Hi, I am assuming this is not "replacement" but "New Construction" windows where they actually remove all of the old window material and install anew, true? I have no first-hand experience with Herd, Kolbe or Loewen. There was a website 4 years ago complaining about Kolbe problems but that site is now down, likely settled and Kolbe could have improved. I saw Loewen at a friend's house and thought their woodwork beautiful. We have Marvin on our house so this is to share our first-hand own experience. We installed Marvin clad exterior, bare interior for staining 4+ years ago, going on 5 now. So far, everything works as new, no problems. THe aluminum on our French doors are holding up well under "bombardment" by our kids' frisbee, balls, an occasional bike crash. Also get smacked by wind-whipped pea gravel during intense storms. So far, no scratch or dents yet, knock on wood. I do believe though that a sharp object can definitely scratch it, just like it can scratch a car. As for fading problems, nothing yet even after 4 hot summers. THe woodwork was what attracted us to Marvin 4 years ago. Of all the brands we did look at, several were lower-end brands, a couple were higher-end, none could match Marvin's tight, clean and beautiful woodwork, at least at the time. Things may have changed now. WE are on the coast of CA where winter can be mild or snowy, sunny or blowing gust to 60-mph. In the summer, on our exposed slope, it can bake in 105-F degree heat. So far, no leaks, no draft, no nothing. The Low-E II coating with low solar heat gain has worked very well truly cutting our heating and cooling needs. Good installation means it is near dead silent inside. We often can see tree bending in the wind and rain pouring but hear nothing inside unless the rain pounds the roof or hits the windows glass. We no longer use curtain inside. There is no need given our mild winter (>=30-F) and the windows' ability to handle high summer heat. We do drop external solar shade on the southwest side to cut out setting sun. One complaint though is the older standard French door handle. They come loose too easy requiring constant tightening. I don't mind tightening them every so often but given everything is so top-notch, this is just an unnecessary irritation. Other than that, no complaints so far. Good luck whatever choice you make!!!

Take a look at Pella Proline windows. Make sure that you get Insulshield glass to protect from the harsh rays of the sun. In cases like yours i would always recommend a fiberglass front door not steel. Pella, Therma tru, there are many. Do not add a storm door this will just build heat between the panels. Of course windows can just do so much......sounds like nice plantation blinds on the interior will add to your comfort.

I have still been doing research (and reading the forum) into my window purchase, and I have some clarifications on the quotes I am currently trying to decide over.... I've decided on the company I plan to use, just trying to decide between quotes from that company. Here are the quotes: (all are from the same company/installer; the only portion that differs between the quotes is the double hung windows) Quote #1 (1) Gorell three lite casement window (2 casements with picture window) w/ Energy Master III triple pane glass (w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) Picture window U-Value: .22, SHGC .24. Casement windows U-Value: .25, SHGC .18 (5) Mercury Excelum Harmony series Double Hung (triple pane, low e glass, full screens, internal white colonial grids) U-Value: .20, SHGC: .25 (1) MI Window and Doors Model 910 Patio Door (double pane w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) U-Value .28, SHGC .20 PRICE: $5,055.00 Quote #2 (1) Gorell three lite casement window (2 casements with picture window) w/ Energy Master III triple pane glass (w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) Picture window U-Value: .22, SHGC .24. Casement windows: U-Value: .25, SHGC .18 (5) Gorell Series 5300 Double hung with double pane AC Master Glass (w/ full screens, internal white colonial grids) U-Value .30, SHGC .25 (1) MI Window and Doors Model 910 Patio Door (double pane w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) U-Value .28, SHGC .20 PRICE: $5,562.00 Quote #3 (1) Gorell three lite casement window (2 casements with picture window) w/ Energy Master III glass (w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) Picture window U-Value: .22, SHGC .24. Casement windows U-Value: .25, SHGC .18 (5) Gorell Series 5300 Double hung with Energy Master III triple pane glass (w/ full screens, internal white colonial grids) U-Value .25, SHGC .20 (1) MI Window and Doors Model 910 Patio Door (double pane w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) U-Value .28, SHGC .20 PRICE: $5,762.00 A few questions: 1. Does anyone have any input/opinion on MI Windows Sliding Patio Door? Their website is: http://www.miwd.com/default.aspx 2. Unfortunately, no one had any input into Mercury Excelum brand of windows.....but the company is on the NFRC list as an approved manufacturer. Does the fact that the manufacturer is on the NFRC list make it a quality window? MI Window is also on the NFRC list. 3. Between Quote 2 and Quote 3, the only difference is upgrading the Gorell 5300 glass package from the double pane package to a triple pane package. Is the improvement in U-Value and SHGC worth the additional $200.00? 4. Installation question. Is there a preference as far as a interior installation vs. exterior installation? Or is it impossible to make that judgment without seeing the house/window? Thank you for your help. mm

sorry - here they are. the first one shows what most of the windows in my house look like (aluminum frame only, storm windows and screen removed), followed by a close up of the gap & dirt that collects. final shot shows one of a few windows that still has storm windows (ugly blinds & my husband's antenna don't help matters). thanks.