I'd be more concerned with his methods of installation. Many times an installer who is used to installing low end windows often times is more interested in getting the job done quickly than taking his time and doing it correctly. Some of the questions I would have would be, 1. Does he use fiberglass insulation or foam such as Dow or Hilti? Foam being the preferred method. 2. What type of caulk does he use? Quad being the preferred type but some of the installers still use silicon inside and out. BTW nothing wrong with using Silicon on the inside. We use it b/c the fumes are less toxic and noxious than the Quad for the first 24 hrs. 3. What does he do to level the window on the existing sloped sill? I'd ask him these questions to get a conversation started about his install technics and then ask for some references from jobs he did 4 or 5 years ago and call the people and get their input. I'd also ask for the addresses of a few homes he's done recently and visit them. Pay close attention to the capping and caulking. If the exterior molding was a Contoured Colonial type, did he just bend the trim coil into a "U" shape and cap or did he take the extra time to fabricate a piece that matched what was there. Also look to see if he made a rain diverter on the top of the window if it was installed into siding. He may very well do a good job for you but I'd still check on the above suggestions before signing a contract.

Ahhh I love a good window discussion! No one but us "window geeks" can get this charged up over something that the rest of the world doesn't give a second thought to until they break, rot, or they want to build a new house. My background comes in Clad wood windows so I can say I was fed the Kool-Aid regarding wood products. I have been converted to see the benefits of vinyl and I must say there is good product out there very able to withstand whatever weather is thrown at it. Lzerarc's name is on his projects at the end of the day and he must ultimately be comfortable with what he is recommending to his customers. Skydawggy and I share the belief that the current vinyl products on the market are built both to perform and look good and we are comfortable recommending them to our clients as well. Will a vinyl window ever beat a wood window for the classic look, custom attributes, and warmth that wood provides? Not likely. Will they stand up to the elements, provide similar performance ratings, and energy efficiency? Sure. Ultimately the homeowner must decide the best fit for their needs based on the information professionals provide. Tank you for the discussion guys. Here is a link that might be useful: San Antonio Windows and Doors

Hi, Over the last 3 years I have installed the following casement windows. Summary: Of the 3 windows I have now installed I would probably go with the Marvin "Essential" All Ultrex windows if I wanted an All Fiberglass double pane window. Unfortunately they do not offer a triple pane option for the Essential series. If we ever build new or have to redo windows in our next home, I will likely go with the Marvin "Elevate" Wood Interior / Fiberglass Exterior Triple Pane windows. Or I would further investigate the other higher end triple pane fiberglass options on the market. Since I live in MN and Marvin is based in MN and they are really nice windows, I would probably pick the Marvin Elevate's triple pane still. The other higher end fiberglass options may have better thermal glass spacers, but I think with a triple pane, this likely matters much less compared to double pane glass spacers for condensation resistance. The real advantage of a triple pane window is you can use any window blinds/shades you want and still have no condensation. For my double panes I have to open our blinds around 12 inches so the bottom of the window is exposed to the room otherwise they get pretty bad condensation on colder nights which completely defeats the purpose of having fancy thermal efficient double cell cellular blinds. Crestline Acclaim Triple Pane with 366/272 coating Good Excellent condensation resistance, virtually zero even at -20 deg F Nice wood like side jamb visual design look Stiff frame that doesn't move based on summer vs winter Nice gaskets Cheap Bad Single Operator cranks are pretty bad, especially for a heavier triple pane Gives off a greenish hue tint due to the 366/272 coating I really wish they would update to a double operator crank and give more glass coating options, could be an excellent window with those updates!! Marvin All Ultrex "now called Essential" Double Pane with 180 coating Good Stiff frame that doesn't move based on summer vs winter Double operator cranks are nice and smooth Option for 180 coating Okay Mediocre condensation resistance, typical double pane Jam visual design Bad Kind of expensive No option for high transparent screens No option for self clean glass Anderson 100 Series "Fibrex" Double Pane with 272 coating Good Cheap Double operator cranks are nice and smooth Okay Mediocre condensation resistance, typical double pane High Transparent screen option very expensive Can't remember if a self clean glass was an option Bad Frame gets smaller in cold weather and larger in warm weather. I installed in summer and windows opened and closed great, then winter came and they would get slightly stuck due to the outer frame shrinking enough for gaskets on sash to get slightly stuck on fixed window frame. Likely due to the fibrex material's coefficient of thermal expansion and mediocore frame design that allows the thermal expansion/contraction to deflect the frame.

"In the western U.S., Milgard windows are an excellent brand. " We put in Milgard windows 20 years ago. Not replacement windows but original construction ones. In case it matters, we were doing a massive remodel project and the contractor cut out the old ones windows and rebuilt the framing to put in new windows as if it were new construction. We're still very pleased with the windows and with dealing with Milgard for the odd pane or two every now and then that needs to be replaced. It hasn't been that many, fewer than 10%. It's a mild weather area summer and winter but as fun2behere said, Milgard does have a good reputation here and they stand behind their products.