The best windows?

Q. We keep hearing commercials for vinyl windows. They seem enticing because the price is so low, but we really don’t know the difference between types. What kind of windows would you choose and why?

A. Windows really make the architecture of your home as much as roof shape and finishes. There truly is a lot to know about them. An analogy: I’m an avid cyclist and dream of owning the lightest bike, but they cost a fortune. If I were regularly climbing mountains or racing, I’d want the strongest, lightest, longest-lasting bike I could afford. Windows are similar in that we want something that will give us good service for the long haul. Once you purchase them, you don’t ever want to deal with glass separating from the frame, which causes heat loss and discomfort. Why have to keep refinishing the frames or worrying about whether they’ll withstand the hurricane-force winds we get from time to time?

Different window companies have a variety of characteristics. For example, Andersen has great service and a nice choice of styles and energy-rated products, while Pella has great hardware choices, and their windows operate smoothly for years. Marvin makes their windows to your exact needs by custom-producing hand-made details, crafted like pieces of furniture. Kolbe and Kolbe and many others offer strong, beefy custom choices as well. My choice for my own home, based on strength, least expansion and separation of the frame and glass, durability to resist heavy storms at a great price, with paint-ability, quick order time, and accessories to make the frame molding look either more modern or more traditional, would be Integrity series windows made by Marvin.