Window Installer
Has anyone worked with Westsidewindows? I received an estimate on replacement windows, but in doing research on this site, I don’t see their company name listed as a company to do business with. They recommend using windows from a company named Crystal or Serious. Any thoughts?
Has anyone worked with Westsidewindows? I received an estimate on replacement windows, but in doing research on this site, I don’t see their company name listed as a company to do business with. They recommend using windows from a company named Crystal or Serious. Any thoughts?
Serious is a high end company from California that makes the most energy efficient windows available in the US – vinyl and fiberglass models, wood inside if you like. Canadian windows are ahead of them, and of course the European windows are what our 2014 window standards are going to be. Check out some of the passivhaus blogs, etc. for more info = and greenbuilding advisor has some great discussions.
Crystal is indeed a local company, and generally in the US, you can find pretty efficient vinyl windows because the DOE has launched a big effort to encourage triple pane windows inorder to lower their price – so check their u values, but be sure to get a visible transmitttance higher than 50. Look for a u value under .20. I know people here like Marvin, Pella etc, but they’re pretty inefficient compared to these others, have mixed reviews on performance and are much higher priced. I spent a lot of money on Andersons and Marvin in the past and still felt a breeze – grade b installation by Bay Ridge Windows, but that’s kind of the norm here.
I would suggest thinking carefully about what you’d like your windows to do for you and looking around. I find it odd that fiberglass windows are currently so rare on the east coast, but would guess they will become much more common given their efficiency, price and paintability (and no Pcvs.) I think I’m going with a mix of Serious and Inline (CA) (u value .08-12), but Accurate Dorwin (also CA)get great reviews as well.
Thanks guys. Westsidewindows office is on Dean St. I found them while driving around my neighborhood. The windows are for the back. They will be vinyl. I will tackle the front windows sometime in the fall. How long does it typically take Landmark to appove an application? Should I put one in now and hope it will be approved before the winter?
I hear great reviews about the folks at Windows We Are, in Bay Ridge. Might be an idea to call them and good luck.
As for the contractor recommending Crystal Windows. Crystal are located in Flushing, Qns. I think they are a good company, so long as what you are looking for are durable aluminum windows; not the first choice of many Brownstoners who prefer wood. Crystal windows have been in two commercial buildings that I have worked in and I have seen them in at least two manhattan residences. I would have used them in my own house, but the contractor/friend who did my windows with me recommended another brand (I am sorry I did not go with the Crystal).
A lot of people will say do not put aluminum windows in as it transmits cold. I do believe Crystal windows have a thermal block between the inner and outer pieces of aluminum. Maybe they have vinyl windows now as well?
Steve
If they are custom made and not stock sized windows, I’d be very worried about who was taking the measurements. They also must be installed properly. The best quality windows for the money installed properly is your goal. Failure in either area will leave unhappy with the job.
Window replacement is a relatively low skilled task. There are lots of installers so you shouldn’t expect more than a fraction to be listed on this site. Most of the money goes to the window factory so worry more about the manufacturer than the installer.
I don’t remember hearing those names mentioned on this site. Are these vinyl windows? Marvin and Anderson are the most mentioned high end windows. They both offer custom made wooden or aluminum clad wooden windows. Vinyl windows don’t seem to have to fans here. Also, they can’t be used as replacement windows for the fronts of landmarked homes.