I know this is an old thread. If anyone is still reading, I'm looking for advice on replacing our windows and sliding glass doors at our beach house. We have 8 casement windows and 3 sliding doors. We were going to go with vinyl new construction windows and doors until we started hearing negative information about the durability of vinyl. We are doing this once so want to do it right. The sliders also face south and get hot afternoon sun. Also we are undecided between white or black exterior trim (white inside) but that's a whole other decision to make! We will be visiting both Pella and Andersen this week. We are looking at possibly the Pella Impervia fiberglass line, or the Andersen 100 Series Fibrex. We need to make a decision quickly to get the product ordered. This will be done in tandem with a deck replacement and siding replacement with Certainteed vinyl white board and batten. Any advice and recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!

Dealing with a similar sutuation. New build with same windows. I was a little surprised when i noticed the exterior mitre joints, as mine are identical. One thing i know for sure is that “damage” you think is from the factory is 100% from the installer. Mine were installed with way more damage. Aside from the major damage, I did have those scuff/scratch type marks all over several of mine as well, the good news is - they literally wipe off with a decent amount of elbow grease. I was happy when I realized it wasnt permanent.

I finally decided on the black Andersen casement window for my home, which probably won’t be installed until March due to production delays. I originally went with the bronze but the more pics of both, bronze and black color windows I looked at, the more convinced i became of going with the black since it is a neutral. The black also looks really great against the brick. can’t wait for their arrival.

That’s not accurate LD, Todd is right. The amount of glass lost can vary substantially depending on what’s being removed as well as the product being installed. In some cases no glass Is lost even on a replacement, but that’s rare. The 1-1.5” loss is probably a fair average overall, but again, lots af variables and casement vs hung is not a main factor