I have sold and installed windows for 33 years. 99% of problems are caused by builders who let the framers install windows. They don't let framers install cabinets do they? I replaced Marvin, Pella, Weathershield, Lincoln, Kolbe and Kolbe, (insert name here)...and they all leak if they are installed improperly. I have been told 100's of times by builders who build average 10,000 sqft homes "that as long as they last for 1 year", because that is most builders warranty. Horizontal sliders are the least efficient window produced by any manufacture (not counting the cheap vinyl windows made). All label and tested windows have an air and water infiltration rating posted on their website and put on a sticker on the glass of every window delivered. Your builder can also use a product called SillDry which is the best product to install in the opening before and window is installed. When a windows starts to leak (and they will all leak because most homeowners do not properly maintain them) the silldry product will keep the water from getting into the house. So stop complaining and get the person who installed them involved because they are the ones who are probably responsible for leaking windows. Also in the early 2000's many companies purchased cardinal float glass but very few major window manufactures purchased Cardinal I.G. units. That came from a Cardinal glass plant tour I took in 2004 with Eagle Windows which were purchased by Andersen windows.

Why I will not buy Marvin Window Products and neither should you. In 2004 we renovated our kitchen, replacing three windows and one door with Marvin Windows. At the time we purchased Marvin because I felt they were high quality. Marvin’s website says, “We are committed to design that is as functional and intuitive as it is beautiful. Crafted with exceptional skill, our products deliver quality you can see, touch, and feel, the beauty that brings joy, and performance that stands the test of time.“ My view of the ‘test of time’ for windows that I put in my home is a long time, decades. Apparently, Marvin’s test is dramatically shorter. Less than 20 years after installation I noticed that the window had rotted all the way through the frame. I am not sure how many years it took to decay, but clearly it did not happen overnight. Their test of time failed quickly. I called Marvin and was told that the warranty is only 10 years. I understand how warranties work and asked for Marvin’s help repairing the window. They said they would not offer any help since they no longer make the model. I called dozens of companies and was told these Marvin windows were not repairable. I am left with one window out of six that failed out of warranty but clearly started failing years ago before the warranty had expired. I now need to replace all of my kitchen windows in order to have a consistent look. I thought that maybe this is a one-time issue and not very widespread. It turns out Marvin lost a class action lawsuit on this very issue. https://www.yourlawyer.com/construction-defects/marvin-windows-lawsuit/. Apparently, their product team feels they can continue to turn out products that do not stand the test of time. Marvin’s marketing department may tell you they are committed to a lot of things but it is clearly a lot of marketing and they do not stand behind the actual quality of their windows. So when you look to purchase windows for your home my strong recommendation is to look at anyone other than Mavin.

Equanimity - So as to balance this conversation, let me tell you a little bit about Windsor Windows & Doors. Contrary to the comments from a few frequent forum posters, there are many architects, builders and professionals throughout the country who like and repeatedly recommend our products. Windsor windows and doors have been installed in some of the most magnificent homes throughout North America, including the Bighorn Ski Chalet at Revelstoke, British Columbia, which was named the Best Ski Chalet in the World in 2014. Windsor started as a small, custom window company in Des Moines, Iowa in 1946, and has been a part of Woodgrain Millwork -- a family-owned company and one of the largest millwork operations today -- since 1987. Our relationship with Woodgrain is one of the reasons we are able to offer one of the best values in the industry. Through the years Windsor has continually evaluated and improved our products. We strive to be easy to do business with through open, honest communication with our customers, accountability for our actions, and by conducting business in a respectable manner. Our mission is to deliver exceptional value through the relentless improvement of our people, processes, and products. Our windows and doors meet the same rigorous standards set by independent testing companies as other window manufacturers that display the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) sticker, and meet or exceed the specifications put forth by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). For more information, I invite you to check out our Houzz Ideabooks and Projects that feature work from builders, architects, and designers across North America.

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.