Tim wrote:
Hello again all,
I am confused about which windows to put in the new home I will be
building soon, in the Houston Tx area.Consumer Reports recommends
Anderson and Pella wood and vinyl clad windows,but I am unsure about
either because 1) termites are a problem here 2) moisture is also a
problem, and 3) I have seen vinyl deteriorate over time d/t UV
exposure. Most window sites are currently recommending some form of
vinyl or vinyl clad windows these days,and I understand that aluminum
will, to some degree, act as a thermal bridge. All things being
considered,I still think aluminum sash is the way to go if only
because it will hold up to the above mentioned elements indefinitely.
Am I totally off base here? What do some of you tradesmen think?
Again, thanks in advance for constructive input.


Tim
I put Andersen windows in my home when it was built. All casement
windows have failed (40+ of them). The custom made,
windows...pentagonal, triangular and large ones (10 x 10 ft) have not
failed.

The failures have been due to leakage of the gas placed between the two
panes. The result is that the two pieces of glass touch. Thermal
performance is horrible when this happens, moisture condenses, and the
pattern formed looks lousy.

I would never buy Andersen again.

Pella seems to me to have a better product.