Window Choices Feedback/Gut Check

[kelvor]

I've received several quotes for replacement windows for my home. I'm looking to replace 25 original windows (house built in 1994). 19 double hung, most are 35"x70". 4 2-lite sliders all around 60" x 48", and one large picture window that is 60" x 70".

Company A:
- Provia Endure Double Pane: $23,430
- Soft Lite Elements Triple Pane: $26,230
This guy says the only tempered glass required is on the large picture window because the glass on the bottom of the double hung comes in just under the code requirement (9 sq ft). My math on the glass size seems to suggest he is right given the thickness of the frame on the Endure.
Offers a lifetime labor warranty as well.

Company B:
- Provia Endure Double Pane: $20,750
This guy says a bunch of the double hung must have tempered glass on the bottom panel due to being within 18" of the floor, and that is part of his quote. He will not install non-tempered glass. But even with the tempered he is much cheaper than Company A for the Endure.
1 year labor warranty.

Company C:
- Alside Mezzo Triple Pane: $23,500
- Alside Fusion Double Pane: $19,350
Also said they don't have to be tempered per code. 1 year labor warranty.

Based on what I've read on this forum and elsewhere, I think my best option is to go with Company A with the Soft Lite Elements window, even though it is the most expensive. I've read that it is a much better window than the Provia and Alside options. Wanted to gut check that assumption.

[Delaware Mike]

Did you explain the universal building code regarding tempered glass to company B? There are window outfits that exceed the 9 square feet exemption on units, but that sales rep doesn't seem to know the code? I like the SL Elements more so than the Endure. The only thing I would get in writing is regarding service on the window regarding those beefy 3/4" constant force balances if they break as I did the Elements series for years and those aren't fun to swap out at all. OKNA and ProVia Endure have compound tension/block and tackle balances that can be swapped out in a couple of minutes without special jamb spreaders and heat guns.

[Windows on Washington]

Elements is the clear winner in this line up.

[HomeSealed]

Elements is the clear winner in this line up.

+1.
May be the most expensive, but frankly the price difference should be greater if based on the quality of the product IMO.