Are you looking for vinyl, or are you open to alternatives?

We replaced our windows a few years ago and the level of comfort improved dramatically. I was very nervous about damage during process but there was none. All I needed to do is be watchful of plants that were in the way. If you don't have plants or don't care it is not an issue. I have seen too many composite decks, vinyl fences and other "sturdy" plastic products truly deteriorate in the TX sun, so we opted for aluminum frames, despite installer trying to convince us otherwise. Back then the installation was done thru a Lowe's subcontractor but installers got wise and went independent. Our installer was excellent about cleaning excess caulking and the windows themselves (inside and out) so I would insist that be part of work scope. I would def. get references but the job is pretty straight forward so the risk of a snafu are pretty low. Ask about old window disposal, that may be extra.

i live in ft bend co. Can't give you installer name b/c my contract was with Lowe's so we never knew or asked who sub was.

it took them 2 days to do 16 windows,

The reason people were discouraging the use of aluminum was b/c it absorbed too much heat. I don't buy it. If I were to put in $ the net loss to me in terms of energy savings, it wouldn't be $20 a year. I don't know about fiberglass windows but I do have fiberglass planters and they are very weather resistant. They do crack, as do swimming pools, so I think I'd still prefer aluminum over anything else. If your house is mostly shaded, it probably isn't an issue. Just don't get bamboozled into thinking one material will save you $$$ in terms of energy efficiency. Just isn't so.

Make sure the attic bypasses get sealed before adding insulation. A blower door test is always a good idea.

I like the idea of aluminum window for the Houston heat.

we lived in cypress and replaced the windows in our 1979 home in 2011 we had mature landscaping which was not damaged and the job lasted just one day, you could hardly tell from the paint on the interior/exterior that work had occurred, we didn't even have to do any paint touch up....we were extremely pleased with the function of the new vinyl windows, they really helped with street noise and heating and cooling sorry i can't remember who did the work ..... but go for it....

Errr, it's not the framing that makes the surroundings better, it's the double windows and the gas between the windows. Frame--Vinyl aluminum, wood, whatever just holds the pieces together. That's why I'm saying it has negligible effect on efficiency and one should not let salesperson convince you otherwise.

I see Window World advertised constantly. Home Advisors, might have listings under window replacements. If you are signed on Next Door, your neighbors might have good leads re: who they used.

Only one recommendation that I can give for the Houston area and they are second to none....Ultra Windows. Best team in Houston without fail.

In San Antonio we replaced our double hung, 1939 era, windows with double hung, double pane, low e, wooden, Andersen windows. The sound insulation factor from the windows was amazing. Heating and AC costs went down because the wind was no longer blowing through/around the closed windows. Installed cost was roughly $600 per window back in 2000.