Marvin has stopped making retractable screens for windows which will prevent us from choosing their windows for our home (Jan. 2022). The retractable screens for us are a must. We have no place to store screens and since we have a marvelous view, we don't want to look through screens all the time.
We are considering Kolbe windows however 3 different window showrooms advised us against buying their windows saying they are over-priced and have poor service. All three recommended Sierra Pacific. With respect to Sierra Pacific, we are particularly taken with the fact that they offer FeelSafe hurricane resistant products zone IV (we live on the coast), are a vertically integrated company, and by all accounts, offer positive service and warranties. They are also less expensive and those showing windows feel that SP is the same or similar product to Kolbe with at least as many options offered in the way of finishes, moldings, handles etc.
The flip side is that our contractor says that for double hung windows, Sierra Pacific doesn't offer the locking mechanism that the higher end windows offer. This means that the top falls down often if not locked properly. He also doesn't feel that overall, Sierra Pacific has the same quality as Kolbe or Marvin. As for price, Kolbe was lots more expensive than the Marvin Ultimate and both are vastly more expensive by thousands than the Sierra Pacific. Does anyone have any thoughts on these comparisons?
Q