Installation / Quote Dilemma

[windownovice]

We are going to purchase 12 aluminum clad exterior double-hungs, 6 Casements, and 1 Octagon in the next few days. We are down to 2 Quotes:

A) Quote A are Marvin Ultimate DH and Casement windows offering:
1) 10 Year installation warranty.
2) Price of $13,400.
3) Authorized Marvin installer.
4) Offers many standard sizes that limits total gap difference between new window and frame to no more than 1".


B) Quote B are Loewen Windows offering:
1) 2 Year installation warranty.
2) Price of $13,900.
3) Authorized Loewen installer.
4) Standard sizes are not as good a fit as Marvin windows.
- 1 window opening has a 2" gap difference both height and width between new window and frame.
- 5 window openings have 1.5" gap difference width only between new window and frame.
- 2 window openings have a 1" gap difference both height and width between new window and frame.

Questions:

1) Are the bigger gaps in the Loewen windows serious enough to allow air and water infiltration? The dealer has said he will fill the gaps with wood and regular insulation. He also said custom fit windows would be an extra $100 per window ($200 for the side by side 2 window casement in my kitchen).

2) What is the preferred method for filling the window vs. frame gaps to prevent air and water infiltration?

I really like the Loewen window for the Western Douglass Fir and other features, but the Marvin has a much better labor install warranty, is $500 cheaper, and windows appear to be a better fit.

Your advice or experience would be most appreciated.

[windownovice]

Admin. staff. Please delete this post. Its a duplicate. Thanks, Windownovice