New windows arrived!

After spending countless hours on researching replacement windows, we finally put in the order to replace the old ones in the basement.

The new windows arrived in about two weeks at the pick-up point in the suburbs. I loaded them into my truck and drove back to Chicago like I had a bunch of raw eggs rolling around in the back, and then moved them equally carefully into the basement.

What did we buy?

It came down to two triple-pane models: The 480 Series from Serious Windows (part of the DOE R-5 window program) and the Uniframe Maxuus 10 from Great Lakes Windows.

The price point for both models was more or less the same, ranging from $265 to $285 for a 70 UI double hung window (basement) and $525 to $655 for a 100 UI picture window with awing top (1st floor).

UI = unit inches (window width + window height = unit inches)

We eventually opted for the Uniframe Maxuus 10. What helped with the decision making process was the slightly better energy performance of the Uniframe, in particular the air infiltration rate, which was 50% that of the 480 Series by Serious Windows.

It is worth while mentioning that we found a price-competitive product outside the DOE volume purchasing program that offers a better energy performance than most of the qualifying program products.

Last but not least, we had a great sales person for the Uniframe windows who patiently answered my endless stream of inquiries (thank you Scottie!). We felt we were in good hands.

The product

Even though we originally had our eyes on fiberglass frame windows, we went with a vinyl frame, which was manufactured relatively locally (Wisconsin) and at an affordable price point.

Vinyl frames are not always the sturdiest ones, which is also reflected in higher air infiltration rates. I had noticed in the past that when pushing on an ordinary vinyl frame, things start to bend and bow a little.

The Uniframe window is pretty heavy, not only because of the triple glazing. It has a lot of vinyl in the frame and appears incredibly sturdy.

We went for the double hung windows in the basement, which don’t interfere with the window guards. We also have to replace three broken windows on the 1st floor, which are picture windows with an awing top.