Decision Help

[iRenaissanceMan]

I've spent the better part of a month getting quotes and researching windows. I could use some help to make a decision... or if you believe I need to get more info/bids - send me back to the drawing (bidding) board. I'm looking for a middle of the road window that'll last. Not looking for insanely high end windows, but also not looking for Jeld-Wen or Ply Gem Home Depot specials.

I need to replace 26 windows (13 sliders, 13 picture windows), 1 patio sliding door.

I got bids and asked for all the same installation process - all nail fin installation. 11 windows and the sliding patio door have existing 1x4 that the installers would have to remove/re-install. Remainder of the windows will be installed to the frame of the home. I'll be removing the siding on my own. Installers need to remove old window, install new and waterproof. I'll re-install siding on my own.

- Softlite classic (dual pane) - $36,520
- Provia Endure (dual pane) - $39,560
- MI Sunrise (dual pane) - $36,000
- Infinity by Marvin (dual pane) - $56,000
- Simonton Altius (dual pane) - $40,850
-- No idea what is an Altius or what series it equates to for Simonton. Guy claimed it was a window he helped design with Simonton. I assume it's one of those reserve windows Simonton holds for high volume sales companies?
- Anlin Del Mar (dual pane) - $44,700
- Anderson 100 (dual pane) - $40,500
- Milgard Tuscany V400 (dual pane) - $40,172
- WindowWorld V4000 Mezzo (triple pane) - $37,188


For reference, I'm in Denver, CO which limited my selection and adds to some of the pricing. For example, I couldn't get a bid for OKNA windows as it seemed most here have favored their V600.

Please share your thoughts. Thanks!

[Windows on Washington]

Let's see. You have to be exhausted from all these quotes...no?

Are you partial to the Andersen or Marvin product in the "non-vinyl" family of products? If not, to me the top contenders are the Milgard, Sunrise, and Anlin. The AMI product, because of the triple pane, isn't a terribly option either.

Obviously there is non calculus for installer here in my estimation as I don't know them from Adam in this case.

[iRenaissanceMan]

Thanks. And yeah, pretty exhausted from bids, but I like to do my homework. No preference for non-vinyl. I just figured I'd at least attempt to get an estimate of the "high end" brands just so I know what it may look like.

Do you think Mezzos are worth it with triple pane? The vinyl frames any good?

I think you're spot on with Sunrise and Milgard. Given the price point, I'm pretty much debating the 2 along with Mezzo due to the triple pane. Looking at the frames, Sunrise and Mezzo look pretty much the same. However, I read on other posts here that the Mezzos are inferior. I could use help there if anyone could provide insight.

Thanks for any and all help on the decision.

[Windows on Washington]

Mezzo is an improvement over their previous generations. I'd still like to use the Milgard or MI (previously Sunrise) product and maybe see about a TP option from them.

[iRenaissanceMan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have narrowed to Milgard V400, MI Sunrise and Mezzo triple pane. I'm leaning heavily towards the Milgard v400. I've been told the IGU will be dual pane, suncoat max, foam spacer, 4th coat (low-e), argon filled. I'm guessing that's probably going to be as good as I'll get for energy efficiency. I asked about triple pane and they don't do triple pane with Milgard v400. I asked about the Milgard V450 and they mentioned the frame was thicker (lose more viewable glass space). I didn't see samples so can't compare. I didn't ask for price since glass/view is my top priority.

Anything I should be asking for/about? Am I missing anything here? Jumping too quickly into Milgard? Thanks

[Windows on Washington]

Milgard seems to be a fine company. Been a hot second since I used the brand as they pulled back over the Rockies, but it was a very good window then.