We went with the Andersen 400 (casements, sliders and fixed pane). Because of the grid design we wanted, we had to do the 400's, especially in the custom sized windows. We have had good customer service (large custom arch window arrived with loose grids and they replaced/installed the entire window and also sent out some defective slider window hardware.) Overall we have been happy with our window choice. In MN we have some extreme temperatures and they have performed well. One tip, initially we got a bid from Home Depot, but the wait time on them was quite long. We took the HD bid to our local lumber yard where they matched the price and the windows came in sooner. My understanding is that HD sends their orders into a central office and they are held there until they get enough orders for a volume discount. The local lumber yard order went directly in to Andersen. Something to think about if you are on a tight time frame. Also, if you sign up at the Andersen web site they will send you offers for rebates and incentives. Unfortunately our windows were received just after the offer ended so we couldn't take advantage of it. But you might want to check it out. Jill

Unless you lived in the Southwest you couldn't order one of these windows a year ago so they don't yet have a track record in colder climates. This window is made entirely with Andersen's patented wood & PVC composite, "Fibrex", (formerly used only for sash cladding and replacement windows) and is obviously intended to compete with all-vinyl windows. It is offered in 5 exterior colors and only white interior. It is available in single-hung but not double-hung (presumably for strength) and the mullions are only available between the glass. Fortunately the glass widths are the same top and bottom. The frame depth is very small (like a PVC window) so deep jamb extensions will probably be needed unless drywall is used instead. The exterior is very "modern" (ie not traditional) since the upper sash of the single-hung (and all other sash) is essentially flush with the front face of the frame and there is no sloped sill, very little sill overhang, and no drip (a serious detailing problem requiring some kind of special flashing at the sill or an added sub-sill). Andersen's recommended sill detail relies entirely on sealant to prevent water from entering behind the exterior cladding - a foolish idea that cost Andersen and their customers a lot of money in the 80's but their memory is apparently shorter than mine. I would not use a window in it's first year of sale nor one I had not seen and operated in the field.

We regret that you are still confused about the window information you have recieved. Please call us at 888-888-7020 and we?ll try to help you. Andersen 400 Series Tilt-Wash and casement windows are available prepped for replacement in custom sizes to 1/8". This is the SAME window as our new construction product; it?s just custom sized (if needed) and prepped for use as a replacement product including a full frame and the materials needed to complete the job. It is true that an insert window for our Narroline product is available as well and that could be where the confusion began. Again, we have no plans to discontinue production of the Woodwright product. If what you are looking for is a custom sized, full-frame window, for use in new construction, remodeling or replacement we have it. In addition, we have a full range of glass, grille and hardware options to fit just about any style needs. I hope that helps.

So, your double pane U-Factor appears to be a 0.27. Good, but what about that "will add thermal performance that far exceeds the vinyl options". I am quoting you directly from above about 6 posts ago. There are more than a handful of vinyl windows that will best that thermal performance in the case of double pane and more than a handful that equal or best the thermal performance numbers that you show in triple pane. To be certain, 0.15 is a good U-Factor, but it is only equivalent in this case to just the handful of vinyl windows that I know of personally not to mention the more exotics that are designed solely around performance. I do love nice wood windows, but to claim they are more efficient because of the wood is sketchy science to put it mildly.