Right now, replacing windows at the back of the house is the focus for a few reasons. It’s small, not highly visible, and one of the windows by the sliding door had only the inner pane of glass. Somehow, the previous owner shattered the outside pane, leaving us with this:
Then we went on a hunt for the perfect windows. In a Utopian world, we could have black windows. Unfortunately for us, black windows would fade easily on the south-facing front of our house. So, we’re stuck with white. Cohesion is the name of the game, so we want the windows to match. Ideally, Ben wants windows that allow high solar heat gain on the front of the house. It seems US companies don’t often make these windows.
After checking tons of companies (Anderson and Pella to name a few) we landed right where we did six years ago. Alside white vinyl sliding and double hung windows; same brand and same line (UltraMaxx) we used at our first house. Alside makes custom sizes and the prices are about half of the other brands. We had six years to live with these at the other house and no complaints. Vinyl is low maintenance, not needing paint or stain.
So what makes these windows green? Well, they’re Energy Star rated, for starters.
These windows also seal tightly, preventing air infiltration. Which means your heater or air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to keep up temperature.
For sunny climates, the solar heat gain coefficient is great.
Aside from the eco standpoint, the windows function well. Sliding windows open smoothly and quietly. And the double hung windows allow us to open the top and/or bottom for maximum air flow.
Our slider picture slider windows also have a fun feature. The picture window also slides and all panels are completely removable. Cleaning the windows is super easy because of this. And, if you’ve got a large piece of furniture that won’t fit through the door, pull out all panels and you’ve got a large opening.
The hardware isn’t ugly, either.
We’ll use the same windows throughout the rest of the house, too. Maybe not the front windows, but we’ll have to see what we can find for those.
Do you have a favorite window brand? I know some people swear by Anderson. Are you looking for the perfect window?
P.S. We were not compensated or perked for this post, we simply love the windows we’ve purchased and want to share with you.
ourhumbleabodeblog.com 
I’m in the market for windows too, so your post was great timing! I’m curious to know how they compared in quality and price to Anderson. Is it because of the custom sizing — which I think is a great advantage because I don’t have standard windows. Are the double hung windows tilt-in for easy cleaning. And how about the screens? Do they open up and down or push out? And did you have any problems with the vapor barrier seal? Most of my windows are clouded. I hope you don’t mind all my questions. Thanks so much!
Hi Maryann!
Well, Ben liked the quality, which is saying something. He’s really picky about things. The double hung windows do tilt in for easy cleaning. The screens on the double hungs are stationary, covering the whole window. To get them out, you have to lift and tip. At our other house, we didn’t have any issues with the vapor barrier seal. Ben also installs these same windows at the apartments and they’ve had one issue of fogginess between the panes. He called our local store and they replaced it without question or hassle. Alside offers a lifetime warranty. 🙂
Hope that helps! If you still have questions, just let me know!
Thanks!
Amanda
Great! Thanks so much. Last questions. Did you order directly from the company or through a contractor? Who measures?
We ordered directly through the company. Ben measured the existing windows (not including the trim). If you’re worried about that, you could definitely ask a contractor to do the measuring.
Thanks!
Amanda
We have wood windows and my husband loves them, so I doubt we’ll be upgrading ours anytime soon, even though vinyl is more green.
I have been slowly replacing the windows in my 1961 home with Anderson true divided light windows. They are expensive but match the original windows in my home perfectly. When looking at my house so you have know idea that 1/2 the windows are updated.
We had wood windows that we replaced with Pella double hung fiberglass windows with a custom grid inset. I love love love the way they look and how energy efficient they are and Pellas installation team was awesome! I did a ton of research on windows before choosing Pella and don’t regret my choice. Our windows are custom sizes. Andersen windows were out of our budget. I have never heard of this company. We had problems with our barrier seal and have had no problems with our Pella windows.