Thermal Windows, Anyone?

[Conan71]

Has anyone dealt with Thermal Windows?  I checked the archives and there's been scant discussion on them.  I'm looking to replace  single/double hung and sliders.  I've not heard anything negative about them thus far, but figured this is as good a clearinghouse on public opinion as any.

I've gotten three quotes, TW seems to be the only one who can do exactly what I want with colors.  They were actually priced about right in between my high and low bid.  The high quote was at least 25% higher and the lowest was about 30% less than TW.

Just curious if anyone has had issues with installation or the product itself.  I definitely felt the estimator/salesman was very low key.  I'd describe the others as somewhat "greasy".

[Wilbur]

I've used them on two houses and love them.  Hard to beat the life time warranty.

[Jonette]

I have a friend who used Window World and LOVED the people and the product. Check them out.
$189.00 per window is a great price.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by Jonette

I have a friend who used Window World and LOVED the people and the product. Check them out.
$189.00 per window is a great price.

Someone I know used WW and had similar things to say- very happy with the result.  

Unfortunately, they only offer a white, bone, or driftwood for colors in vinyl.  I'm trying to match up with some windows which had been replaced around 10 years ago, apparently it's a hard color to match now.

I also kind of like knowing I'm helping to keep people employed in Tulsa by buying from Thermal since they are built here as well.

Thanks for the feedback.  If WW could have done the color I needed, they likely would have gotten my business.

[Steve]

Make sure you understand exactly what is included in the price quote. Interior and exterior finishing/trim to be specific.  Often these outfits quote cheap prices on the actual windows, but it does not include interior/exterior trim work and insulation to properly finish the installation, and you are stuck paying big bucks for proper finished installation.  The lady that lives directly behind me got ripped off big time from Window World because of this.

[Wilbur]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

Has anyone dealt with Thermal Windows?  I checked the archives and there's been scant discussion on them.  I'm looking to replace  single/double hung and sliders.  I've not heard anything negative about them thus far, but figured this is as good a clearinghouse on public opinion as any.

I've gotten three quotes, TW seems to be the only one who can do exactly what I want with colors.  They were actually priced about right in between my high and low bid.  The high quote was at least 25% higher and the lowest was about 30% less than TW.

Just curious if anyone has had issues with installation or the product itself.  I definitely felt the estimator/salesman was very low key.  I'd describe the others as somewhat "greasy".

Get their aluminum windows with the barrier between the inside and the outside (the barrier keeps the heat from transferring into your house through the aluminum in the summer and keeps the cold out in the winter).  Your choice of the double or triple pane (I get the double).  For the most efficient, get the 'low e' glass and get the argon gas between the panes.  A little more expensive for all the options, but it's also a better window.

Everyone I personally know in the window business said to stay away from the vinyl windows in the Oklahoma heat.

[Conan71]

Wilbur, this is what's been quoted:

Ti low-e glass, argon, thermedge spacer, thermal barrier frames.

Someone had 7 or 8 of the windows done about 10 years ago in vinyl.  I'm tempted to replace those as well, but am going to hold off and use that tax credit another year.  Not that there is a whole lot (10% up to $200 for energy-star compliant).  This is all for a house we have a contract on, and there are other items of higher priority than replacing some windows which were more recently updated.  When that time comes, obviously, I'd go back to TW, assuming that's who we use.  I really can't find a reason not to so far.

[ARGUS]

Go w/ Thermal Windows...I have them in my house and have used them on commercial projects in the past.

[tshane250]

I had Thermal Windows installed in my house back in 2007 (14 total).  The installers did a great job and I love the windows.  They're much more energy efficient than what I had (the original lead weight wooden windows) and they provide great sound insulation.  The only drawback with them is that the color on the outside is the color on the inside, but that's not a big issue with me, especially considering most of my windows have blinds of some sort.

[sauerkraut]

TW are great. I'd go for it and I'd get them in aluminum like Wilber said. We had them at our Lake Huron Cottage and they keep out the draft and cold better than any other window. It's no fun to heat the outside.[]

[kimmyco]

Whatever you do, do NOT waste your money on vinyl windows.  When vinyl heats up, it warps and then you're in for a nightmare.

Aluminum or wood with aluminum clad is the smartest buy.  It will be more pricey at first but the smartest long term purchase for efficency and resale. Ask for John Batts at Thermal Windows.  He is a stand up person.

[jne]

OK, I have the same issue that Conan did. While I have quite a mix of windows in my home, I have some uniformity on one side.  I think the newer windows already there are vinyl (I'll make sure when I get home). They are on the West side of the house and seem to be holding up fine in some pretty brutal sun so far.  I need to match what I have.  I plan on calling Thermal Windows for quote soon.  Is vinyl really THAT bad?  Conan, did you ever get your windows done?

[Conan71]

JNE, I cancelled that contract. Ultimately, the house I bought in Lortondale already had Thermal Windows windows which was a major selling point. Hard to know what makes the biggest differnce, high eff heating/cooling or the windows but I'm happy with my utility bills.

[sgrizzle]

I heard Ther-mal Win-dows let quality shine through.

Out of town, call them collect!

[heironymouspasparagus]

Conan,
Both.  Heating/air probably has the edge, but dual pane windows halve the heat loss through a window.  Triple, thirds it, etc.  You don't really get an R value from a window, but can cut the losses.