergreenhorn]

@@pablomax3045 You are partially correct however EU plastic is different material as the US, cant compare to the US one. To be clear you can buy a shity doors/windows in the EU, but most of them are decent for the EU standard or exelent from the US point of view.

[@jessicat3951]

Not just the quality, but the operators and hardware are janky and overly complicated and prone to failure in the USA. Even the good window manufacturers use those little hampster wheel crank mechanisms. 🙈

[@leighcollier6384]

bro I know theses people soooo well

[@jjansen987]

The Anderson windows are almost $1000 apiece

[@ferggill9461]

I didn't notice the eye until you said it

[@augustreil]

5 minutes and done !!

[@karendoyle7999]

Wow, this was such a great video! Sorry your puppy punched you in the face.

[@teddickert3902]

Only one with thermal break?