I believe that Hurricane windows,provide superior protection during a violent storm. As they are attached to the integral part of the structure of a building,prevents chances of wind entering the building,something like storm shutters. Simultaneously i even let light enter a room. -------------------------------------------- The hurricane windows fort lauderdale servers great !!

Jeldwen are not top of the line and I don't live too far from where they are made. So I like Marvin and Anderson. I also have replaced windows and have 5 more on order. Have to say that I'm happy with the line that my installers use. It's a small company from MN. Good to deal with a local business that will stand behind their work, no matter what brand you go with. My experience with casement was not good over time because the crank stripped and the window would have to be pushed shut from the outside. Happy with our double-hung. It gets pretty cold here in IA, and we've noticed a big difference.

Moisture between the glass would not be caused by poor installation. Rather, it would be caused by a defective manufacturing issue or due to some type of unusual situation where the normal wear was affected. For instance, extreme variations in temperature due to orientation or something going on regarding the interior of your home. I design and specify windows for homes in Florida almost all of them on the water or close by. Sierra Pacific offers a 30 year warranty on its 2605 finish and 20 year warranty on its patented Coreguard wood treatment and I would consider those windows. Andersen performs well too but they reduce their 20 year warranty to 10 years when on the coast. In my 40 year career, I have had great success with Andersen and SP and would run away from Pella if you are looking for an aluminum clad wood window. Just my opinion based on more than a hundred installations.

Some follow up, if anyone is interested. I talked to the Kolbe dealer again. He said their prices are close to Marvin's and not to choose Kolbe for price. A bigger difference might be the dealer mark-up than the product itself. That dealer is a 45 min away and unknown to my contractor. There are also mixed reviews on yelp. My contractor is getting bids for Marvin from two local stores that are reliable. The one I met with yesterday was great (and came recommended by my architect and interior designer). Fun fact: since Marvin makes all windows to order, there isn't really an up-charge for a "custom" size. (I'm trying to match the windows in the front of my 1940s bungalow and some the dimensions are non-standard ). The Marvin book calls out sizes in 6" increments, but they can make windows to any spec, to 1/8".