Replacement Windows in Bay Ridge
I’m looking to get some window work done by the end of the year to qualify for the tax credit. 2 family brick home in BR, with what I assume are roughly 20-25 year old aluminum windows that are getting to be impossible to open and aren’t the greatest air-leak wise. I had Windows We…
I’m looking to get some window work done by the end of the year to qualify for the tax credit. 2 family brick home in BR, with what I assume are roughly 20-25 year old aluminum windows that are getting to be impossible to open and aren’t the greatest air-leak wise.
I had Windows We Are out to give an estimate, and it was a fair price, but included Alside Sheffield windows, which after doing some internet snooping appear to be on the lower end of the quality spectrum for vinyl replacements.
Now I’m left with lots of questions. For vinyl, I hear Simonton is the way to go, but they don’t have any distributors/installers locally (nearest is about 20 miles out in Jersey). I thought about doing aluminum, and while I know the budget would grow by quite a bit, I’m not convinced the quality/durability would necessarily be there.
I searched the forums, people seem to have had good results with both Windows We Are and Lucky Window. I’d like to pick a local company, if only to support my neighborhood small businesses. At the same time, the list of windows that both support for vinyl replacements don’t inspire a lot of confidence when you start scouring the net for reviews.
So what I’m asking:
– If I picked a ‘good’ window in either vinyl or aluminum, is one better than the other in terms of durability and performance?
– What can I expect the longevity of these windows to be? 10 years? 20 years?
– Has anyone had the Alside Sheffield windows installed, and any comments/complaints?
Thanks for any advice, my head is spinning 🙁
Hadn’t heard of American Jewel or the installers you mentioned, thanks! I’ll look into them.
American Jewel makes a very good vinyl replacement window, and they are not that expensive. The company is located in Lodi NJ. The windows they make also qualify for the rebate. I know both Brooklyn Window and Door, and Window Palace are distributors.
we had windows we are install the alside windows- so far no complaints. They were installed in July.
The guy from the company said he has them in his house.
The WWA team was very professional and the windows look great.
I’ve had others recommend Windows We Are, so I’m not concerned with the company. I’m just a little disappointed by the selection of windows (and maybe that’s just me, maybe I’m giving too much credence in anonymous complaints over the Alside line of windows).
FWIW the aluminum triple-glazed windows I had installed in the late ’70s are still in very good shape. All that’s been needed has been the replacement of the spring balances on a few windows. However, the repair person who’s replaced the balances has told me that the reason that Marjo, the company that installed them, went out of business was that their windows, while better than most [which was also my assessment back then], were far more expensive than others [IIRC they averaged out to $420 each, which is the equivalent of about $1300, adjusted for inflation]. Nevertheless, I’d think that aluminum windows are more durable than vinyl.
My sister who lives on the UWS used Windows We Are and was very happy. She was having trouble getting someone in NYC and I live in Bay Ridge so recommended them. She they were pretty fast and reasonable.
Unfortunately we went with Bay Ridge Windows and Doors who weren’t terrible but they were not the most professional. Maybe it was an off day for them so you could try them because many people do like them.
I don’t know if it was just me, but if I was going to spam for a window distributor, I’d probably want to post something else every now and then just to try and look like I’m on the level.
I’m a stickler like that though.
I don’t think you are going to find an aluminum window that meets the requirements to get the tax rebate. In general if you compare two windows, with the same features – low e etc, the vinyl will be slightly better energy wise. For larger window openings aluminum is often chosen as it is stronger material and not prone to warping over time……….. Having gone through what you are doing now I can tell you it is absolutely mind boggling how many opinions/ratings/advice you are going to get that is usually contradictory. How the window is installed is very important and I think ultimately it is best to go with a local company that you feel confident with and has a good track record. Just my two cents
Tom Byrnes at builders distributor will be able to answer your questions and get you the best product for you money, and make sure your new windows will meet the requirement for a rebate.800 564 4206 approvedwindowsales.com