I would have major reservations about letting HD install windows in new construction or renovgations/replacement applications. It is a complete crap shoot whether or not the install will be correct or not and in my opinion not worth the chance. You need to remember that most of the installer that HD use are contractors who did not have enough work or were incapable of getting enough work on their own to maintain a business. I realize I will piss a few people off with my opinion but this is what the reality is at the very least in my area of the country.

A-Series has a fibrex frame and a fiberglass clad sash. This is from Andersen's brochure on the A-Series for professionals. There is no reason why fibrex should fail any sooner than fiberglass. It is completely immune to water, just as is fiberglass. The advantage of A-series is that it is available in a number of deep colors, Marvin Integrity has a much more restricted palette of exterior colors. We are probably going to go with the A-series because of color choice. Otherwise, I would definitely go with the Marvin Integrity. That said, I see no reason to fear fibrex as a material, it has been in use for quite some time. Here is a link that might be useful: Link to downloadable brochures

Sanjoe, We installed Eagle Talon (DH) windows in a new build in 2012. We are in a heating and cooling climate and had several walls of windows, including one room with 18 foot ceilings. Due to the architecture of the home, several of the windows were "eyebrows". My research indicated the newly designed Eagles we installed addressed prior issues. Fibrex is used where water makes contact with the wood. Eagle also improved the weather stripping. Personally, we've always liked the solid look of the Eagle wood sash and frame. And while we were pleased with the U factor and SHGC, we greatly appreciated we could get the exact exterior color desired. 2.5 years, and one tough winter later, we are delighted with the Eagles. We had a thermal crack in a window last winter due to a 40 degree (same day) drop in temp. True to the warranty, we had a new Eagle window within 2 weeks. Best wishes in your decision. ~bgj

Chelsea B, for what it's worth, we are looking to remove our window world windows. The previous owners had them put in and the install is atrocious! Not a single window square and plumb, gaps to the outside letting air infiltrate, water infiltration, and I believe the windows are letting in bugs. Maybe they are wonderful if installed correctly, but I think I'll just upgrade to a better made window with a better installer while I'm at it.