I only repair windows and can say I've reinstalled my fair share of misinstalled windows, correcting every problem imaginable. Rarely are windows installed per basic manufacturers instructions because either builders/remodelers think the way they did it for the last 1000 times is the best... or they don't have the time or money to do it right. I am in the process of replacing the windows in my own house. Now here is the kicker... I now have 4 types of windows 15 year old andersen, 15 yo weathershield, 15 yo no name, 1 year old Andersen. I get ice on the weathershields, lots of water on the no names, little condensation on old Andersens and the new Andersens are bone dry... all in the same house. Problems are almost always due to poor installation but no one wants to pay the price it costs for a great install. Oh well.

There is quite a bit of misinformation that you have been given Mr Jones, I'd definitely take some extra time to sort through it all and make sure that you have accurate facts. I'll go through some, all of which are easily verifiable: Manufacturer and material : All three are very reputable, with Andersen and Marvin having a longer history. That said, Okna has indeed been in business since the early 90's and is a top 100 manufacturer as well. The 3 materials have similar histories as well, as none have been used commonly in a residential window application for more than 20 yrs. All three have their merits, although all three do represent a small "niche" . Vinyl and wood are FAR more common. There is no clear winner here IMO. All are suitable with no decisive pros or cons, particularly considering that each individual product is designed and engineered to exploit the respective materials' inherent strengths, and mitigate its weaknesses. If there is one that I'd put slightly behind the others it would be the Renewal, as adding wood flour/sawdust to vinyl really doesn't add much. Appearance: This depends of course on what areas are examined, however the Marvin all ultrex integrity is by far the slimmest. The Renewal and Starmark are both somewhat bulky by comparison, although neither is very bulky compared to some other products. Despite the slim lines, the all ultrex Integrity is actually the least attractive based on the feedback that I hear. The wood/ultrex on the other hand is bulkier. This category is in the eye of the beholder. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Interior appearance: well stated. Some folks would prefer the rich, real wood interior (Integrity) with only a 10 year warranty, others would prefer the synthetic stainable with lifetime warranty and no maintenance (Starmark). Winner again depends on the individual and their needs/wants. Hardware: The Renewal and Starmark both have more attractive hardware options than the Integrity IMO. Both are all metal, both have multiple finishes available. Performance: Here's a big one. To accurately compare, it is necessary to look at apples to apples glass packages. At .25 for a standard double pane package, and .19 for triple pane argon, the Starmark runs away with the win here. With equivalent glass (surface 2 low e, argon fill), the the Renewal and Integrity are .29 or higher. You can switch to any other glass package across the board, and apples to apples the Starmark will be multiple points better. This can be verified via CPD number (certified products directory) at nfrc.org Air Infiltration: Another big one. The reps that you have spoken to are either flat out lying, or being highly manipulative. The only window of the 3 that sees that .05 AI number is the Starmark. The other two are in the teens at best, if not .2+. I would request a structural test data sheet for reference. If renewal or Marvin will provide it, make sure to compare the size of the window and configuration. It is highly likely that your rep(s) are using casement or picture window ratings to compare to the starmark double hung. The starmark is .01 as a casement. Patio doors: Since this was mentioned, the differences as stated for windows continue for patio doors. If the real wood interior is preferred at the expense of performance, then the Marvin or renewal options are better. The Starmark will be a much better performer, but without the real wood interior. Installation and durability: On durability, this is another area that would trend toward Starmark based on containing no organic parts that can rot, and also on the lifetime warranty. Renewal and Integrity are each 10 years (20 on glass). Installation itself will vary by dealer, and should be given proper weight. One cannot speculate on the quality of installation based only on material however. The only thing that could possibly be considered on that line of thinking would be availability to contractors I suppose. Integrity can be purchased by anyone, whereas Renewal and Starmark are exclusive products where dealers are regulated by the manufacturer. One important thing to note, is that comapanies that install Renewal windows are NOT owned by Andersen. They are a dealer that exclusively carries that line and meets Andersen requirements, however they are not actually part of Andersen. Price: This again will vary by dealer and area. Renewal has a reputation as having the highest price, using high pressure sales, and also of posting thinly veiled, inaccurate info where THEY talk poorly about competitors (not to say that is the case here, of course). That said, I'm sure that there are some great Renewal operations across the country, just as there great Starmark and Intergity dealers. Ultimately, these are three windows that are solid to excellent, and each have their own pros and cons. You are unlikely to go wrong with any of the three, it really depends on which options most closely aligns with your goals for the project. It sounds like that is the Renewal at this point, I'd only recommend getting the accurate performance information, and then perhaps that would (or not) impact your decision.

I don't know if you have any "specialty" type windows, and if you do, Marvin can't do them in the infinity or essential or if they can, they are not operational windows and will be stationary. Only when you go up to the Ultimate window, the fiberglass and wood one, can they do arches. Then again, those are double hung, stationary or casement, not single hung. We have been working with Marvin since February, from a retailer that is Marvin only, and while it seemed easy at first, in getting the quote to them measuring and final quote, that is when it all has fallen down. Our first salesman just stopped responding after it was discovered he put non functioning infinity windows in a bedroom (the two windows have an eyebrow shape). Now we are working with the owner and it still isn't right. I am about to give up on Marvin and call Anderson.

Considering window material, if you want a window with a more traditional look and feel, a window that radiates warmth, then you should look first at wood because wood still offers the best aesthetic in that role. If your concern is maximum energy performance, often (but not always) at a more reasonable price-point than the other options, then you need to consider vinyl as your first choice because generally speaking vinyl windows offer superior energy performance numbers when compared with other options. As you consider the window sash/frame material, always keep in mind that the quality of the company that manufactures the window is much more important than the material that they use. Good companies make good windows and bad companies make bad windows no matter what material they use to manufacture their product. As with most products, there are some very good vinyl windows, some very middle of the road vinyl windows, and some very bad vinyl windows on the market. Like vinyl, there are also very good wood windows, very average windows, and some really bad wood windows available. With both wood and vinyl windows price often does tend to indicate quality...but not always. If energy performance is your primary concern then vinyl is generally going to be the winner pretty much every time. As long as you pick a quality product from a top manufacturer, forget the "all vinyl windows will fail in 5 to 10 years" argument that is often tossed into conversations about the best material for windows, that's a load of excrement. Once again it's more about the craftsmanship and reliability of the company that made the window than the material used to manufacture it, and as always the quality of the install. That’s the real discussion.