Window replacement questions: residential

[AttackOfTheClones]

Hello

Looking for real life experience feedback (not a link) from anyone who has installed or replaced windows with 'noise-reducing' windows

~ Dissimilar ? (two difference pane thicknesses)
~ Offset ?
~ triple-pane vs double pane ?
~Vinyl, Fiberglass, or wood w/ aluminum clad ?

This application is for western exposure (fiberglass frames may become brittle over time) and moderate traffic noise

any opinions are welcome.. thank you in advance!

 

[HFCS]

Not sure about fiberglass becoming brittle over time…I’m getting Marvin fiberglass installed next month. They have lifetime warranty. In my research I thought they were less likely to be replaced than vinyl because the don’t expand and contract. My wife wanted for design reasons because interior doesn’t have to be white. I’m in hot dry climate, maybe not best comparison.

I have townhome with just front and back so only 8 windows total. If I had a ton of windows I’d have probably gone vinyl for cost. Also since we only have N/S windows low profile on fiberglass keeps window area from shrinking, if I had 20 windows I’d care less about losing a little window size to frames.

Sound is key for me, but I’m replacing 70s single pain so anything is massive improvement. Mockingbirds as loud as emergency vehicles from 9 pm to 11am every day 6 months a year near second floor bedrooms. They seem to have nested somewhere else this year , knock on wood.

 

[bstegs]

I'm also curious about people's suggestions for windows. I am looking to replace 32 wood Anderson windows from 1994 and one door in my house. Anderson quote for wood before install is 30k. Pella low end for wood full-service is 65k. I haven't talked to Marvin yet, but have heard they are even more expensive. I have been told by many to prefer Pella over Anderson.

We could go vinyl, but I feel like wood fits the home better.

 

[cysmiley]

Did Pella two years ago, replaced 16 (two oversized according to their specs) for approx. 30,000. Two glass thermo-pane (old ones were single pane with storms). Noise and heat retention were significantly improved. Wood with external aluminum cladding. Pella of DesMoines did the install, only problem was they mis-measured the a bathroom, so they had to put old frame back in and we waited three weeks for replacement, installers said it happens occasionally.

Installers did good job, cleaned up and dealt with all my concerns promptly.

 

[AttackOfTheClones]

Thank you all for the input.

Much appreciated!

 

[CyPhallus]

Thank you all for the input.

Much appreciated!

Pella or Marvin 1st, Anderson a distant 2nd, and Kolbe and the others a far far distant 3rd. You aren't going to have problems with Pella or Marvin in 10-15 years but you sure might with anything else.