Hi Karen, Turtle code requires lass than 45% visible light transmittance so the Quad 452 (52% VT) is actually a bit over the requirement and would need to be paired up with a tinted glass in order to meet the 45%, but since your concern is SHGC not VT, I am including a chart of the SHGC (among other) numbers for Cardinal coatings. SHGC is the last number on the right... The third column of numbers from the left is the glass visible light transmittance (VLT or VT). VLT is measured as part of an IG unit not just a single coated lite. On the far right are glass-only solar heat gain numbers, whereas window SHGC rating is based on the overall size of the window for computation, not just the glass area. A full window SHGC rating will always be lower than the glass only number because it includes sash and frame performance (which is zero) as well.

Why use the Ultimates on the front? The only difference I can think of when viewed from the street is the 1.5" deeper placement of the sash in the Ultimate that creates a stronger shadow line and more traditional appearance. But wouldn't you have in 2 different windows and hardware viewed from inside the front rooms? I don't know if the exterior appearance would be a major advantage since I never use casement windows. Have you looked at these windows in a showroom? Check out the scrolling screens. I would add a sub - sill to either of these windows. But I haven't seen what your house looks like. Look at the relationship of the nailing fin to the face of the sash in the details below and the thin sill nosing and the effectiveness of the drip. ELEVATE (sash in front of fin, missing drip) ULTIMATE (sash behind fin, thin sill nosing)

Oh thanks! I thought Infinity was just a discontinued name for the Ultrex window, but it looks like it's a separate line of replacement windows. This is a remodel--new larger window opening being cut. Will replacement windows work for that application? Infinity handle looks exactly like the Essential handle that DH hates. But we are tired. If the sliding action decent, we could probably be happy with this window.

Personally I feel the Marvin Essential or Elevate are better quality than the Milgard. Anything Pella would be out of any conversation I had as well as eliminating the guy who recommended Pella. I read somewhere that Milgard is contractor grade. I assume a contractor grade would not be considered an upgrade? Pretty much, they do not make much in a higher end product from what I recall. "What distinguishes contractor, mid range, higher end and commercial grade of windows?" Performance, fit & finish, quality control is what will separate the better windows from the masses. You can go to the commercial look (narrow sightlines, big glass) with Western or Fleetwood Aluminum type products but you need to be sure they would meet Title 24 requirements. Personally ocean front I would use a fiberglass or an all aluminum product from the afore mention type companies over a wood aluminum clad product.