If this is a house you intend to stay in for a while, I'd consider better options. Soft-lite and Sunrise should both be available in Tulsa.

Restorations and Vanguard with the reinforcement.

Qbryant, I highly recommend calling Thermal Windows and getting a quote, I used them 12 years ago and am still very happy with the windows that they installed. It is always better to buy from the manufacturer rather than a local store. I had 3 companies come out to give me an estimate, (they were all free), so I could get a clear understanding of what I was buying and who I am buying from. I also recommend going by these places I went by Thermal Windows and my wife went by the other two shops to actually see the windows and was really surprised to see and feel the differences. One of the other small shops, that I was leaning to is no longer in business, (so much for that lifetime warranty), and the total office was smaller than my garage at home even though they claimed to be around for 30 years and be the best window company in the area. I hope this helps.

I have quoted and we used Thermal windows for a commercial project (specified with no substitutions) and the product is marginal at best in my opinion.

Joe,

Two posts and two recommendations for thermal windows. Hmm. Batting 1000% out of the box.

Full disclosure - I am the General Manager for Thermal Windows, Inc. in Oklahoma City, so expect my response to be biased.

It seems those who are trying to sway you away from our company are typically not located in the Tulsa market and likely have little experience with our residential window operation.

Thermal Windows, Inc. has been in business in Tulsa, employing literally hundreds of Oklahomans, since 1979. The company is certainly one of the largest players in the Tulsa market.

Since our start, we have maintained an A+ rating with the Eastern Oklahoma Better Business Bureau, which has several times given us special recognition for Outstanding Customer Service. Angie's List members give us consistently high ratings, and we've received their Super Service Award, a recognition bestowed on only about 5 percent of companies, in each of the last several years since the site's popularity has taken off.

As an employee of Thermal Windows, Inc., one of the things I most appreciate about the company is the willingness of top leadership to allow those of us dealing with the public to go over and above in order to satisfy our customers and address their concerns.

Estimates are free. Our salespeople are truly consultants. We don't approve of any coercive or high-pressure selling tactics. At most, they will need about 40 minutes to an hour to understand your needs, measure your openings and supply you with a detailed quote. Of course, if you have a lot of questions, they'll stay longer to make certain your questions are answered.

(As a side note - Beware of sales representatives who insist on staying in your home for 2 or 3 hours and pressure you to sign a contract or lose out on their best price. Chances are their best price is two to three times the average for a similar product in your market.)

So, the real question is this: If you live in Oklahoma, why wouldn't you give the only window manufacturer in the state, which happens to have an excellent record of customer satisfaction, an opportunity to show you what they can do?

As far as I'm concerned, if you look at everything from our products, our installation, our service record and our competitive pricing, you won't find better value in windows and doors in Oklahoma than Thermal Windows, Inc. (But again. I'm biased). Check us out for yourself!

By all means, have a look at what Thermal Windows has to offer. Ask for a copy of their structural ratings (DP, Air Leakage) and compare it to Soft-lite & Sunrise. Carefully examine the build quality of the different windows - low-e, spacer, weld joints, reinforcement, sill design, etc..... Once you have all of this information you can make an informed decision on what's best for your situation.

Got some prelims back,most are specced as casements on first floor,would it be a bad idea to make the center windows in each series casements with the windows on each side of the centers fixed? Thanks

Doing so will probably save some money. Opposing casements at each end, however, will allow you to catch a breeze from either direction, which is one feature many who prefer casements desire.

Keep in mind that casement windows are less forgiving than hung or sliding windows. Like a door, they must be installed very square, level and plumb for optimal performance. You'll want to make sure you inspect the installation (probably done by your framing crew) before siding and sheetrock go up, just to make sure everything works properly.

Because of the heavy clay soil throughout much of eastern Oklahoma, shifting slabs often affect window openings over the long-term. If you live here, you know you can hardly turn on the radio without hearing an ad for a foundation repair company. Soil conditions and slab construction are issues you may want to seriously consider before using casements.

Once you've chosen a window company and received preliminary drawings , I always advise clients to visit with a window professional. A knowledgeable representative can review each opening and offer advice in regards to pricing, building codes, and advantages and disadvantages to varying window types - not to mention lead times and delivery.

Any changes made as a result of this discussion can then be incorporated into the final drawings, so there will be less confusion during the actual building process.