Thanks! But why not Pella? What is difference in vinyl quality and glass quality between Milgard Tuscany and Pella 350?

Pella is known for mediocre fit and finish, poor craftsmanship, their vinyl products are just awful and horrible customer service. Glass would be the same quality.

Thank you for feedback, millworkman!
Any thoughts on the 2 vertical beams being too thick with Milgard Tuscany’s window frame? 2.5”+3.25”+3.25” = 9” total width

Or am I mistaken in my calculation?

Over a 12' span not at all. Why are you locked into only those two brands? Where are you located? Do you have a single continuous header by chance as that would change everything and allow you to go with a narrow mullion.

Budget is big reason for us. Want to go with quality vinyl windows and avoid rust, mold, etc since we live near the bay. We live in San Diego. As for a continuous header, no idea since we just moved in 4 yrs ago and saved enough money to replace windows. House is built in 1962 and windows are original.

Well finding out if you have a continuous header or 3 individual headers would go a long way towards helping with advice on sightlines in my opinion.

Maybe I’m missing something, but all that you have now is three aluminum windows mulled together, which provides no structural support. Therefore, you can put whatever you want into that opening, since there must be a single header above those windows already.

Actually the glass window panes are attached to the wood window frames. Home Depot window consultant who came out and measured our windows informed us to NOT remove the 2 vertical wood beams since they may support the header above. Really appreciate everyone’s feedback!

I stand corrected. Those photos are very helpful. You should confirm the header before removing the vertical posts.

+1

Those are structural. They aren't coming out without some significant framing revision.

Thanks! That’s what we’re afraid of and why the guy suggested to not remove the 2 vertical beams. Instead of 3 windows, we’re also thinking of removing 1 vertical beam and install a picture window and awning window.

I would leave the jack studs (that’s what the vertical framing members are called) and put in 3 full-height awning windows. If the jack studs are structural, you can’t just remove any of them without evaluating whether the header will bear the load.

Thanks, nexp! The issue remains about the sightline obscured by thickness of jack studs plus window frames. Can anyone recommend window manufacturers and/or frame materials (vinyl, aluminum, wood, fiberglass) for thin frames? Thank you

It looks like you have direct-set windows (the glass is set into the frame itself, not into a sash that is then set into a frame). There is no such thing as a direct-set operable window. If you want an operable window, it will be much thicker.

If you want to maintain the current appearance (which is possibly important for the mid-century modern vibe I imagine the house has), you either need to put in new direct-set inoperable windows or take out the jack studs, reframe the opening to support the load, and install mullioned operable windows.

Kolbe VistaLuxe might appeal to you.

In order to find out what can be done, you are going to have to cut some of the Sheetrock above the windows away to expose the framing. You may need an architect/engineer to do a calculation.

Thanks for feedback! Everyone has been very helpful

I heard Milgard company was sold due to window quality issues. Any truth to this?

Milgard was purchased by MI Windows, but not because of quality issues. If Milgard needed correction in quality control, being sold to MI certainly wouldn’t help matters as MI does not have a good reputation among professionals.

Since window opening spans to 12’ wide should I be expecting to see a window header of 4” thick x12” high to consider it load bearing and therefore can remove the 2 vertical jack studs? Thank you!