"but is there no way to clad a window properly? " None besides paint that requires periodic renewal as it weathers and develops breaks in the film. There is no way to make a seal that will exclude water indefinitely (or in many cases even for a reasonable time). "I have see clad windows that are 20+ years old that are fine." Have you taken them out and apart to determine if they really are in good shape? I would bet money that there is rot under the cladding. The cladding may still look good, and the wood surface on the interior may still look good, but there is no way to tell without tearing them apart if rot has started. Solid wood windows can almost always be repaired (unless they have really been allowed to decay extensively). Every piece of the window frame and sash can be replaced. I have worked on wooden double hung windows that are original from the late 1700s (old town Alexandria, VA). No one wants to perform maintenance, and the continued search for 'maintenance free' has led to all sorts of solutions that are never going to last as long as a plain old wooden window. Windows being made now are generally estimated to have a life of only 30-40 years.

I'd recommend looking at JELDWEN's Siteline EX product. I used to sell Marvin's for years and still do once in awhile. In my area, I sell almost 7 figures a year in JELDWEN windows. I can say that their quality is near Marvin's and is 30% less. They also have a color called "Artic Silver" which looks like clear anodized but is an applied finish. Anodized coating SUCK as they scratch easily and cannot be touched up. If you don't believe me, ask your dealer what they warranty is on anodized product. If they don't say 5 years or less, ask for it writing prior to ordering. Artic Silver is a 10 year warranty through JELDWEN(20 years if you look at their Custom series product, which is equal to Marvin). As for Hurd, if they're close to the same price as Marvin I would pick the Marvin if you're not interested in JELDWEN. Hurd is a crappy brand name and what's the point of buying "knock offs" if there's not enough savings to justify it? I don't go to the flea market and expect to pay 10% less. My advice, look at JELDWEN's Siteline EX product. If you don't like the quality, buy Marvin. Find a GOOD dealer in your area that knows what he's doing and you feel you can work with. Call the manufacturer and see who they prefer in your area(they'll give you their best dealer who buys the best). Lastly, remember pricing isn't everything. One mistake can easily suck out what you saved by "shopping around"...

Guess it pays to read the fine print. I thought for sure that Jeld-Wen was extruded aluminum, the mullens are - but the sashes are rolled. People keep saying there are better choices, but can someone explain why one would be a better choice? Millworkman, I read so many saying go with Andersen 400, WHY would it be your last choice and what are your favorite brands? Eastbay, what and why are other brands appealing to you vs. Jen-Weld? How is Pella? Is aluminum BETTER than vinyl clad (and particularly in Florida)?

I'm putting my money behind bossyvossy. PVC is not only structurally weaker, it has a shorter lifespan. If you plan on "flipping" your house to an ignorant buyer who doesn't know the shortcomings of PVC windows, go ahead and use them. But if you plan on keeping your home or passing it on to the next generation, what sense would it make to install windows that are going to need replaced in 20-25 years? Is it worth saving a few bucks on the front end just to spend 100% or more of what you are planning to spend on today's less expensive PVC windows? A QUALITY aluminum framed window with a high performance finish will easily last in excess of 50 years. Plus, PVC is the scourge of the planet in both its manufacture and disposal whereas aluminum is totally recyclable. Help yourself and help the planet and go aluminum. They may not be as good as old growth wood windows, but they are more affordable and require less maintenance.