Most window manufacturers have a C, E and S class model per say . So milgards S class will be better than pellas entry level C class . That’s just what I’ve seen
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I don’t believe in FD anymore. I rather believe the issue is with float glass surfaces. In particular the tin surface. Windows that demonstrate a rough surface are usually more likely to scratch. Bottom line here is that the old FD theory is way too simple and incomplete. For example. Our experience has shown that problem surfaces can be very different. The sound we get from each window can be very different. But the FD theory would lead us to expect the sound should be very much the same. If it is not then why isn’t it? There are many questions that I can ask.
It is interesting that the different window manufacturers have different class models for their products. This is something that most people building a house wouldn’t take the time to learn. But it is definitely something that should be explained. Maybe a nonbiased door and window review?
Henry
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My list of manufacturers, from best to worst:
- Pella - they have plenty of designs that don’t include wackadoodle storm panels. But even their storms are typically not as bad as they seem. their screens tend to be brittle, though
- Marvin (except anything tempered)
- Jeldwen (neck and neck with Andersen- maybe they deserve to be lower)
- Andersen (they get down-voted due to their “low-maintenance” coatings, and spontaneous implosions)
- Old Castle
- Anything tempered by Marvin (that’s right. I’d rather clean Old Castle than tempered glass from Marvin. The FD is often visible to the naked eye, it’s that bad!)
- Any really cheap vinyl replacements.
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Thanx Alex and everyone else! We are definitely looking for a consensus of opinion here. For that we really need to keep this thread going. And keep it totally focused and specific as you guys are doing for me.
We are looking at two things. Mechanical quality (hinges, cranks, springs, etc.). Also the quality of the glass surface (both annealed and tempered). As I have stated in this thread with a couple of links, there are hundreds of float lines in the world, and hundreds of window manufacturers. There are also hundreds of insulating unit manufacturers too. This leaves us with the most popular to examine. Since a thorough exam of all of these would be very impractical! Even though the absolute best might be out there but very obscure.
Too bad we didn’t have some inside dirt so to speak. Or just a way to know which float lines, temperers, and IG Unit manufacturers the window makers use. I guess if we turned this into something really big we might get their attention. But then they might clam up. Best to be sneaky about it.
Henry
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I do several ccu each week and my favorites are Anderson because of the plastic (unless it has been on too long).
Jeldwen is nice glass, with rare issues on roughness.
Milgard sucks when it comes to tempered.
On the flip side, with regular cleans, Milgard is usually nice.
Pella of course is great.
Champion is usually great, but I think they are local.
Jeldwen is good until they’re about ten years old, then you start seeing the vinyl having issues like bleeding and breakdown.
Anderson is usually poor, especially on the inside because of the coating.
You may like the QUALITY of Marvin’s build but how has your experience been with their garbage tempered glass? Here in the north east the exterior sides of their frames break down, take in water, and the entire sash is junked.
Jeldwen tempered in my experience is always poor quality and can never be razored. Requires more $$ to clean effectively. My vote for decades of cleaning is Anderson
We should be brothers. Nice list.
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Yeah the glass sucks.
Sometimes I think the cheap window brands have better glass than the most expensive brands.
What do you guys say about the quality of the annealed, and tempered glass that Pella has? It seems that we have a consensus on Pella here for quality of build. But I am really curious about the quality of the glass surface. I am also wondering if we can find out exactly which float line they use for their glass. There is a Pella outlet right here in Portsmouth NH that I am going to talk with the next time I am in that town. Will let everyone know what I learn in this thread.
I told my customer (Mitch) that I would start this thread for him and sent him the link. So he has been reading everything you guys have been writing. I told him I would inspect whatever windows he chose for his new home “before” he bought them. Thanx again friends.
Henry
Anyone have any experience with Soft Lite?
Drill a hole and take a drink. Saves a trip to the truck!
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After cleaning windows for 37 years I have only seen that kind of problem a couple of times!
Henry
I’ve just been impressed with pellas. They might suck sometimes to clean but they work. If you have a problem with a latch or mechanism, call them. Sure you’ll pay for the fix, but who do you call for the other brands?
And I’ve never worried about using a razor on them. I’m still gentle but they’ve just been good to me as a cleaner.
Oh, except the old designer series. Screw that.
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