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.

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

I would use Azek for the exterior flat casing. In the past I probably would have recommended the 200 series over the All Ultrex and Simonton but as I am not as familiar with Andersen any longer and there new products (or renamed Builders Select or whatever the 200 actually is) I really cannot be certain. While not the prettiest girl at the dance I would be inclined to lean towards the Ultrex today were it me. As far as the slider if I remember correctly you had a fairly large wall area and I would look seriously at a 12' wide door.

I would be surprised to see the 400 Series TW have more air infiltration than almost any other tilting window. It has a jambliner that actively pushes against the sash, vs relying on passive weatherstrip for the sash to slide along. In fact, that is a selling point of the TW for me. Being on the service side of it for the past 15+ years, I really appreciate a well-installed TW. The downside for me is less wood showing on the interior vs the vinyl jambliner.