this is the product where the 'devil is in the details' stuff. Make sure that you are being quoted the extruded alum. stuff and not the rolled form products. Roll form, for the most part, is 'weaker' thus cheaper. Get a copy, read and understand their warranty. Not a fan of the SP stuff. If this is a paint grade interior project, might look at Marvin Integrity stuff. IMO SP is a lower end builders grade product. I am in the Los Angeles area for what is is worth

I'll let you know in a couple of weeks I just purchased SP for the front (historic view) of my home. Candidly - if they fail 5 years earlier on average, I make out significantly better from an expense standpoint. The first quote I had from Pella and Marvin crested $40K (not a lot from some perspective, enough to make me reconsider life) I shopped and researched and settled on SP - backed by a 20 year warranty for any wood rot on their clad window and backed by a very reputable and financially strong local dealer. I finally through caution to the wind and went with builder grade rear facing windows and could not be happier - they are architecturally consistent and backed by a so so warranty - at the price installed ($4000 for 11 windows) I am thrilled with the cost benefit ratio. The SP are significantly more - but by mixing the two brands I saved $30K and can do it all again in 15 years if need be. Good luck sounds like a fun project.

Moisture between the glass would not be caused by poor installation. Rather, it would be caused by a defective manufacturing issue or due to some type of unusual situation where the normal wear was affected. For instance, extreme variations in temperature due to orientation or something going on regarding the interior of your home. I design and specify windows for homes in Florida almost all of them on the water or close by. Sierra Pacific offers a 30 year warranty on its 2605 finish and 20 year warranty on its patented Coreguard wood treatment and I would consider those windows. Andersen performs well too but they reduce their 20 year warranty to 10 years when on the coast. In my 40 year career, I have had great success with Andersen and SP and would run away from Pella if you are looking for an aluminum clad wood window. Just my opinion based on more than a hundred installations.

I don't hink you will find any of the pro's on this page being a fan of anything from SP/Hurd product line.