Take a look at trimline windows

Here is a link that might be useful: trimline

Generally, we budget approximately $500-700 per single window opening for material only. This budget pricing practice can be faulty when a project includes multiple radius windows, as curves generally increase the price substancially. Other items that increase per unit pricing would included divided lights, specialty glass or hardware.

You are currently reviewing a couple of good window manufacturers. We always accept bids from at least three material suppliers, and make attempts to ensure that the material specifications between manufacturers are similar. In the example of windows, we generally look at Eagle, Kolbe and Marvin, as all three utilize extruded aluminum sash and frame cladding and solid wood construction, and thus are generally rated high in structural testing. We feel confident that the high structural ratings, among other criteria, will provide a solid permanent fixture for our clients.

Additionally, when dealing with tight budgets, we never compromise on the permanent fixtures of the home. These fixtures include foundations, framing, plumbing, windows and wiring; items that are very expensive to replace. We've found that it is much easier and less costly to replace wood floors, kitchen counters, light and plumbing "fixtures", roofing, etc., so these are the items that receive attention when budget constraints are in place.

Pella uses a solid wood sash with a roll form cladding over the top of the wood to give a very strong window, They use three methods of fastening the corners of the sashes as well as stainless steel hardware. The tilt releases for double hungs are a slide type inset into a solid wood check rail where the ones that use a lock activated tilt release usually run a string through a hollow check rail creating a weak point in the window.

I am guessing Pella was cheaper and that would be because of the reason galefarm gave, a roll formmed sash as pella uses will fade quicker then the frame as they and mist companies use an EXTRUDED FRAME as well as a EXTRUDED sash thus the color will stay the same as the material is the same. The roll form they and anyone else selling roll form use is a little but thicker than a coke can and you have scene what they look like after sitting outside for a year or so. I personally would not even entertain Pella over Marvin as they are like apples and oranges

afsa, the rolform aluminum on the Pella sash does not fade faster than the paint on the extruded. Paint on aluminum is paint on aluminum. I have windows out there that have been installed 15-20 years and the every window I have installed do not have sashes that have faded faster than frames. The thickness of the roll form aluminum is not just slightly thicker than a coke can, it is still a substantial piece of metal, and the wood behind it provides a much more structural integral window.

If you want to talk comparisons...Pella uses stainless steel hardware on casements Marvin doesn't Pella uses a solid checkrail on double hungs, Marvin's is a hollow checkrail. Pella joins the corner of their sashes with mortise and tenon, metal fastener, and glue, while Marvin only uses two methods of joining the corners. Pella offers four spcies of wood on the interior of their Architect series. Pella offers a foam spacer on their ILT windows, the similar window in Marvin uses a metal spacer (which one is more energy efficient?)

I have made it a practice in here of late not to slam any company, but you just pushed my buttons. I have installed them all and my ultimate preference is PELLA hands down

On the other hand I can show you Pella's falling apart with it very apparent that it is 2 different types of aluminum due to the rollform CHALKING and fading much quicker then the extruded frame, it actually looks completely ridiculous. I was not attempting to slam Pella just explaining the difference between rollform and extruded, which by the way has been proven to be factual in my area of Long Island by many users.As far as energy efficency i was not even getting into that and I don't for a moment believe that Pella is more energy efficient(and i do not even sell Marvin just used them as an example of extruded sash and frame). As far as which is better start at the beginning of this forum and look to see how many people have enjoyed the benefits of Pella over Marvin then come back here and you tell me which is the better window !!!!

Part of what AFSA has said can explain a lot. He stated he is on Long Island, an area exposed to a lot of salt in the air. I would venture to say if you dig deep enough you may find there was some cost cutting here where the home owner or builder did not decide to go with the sea coast finish which prevents alot of the paint problems in sea side salt air applications. Just as the paint on your car will fail faster in salt air. the paint on your windows will also.

I have had Pella windows in my house for about ten years and they look and operate just like they are new. My neighbor had opted for Marvins and there always seems to be a problem with them. I will install anything the customer wants, and I dread when I have to work with Marvins. Especially up here service for Marvin is severely lacking.