Need advice on replacement windows (solid vinyl only)

[Jess from VA]

This is an offshoot of my earlier yellow jacket thread.

Sometime in the 1990's, I got all new vinyl siding with underlayment, windows, dress shutters, and gutters/covers.

The siding and windows were all Certain Teed brand name.  I could not have been happier with these windows: 100% vinyl, double pane, argon gas filled, thermaflect coating.

And my installer was a master craftsman who gave me a list of some 50 homes he had done, and I drove around and looked at some (some really high end too).  He's now gone or dead.

I've been very happy, but 30 years later (+/-), a couple of my windows need replaced.  One got hit with a big branch out of a tree, which didn't break it, but it no longer can open or close.  Another one or two are so sticky, I worry if I get one open I'll never get it closed again, or I'll break it trying.  And finally I have one big picture window in front that never opened, but the air got inside the two panes and it's cloudy/dirty inside.

Certain Teed, nor any of its past network of franchise-licensed fabrication partners, no longer manufacture CertainTeed brand windows.  The business assets were sold in 2007 and since that time all brands are now obsolete.

Now there was a limited lifetime warranty that I might still be able to use (for windows, not labor to install), but I don't care about that.

I'm looking for advice on which 100% vinyl replacement windows to use for the several that need replacing.  Pella may be good, but they're wood and overproced.   Don't really want fiberglass either.  

Any advice or help?  (before I start calling people and they start the hard sell on me)  

[f6john]

Windows have turned into the biggest rip off in the home improvement industry. I have some I need to replace which are original to my house but were builder grade when installed new. I'm looking myself and have yet to make a choice I could feel comfortable about. As you may or may not have discovered, information that you can trust is hard to come by.

[LadyDraco]

Our house  came  with Andersons , And  they are  still great !

And  this  is  odd as  my Folks  had  Andersons  in their  place and  Anderson was for  ever coming to replace   the  life time  guarantee windows..

[Jess from VA]

Windows have turned into the biggest rip off in the home improvement industry.

This I didn't know.  

Well sir, please keep me in the loop in your search.   I'm in no hurry.  

The couple of stuck ones and the hazy picture window are irritating, but I've been living with them a long time.  

My original installer was a real wizard and craftsman, but he cannot be found.

[Jess from VA]

Our house  came  with Andersons , And  they are  still great !

And  this  is  odd as  my Folks  had  Andersons  in their  place and  Anderson was for  ever coming to replace   the  life time  guarantee windows..

Anderson is a name you hear about all the time.

That they honor their warranty is great, but that you may need a warranty repeatedly is worrisome. 

[Slyk Willy]

You said ALL vinyl so you've ruled out the vinyl clad wood windows, so Andersen is not an option.
Jeld Wen has a good vinyl window as does American Craftsman (70 series) both can be had at Home Depot.  HD also has an installed window that is excellent, you'll still have a person coming to your home, but my experience is they aren't the sharks that many others use (Hanson, renewal, etc.)
I'm sure other box stores have good vinyl windows too, but I'm not familiar with them.
If you have a contractor in mind to install them for you, get his advise since he will have to live with your decision. 

[Farside]

 Check out "New South Windows" I believe they are offer a special too. Great windows

[LadyDraco]

Our house  came  with Andersons , And  they are  still great !

And  this  is  odd as  my Folks  had  Andersons  in their  place and  Anderson was for  ever coming to replace   the  life time  guarantee windows..

Anderson is a name you hear about all the time.

That they honor their warranty is great, but that you may need a warranty repeatedly is worrisome. 

That was my folks  house  in PA.

The  windows  here  are  from the late 70's  and  they are  a ok..
SO maybe  my folks  just had  a  very bad  batch. Plus they  were  very fancy  kind.

The  ones  here  are  just normal windows  nothing fancy..
Maybe  that is  the  huge  difference.

[da prez]

  If you have a Lowe's near you , they usually have three different models. Lowe's does not upcharge for special order ,Home depot does.  Shop and ask. Menards has the best door prices as they bought the door manufacturer . Jelden is a good brand. Ask for warranty info in writing with specifics. I have installed most all brands thru the years. A flanged window is for new construction.
                 Good luck.

                                             da prez

[Jess from VA]

If you have a contractor in mind to install them for you, get his advise since he will have to live with your decision. 

Of course this is excellent advice.  I do not have an installer/contractor in mind.  I have a journeyman carpenter, but don't know if he does windows.  I will try to use my good old boy network to find the right installer locally.  And I would defer to him on window choice, but I was still trying to get an idea of the best  vinyl windows beforehand.

And Ross, I think Lowe's may be the way to go for me.  Thanks.

[da prez]

  BTW , those window replacement companies on TV (basically) use a sawzall to remove old window and glue in the
replacement. Most windows I have worked on had rotted frames.  There is always a short cut , but it will bite your butt when you least expect it.
  Please be sure to get a detailed installation contract . A vague contract is rough toilet paper. 

                                                   da prez

[h13man]

Look for vinyl window maker in your area that will do custom sizes. Bee Window is one of our local suppliers. You can pull the indoor trim to get the exact size rough opening will allow you to shop sizes before coming to the decision on manufacture. There's a few homestore outlets that have vinyl windows out the wazoo also. Get some trusted pals to help install as windows are relatively easy to install IMPO.

[Jess from VA]

  BTW , those window replacement companies on TV (basically) use a sawzall to remove old window and glue in the replacement. Most windows I have worked on had rotted frames.  There is always a short cut , but it will bite your butt when you least expect it.  Please be sure to get a detailed installation contract.  A vague contract is rough toilet paper. 

                                                   da prez

The guys that put my windows in 30 odd years ago did just that.  Sawzalled out and collapsed the old wood ones, used best rubber sealant and installed new vinyl ones.  Did every window in the house in one day.

The company owner talked me into using a single unit (big picture window center, with a narrow slider  on each side, which sold as a single window, instead of the center picture with two small double hungs on each side, which would be 3 windows).   And the same deal for my dining room (a single big double slider window, instead of 2 double hungs separated by 6 inches of wall).  He told me they would offer better function, and I would only be buying 2 windows, instead of 5.   And I've always been happy with that choice.

Except now the front picture window has let air/humidity get between the two panes, and I don't suppose I can just get the center picture window replaced with the 2 narrow sliders on each side (which remain perfect).... ie, I'll probably have to replace the single unit picture with slider on each side as an entire unit to get a new clear picture window. 

I wish there was some way I could get in and clean the inside of that big double pane picture window.   There's always nice shear curtains across it for privacy from the street and sidewalk into my living room, but in daylight it's actually very hard to see into the house from out there at all (with the thermaflect window coating). 

Now contracts I know.  But my experience is that it's better to work hard up front to get good quality products and workmen who get it right the first time, than have to fall back on a contract claim (in or out of court). 

Thanks for the advice/discussion Ross.   

[da prez]

  Thin ice here. I heard of a technique that is supposed to reseal thermo pane windows.  I have never seen it done or the results.
  We have had several window glass replacements when the seals leaked. It was about a quarter of the coat of total replacement.
There are so many routes to go , you can get lost in the home!

                                          da prez

[JimmyG]

Jess,  I have had the habit of buying and building, and doing add ons my entire life. My dad was a carpenter and I got the DNA I guess.  BUT, be that as it may, I have a long time friend who is a vinyl siding and window contractor.  When I built my last house, that I still live in, I had him install the windows. We talked a lot about this and he told me, all windows are custom made. He said it doesn't matter what size they are. so he measured my window openings and said, I'll have them in a couple weeks.  I don't remember the window name, but they are very good windows. They have been in for a little over ten years and look new and work like new.   My point is, befriend a window installer and he will fix you up. Forget the big advertisers, like some have said, you will pay in the end for their work, it is shoddy.

[Jess from VA]

My point is, befriend a window installer and he will fix you up.  Forget the big advertisers,

I couldn't agree more Jimmy.  The small company guy who did my windows and siding (some 25 years ago) was a real master craftsman.

I found his business card, and it says.... OUR 23d YEAR which adds up to 48 years today.  The number on that card is now disconnected.

I searched my ass off on line, an found one outfit under his name locally, and the business address is a home in my general area.  I'm thinking my original installer is retired or dead, and this may be a son with the same name.  I'll wait until the work week and call. 

If I have no luck, and go with some outfit like Lowe's, I think I will pick one small double hung that needs replaced and just have them do that one window as a dry run to observe quality and craftsmanship and cost.  And IF they pass the test, only then give them the rest of the work.

[Jess from VA]

Thin ice here. I heard of a technique that is supposed to reseal thermo pane windows.  I have never seen it done or the results. 
                                          da prez

Ross, I looked this up and it's pretty tricky with drilling holes in the top and bottom of the window.

But it has one step I had already considered; using a heat gun or blow dryer (and to do it from the outside), to try and dry up internal condensation.

I never used a heat gun, and own no blow dryer anymore (for a long time), but as a temporary fix and experiment, I'm kind of curious what kind of quick fix I might get from cooking the humidity out of there.  The window is not all that occluded, and most is in the bottom half.

[Hook#3287]

I see a lot of replacement window jobs in my work.

There's complete replacement and there's just sash replacement.

I don't pay much attention to the windows themselves, as by code, windows are required to meet specific u-rating to be available in my state.

I do see some outrageously ridiculous prices, with the most expensive, in general, being Renewal by Andersen.  These are complete replacement, including frames, which is the best way to go.

I understand their product is excellent and I've never had any complaint of quality in the windows or the installation.  But the price will make your head spin.  I can't see how spending ten's of thousands of dollars on windows will ever be recouped in a lifetime and my real estate experience taught me you won't get the investment back when selling.

Lowe's has some of the most reasonable pricing I've seen.  They qualify their contractors pretty well.

It's almost impossible to compare "Apples to Apples" when buying windows with all the proprietary systems the different companies push.

If I was in the market for replacement windows, I would do the research on the different types, check out suggestions from any local lumber yards and both large box stores, talk with several "Window Guys" or companies and ALWAYS check for licenses and insurance.

Ask for and check reverences, all of them.

Ask alot of questions before signing any contract. You might even ask if at least one installer will speak
competent English.

You want info on what insulation they use, what trim will be used, how the exterior is made weather tight and what happens if there is structural issues.  Warranties and guaranties vary greatly.

It's work, but if you don't do it and get taken, you'll piss yourself off every time you look out a window.

[Hook#3287]

Thin ice here. I heard of a technique that is supposed to reseal thermo pane windows.  I have never seen it done or the results. 
                                          da prez

Ross, I looked this up and it's pretty tricky with drilling holes in the top and bottom of the window.

But it has one step I had already considered; using a heat gun or blow dryer (and to do it from the outside), to try and dry up internal condensation.

I never used a heat gun, and own no blow dryer anymore (for a long time), but as a temporary fix and experiment, I'm kind of curious what kind of quick fix I might get from cooking the humidity out of there.  The window is not all that occluded, and most is in the bottom half.

I've never heard of this remedy.  My question would be, even if you got the moisture out, what keeps it out?

Double pane windows have a vacuum between them preventing moisture build up, once lost, moisture moves in.

[Jess from VA]

I really thank you for taking the time for the complete tutorial Bill. 

On the cleanout of an existing window, I did not discuss all the steps.  After the cleanout, you seal the drilled holes, and draw a vacuum.  I don't remember if they pump in new argon (or something).

I wouldn't do this, I just mentioned the part about heating the moisture out of the window (one step of many).

If I can't find my old installer (or his local family company), then I'll probably talk to Lowe's.

[Hook#3287]

Jess, that remedy, if it works, might be the way to go.

But, I wonder how they find or repair the original reason the window lost vacuum.

[Jersey mike]

I'm short on time so some fast info.

I've been servicing homeowners for most of my life as a glazier. Certainteed windows were excellent windows, I have them in my house.

When looking at and comparing different manufacturers, be sure to pay attention to the quality and gauge of the vinyl, you want something sturdy and durable. Also look at the hardware, typically the slides on top which release the window to drop in and be cleaned as well as what type of balances are used.

The Certainteed (and many like them) used coiled steel springs which screw mount to the frame and attach window sash. If you open your window and fold it in you'll see the springs. It will look like a small plastic block.

You want heat welded corners too. If you notice on your Certainteed windows you should see a moulding/weatherstrip on the outside, this style is my recommendation, it allows for easy access to the insulated glass unit for replacement.

The windows that don't go up too easy, it's very possible the spring balances are frozen. Tilt the window in give them a small dose of WD-40, there's one on each side and try working them up and down very easily at first. Replacing the spring balance is pretty simple. I'll link below a company that sells them.

As for the picture window that's getting foggy, you'll need to call a local glass company to replace just the insulated unit. Trying to defog it is not an easy task and can lead to huge disappointment if the glass breaks. This is an involved process and in the end there is no guarantee it will last.

Usually how this happens is the adhesive which bonds the glass to the band in the middle goes bad and starts to release which allows additional air into the unit. The band has a desiccant incorporated in it to absorb any natural moisture which can happen from heating/cooling cycles...direct sun to shade...exterior/interior temperature differences and so on.

This company sells to the public I believe.

https://www.swisco.com/srch?q=certainteed+window+parts

Getting back to the original topic which to choose from. Many window companies come and go and many have poached design styles. Jen weld has been around forever it seems but, there are good window manufacturers which can be local but it takes time to shop and compare.

My dad who started our glass company and was a DIY'er even had a local company come and replace all the windows in his house decades ago and they had a very nice product...and yes unless you walk into a big box store and pull a window out of stock, replacement windows can be measured and fabricated to fit your exact opening.

Hope this helps...and BTW I hate Pella windows and would recommend Andersen any day of the week, but I have no thoughts on The Replacement by Andersen as I haven worked on any of those yet.

[Jess from VA]

Thank you Mike for the excellent information.   

I have so many things going on, my window troubles (just a couple) are on the back burner for now.

What I'd like more than anything, is to just get an expert to come by and look my trouble spots over, maybe fix/repair any simple fix sticky windows on the spot, and give me recommendations for repair or replacement on one or two bigger jobs. 

I'm not without skills (or patience), but the worry that I will break or end up with a window that simply will not close back up again, has me afraid to try my hand at even simple repairs.

Also, in my single installed widow unit with picture center and smaller sliders on each side, were you saying in your post that the center picture window could be replaced (but not the side sliders)? 

Jersey isn't far from NoVA, if you happen to be traveling down this way any time, I'd happily pay you for your help-advice-assistance.   

[cookiedough]

Not saying they are the best, but got 3-4 estimates somewhat local from contractors within 50 miles of my house, and ended up getting Ultimate 2000 all vinyl windows with lifetime warranty to original owner.  One thing I do NOT recommend, which I did for only about 50 bucks more per window, is go TRIPLE glass pane windows vs. just double paned.  4 to 5 of my windows, the argon gas leaked out and clouded a few spots getting them replaced for free of course, but is not worth the hastle since I think triple paned is more susceptible to leaking gas vs. just double paned windows, from my experience anyways.

It was NOT cheap, about 500 bucks per window replaced and did not do the patio sliding door since at the time wanted 1500 bucks to replace that.  I will NEVER go wood again do NOT last prefer go all vinyl and ONLY with a local installer with reputable company that will be in business some 20+ years later to stand behind the lifetime warranty.

[Jersey mike]

Thank you Mike for the excellent information.   

I have so many things going on, my window troubles (just a couple) are on the back burner for now.

What I'd like more than anything, is to just get an expert to come by and look my trouble spots over, maybe fix/repair any simple fix sticky windows on the spot, and give me recommendations for repair or replacement on one or two bigger jobs. 

I'm not without skills (or patience), but the worry that I will break or end up with a window that simply will not close back up again, has me afraid to try my hand at even simple repairs.

Also, in my single installed widow unit with picture center and smaller sliders on each side, were you saying in your post that the center picture window could be replaced (but not the side sliders)? 

Jersey isn't far from NoVA, if you happen to be traveling down this way any time, I'd happily pay you for your help-advice-assistance.   

No problem glad I could help a bit. The springs which hold the window I referred to operate just like a tape measure. When the window is closed, the flat coil is fully retracted and when the window is open it's fully extended.

I guess I missed the sliders adjacent to the picture window. Virtually any window can have just the glass replaced if they are fogged too. If you're asking if they can be replaced, yes they can...or should be provided they are separate from the picture window and it's not an all incorporated unit meaning the sliders do no attach directly to the picture window.

As much as I hate Google and Facebook, this is where Google reviews, Angie's, Facebook and Yelp may be of service in finding a good glass company as well as in person appointments at your house with perspective service techs. Definitely use a company with a history and a brick and mortar business but I'm guessing there may be "handyman" individuals who have experience in this.

[Jersey mike]

Not saying they are the best, but got 3-4 estimates somewhat local from contractors within 50 miles of my house, and ended up getting Ultimate 2000 all vinyl windows with lifetime warranty to original owner.  One thing I do NOT recommend, which I did for only about 50 bucks more per window, is go TRIPLE glass pane windows vs. just double paned.  4 to 5 of my windows, the argon gas leaked out and clouded a few spots getting them replaced for free of course, but is not worth the hastle since I think triple paned is more susceptible to leaking gas vs. just double paned windows, from my experience anyways.

It was NOT cheap, about 500 bucks per window replaced and did not do the patio sliding door since at the time wanted 1500 bucks to replace that.  I will NEVER go wood again do NOT last prefer go all vinyl and ONLY with a local installer with reputable company that will be in business some 20+ years later to stand behind the lifetime warranty.

Triple glazed windows are pretty much a waste and a marketing tool however it does help with noise reduction. Often times the glass is too heavy for the balances over time especially if the windows are opened, left open and closed too often...wear and tear plus the more layers the more of a chance a seal will go bad effectively ruining the insulated unit.

[Jess from VA]

OK, I'm just back from visiting both Lowes and Home Depot.

Both told me the same thing.  We will send out a guy to measure your windows and he will be a salesman to explain the different window models and costs of windows and installation.  The next guys that come to your house will be the installers with your new windows.

Well I want a window expert to come to my house and look over my 3 problem windows.  There's a reasonable possibility that my 2 double hungs might be repaired (and not replaced).  Repair of the big leaky picture window might also be possible, but that is less likely.

If I need new windows, fine.  But I do not want to just assume I need them, especially when it may be $1000 for each double hung installed (and a lot more for the picture window).  

Both Lowes and Home Depot say... we don't inspect and maybe repair, we measure and replace.

And both also told me... BTW, there may be a half dozen guys or outfits sitting out in our parking lot right now that do all manner of work, including windows, but you are on your own picking any of them for work, and if something goes wrong, good luck.  

I have had no luck at all in finding my old master craftsman that did all my work 25 years ago.  I have tried tapping my local friends/sources for some advice on who I might get to do me a first class inspection and possible repair... before automatically replacing anything.

I'm reluctant to just use the yellow pages or Angie's List or some other random chance selection.  

The search will continue.  What a PITA.

Jersey Mike, as the resident window (glazier) expert, any more advice? 

[da prez]

  I have a window repair company that will just replace the glass.  Another option , and maybe they will know good installers.

                                                 da prez

[cookiedough]

well out of the blue, last week guys knocked on my door to get a guy come out if need new windows or bath shower, etc.    So, today,  Mad City Windows and Bath came out and gave me 2 estimates.    This company advertises on TV all the time.

Basic vinyl triple paned normal sized patio door they wanted to install and replace any rotted wood and do the trim with vinyl wrapped in aluminum would be 10,500 bucks.  HUH??     I guess you pay for the lifetime warranty thru the nose?

Gets better, a basic fiberglass tub/shower surround since my fiberglass one has a hairline crack on the floor and 30 years old,  wanted 12,500 bucks and ONLY comes with 10 year warranty, not lifetime at that price.  HUH???    I told him I would think about it.

anyone else thinks 22500 bucks is a tad bit much???   

[Robert]

Our house  came  with Andersons , And  they are  still great !

Agreed on this, with the thermal barrier for energy savings they are about the best.

[Jersey mike]

OK, I'm just back from visiting both Lowes and Home Depot.

Both told me the same thing.  We will send out a guy to measure your windows and he will be a salesman to explain the different window models and costs of windows and installation.  The next guys that come to your house will be the installers with your new windows.

Well I want a window expert to come to my house and look over my 3 problem windows.  There's a reasonable possibility that my 2 double hungs might be repaired (and not replaced).  Repair of the big leaky picture window might also be possible, but that is less likely.

If I need new windows, fine.  But I do not want to just assume I need them, especially when it may be $1000 for each double hung installed (and a lot more for the picture window).  

Both Lowes and Home Depot say... we don't inspect and maybe repair, we measure and replace.

And both also told me... BTW, there may be a half dozen guys or outfits sitting out in our parking lot right now that do all manner of work, including windows, but you are on your own picking any of them for work, and if something goes wrong, good luck.  

I have had no luck at all in finding my old master craftsman that did all my work 25 years ago.  I have tried tapping my local friends/sources for some advice on who I might get to do me a first class inspection and possible repair... before automatically replacing anything.

I'm reluctant to just use the yellow pages or Angie's List or some other random chance selection.  

The search will continue.  What a PITA.

Jersey Mike, as the resident window (glazier) expert, any more advice? 

Do you have any listings in your area for a glass company, a local glass shop? If so, you may be able to walk in, possibly speak with the owner/boss and explain in detail what your issue is and what your concerns are.

If that option exists, the boss should know how to proceed and whether he himself comes to your house or if he sends one of his employees/mechanics to measure that would be up to them.

Take some photos of the windows in question and some notes for each section so you can go through each one with the owner/boss or whomever you speak with.

In our area, pretty much all the glass shops have a brick/morter store with some sort of showroom and front desk service.

Unfortunately we were just in Virginia 2 weekends ago visiting my son and his girlfriend. They now live in Arlington. They will be here in NJ in May, my youngest graduates grad school in Boston mid May. We're planning a grad party for her in June so oir next visit back to Va. isn't until August/September most likely.

[Jess from VA]

I have a window repair company that will just replace the glass.  Another option, and maybe they will know good installers.

                                                da prez

My trouble windows have great glass Ross (and sealed gas between panes), it's the internal hanging, sliding, mounting mechanisms that have problems.  And I'm hoping might be repaired, rather than spendy and unnecessary full replacement.  

I have been pouring over Angie's List and Home Advisor and Yelp this morning.  If there weren't a hundred local outfits it might be easier to choose one.

I'm going to continue to try and use the Good Old Boy network (friends, neighbors, other tradesmen I've used and trusted) to find someone or some company.

Something else I've discovered in my own inspections;  a number of my double hung windows have the inside window-to-frame caulk receding around (only) the bottom and few inches up both sides.  The cracks are small, and not a lot of air is coming in, but the high winds and cold of late do get in a bit.  And I can fix those problems myself.

Do you have any listings in your area for a glass company, a local glass shop?   

Thanks for the reply Mike.  As I said above, there are a hundred or more local glass outfits, each of whom is able to post a few favorable reviews, so trying to pick one is a crap shoot. 

Pictures are trouble, the problems are the internal mounts/slides/springs (not glass or seals), and I'm afraid to open them anymore as I may not be able to get them closed again.

[da prez]

  Just ab FYI , when ever we installed a tub , shower etc , we would put a mortar mix after verifying the fit , under the floor. It was a best guess estimate.   Even a cheap tub would last as the floor would not flex.

                                                da prez

[Farside]

We had damage from a tornado a couple years ago. My wife researched a technique called Glazing.She found someone who did this saving us some big dollars. The windows weren't going to match cause only 3 of the 8 had the damage, the 1st pain broken not the second. Insurance company had found similar windows but still not a match so the wife got busy and now all the windows still match. Good luck on your job.   

[fudgie]

I put Atrium windows in my house. All vinyl. I've put in a lot of Andersons and pella windows in but Atrium seems to work better. They are not a cheap window but cheaper then Anderson. If you go with Anderson be sure to get a higher series window. Don't go with the 100 series. Them are cheap.

[Jess from VA]

After 2 (trusted) people recommended them, I visited a local Virginia solid vinyl window manufacturer today.  They have a factory and a great big showroom.  In business since the 70's.  I'd never heard of them.  Only 7 miles from my house, and right past the Ft Belvior Davidson Army airfield (choppers).  

A very good product and a very good price for all 3, installed.  And I got top of the line service and every question answered, and shown all their products.

But I still can't find anyone to look at my existing CertainTeed windows and tell me if any are simply repairable.  The VA company will only repair their own windows (which I understand).

No one I have talked to, friends, neighbors, carpenters, window people can recommend me a window repair guy.  I remain reluctant to just pic some random name off a list on the internet.

I may just get new windows (and be done with it) (it's only money).  At least if there's any trouble, the company is 7 miles down the road.  The 2 that recommended them, have never had any trouble at all.

No one is interested in window pictures, so here's Ft Belvior Davidson Airfield.  These guys go right over my house from time to time.  Mostly in daylight but occasionally late at night which can be a bit startling.

[Hook#3287]

Jess, that's a cool pic. Love to see that in person.

Have you tried contacting CertainTedd directly?

Some companies have lists of vetted contractors.

[Jess from VA]

Have you tried contacting CertainTeed directly?

No I haven't; they've been out of the widow business since around 2007 or so. 

[cookiedough]

blew away this Saturday morning with 3 other companies estimates on patio door between 6 and 7.5K is better than 10K, but still seems high.  bathroom tub surround got better as well from over 12K to 8K, other was 11K, still seems INSANE pricing.

All are big box chain companies so skipping them going to start calling local companies nearby that will not try to rip me off.  All 3 had sales pitch guys bragging up their companies blabbered for over 1 hour on how 'great' their company was.    3rd guy on bathtub surround was about ready to kick his keester out of my house he would NOT leave without sale.  He walked out of my garage whinning he will have to go home to his wife saying he did not make any money today. 

The first one though was by far the worse going from 12K down to tad over 7K kept knocking off pricing for the patio door.  How stupid can one be saying full msrp is 12K but giving 5K off discount, whatever.  Just give me price of basic size lifetime warranty all vinyl patio door quote should ONLY take 30 minutes tops.

All 4 seen are off my call back list.  there has to be some smaller local company willing to be honest and straight with us.

[da prez]

  I did  a patio door about 5 years ago. Her quote was $9000.00.  They said they would beat anyone's price by a hundred dollars. I wrote up the quote at around $4200 including the door and haul away.
  I told her to call them . They said I could never do the job at that price. They never returned her second call.
It took me about three hours with clean up. It was an easy install.  Not all go that way.

   I did another job for a home sale. Door wouldn't slide. Forget her quote. Door was junk they said. 
  I replaced the rollers. T/M was $125.00. I pocketed $110.00 for an hour.

                                             da prez