8/19    I'm about to replace all original windows and glass doors at my 30-yr
                                  \_ eh, I was about to say, run linux
        old home with dual-pane ones.  Any recommendation?  Are prices at Home
        Depot reasonable?  What about <DEAD>www.customs-exteriors.com<DEAD>  TIA.
        \_ Stay away from Home Depot. Go to a window and door store. Also
           consider laminated glass instead of dual-pane gas-filled, depending
           on the application. My house is 76 years old and I wanted to keep
           the original windows while also soundproofing and insulating. I
           went with laminated glass to preserve the look. Your house is
           1970s, so maybe you don't care so much. IMO, lots of replacement
           windows look like shit. I'd go wood instead of vinyl, too.
                                   \_ If you're going to paint the wood, why?
                                      \_ Aesthetics. Also, what if you
                                         later want to change the color?
                                         Most high-end houses use wood or
                                         aluminum-clad wood.
           \_ My windows have metal frames in gray color and no paints.
              They're not broken, but they don't look good and my wife thinks
              it's too chilly in winter.  How does laminated glass work?  How
              does it soundproof and insulate without two panes of glass
              trapping a layer of air/gas? -- OP
              \_ Two panes of glass with a layer of carbonate between.
                 They do not insulate as well as, say, argon but they are
                 better for sound. The look better because you cannot tell
                 they are really two panes. This is important when having,
                 say, divided lights.
           \_ What in particular is Home Depot bad for?  Thx.  -- OP
        \_ Get the Linux brand.  Red Hat is good.
        \_ If you're living in the bay area, vinyl should be decent enough. Get
           the Milgard windows.  Aluminium is better for colder environment.
           \_ I live in north Fremont.  -- OP
           \_ I have Milgard windows that the previous owner installed and
              I cannot wait to remove them. Ugly and also the double hungs
              have this habit of coming untracked. I hate them.
           \_ I second Milgard windows. My parents had all the windows in our
              about 5 yrs ago w/ Milgard windows and they have worked great.
              I would get the work done by a experienced installer, most of
              problems I've heard about re new windows are due to inexperienced
              installers goofing things up rather than manufacturing defects.
        \_ I just recently remodeled my house and replaced all the windows with
           Jeld-Wen windows (from Home Depot).  These windows cost 50% less compared to
           other brands.  To make it look nice, I spent another $1k for the custom
           stucco molding around the windows offered by my contractor.  Overall, I like
           the looks and efficiency of these windows.  I got the low-e type windows.
           Jeld-Wen windows (from Home Depot).  These windows cost 50% less
           compared to other brands.  To make it look nice, I spent another
           $1k for the custom stucco molding around the windows offered by
           my contractor.  Overall, I like the looks and efficiency of these
           windows.  I got the low-e type windows.
        \_ I got Simonton double paned vinyl windows. I wanted wood, but they
           would have cost 2-3X as much and I could not get my wife to agree
           to the extra cost. I used to have single paned aluminum windows
           which were cold and noisy. The vinyl is a huge improvement, but
           looks kind of tacky. A couple of contractors recommended Simonton
           over Milgarde.
           over Milgarde. -ausman