We ended up going with the Integrity windows. I am happy with the look and quality of the windows (with the exception of the locking lever on casements, which has a cheap plastic cover rather than being solid metal). Two cautionary points: they delivered very late (like 50-75% longer than quoted) and I had to make some compromises to fit within Integrity's limited size options (had to use two awnings over a set of French doors because they couldn't make a single one wide enough). I suppose the late delivery could have also happened with the E-series, but my understanding is that the E-series has extensive size options. As for the durability I'll need to wait and see, but on balance I am happy with my choice.

Luke, Are you thinking wood in this replacement project? Based on your climate, I am thinking you are going with triple pane.

opaone, my primary disagreement is with your overall assertion that vinyl windows "do not hold up", and the evidence that you supported it with which has some pretty big holes. 1) You cited a few manufacturers as "better", yet two of those (Zola and Intus) make vinyl windows (in addition to others). Further, I'd stand by my assertion that these are not commonly used by the general home building or remodeling population. Referencing Home Depot is a bit extreme, as you won't walk into a building supply house in most markets and find these there either, which is where most builder-sourced windows are purchased. Perhaps you are involved in a community of builders that places a high emphasis on efficiency. Kudos to that. I'd hope that we can agree that while this may be trending in the right direction, the vast majority of builders (including high end homes) typically use the windows as an area to either skimp, or the install a "name" window. Typical consumers building a home either think any new window will be fine and would rather spend that allowance on upgraded cabinets, OR if they care, they think that Pella, Andersen, and Marvin are where quality windows start and end... in error of course. 2) Your assertion that vinyl windows "don't hold up", doesn't hold up. It is likely based on the builder grade variety discussed. CHEAP, poor quality windows don't hold up. Wood, vinyl, fiberglass. Bad windows are bad windows. Many are due for replacement after 10 years, sometimes even less. I've personally seen above average to great vinyl windows in excellent condition after 20-30 years. Furthermore, as I expressed earlier, I don't believe that you have associates that are running blower door tests on 10-15 year old Zola and Intus windows to allow for the "holding up" comparison that you have suggested. Its illogical. They have not been installed with any regularity for that long, and anyone that would have installed those in the first place likely built the home with high efficiency in mind, and would not be in need of blower door analysis 10 years later. 3) You specifically stated, "...they know that they will not be able to achieve a very low ACH50 in a house with vinyl windows". This is patently false, which you later seemed to agree with me about. 4) Not sure where you are going with the attempt to discredit certification in the Home Performance industry. The theory behind the numbers is very much a part of the curriculum. Are there guys that get certified and then work in a narrow scope of the industry (government subsidized programs come to mind) where bureaucracy taints the science? Sure. Its pretty silly though to undermine the certification though. Would you take you car to a mechanic that is not ASE certified? Have your furnace replaced by an HVAC guy that is not licensed and certified? An electrician? ... While certification is far from an "end-all, be-all" , it is a baseline that should at worst guarantee safety which is a very valid concern when sealing up homes. This may in fact be the biggest difference between a certified professional and the guy that can do a great job sealing a home tight as a drum, but has no clue that the water heater is no longer drafting, I think that we probably agree on far more than we disagree on opaone, but trashing all vinyl windows as inefficient is not accurate, and misrepresenting the views of the building science/home performance community (even if only implied) TO members past or present of said community is poor form.

Pella 450 isn’t really a direct comp to the Andersen E-Series. The E-Series has an extruded aluminum clad exterior, which is superior to the roll form cladding on the Pella 450. If you want comparable specs, you’ll need to look at the Pella Architect Reserve (I think 850 Reserve). The Pella hate is overstated, though understandable given the cladding issues they’ve had with previous generations of windows. Pella casements operate well, and the recently offered lifetime warranty on wood components is compelling. Still, I’d have a hard time not taking a hard look at Marvin Integrity. I think they’ll be competitive on the pricing, and I think the fiberglass exterior is the better direction to go when you’re considering a black exterior.