Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Rockwell Windows

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Windows and Doors
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 04 Nov 2001 - Updated 28 Jun 2005
Time: 09:20 AM

Comments

The Rockwell Window Company, Inc. is an affiliate of Barber and Ross Company. As of June 2005, the current contact information for Rockwell Window Company is:

Rockwell Window Co., Inc.
1001 W Culver Rd
Knox, IN 46534

Phone: 574-772-2955
Fax: 574-772-3824

Email: rockwell.sales@barberandross.com

Builders Websource does not have first-hand experience with Rockwell Windows and after checking several search engines, we traced their website to HTTP://WWW.BARBERANDROSS.COM. We have contacted the company for additional information on their products. However, over the years, our BuildersTALK forum  has received a handful of complaints from unhappy owners citing a range of quality problems  from leaking windows to faulty hardware. Since satisfied customers rarely bother to give accolades on online forums, it would be inappropriate for us to classify these complaints as isolated incidents or something indicative of a larger problem.

However, it is a matter of public record that during the mid-1990's, a lawsuit was filed in an Illinois court against a builder (not the Rockwell Window Company) for leaking windows. The court document indicates that at the time, the Rockwell windows included a 5-year warranty and that the builder was ordered to replace the windows. The summary document we found does not indicate whether the leaking was due to the windows themselves, or improper installation by the builder.

When it comes to windows, there are a limited number of leading, national manufacturers that offer excellent products, as well as long warranties (20 years or more). Examples include Andersen, Marvin, Pella and others. However, many smaller, private window manufacturers also make excellent products and can often provide more custom shapes, sizes, glazings and other options. In the past, Rockwell Windows has been known for value pricing.

We recommend that you do some of your own research, including reading the chapter on windows in our online book (nominal fee applies) at:

http://www.builderswebsource.com/book/windowsdoors.htm

This will at least give you some general factors to consider when selecting windows. We also recommend that you contact the manufacturer directly and get specific technical information about the proposed windows your builder wants to use. Examine the materials used, the warranty, and ask for a few reference of installations over the past 10 years so you can contact the owners to see if they've experienced any issues. As with any decision, selecting the right window is one of the most important decisions you'll make when building or remodeling. A good window not only adds energy efficiency, but it impacts the overall aesthetics and maintenance requirements of the house. One of the most common failure modes of thermal windows is the hermetic seal itself. If the seal breaks, moisture can enter the void, creating condensation between the panes of glass.

I am sure that if you contact Rockwell Window Company directly, they will be more than happy to educate you on the special features and benefits of their products compared to national brands.

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