As part of a remodeling project to replace the 5 sliding glass doors (separate post on that) in my house and one exterior door prior to getting the exterior painted I decided to also investigate replacing the only 3 windows in the house as well. The window configurations are: 2 large 6'x6' double single hung windows and one 4'x6' single hung. They are all aluminum with narrow frames and likely the original ones from when the house was built in 1979. Although I live in the Phoenix, AZ area solar heat gain is not really a main factor because it is impossible for 2 of the 3 windows to get direct sunlight and the 3rd window gets partially shaded morning sun (it has an Eastern exposure). Regardless of this I still want to get a decent window that will hold up over time (they will not see a lot of opening/closing as long as I'm in the house though) and is EnergyStar rated for my climate. Based on a recommendation from a friend, who has had some windows replaced over the past couple of years, I investigated Milgard's vinyl options and targeted their Style Line (I like the thinner profile frames) and got a few quotes. Now that I am considering a Weather Shield product for the sliding glass door replacement their VISIONS 2000 vinyl windows have also made it onto my radar. Has anyone had any experience with the Weather Shield VISIONS 2000 line (or 3000 line which is wider framed similar to the Milgard Tuscany product)? Thanks in advance!

Our house was built in 2001. We have a double front door and garage entry door, both fiberglass by Thermatru. The front door with full lite glass has had serious warping. The top and bottom both twist in. This is in a covered area facing East. The garage entry is fine, but the seal went out in the 1/2 glass. I sent claim to thermatru direct. Via email I was able to get replacement. But not what I wanted. They were willing to send me one new door slab and 3 new pieces of glass since our style was discontinued. That would have been a nightmare trying to get the new one to match both inside and outside with paint and stain. We compromised with 2 new front slabs and 1 new glass. They sent it immediately. We are just getting around to replacing with spring weather. I’m exasperated and haven’t even started. Seeing what they sent, it is going to be a huge hassle to change out the glass AND strip and repaint the surrounds, etc that didn’t get replaced. Now looking at steel doors from Menards, Mastercraft. I see the good and bad reviews, but honestly I’d be happy if that lasted 2/3 the time these did as these fiberglass doors are crap. I want durable fade free doors. I did buy a Home Depot door for garage to house, with glass, not fire rated, my concern in that. Our installer said it was the easiest door he’s ever put in and to this day it opens and closes perfectly. On at least its 5th year. Didn’t spend more than $500 for it.

You can't go wrong with either. This is really a function of which one you like the look of better. I could see a rationale for the fiberglass/wood if you live in a coastal environment with salt spray and water, but if that isn't the case....either will work great.

Sharing a negative experience with Marvin or any other windows is not "smearing a brand." A "vetting process" is ineffectual when it relies on the manufacturer's customer service and sales reps. to give correct information, and they do not provide correct information. That is never the consumer's fault. On this site, buyers and sellers should be able to share their own experiences without having those experiences picked apart by anyone else. For those consumers who want to hear from someone who bought Marvin Essential windows, I will again share my experience. I find the windows lack quality. They rely on far too much ABS plastic. The plastic cheapens an otherwise ok product. Their customer service does not provide correct answers to consumers questions. Their design, especially where two double-hung windows are joined together, is, according to another on this site, "hideous." Sadly, I have to agree with that assessment. Others have claimed that the windows are not energy efficient. I would agree that my house is colder since installing the Marvin Essential windows. It is not well known that another brand, Alpen, fills the chambers of their fiberglass windows with a foam to improve energy efficiency. Marvin leaves the chambers in the Essential frames hollow. I can also tell you that the ABS plastic on the Essentials is not coated but the fiberglass is. This leaves an odd difference in color between the plastic and the fiberglass if you choose white. You must make your own choice, but that was my experience. Asking Marvin customer service and their sales rep. for exact information regarding the materials was a waste of time. Neither could be relied upon for accurate information. I was told the windows were fully fiberglass except for the small parts one would expect not to be, like seals. Hope sharing my experience helps others and even helps Marvin to improve their product. Until they do improve it, I would not purchase it again.