marti8a- We have 2 sets of aluminum clad, low e, argon filled sliders and a set of the same outward opening french doors, all by Eagle (now owned by Andersen, but independent when we purchased them 8 years ago). They all operate easily, close securely and have no air infiltration, we are in NNY and have wind, cold and snow and have never had a problem. While I like the look of french doors better, we chose sliders in two our of three locations because we wanted screens on the doors, we don't have or want A/C, so screens are on the doors are a must for us. The one french door we have will someday open onto a small sunroom/conservatory (hopefully), that's why we chose a set of french doors in that area. Eagle, as well as the other well known manufacturers, have lots of options on the interior; primed, painted, stained, different wood species, hardware options, etc. We rented a house with vinyl sliders when we were building and I would not recommend them at all, they didn't work well, ice built up in the channels and the cold air poured in seemingly from the entire opening. I strongly prefer the wood interior and aluminum clad exterior, but overall I would get the best ones you can afford, good doors and windows pay for themselves in the form of lower energy costs. Good luck- sandyponder

Carrie I am with you on the decisions, it's tiring. I have a 72x80 slider, (2) 72x95 3/4 with transoms. I went back through some of my quotes and it is surprisingly difficult to figure out the cost difference with the various quote systems different companies use, I almost wonder if they forgot something on a few. My Okna quote is even less specific, because he quotes it based on a quantity/profit margin basis and the more windows you order, the better the price? He explained it though it was confusing to me. Anyhow, the baseline estimate was in line with others I received for lesser quality windows so I felt the quote was fair. That is exciting! I guess I can see that (having less glass). As for my decision process, I have a contractor who is very skilled in his work. However, he isn't familiar with product quality as much in certain areas, one being windows. He is the type where you pick what you want, he will install it in with professional quality work. He is not a GC, so he is not great at providing guidance except with technical issues such as functionality (like proper door swing), code, etc. This makes it hard with my decision-making, in the case of windows researching U-Factors and technical stuff. Maybe I've been perusing GW too much but everyone seemed to advise staying away from big box stores for windows. First I went through a local lumberyard/hardware store to get a basic quote, where they came out and measured, etc. Their vinyl window line was not a very good one (from what I've read on these boards and googling) and their fiberglass was more than double my budget so I narrowed it down to vinyl. From there I gathered top names I saw recurring on this board. (Polaris, Kolbe,Simonton, Okna, Sunrise). So I researched local building supply stores (they get big box pricing but sell to contractors or homeowners.) ABC Supply is one such company and they are nationwide. They deal really only in bulk exterior materials, and only carry certain brands. Certain stores in the chain may carry different brands than even another store. I'm sure there are other such companies such as this one. The best they had was the Simonton. I had also contacted Okna and Kolbe, they will provide you with a local dealer. Not all dealers will sell direct, some insist on doing the install. With my Okna windows (and Sunrise doors, I didn't know that when we first started working together), it is cash and carry so I need to pick them up. My contractor told me not to let that deter me so I went for it. I'm out of their boundaries so they wouldn't install even if I wished them to. However I'm responsible for all measurements and specs. They are also highly regarded on Angie's list and received awards, which boosts my confidence. The cost of joining Angie's list is well worth it in many instances to find highly rated contractors. Though not a guarantee. I hope this helps.

Hi all, It was the price of the doors that was split, not a marked up price. Neither one of us wanted the doors, since they are custom sized and will be a hard sell. Since we needed them out of the garage (as 3 doors take up a lot of room) he agreed to haul them to habitat for humanity for donation. Our lawyer felt strongly that we would have won this in court, but to be honest we are exhausted from this contractor. In short, we needed this to be over and done with, and we finally got a night’s sleep on Saturday because of our decision (which was pretty much worth it considering the toll this has taken on our health). He is doing finishing touches this week, and then he will be out of our lives for good... Thanks again for all of the concern and advice.

I agree with Fori, you are talking to the wrong sales people. For years early in my career, seems almost all I did was change out sliders to french doors. For your opening size and situation, you could use several combinations of door and sidelight combos. For example, a pair of 32" swinging french, with a 32" fixed sidelight. If your rough opening won't accept that, perhaps a 30" sidelight and/or 30" doors.