Okna or Interstate replacement windows (vs Pella, Andersen or Marvin)

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have experience with these brands and/ pr specific replacement windows:
- Okna Envirostar or 800 series
- CompositWood by Interstate

How do the compare to Pella, Andersen or Marvin? TIA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have experience with these brands and/ pr specific replacement windows:
- Okna Envirostar or 800 series
- CompositWood by Interstate

How do the compare to Pella, Andersen or Marvin? TIA

I went with Okna Envirostar for the whole house, about 30 windows, and I'm happy 2 years in. Pella was way more expensive, and didn't seem much (if any) better.

[Anonymous]

I went with Okna 500 series about 4 years ago and haven't had a single issue. They also have a lifetime transferable warranty to the next homeowner. Very happy with them.

I also did a lot of reading on this website prior to purchasing:

http://www.vinyl-replacement-windows.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=3d6a0af02da11eb3d350999146bdc7c9

[Anonymous]

You haven't asked, but stay away from Jeld Wen windows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You haven't asked, but stay away from Jeld Wen windows.

Why? Jeld-Wen have a very good reputation.

[Anonymous]

I have builder installed Jeld Wen windows in my 12 year old house and have replaced more than half of them due to the seals breaking and condensation forming between the panes.
Jeld Wen used to come out for free to replace them, but now they charge a service fee of something like $100 per window replacement.

[Anonymous]

We swapped our old 1960's windows with okna 800/envirostar earlier this year. Really solid windows. I'm an engineer and did LOTS of spec research on the available options in vinyl and fiberglass. I'd trust Okna 500/800, Sunrise (mid and high tier), or Softlite high end line. Make sure vinyl fits with your neighborhood.
Be sure to get the sash reinforcement option. It doesn't add much and will result in a more robust window especially for wider openings. Don't waste your money on triple pane. Double pane is fine for this area. Put high heat gain glass on the north face of your house and low-e coatings on south exposure windows.
Most importantly, pick a reputable installer. Since your considering Okna, I'm pretty sure I know the dealer you've contacted (the one in VA is good, the one in MD not so great IMO).

Also, get 3 quotes and negotiate. When I told the other 2 suppliers they didn't get the job, they immediately cut 2.5k off the quote. Haggle for any extra options.

I expect so good ol' DCUM vitriol about vinyl. But the truth is not all vinyl windows are equal. Not by a long shot. I wouldn't put them in a historic home, but for many homes in DC area they are just fine and attractive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We swapped our old 1960's windows with okna 800/envirostar earlier this year. Really solid windows. I'm an engineer and did LOTS of spec research on the available options in vinyl and fiberglass. I'd trust Okna 500/800, Sunrise (mid and high tier), or Softlite high end line. Make sure vinyl fits with your neighborhood.
Be sure to get the sash reinforcement option. It doesn't add much and will result in a more robust window especially for wider openings. Don't waste your money on triple pane. Double pane is fine for this area. Put high heat gain glass on the north face of your house and low-e coatings on south exposure windows.
Most importantly, pick a reputable installer. Since your considering Okna, I'm pretty sure I know the dealer you've contacted (the one in VA is good, the one in MD not so great IMO).

Also, get 3 quotes and negotiate. When I told the other 2 suppliers they didn't get the job, they immediately cut 2.5k off the quote. Haggle for any extra options.

I expect so good ol' DCUM vitriol about vinyl. But the truth is not all vinyl windows are equal. Not by a long shot. I wouldn't put them in a historic home, but for many homes in DC area they are just fine and attractive.

Most of the homes in the DC area are not historic, just old.

[Anonymous]

If I had to go with any brand or recommend you, it would be Pella. I just love them. I am not saying that Okna is not good. It's just me that I like thema lot. I replaced my old pane windows which were old for more than 14 years. I indeed had to change the interior and make my home decor enchanting. But before, I replaced them, I did a lot of research regarding energy efficient windows. Therefore, I got some information from value windows and doors and I decided to go for Pella as they have a good reputation in the market.

[Anonymous]

The advice I will give you is make sure any windows that are supposed to tilt open for easy cleaning do so without springing out of the frames when tilting. I don't know what kind we have (we upgraded when building) but they suck rocks in this regard. I went with Pella french doors though and it's been 12 years and am not disappointed.

[Anonymous]

We are interested in the Okna 800 but don't know which company to use. What have you heard about the MD company?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We swapped our old 1960's windows with okna 800/envirostar earlier this year. Really solid windows. I'm an engineer and did LOTS of spec research on the available options in vinyl and fiberglass. I'd trust Okna 500/800, Sunrise (mid and high tier), or Softlite high end line. Make sure vinyl fits with your neighborhood.
Be sure to get the sash reinforcement option. It doesn't add much and will result in a more robust window especially for wider openings. Don't waste your money on triple pane. Double pane is fine for this area. Put high heat gain glass on the north face of your house and low-e coatings on south exposure windows.
Most importantly, pick a reputable installer. Since your considering Okna, I'm pretty sure I know the dealer you've contacted (the one in VA is good, the one in MD not so great IMO).

Also, get 3 quotes and negotiate. When I told the other 2 suppliers they didn't get the job, they immediately cut 2.5k off the quote. Haggle for any extra options.

I expect so good ol' DCUM vitriol about vinyl. But the truth is not all vinyl windows are equal. Not by a long shot. I wouldn't put them in a historic home, but for many homes in DC area they are just fine and attractive.

What is wrong with the Md. Company?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We swapped our old 1960's windows with okna 800/envirostar earlier this year. Really solid windows. I'm an engineer and did LOTS of spec research on the available options in vinyl and fiberglass. I'd trust Okna 500/800, Sunrise (mid and high tier), or Softlite high end line. Make sure vinyl fits with your neighborhood.
Be sure to get the sash reinforcement option. It doesn't add much and will result in a more robust window especially for wider openings. Don't waste your money on triple pane. Double pane is fine for this area. Put high heat gain glass on the north face of your house and low-e coatings on south exposure windows.
Most importantly, pick a reputable installer. Since your considering Okna, I'm pretty sure I know the dealer you've contacted (the one in VA is good, the one in MD not so great IMO).

Also, get 3 quotes and negotiate. When I told the other 2 suppliers they didn't get the job, they immediately cut 2.5k off the quote. Haggle for any extra options.

I expect so good ol' DCUM vitriol about vinyl. But the truth is not all vinyl windows are equal. Not by a long shot. I wouldn't put them in a historic home, but for many homes in DC area they are just fine and attractive.

What is wrong with the Md. Company?

I had inquired about a quote for windows on a previous home and was spammed endlessly for over a year. I was pissed. They wouldn't remove me from their list! The salesman they sent insisted on presenting a hr powerpoint that still had placeholder text and conveyed next to nothing. We were young- I should've just thrown him out. I've learned they have since discontinued the spamming nonsense (or so they say). Perhaps they fired the salesman. who knows, maybe they've improved?