- Burris Tectview AC - $24K
- NT Traditions - $35K (will get one more quote on the Presidential line, but do prefer the minor upgrades the Traditions dealer gets)
- Anlin Del Mar - $45K (ruled out)
I know Randy is not a fan of Burris, but given their Cardinal IGUs with 366, I'm having a hard time understanding why. However I do see that NT is a nicer offering with overall better design.
What I've realized is I'm having a hard time finding even-handed info. People seem to take a hard line on different topics and very convincingly tell you why the other method is wrong. Everyone I've talked to has a good reputation via reviews and personal references. It starts to make me wonder if there is no "better/worse," simply preferences and as an amateur I'm going to have a hard time telling them apart.
I'm leaning toward NT Traditions but have these concerns. Am I on the right track thinking NT Traditions are worth an extra $10K?
Are these concerns warranted or unnecessary?
- Installer only uses high-quality caulk, no insulation. One installer tells me this is horrible and the cavity should have insulation added. The NT Traditions installer tells me they used to use the spray in insulation, but later found it caused mold issues. This seems very believable to me in the DFW climate, but could be a good story about why they cut a corner?
- Black exterior is a paint product ("the same way automotive paint is applied") with a 15 year warranty. Sun is intense on my house; some other vendors said a laminate type finish is preferable.
- Installer uses 2-man crews and estimates the project will take 3-4 days, which has the benefits of finishing one room at a time but also seems a little odd and disruptive compared to everyone else who either used a large crew in 1 day or a medium crew in 2 days.
- NT is a sloped sill, Burris is a pocket sill. Lots of claims each is better than the other.
- Burris buys IGUs from Cardinal with a stainless steel XL edge spacer. NT assembles their own with a foam SuperSpacer. Some reports foam spacers are more prone to sun damage and fall over time. Supposedly has a lifetime warranty but I'm a bit suspicious of the warranties on both to be frank - the legal language about "aging and exposure" gave me pause. Sun is very intense on my house and if that's a risk for a foam spacer, perhaps I am better with a stainless steel?