My advice to everyone I talk to is that they should purchase the best window that they can which fits into their budget. The only caveat to that, is the folks that do not have a realistic budget to begin with, but that is not a problem here. Ultimately, you are spending $5k give or take. A difference of a few hundred dollars is going to be very small if not irrelevant in the grand scheme when you take into consideration the size of the purchase and the fact that you have to live with these windows for the next X number of years. If you have the windows for 20 yrs, that is a difference $2 and change per month, or $32 per yr. When you look at it that way, it doesn't seem to make much sense to base this choice on price. My advice: Pick the window that you like better from the installation company that you like better. Easy as that. You won't go wrong either way on product (installer is another matter, but we can't really offer much on that without knowing the companies in question). Easy enough ;)

Gotta like your screen name, chickenlips! For Softlite-Gorell we are using The Lee Company. We have decided to go with the Softlite Imperial LS. We will use the laminated glass just on the 6 bedroom windows. We are also getting Softlite's new design patio door, the Kingsroyal. It will not have laminated glass.

Ahhh I love a good window discussion! No one but us "window geeks" can get this charged up over something that the rest of the world doesn't give a second thought to until they break, rot, or they want to build a new house. My background comes in Clad wood windows so I can say I was fed the Kool-Aid regarding wood products. I have been converted to see the benefits of vinyl and I must say there is good product out there very able to withstand whatever weather is thrown at it. Lzerarc's name is on his projects at the end of the day and he must ultimately be comfortable with what he is recommending to his customers. Skydawggy and I share the belief that the current vinyl products on the market are built both to perform and look good and we are comfortable recommending them to our clients as well. Will a vinyl window ever beat a wood window for the classic look, custom attributes, and warmth that wood provides? Not likely. Will they stand up to the elements, provide similar performance ratings, and energy efficiency? Sure. Ultimately the homeowner must decide the best fit for their needs based on the information professionals provide. Tank you for the discussion guys. Here is a link that might be useful: San Antonio Windows and Doors

Thanks SkyDawggy for the vinyl additive info. I understand new technology is coming up with various blends to strengthen vinyl. Just did a research on a fabric that is made of vinyl backing but has special Flouride-based protective layer on top that can make it last 12 to 20 years. They thermally bond the protective layer to the vinyl fabric. This is similar to many fabric covered structures in use all over the country. Our company is looking at using it to cover an outdoor sports area for employees. My comment was just that for a homeowner, we make our choices based on various factors. While vinyl may last 20 years, and I believe it can, even with our Milgard windows, I may decide to pay a bit more for something that has a better chance (no guarantee) to last 30, 40 or 50 years. It depends on our needs and how willing we are to part with our hard-earned cash. There is another post now declaring Marvin windows and doors failed after 13 years. So we consumers are all just taking chances and hoping to come out even.