Window4U is actually a very good contractor by the name of Dave that runs probably the most well respected window replacement company in Chicago. His phone number is on the website as well. I suggested several brands in my previous post. The 4 brands that you have looked at so far are average at best and all high pressure sales organizations. You will get long sales pitches that start with vinyl windows costing over 1K per unit and drop as you haggle. That is an exhausting process and especially if you consider that the 4 windows that they would try to sell you are middle of the pack at exorbitant prices.

I'd be more concerned with his methods of installation. Many times an installer who is used to installing low end windows often times is more interested in getting the job done quickly than taking his time and doing it correctly. Some of the questions I would have would be, 1. Does he use fiberglass insulation or foam such as Dow or Hilti? Foam being the preferred method. 2. What type of caulk does he use? Quad being the preferred type but some of the installers still use silicon inside and out. BTW nothing wrong with using Silicon on the inside. We use it b/c the fumes are less toxic and noxious than the Quad for the first 24 hrs. 3. What does he do to level the window on the existing sloped sill? I'd ask him these questions to get a conversation started about his install technics and then ask for some references from jobs he did 4 or 5 years ago and call the people and get their input. I'd also ask for the addresses of a few homes he's done recently and visit them. Pay close attention to the capping and caulking. If the exterior molding was a Contoured Colonial type, did he just bend the trim coil into a "U" shape and cap or did he take the extra time to fabricate a piece that matched what was there. Also look to see if he made a rain diverter on the top of the window if it was installed into siding. He may very well do a good job for you but I'd still check on the above suggestions before signing a contract.

Well engineered windows of any type will do fine in your climate region. I have seen fiberglass, aluminum, or even vinyl. As a matter of fact, my Aunt has vinyl windows in her home (I supplied them) and they are doing fantastic in her application. There is a good resource in the DFW and Houston area that posts on here by the name of Randy (UltraWindows). He might be a good point of contact.

Current windows have storms but I was thinking of replacing the storms on the windows I want to keep on the house. The windows that face south are literally falling off of the house. I am thinking of replacing the windows in front of the house with a wood window that matches the Juliet windows. But the remainder I'd like to keep costs down with a less expensive option that will look nice with the original wood ones in front of the house