We looked at many of these brands as well. Our price for Pella Architect Series double hung vs. Windsor Pinnacle Clad were virtually identical. Windsor was able to show me their extruded aluminum which looked solid. When I mentioned this difference to the Pella guy, he told me Pella is far superior and that extruded aluminum is really just a fancy marketing phrase used by the competition. However, he couldn't demonstrate the superiority of the product, so in the end we are planning to go with the Windsor. We priced Anderson - it was a bit less than the Windsor / Pella quote. I was not sure about the Anderson product as it doesn't seem to be aluminum at all (but maybe I just misread). Some things that had a big effect on the price (which I didn't previously think about): 1.) Number of lites --- the more you have, the more expensive the price 2.) Hardware -- ORB can drive up the price a bunch. 3.) Anything tempered costs more, so windows close to doors cost more to pass code. 4.) Colored cladding --- I wanted ivory vs. white white --- this is a 2-3% upcharge for Pella --- standard pricing for Windsor. 5.) Screens --- obviously, if you have them, they cost more I played with my quote quite a bit, and fine tuned it --- I was able to save a lot of money by taking screens out of places like the garage, or hidden windows. I used ORB hardware everywhere except attic windows and garage -- this saved me some money. I fixed (made non-operable) some of the windows where appropriate and finally, I am using Emtek hardware made for Windsor vs. Windsor hardware (this will be seamless to me as Windsor handles it), but it saves me several thousand dollars. I am sure I have been a pain to the Windsor guy, changing and changing to try to save some money, but the savings have been worth it to me as I am getting lots more included for much less now. He has been very helpful in working with me (in Charlotte). Anyway, my point is, whichever window line you choose, you can probably find some efficiencies if you spend the time going through the quote. Thanks for all of the great info above! Rachel

We have Andersen 400 windows. I don't think there is anything that states the model on the window. There was definitely no identifying label on the AW peel-off stickers. I think the easiest way to identify the difference between the 200 series and the 400 series is to look at the sill. The 200 sill is very small and not very sloped vs. the 400 sill. Have they installed your windows yet? If not, are there no boxes anywhere? The model number is on the Andersen boxes. As to the screens, I thought the TruScene came standard with the Woodwrights, but that it was an upgrade with the other models. (At least that was the case 8 months ago when we ordered our windows!) Of course, I have seen the box stores offer this upgrade for free, so that may have been the case for you. Also, the TruScene is very clear...if your screens look like a regular screen- then they probably are.

The upgraded screens are usually based on a stainless steel mesh that is able to be run at a much thinner gauge and therefore lets in a good bit more light. As you have noted, they are $$$$. Your vendor should be able to provide you with a sample and some VT comparisons that will help you arrive at a decision and/or legitimize the cost. As a general rule, most folks say to live with the windows for a week or two and see if you don't get used to it. Then decide from there.

I've been researching window manufacturers, and here's where I'm at: It's been difficult to find Soft-Lite dealers and Okna does not have any distributors/installers in our area. I've had two contractors who specialize in windows stop by the house, and both said triple pane glass isn't needed in our climate, contrary to what was suggested by the experts here. The quotes I've received so far are for double pane windows. Both contractors recommended full frame installation based on the water damage on the master bedroom pair (shown previously in photos). I'm still not 100% sure that's necessary but want to make sure we "do it right" when we replace them. This week I received two Sunrise window quotes, and each contractor also offered an alternative (Hayfield windows from one, and Provia from the other). Here are the quotes for 3 Twin double hung windows with grids (6 windows, approximately 37 1/2" W X 63" H each): Quote 1: $11,967 Sunrise V4000 White/golden oak with N2100a glass package and internal grids. Includes pre-finished wood jambs and trim for full frame installation Option 2: $11,057 Hayfield windows; includes vinyl jambs and trim; full frame installation Quote 3: $14,441 Sunrise V4000 Color{GOLDEN OAK / WHITE}, S2100A, GLASS BRAND=[Omega 12], SOLARCLEAN, Keeper Sash Grids{TWO TONE GEORGIAN=[2Vx1HC]}, Lock Sash Grids{TWO TONE GEORGIAN=[2Vx1HC]}, Grid Color Match WDW{Default Grid Color}, Grid Color ?{GOLDEN OAK / WHITE}, Accessories{NAILING FIN}, INTERIOR TRIM UNIT, PICTURE FRAME INTERIOR TRIM UNIT - STANDARD, WHITE PAINTED, 2 1/4" COLONIAL CASING - STANDARD, EXT. JAMB DEPTH (DECIMAL FORMAT)=[5], JAMB DEPTH 3 9/16 - 5, STANDARD HARDWARE, STANDARD HALF SCREEN, OPTI-VIEW SCREENING, WHITE MADERA Quote 4: $12,437 Provia Endure Window - EN600 Series - Graphite Foam Insulation - Factory Mulled, Mull Header Cover, Integral Nail Fin, MasterFit Trim System - Café Cream Poplar Modern 2 1/2" Casing, Café Cream Poplar Traditional Interior Stop, Café Cream Poplar 4 1/2" Jamb Extension - Ship MasterFit Casing Knocked Down - Glass -- All Units: - ComforTech DLA-UV, Double Strength Glass, 3/4" IG Thickness - Colonial (Standard) Contoured Grid - 2V x 2H, White Grids - Compound Tension Balance System, Snap-In Frame Sash Stops - INNERGY Thermal Sash Reinforcement - Extruded Bottom Screen (White) with BetterVue Screen Mesh I am waiting on one final set of quotes, though I have less trust of this contractor, as he was trashing vinyl windows and said Sunrise couldn't compare to Marvin's fiberglass windows. I asked him to quote me Sunrise Restorations vs Marvin Esssentials (which he was pushing). My questions: Should I push for triple pane? Insert installation? Any opinions on the Provia Endure? I was quite surprised at the cost for just six windows and was thinking we could do this project for under $10,000 - but do these quotes look competitive? Or should I source some additional quotes/manufacturers? TIA for any insights/recommendations! TB