My wife and I are building our home with oversized windows in the NE, and after much research of available products in our area (especially during COVID) Quaker CityVu windows met the thermal, structural, and air infiltration requirements for the large window spaces without mulling. For normal sized windows I would likely have gone with a high quality vinyl window as stated by many reputable window manufacturers and vendors on Houzz. I was concerned by millworkman's comments on Quaker windows on my post a few months ago so I visited several local window shops, talked with my builder, and did a full dive into window construction. I am by no means a window expert, but after looking at the top line products of other window manufacturers, I can say that the Quaker CityVu windows specifically are as good if not better in terms of quality of framing material as the other manufacturers. Every window manufacturer has basic to high end windows for the most part. The windows are just solid. Further research shows that they get their glass from Cardinal which seems to be where most of the industry gets their glass packages. I went to the Cardinal website and reviewed their glass packages and essentially matched what the Cardinal tech advice for my climate (after discussing with my builder). The warranty of Quaker windows is average. For the insulated glass, the warranty is 20 years. This seems reasonable. The urethane or silicone based sealants used generally start breaking down around 18 - 20 years mainly due to UV exposure. This is similar across the board for all windows with insulated glass. Most other window manufacturers tend to have a "lifetime" warranty, but that's mainly applicable to the first home owner and most aren't transferable. The fine print generally says 20 years for most windows. The warranty on the Quaker CityVu thermally broken aluminum frame is variable depending on the finish. Quaker offers 3 coatings which have 5 (anodized), 10 (2604 finish), and 20 year (2605 finish) warranty's. The Bad Quaker definitely has a bad reputation on the internet. I see that this stems from: (1) customer service; (2) shipping and delivery of windows; and (3) lower grade window lines. My builder expressed concern especially due to customer service and shipping and delivery issues. They were awesome and did their due diligence and asked their window vendors about Quaker and alternatives. Unfortunately, none of the vendors had alternatives to thermally broken aluminum windows in our area at a reasonable cost (this could be due to COVID supply chain issues). Some vendors expressed concern that they have had issues with customer service and warranty claims with Quaker. A few vendors said that Quaker sometimes have quality control issues with shipment of the windows and some appurtenant pieces that go along with the window install. I think this can be mitigated by choosing a vendor that has a good relationship with Quaker, and has a direct contact to Quaker management which some vendors seem to have. However, it seems that it'll be a roll of the dice, and patience will be needed if some window parts come damaged during shipping and delivery. I think Quaker CityVu windows are at a cost competitive price point. I think the CityVu "grade" is better than builder grade. Probably closer to architectural grade. In any case, I recommend asking around your area and visit a Quaker vendor and check out the windows in person. I also recommend doing the same for other window manufacturers and finding the right window for your needs and budget. I have found window vendors to be very helpful, knowledgeable about windows, window packages, glass (certain coatings, panes, types dependent on air infiltration, thermal values, and the location of where the windows will be), and very loyal to the products their company sells. As a potential customer you need to ignore the brand positive or negative bias and focus on window construction quality, customer service, warranty, and the many other factors that go into purchasing windows for a home.

I have had both the Sharp convection microwave and the Wolf speed oven. We had 5 Sharp convection microwave units over the course of 3 years. When the fifth unit stopped working (control panel - $1,500 repair) and our extended warranty was up, we finally threw in the towel and ditched Sharp for a Wolf speed oven. The cabinet was customized for the Sharp but our Wolf dealer was able to get a matching stainless filler piece custom made so the Wolf unit fits nicely. Yes, the control panel on the Wolf is harder to see but at least the Wolf unit works which is more than I can say for the five Sharp units we had. Sharp customer service was horrible. The few times we have needed service for our other Wolf/Subzero appliances, customer service was great.

Hi courtney. When searching for trees that grow well in your area, one way is to drive around your neighborhood and see what trees do well and are thriving. Another way is to contact your local conservation/agricultural office for your county. They can tell you why they recommend the trees they do and how to plant and care for them. A high end nursery in your area will also have helpful advice. If you're in a dry area, water loving trees won't do very well unless you can provide regular irrigation for them. Even then, once they become a large tree it can be a problem supplying enough water to keep them happy. The huge eucalyptus trees you talk about get that way because they grow well there. Maples and Black gum can get over 50 ft tall if the climate suits them and Exclamation London plane trees can get larger than that. But they need a moist climate with regular rains in the summer.

Oh thanks lisaam! Penelope looks wonderful, kind of like a female My Sound of the Mountain. bpath we are on the same wavelength!