Window replacement: Vinyl, Aluminum or Wood?

We are in the midst of a renovation of a bed stuy townhouse- not landmarked. We need to replace about half of the windows. The current windows are new aluminum windows. We definitely cannot afford to replace all of the windows in the house, and we are struggling with what material to use for windows that do need to be replaced. Of course wood would be really nice, but it’s expensive and we have about a thousand other expenses at this point…but maybe it’s worth it? Would aluminum or vinyl be as efficient and can they look nice if the right brand or finish is chosen? We are looking for a clean, modern look. The window store is pushing vinyl as a ‘workhorse.’ The contractor would of course prefer wood, but he’s trying to save us money, so he’s nudging us towards vinyl as well. But our parents, online forums, etc all say vinyl is cheap looking, and deteriorates. Thoughts? Thanks!

WRPListings

in General Discussion 7 years and 10 months ago

13

Please log in, in order to post replies!

13 replies

Newest Oldest

rwood | 7 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5070 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4897 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3782"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "rwood"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BL/Rgi4/N5OKEBICE47HjqiUuLTsQ01"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "rwood"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "kalan_choe@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/gates_ave/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "rwood"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3782)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Ela Hau, If you see this post, could you tell me the contractor you used for the Okna windows? What is the price range? We got a quote from simoton vantage point and looking to get additional quotes and Okna keeps popping up as a good manufacturer.

mw40784 | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5068 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5069 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191625"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "mw40784"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BrRivHU.bOCCsOXjgsSfpMjdvyeb1l."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "mw40784"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "mw40784@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:28:52"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(31) "Martin Williams Martin Williams"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191625)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

This is often a very challenging choice and not an easy one to make. I agree with what the posters above have said regarding the differences between each type and the importance of installation. Many installers who work with wood windows won’t have an expertise with aluminum.

A single casement, aluminum window is a very nice modern look that blends well with old townhouses (see photo attached). It won’t be cheap, but aluminum is durable and can come powder coated in any color you want. The limitation with these systems is generally the ability to add interior divisions (aka muntins). If you have more traditional 6 over 6 double hung windows, for example, then it is often advantageous to use wood or vinyl.

Reynaers Aluminum (sold through Steel Windows & Doors)
https://www.reynaers.com/home

Solar Innovations (carries an aluminum product)
http://solarinnovations.com/

Adler Windows (can provide any and all window types)
https://www.adlerwindows.com/

Andy Urbany, RA
Dixon Projects

[1](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:okvw:1.jpg.jpg)

mw40784 | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4904 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5071 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191625"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "mw40784"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BrRivHU.bOCCsOXjgsSfpMjdvyeb1l."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "mw40784"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "mw40784@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:28:52"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(31) "Martin Williams Martin Williams"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191625)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

This is often a very challenging choice and not an easy one to make. I agree with what the posters above have said regarding the differences between each type and the importance of installation. Many installers who work with wood windows won’t have an expertise with aluminum.

A single casement, aluminum window is a very nice modern look that blends well with old townhouses (see photo attached). It won’t be cheap, but aluminum is durable and can come powder coated in any color you want. The limitation with these systems is generally the ability to add interior divisions (aka muntins). If you have more traditional 6 over 6 double hung windows, for example, then it is often advantageous to use wood or vinyl.

Reynaers Aluminum (sold through Steel Windows & Doors)
https://www.reynaers.com/home

Solar Innovations (carries an aluminum product)
http://solarinnovations.com/

Adler Windows (can provide any and all window types)
https://www.adlerwindows.com/

Andy Urbany, RA
Dixon Projects

[1](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:okvw:1.jpg.jpg)

mw40784 | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5070 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5072 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191625"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "mw40784"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BrRivHU.bOCCsOXjgsSfpMjdvyeb1l."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "mw40784"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "mw40784@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:28:52"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(31) "Martin Williams Martin Williams"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191625)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

This is often a very challenging choice and not an easy one to make. I agree with what the posters above have said regarding the differences between each type and the importance of installation. Many installers who work with wood windows won’t have an expertise with aluminum.

A single casement, aluminum window is a very nice modern look that blends well with old townhouses (see photo attached). It won’t be cheap, but aluminum is durable and can come powder coated in any color you want. The limitation with these systems is generally the ability to add interior divisions (aka muntins). If you have more traditional 6 over 6 double hung windows, for example, then it is often advantageous to use wood or vinyl.

Reynaers Aluminum (sold through Steel Windows & Doors)
https://www.reynaers.com/home

Solar Innovations (carries an aluminum product)
http://solarinnovations.com/

Adler Windows (can provide any and all window types)
https://www.adlerwindows.com/

Andy Urbany, RA
Dixon Projects

[1](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:okvw:1.jpg.jpg)

astoriahomeowner

in General Discussion 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#4837 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5080 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "195003"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(16) "astoriahomeowner"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BDs1nCmOj4d.o2yEQ4dMLzljP8yH5I0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(16) "astoriahomeowner"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "deryakovey@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 15:31:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Derya Kovey Derya Kovey"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(195003)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Vinyl windows warp and I would not recommend them. Wood windows only make sense if you have a large budget or a Historic landmark. Even so, I would look into something other than Vinyl, or Wood.

Lurker | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5070 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4848 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "113126"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "Lurker"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Biam83uc193o8.v5qK1VChb9yjJ5vu."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "lurker"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "jcjedi_10003@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/lurker/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2011-01-19 18:44:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "Lurker"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(113126)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Just for kicks measure your exterior openings (brick to brick) and then go see what they have online for Andersen 200 series at Home Depot, or Pella at Lowes, which are dual pane glass wood models with exterior cladding. If you get ones that are relatively close to your dimensions they often can be fitted just fine, and you’ll get good/good enough wood windows for between 200-400 a piece plus install cost. As others state here installation is everything and these are decently made so will be way better than vinyl or composite and even aluminum at a decent price. Maybe you get lucky.

NeoGrec | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5072 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4847 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1741"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "NeoGrec"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BOvBZSSoDDccMCffw1igzkiT0t5s1D."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "neogrec"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "rparr@randomhouse.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(36) "http:///forums/users/grandarmyredux/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:46:16"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "NeoGrec"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1741)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Resident2 is on the money. Installation is everything! We are in a Historic District so have all wood windows — but a mix of manufacturers since we replaced them over time. Some are Marvins which were installed by Historical Windows of New York (formerly E-Z Tilt of Bay Ridge). They did a fantastic job. The windows are heavy, relatively sound proof and utterly draft free. They also look good. They were super expensive but make such a difference, I regret we don’t have them throughout the house. We also have Andersons (have held up well and cost a lot less but are not as sturdy or attractive) and Pellas (very poor quality and no longer close properly). Our worst choice was custom mahogany windows for the rear parlor, chosen to match the interior woodwork. These are drafty and the seal has broken, resulting in a cloudy appearance. The critical detail with installation is to do it from the brick mold out. More expensive but it enables the installer to insulate the cavity and get a far tighter fit. If you install new windows into old frames you’re throwing away your money.

jcurreri | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4837 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4883 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193044"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "jcurreri"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BhXCZ78iMB2Zengf7lV84VJzWn9YSt/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "jcurreri"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "jtcurreri@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 10:35:05"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(25) "John Curreri John Curreri"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193044)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We installed Okna series 500 windows in our rowhouse. Made in PA by Polish company. We had NO drafts in the winter.

jcurreri | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5070 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4882 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193044"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "jcurreri"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BhXCZ78iMB2Zengf7lV84VJzWn9YSt/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "jcurreri"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "jtcurreri@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 10:35:05"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(25) "John Curreri John Curreri"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193044)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We installed Okna series 500 windows in our rowhouse. Made in PA by Polish company. We had NO drafts in the winter.

jcurreri | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5072 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5068 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193044"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "jcurreri"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BhXCZ78iMB2Zengf7lV84VJzWn9YSt/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "jcurreri"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "jtcurreri@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 10:35:05"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(25) "John Curreri John Curreri"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193044)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We installed Okna series 500 windows in our rowhouse. Made in PA by Polish company. We had NO drafts in the winter.

bhagawanchau1234 | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5083 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5082 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "196070"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(16) "bhagawanchau1234"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BuzvXaY7mLVV8YWDuu2AWrQ8NPbweA."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(25) "bhagawanchau1234gmail-com"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(26) "bhagawanchau1234@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:35:01"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(18) "Bhagawan Chaudhary"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(196070)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Contact Capri Windows in Brooklyn. They did a great job advising me and providing a cost effective solution for replacing my parlor floor windows on the Upper West Side.

resident2 | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5068 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5077 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "181002"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "resident2"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BYKCrEpDU34.3RJghRPk8/Xp1XpCve/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "resident2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "Jamanda1255@Yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:33"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "resident2"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(181002)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Wood, vinyl, aluminum. It is not that simple.
Quality of each?
Most cheaper wood windows are made of pine; a soft porous wood that is inclined to warp expand & contract with the weather etc and will need painting on the outside at least every 3 – 5 years. Mahogany or some other hard wood is fabulous but as you say expensive.
Cheap vinyl windows are not strong enough in structure to hold larger Brownstone windows and they can move in the changing seasons as well as discolor over time. But there are some better vinyl that fall into the generic “vinyl category but are composites that are much better, also more expensive.
Aluminum windows vary greatly as to the manufacturer; I have actually bought some of my best aluminum windows from the “Chinese place” on Classon Ave at Flushing Ave by the BQE, where they make them themselves.
But the most important thing when replacing windows is the installation. Make sure you have a carpenter that knows what they are doing.
I h ave seen top of the line Marvin windows destroyed by poor measuring and installation.
If you are on a budget and cannot replace all at the same time, at least do all the front, or all the back at the same time.

EJR | 7 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5082 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5072 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "79362"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(3) "EJR"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B.h6vu7ImM77fV6j0TvRwlieo3mAr4/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(3) "ejr"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "ejrothman@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(46) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/ejr2/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:30:58"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(3) "EJR"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(79362)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Marvin has a nice product that is wood on the inside and a proprietary fiberglass on the outside. They use it both in their higher end lines and their more affordable “Integrity” line. http://www.marvin.com/integrity/features/wood-ultrex-series