Pella is certainly your best bet for numerous reasons. They have been awarded by JD POWERS AND ASSOCIATES #1 in customer satisfaction the past two years in a row. They have also been recognized by the Dept. Of Energy as the PARTNER OF THE YEAR both in '07 and '08 for their excellent energy efficient windows as well as their environmental sterwardship.

The difference b/w Pella and Andersen is that Andersen has more than one company and they all canabalize on each other. Andersen Renewal will sat that Andersen Woodwright stinks because it is wood and vinyl but yet the renewal window is made of a composite of the two. Which is two say they make a golen sandwich out of waht they say are two horse manuer materials. Conversely, Andersen Woodwright people will say that the renewal stinks and that you will need to sign a disclaimer that states you are aware and agrre to loosing up to 4" in glass space for a replacement. The whole fact that these children of Andersen act do business this way is ridiculous.

Marvin is also a good window but and is constructed very well and similiar to Pella. The only difference in my experience is that they don't provide near the service, turn key process and profeesionalism.

I know for a fact that you can get these size windows installed by Pella for less that what you were quoted. Obviously however you have have to take into account of all the different options e.g. premium and standard...

Pella will add the most value to your home.

Marvin is certainly the strongest window in your group. Marvin was also rated the best in last October's Consumer Report. They were followed up by Andersen, and then Pella.

It is funny how opinions can vary greatly between different folks, as my opinion is much different than the one noted in the previous post. I view the Marvin as a better choice, because of the window's exceptional test ratings for structural, air and water being superior to the others. These tests can provide an indication of a good, strong construction method that will provide long-term durability.

I would suggest Andersen is a close second due to the fact that the exterior cladding is not made of aluminum, since you may be in a salty environment with a name like "mrcapecod"; aluminum and salt don't get along very well.

Both the Marvin Ultimate and the Andersen Woodwright utilize the most current jamb components available for double hung windows. These jambs are rigid and have a wood appearance that is more traditional. Other companies that provide similar double hung styles are Eagle and Kolbe. I think the Eagle brand is Andersen's premier (luxury home) window in their portfolio of companies. In our research, the Eagle double hung window appears to slightly outperform the Marvin. Both Eagle and Marvin double hung windows are commercially rated, show Design Pressure ratings of about DP50, and have ultra-low air infiltration ratings that are comparable to casement type windows.

In regards to Pella, it may be true that this product will add the most value to your home, as the pella name is very well recognized. Pella builds a fine product, and they have always been well known for their customer service. However, the use of roll-formed aluminum sash construction and plastic side jambs in their double hung are two issues that lead this builder to look for better options. Four of those better options have been noted.

MCSBLDR has some good points. Marvin is an excelent window also. However, I would never use a window that has a vinyl exterior period. Vinyl is just another word for PLASTIC. It fades, it expands and contracts greatly, it does not take to paint well if at all. Anderens Eagle window does have a wood w/aluminum clad but is way more expensive then the rest mentioned. In terms of Pellas jamb liners, I always suggest their solid wood jamb liner. In terms of their aluminum cladding, well lets just say it has always held up for my customers. Before moving to the east coast I build many custom homes along the southern California coast and the people I built homes for and installed Pella windows for never once had an issue with their cladding and these are areas in which cars rust out in just five to ten years due to the salt air.

So back to the tops, yea Marvin is good but does not provide the best service in my opinion. Pella has always left me and my customers exremely happy.

Please check into Harvey windows. I bought some and I'm very happy with them.

speaking of the plastic look, HARVEY will be right there. I would recommend Marvin fist then Andersen and Pella woudl be last on my list behind a lot more than just these two inspite of the JD Power awards they manage to win.

My first choice is Pella. The service I have is exemplary. The JD Powers awards they have received is by far well deserved. The quality of the windows is by far one of the best I have ever used. They offer many options to fit most budgets. The Architect Series with the wood jamb liner is one of the best I have ever seen. The roll formed aluminum on the sashes is not an issue. I have windows I have installed a decade ago still look Like they were just put in. The service I have received from Pella has been by far the best and the call backs I get from my Pella install jobs are minimal. I can't say that about other manufacturer's windows I install.

Hey Mr. Cape Cod just curious if you decided on a window as I am currently in the window market and am looking at Andersen Woodwright, Andersen Renewal and Pella. I am also curious how you found Andersen Woodwright windows with installation for $625 as I am getting quoted $1000 and I live near you.

I have to chime in as I have been in the consumer research area for nearly 17 years.

JD POWERS is considered not a realiable or quality product when it comes to marketing research survey work. They made their name selling their results to car manufacturers and branched into other areas. You are buying into their hype. It is not something that I would value as a great endorsement of any product.

needhamgardens, How in the hell many window options are you looking at ? You have asked about everything made.

afsa: yes of course I'm looking into every wood replacement - it's a big purchase especially when you have 24 windows to replace. I've got a lot of information and had a bunch of estimates done which have ranged from $17,000 to $31,000 (window and installation) so I recommend everyone do their research and think you'd be foolish not to do your research, unless money is no problem for you.

I can't give you any advice on longevity, but I can tell you that after nearly 2 years of shopping, we finally had 17 double-hung windows replaced with Andersen Woodwrights in September. We LOVE THEM. We've had a couple big rains and some cold and windy weather...nary a problem. They look good and seem very sturdy. The 17 windows were about $21k installed, which included some premium options like primed interior and polished chrome hardware.

Part of the problem needham gardens is your getting info and pricing on many types which is fine but it gets tough to compare them because of the different installation methods. So i would think it would create more confusion this way, i would try and settle on weather or not you will be using a replacement style or a complete framed unit then get pricing so your at least comparing similar style products( i realize vinyl replacements and tilt pacs are horses of a different color but you get my point)

Overall I have experienced trouble with Andersens reliability and customer service. The air tests are the best case scenario of their products. Marvin is the only manufacturer that will custom size to your opening. With the double hung the main benefit that puts the ratings over the top is the combination storm window. If you don't mind havung to repair the poor quality control problems from Andersen yourself give them the business otherwise use Marvin and add the highest quality combination storm available

My Andersen replacement windows were built to size. Within 1/8 inch, I believe.

Pella uses roll form aluminum which cannot hold up to an extruded aluminum. Talk to the installing dealer about the service they will provide. Also check out the class action lawsuit against Pella for their sashs rotting. I have been in many houses with 10 year old aluminum clad Pellas rotting away. I have a family member that built their house in 1997 and all the aluminum clad Pella casements are rotted. Some have been replaced under warranty but it was a battle for them to get that taken care of.

I'm not a fan of the glazng Anderson uses on the exteriors. The finish also chalks over time. They are still a much better window then Pella.

Overall I like what Marvin is going. The biggest problem they have is the price.

Andersen Renewal has the custom sizing. They are made os extruded sawdust and plastic. I would not rate their longevity much longer than a high quality vinyl. You get what you pay for and anything that is " maintnance free" really means "limited servicable life" escuse speling. Extruded is the only way to use aluminum but how long does the factory finish hold up and how do you repaint? dissassemble and bring it to the auto body guy? Stay with wood and paint on a double hung with a really top notch storm. in 50 years you still have value.

Extruded with a proper finish can have the finish last 20 years or more depending on color and the elements. Do you spray your wood windows to paint them? Aluminum isn't any different. I'm a huge wood fan (my own house) but extruded aluminum exterior is the best LOWER maintance alternative. Marvin has a great finish on them. I've seen their red hold up very well in direct sun.