I'm interested to hear that sliders are out and casements in; we're replacing our windows as part of a remodel and were encouraged to use sliders by our contractor and window installer (Milgard). We're in Oregon, maybe things are different in various parts of the country? In any event, I would probably go with white windows (that's what we're using) but then again I tend towards the safe and boring. I think white is pretty standard in a lot of houses, so it's unlikely to look dated.

I applaud your advanced concerns on doing your exterior upgrades in a logical manor. While most people are only concerned with one or the other, not many choose to do them in a proper procedure. Your siding contractor was very proper in telling you to do your windows at the same time. As a matter of fact we're doing a window job this morning that is having the siding replaced as soon as we're done. This is by far the best way to make your home as energy efficient as possible. Your choice of windows is really up to what you want the look to be. The windows of today have much to offer. You can have real wood interiors, fake wood interiors, vinyl or aluminum. When it comes to energy efficient windows, vinyl windows are really leading the industry. They're cheaper and more economical to the end user. If you can use a white or almond color they're the way to go. You happen to live in an area that is abundant with vinyl window manufacturers. Simonton is probably one of the better of the vinyl window manufacturers here in the Nation and they have plants in your area. I'd definitely check them out. By replacing your windows before doing the Hardiplank, you can have your windows set properly with the moisture barrier. Make sure the siding contractor works with the window installers to have this done properly together. By removing the old window and installing the house wrap, you get the ultimate installation for your home. If they don't have the chance to work together, have the window installers pre-wrap the openings with house wrap extending out past the nail fins of each window. They can leave the tops unwrapped for the siders but the sides and bottom can be done for the siders to attach their house wrap to. Good Luck and I hope things go well for you!!!

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

The second guy might be using a scare tactic, hard to say. Replacement windows leave both the interior and exterior trim in tact unless there is actual wood rot (not chipped paint). installing a replacement window into the existing window frame and using a good interior and exterior sealant along with foam insulation is tried and true method we all use. Of course, if there is existing wood exterior casing, we cap with aluminum. what brand of window was quoted?