BobVila.com

Its been a while since your posting, but I'm assuming you haven't made your decision in fall for a winter replacement, so in case you return to the board, I'll tell you about my experiences with Renewal.

I purchased two doublehungs and 2 sliders from this company. They are miles above any vinyl window around. I purchased FULL FRAME windows, meaning that I was NOT using the snap in type kit, and because of differing sheathing situations on two different sides of the house (brick facing on one, vinyl siding on the other)I stipulated that mouldings (exterior) were in two different formats/styles (apron vs. picture frame).

First of all, I found the manufacturing of them to be just a bit dissappointing, the welds were adequate, but required some sanding, filling and refinishing. There were some bad "burrs" in the sliders that I have also had to address.

Secondly, it is a total waste of your money if you do NOT upgrade to the argon gas filled windows. Now, I have these windows in Northeastern Illinois (COLD --) on both Northern (BRRRR but never sees the sun) and Southern Exposures. I am very glad to have the uv and the argon on both exposures!.

Third, I found the installers to have literally zero skill with regards to installing interior window skirting and finishing the sill -- advice DO NOT allow them to install the trim. Have them leave it for you, just have them install the interior jam extension (red oak) and DO NOT let them nail anything on the interior.

First of all, they "slop" it in with wider than normal casing. Second, they are clueless about how to pinch a mitered corner, can't to block corners (victorian or federalist style) worth a darn, and will do nothing more than miter a bit of casing under the sill and call it an apron job, they are cluesless as far as that goes.

The windows themselves carry a two year installation warranty, and varying decreases in liability regarding the windows themselves over 5, 7 amd 10 years, depending on if you get the "replacement" windows or the full-frame replacement windows.

I was disappointed in the glass transfer temperature compared to solid wood vinyl sheathed regular andersen windows however.

If you do order the full frame replacements, specify for the snap in on site exterior trim (much easier to adjust before you fit in place).

Finally, there is NO SUCH THING as a SPECIAL order size with this line. They are all custom made to order, and especially if you have an older home with taller, skinner, odd windows, you'll find their prices very reasonable.

Personally I would only consider a full frame replacement, as anything less will be drafty and rather negate the reason for replacement in the first place.

Renewal