My wife and I are in the early stages of building a house and are trying to decid on windows. We are puting in single-hung, vinyl windows with Low-e glass. I have been around to local suppliers and got some estimates on windows. I am the kind of person that will get online and research until my face turns blue before I buy something, but I am having a real hard time finding much information about windows. It is very frustrating. Here is what I've got, maybe you all can steer me in the right direction. All of these windows have decent numbers on U-Factor and Air Infiltration and they have comparable warranties.
Alliance Windows Systems Windgate Series - $3100
Silverline 2900 Series - $1600
Quaker Manchester Series - $2100
American Construction (Home Depot) - $1800
Thermapro By Pella (Lowes) - $2200
Any suggestions on which direction to go? Thanks
Windows for your new home require a lot of research if you don't want to be replacing them ten years down the road. Vinyl windows have become very popular because of the price. I'm a vinyl replacement window dealer and most new construction windows are lower end products that won't perform that well. I suggest you do some serious shopping before you choose. It will be a task since there are over 1500 window companies. Good luck.
They are actually called ThermaStar by Pella. You may get a lower price through Lowe's...but I would encourage you to get an estimate from a Pella dealer in your area. Lowe's does not service the products they sell. You also may consider getting an estimate on their Impervia (fiberglass) window. It is slightly more expensive, but much higher in strength, durability, and performance. www.pellaimpervia.com