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Non-Tulsa Discussions => Chat and Advice => Topic started by: Conan71 on February 06, 2009, 06:22:46 PM

Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: Conan71 on February 06, 2009, 06:22:46 PM
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".

Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: Wilbur on February 06, 2009, 07:13:46 PM
I've used them on two houses and love them.  Hard to beat the life time warranty.
Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: Jonette on February 06, 2009, 09:09:27 PM
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.

Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: Conan71 on February 06, 2009, 09:45:19 PM
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.
Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: Steve on February 06, 2009, 09:46:06 PM
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.

Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: Wilbur on February 07, 2009, 05:38:10 AM
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.
Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: Conan71 on February 07, 2009, 01:12:40 PM
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.


Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: ARGUS on February 12, 2009, 10:04:59 AM
Go w/ Thermal Windows...I have them in my house and have used them on commercial projects in the past.
Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: tshane250 on February 13, 2009, 08:17:40 AM
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.
Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: sauerkraut on February 13, 2009, 10:46:11 AM
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.[:)]
Title: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: kimmyco on February 13, 2009, 08:04:22 PM
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.
Title: Re: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: jne on April 19, 2010, 01:20:21 PM
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?
Title: Re: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: Conan71 on April 19, 2010, 01:35:11 PM
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.
Title: Re: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: sgrizzle on April 19, 2010, 02:24:07 PM
I heard Ther-mal Win-dows let quality shine through.

Out of town, call them collect!
Title: Re: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on April 19, 2010, 07:16:53 PM
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.

Title: Re: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: AngieB on April 21, 2010, 07:01:44 AM
I plan on new windows this year and will be using Mark Crowl at Public Supply. I've known Mark for many years and trust him completely. Trust is worth a lot. www.publicsupply.com
Title: Re: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: buckeye on April 21, 2010, 04:48:06 PM
I have five vinyl Thermal Windows in a south-facing sunroom, been there for three years or so with no troubles.  Good prices, good product.
Title: Re: Thermal Windows, Anyone?
Post by: sauerkraut on April 22, 2010, 09:24:44 AM
I put in a vinyl double hung window at my new digs, I got it at Lowes during a clearance sale- size is 36" X 54"- I installed it myself, it's easy to do- now I need 4 windows at 28" X 54" for my bedrooms but they are very expensive $160.00 per window. I wish the Tulsa area had Mennards Home Center Stores they are huge places with big selections of doors & windows and they have lower prices than Home Depot & Lowes. Mennards seems to only market in the midwest, Omaha has 3 stores + one store across the river in Iowa.