Thank you for the feedback. I am concerned re Pella standing behind its warranty in the event of window failure. My concerns are based on posts I've read re other people's experience as well as the Pella dealer warning that we should have them install as Pella would void its warranty should the contractor not strictly follow the required install instructions. Of course, his quote is 10 - 15k higher than Marvin's, and we can't afford it. We do like the product itself though, and the options available. eal51 - you're right. The cost savings offered by Anderson do not justify reframing the windows. I just received the written quote and realized the additional labor costs to cut down and fill in the windows account for almost $3,000 of the total cost - money that could be going towards the product itself. I was hoping for feedback on Lincoln, which appears to be a well-made window with many options similar to Marvin and Pella. This isn't our "forever" home, but we would like a quality window that functions well and also adds value to the home for future resale, and without breaking the bank! Thanks again for your comments.

Wondering why a "clad" product when you could have all vinyl... honestly the best choice for windows. Why choose vinyl? Vinyl windows have welded corners which are strong and leakproof. Be sure to look closely at the corners of products you're considering. If corners are screwed, stapled or glued, they will leak over time. You could not only have damaged windows, but a damaged structure, as well. Vinyl is so durable it resists fading, it's maintenance free, and it lasts a lifetime. In fact, our windows have a transferable, Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty plus the Good Housekeeping Seal 2-yr. money back guarantee. That's how sure we are about the quality of Earthwise vinyl windows. Although many don't realize this, vinyl is a sustainable product. Did you know the main substance used to produce vinyl is an abundant resource? It's salt! And vinyl is 100% recyclable. So why waste trees? Vinyl windows are some of the best in energy efficiency. At our company, we take energy efficiency one step further: We built our windows and patio doors to provide optimum performance for your specific climate. Forget the ads you're hearing now that suggest vinyl windows will warp - it's just adspeak. It's actually wood, composites, fiberglass and aluminum that warp over time. I hope you'll have a few minutes to look into the reality of today's vinyl windows because they're certainly very affordable. (Just our 2-cents worth...)

I strongly recommend that you avoid Marvin Windows. In 2011 I spent thousands installing what I believed to be high-end durable Marvin windows: 6 casements and 3 double hung. The casements are not durable and wear poorly. Within the first year, the hardware was broken and on several occasions I was unable to close one window (an "utlimate" casement with transom). The casement hardware is cheap and poorly designed. Here are specifics: 1 - Antique brass hardware on three casements is not solid and the finish peels and bubbles. Screws rusted, loosened and now protrude from the handles. In addition, the hardware is loose -- it jiggles when turning the handle. 2- The locking mechanism on the "ultimate" casement gets stuck on occasion. My contractor had to come open my window this week because it was cold -- there was a 1/4 inch gap between the two panels. In addition, the bottom sill is loose. 3 - Second floor casement windows have plastic hardware that are also loose. The tongue into which the lock slides keeps falling out. No problems with the double hung windows, which have solid metal hardware. To be clear, the problem is with the manufacturing, not with the distributor (Super Enterprises) which has been responsive. BOTTOM LINE: If you NEVER OPEN your windows, consider Marvin. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

Where are you located? I agree with the two prior posts from Millworkman and Windows on Washington, and you should take Pella off your list. Andersen or Marvin would be better, though Marvin Ultimaates which is their wood-clad line are quite expensive. I don't think though that the suggestion for vinyl will work if you have your heart set on wood clad and if wood clad fits the style of your 1950s home. I would also look at Kolbe Ultra Series wood clad windows. Though Kolbe windows are mostly in the mid-west I believe, though I am not certain. Look on the website to see if they are in your area. ETA: I think the blinds between the panes is overrated. They're one more thing to break. Or if you don't like the color any more, what do you do, the blinds are very expensive to replace.