We are putting Anderson 400 series in our house for no other reason than because we think vinyl looks cheap.

I also don't like vinyl because you can't remove the sashes to install cheap vinyl replacement windows. I realize that that sounds strange, but if the windows need to be replaced many years down the line and we can't afford it, we will at least have that option.

We put in fiberglass windows. There are 4 Canadian made fiberglass window manufacturers (maybe because it is so much colder here that there is a good sized market for those seeking very thermal windows). We went with the Thermotech Fiberglass ones from Ottawa. We also like the ones made by Fibertec outside of Toronto. We liked the look of these two brands of fiberglass windows over the Marvin Fiberglass windows. The two Canadian makes had better numbers than the Marvin ones too. I have heard that vinyl does not last nearly as long (some around 10 years) vs fiberglass. I did not want to have to replace my windows any time soon. Also, we went with casement windows and the upright middle dividers are so much thicker on the vinyl windows versus the fiberglass (wood is even thinner). I don't like the thick upright bars as it obscures the view.

Nothing wrong with Okna windows. I believe the brand is highly regarded. Get the best ones in the line if you can.

When we were doing the new home tours and visiting new spec homes good quality vinyl windows were installed in million dollar and up homes.

We did Andersen 100s (composite) for the more modern profile and a more organic feel. We like them a lot.

We had wood before in our old home. More maintenance issues over time, I thought. But I'm not an expert. It just seems like I always needed to do something with them.

Good luck.

Also consider my last and future choice--clad windows. That's wood sheathed in aluminum.

The less ongoing maintenance necessary, the better the resale goes. The fact that quality wood windows will easily last 100+ years doesn't matter to buyers in love with their no maintenance ten-year lifespan vinyls. Fibreglass just doesn't have the look for me on a traditional home. Just like fibreglass entries--tough and efficient, but cold, shiny and artificial.

We used a mix of Marvin Integrity wood interior and Marvin Ultimate aluminum clad wood. The exteriors are finished in the identical dark green, came with the same muntin pattern with nearly the same width muntins, and are pretty well indistinguishable from the outside (there are very few places where you can see both types at the same time) We used the Ultimates in all of our front rooms and master because they have much less exposed plastic and other hardware on the interior. We used the Integrities in more utilitarian spaces to save money. Both seem to work pretty well.

FWIW, (and to the detriment of my pocketbook) I don't seem to have any trouble picking out vinyl vs wood from 200 ft away. (Our barn, out across the driveway has an "eclectic" mix of windows, I think the vinyl ones stand out like a sore thumb, though they are all painted the same.)

As the pain of paying for the house recedes I'm sorry we didn't do the Ultimates everywhere, they look so much better from the inside without the obtrusive plastic tracks.

Marvin Ultimate gliders here. Aluminum clad wood ( bronze color) on the outside and primed wood inside

In our previous house we did a mix of Marvin replacements in the original 1936 part of the house and Hurd in the addition - all aluminum clad wood double hung. In the house we're building now it will be Hurd (Sierra Pacific) clad wood casements. We like the look of wood windows and the feel when operating.

All, thanks for the feedback! Its interesting to hear the viewpoints beyond price and performance data.

DLM, what other brands did you price out against the Hurd and how did they compare?

I've had Semco and Weathershield aluminum clad in the past. I did not like either of them. I replaced the Semco with Softlite vinyl after 10 years due to lack of maintenance of the previous owner and seal failures. Today I have a low to mid-tier vinyl window that seems to be doing good, with the exception of air infiltration, after 6 years.

I liked the fact that the Andersen 400 didn't have any wood touching the glass but those where expensive windows.

I recall liking the profile of the Andersen 100 as well but for whatever reason the window installer recommended against them. I didn't research further as I didn't end up going with that particular builder.

The first time I encountered painted Marvin integrity windows I didn't realize they weren't vinyl until I walked up closer to them.

whaas the truth is we didn't price any others. We briefly looked at others, not even sure which. My husband has been in construction a long time and has some very VERY strong opinions! In all fairness that's because he's had to deal with many window companies in remodeling or repair situations where the windows need to be addressed so his opinions have a lot to do with customer service, too. We were very happy with our Hurd windows, and in 20+ years only had one seal problem.

We are going with a mid-grade vinyl window. Honestly, they are so common and don't really bother me. They seem to be more durable than wood and I would rather spend the money on our flooring and countertops!

Worthy,

Our high end fiberglass windows are not at all cold, in fact they feel warm to the touch. I don't consider them artificial -- glass is after all not a man made material. They are a bit shiny, but not nearly as shiny as vinyl. I have never seen aluminum clad windows -- are the energy specs strong on this style? Our architect was keen on the aluminum clad windows as well, but I seem to recall the fiberglass windows did better energy rating wise (which is of course important where you and I live).

I really found the profile on the fiberglass windows we went with more attractive than the Marvin Integrity windows which we priced out as well. I know on the windows forum they do like the |Marvin Integrity windows and the Inline Fiberglass ones as well (both of these are available in the US). Fiberglass is not a cheap option!

Carol

I've used many different window manufacturers. (More than a few of them have gone out of business.) The last few homes I've used Pollard windows, including vinyl specified by clients looking to save money. Good products, price and service. A nearly 70-year old Canadian company.

Our high end fiberglass windows are not at all cold

I was referring to their look; they are thermally very efficient. If I see them on high-end infill, I'll consider them. It's the "wood look" fiberglass doors that I find especially offensive and cheap looking. But, yes, extremely durable.

We chose Marvin Integrity Ultrex/wood. They are a quality window, and I like to be able to paint the interior AND exterior in the color of my choice. Performance numbers on new windows are great, but I'd like to compare the performance figures on windows that have been installed for 10 years. I also like the solid feel of ours; I installed them myself, and they weigh a ton! There's a local ad on TV here for a vinyl window where the installer tucks a window under his arm and walks towards the house with it. You're not going to do that with Marvins!

All else being equal, our local Marvin dealer was the only window vendor that I didn't want to choke the life out of. They make used car salesmen seem like nice, honest guys.

Having lived in 5 different 80+ year old homes in the SE- in my opinion wooden windows may still be functional to look through, but good luck getting them to open...

Wood-clad. House is tight as a drum summer and winter. (Chicago area.)

I have cheap vinyl windows in my house, and I'm amazed at how clean and bright white they still are after 12 years. I like the character of wood windows, but these have been so economical and I hadn't even thought about them since we moved in.

Poly vinyl chloride is not a naturally flexible and durable material so it requires the addition of chemical plasticizers to make it suitable for use in windows. But the resulting flexibility and durability is dependent on the amount of plasticizers added, and since they are not chemically bound to the polymer mix, the speed at which they escape is dependent on their quality (usually their molecular weight). Therefore, the most important factor in producing durable PVC windows is the cost of the plasticizers used. This makes the selection of a good PVC window manufacturer and model a very difficult decision and one that my clients have so far allowed me to avoid.

With the increasing quality and popularity of fiberglass windows I believe PVC windows will eventually cease to be made in the US.

Anderson 400 series. Have been in the house for 17 years (custom build) and have never had an issue. Plus they look beautiful!

Andersen makes two kinds of 400 Series double-hung windows and although they use the same PCV wrapped wood frame, the Tilt-Wash has a lower quality sash finish and mechanisms than the Woodwright. The other styles of their 400 series windows are similar to the Woodwright. The Tilt-Wash sash has a thinner profile and an epoxy paint finish instead of a thicker composite cladding and has been a favorites of builders for decades.

I think it is important to mention the specific type and model of the windows you have chosen along with any special options or features.

With the increasing quality and popularity of fiberglass windows I
believe PVC windows will eventually cease to be made in the US.

Not holding my breath.

What I meant was it will eventually be banned unless a safer more sustainable way of making and disposing of it is discovered.

The problem JDS is balancing cost vs longevity. For example, in coastal FL where impact resistant windows are required, what would be the difference in price between a vinyl single hung and a fiberglass single hung? Probably a lot more.

I wonder what the price difference would be between aluminum clad vs the same style of fiberglass windows? Definitely fiberglass is pricier than good quality vinyl. I am not sure how much pricier as we did not cost out fully the vinyl option for our windows as we were sold on fiberglass over vinyl early on. Fiberglass should last a lot longer than vinyl (maybe twice as long or more). I also like the idea that fiberglass can be painted and vinyl cannot.

Carol

The exterior materials of window parts play a big role in price and performance but it's dangerous making assumptions based on material alone. I tend to agree with JDS that poor quality vinyl should be avoided and phased out. There are high quality vinyl windows available that come with factory finished dark colors and can still outperform the aluminum clad or fiberglass competition.

Energy performance is mostly about the installation, IGU or glass package and the window unit's airtightness. Be sure you are meeting 2012/2015 energy codes when it comes to U-value, SHGC and the blower door test results that windows and doors so heavily impact. It might be cost-effective to beat code here. Double hung or sliding door and window styles tend to be the least efficient when it comes to energy performance.

Longevity or durability is mostly about installation and how the various window unit parts were assembled. Materials and finishing processes matter but probably less than the window maker's reputation. Thanks to the many homeowners and professionals on this forum for providing feedback with this all-important quality.

The biggest problem with most vinyl is that it expands and contracts much more than the glass parts. This can wear out the seal between frame and glass more compared to other choices. I think most vinyl windows use weep systems to handle the eventual leakage, a good thing but concerning when preventing unwanted air and water entry are two of the biggest unspoken goals when building.

We used Marvin ultrex/wood as well. We wanted black exteriors on our windows so I discounted vinyl early because of the additional expansion/contraction it would have. Locally both Anderson and Marvin were highly recommended, so I focused on those two manufacturers for fiberglass windows. For me the ultrex seemed superior and was cheaper than the comparable Anderson series.

Its Andersen ... Anderson is no longer in business. I've never seen their A Series and am confused about what part is fiberglass and what part is Fibrex composite.

I do know that in the Marvin Integrity line the All-Ultrex version is far worse than the Wood-Ultrix and should be avoided. Marvin's Infinity replacement window is superior to the All-Ultrix window but can only be bought from installers.

I think Anderson is now Sun windows a KY based company that has a good looking product. We are about to use them on a project.

In addition to all-ultrex concerns, Marvin seems to have a reputation for poorer air infiltration across the board.

We used Milgard fiberglass. We looked at Marvin, but couldn't get the ones we wanted with a black interior. They are actually a dark charcoal, and definitely matte, not shiny. The adjacent doors are Marvins, and are blacker, but I think I am the only one who noticed, and even then, I don't see it any more.