"badgolferman" wrote in message
...
I am about to pull the trigger on replacement windows and have a
question regarding the construction of vinyl windows. Three different
brands of windows have been quoted to me and I want to know if anyone
has any experience or opinions on which models are better construction.

Silverline/Andersen 8500 Series LowE/Argon/Foam Filled 0.30
http://silverlinewindows.com/product...RP&type=double

B.F. Rich Horizon LowE/Argon 0.30
http://www.bfrich.com/horizon.html

Alside Excalibur LowE/Argon 0.30
http://www.alside.com/index.aspx?page=79

They all meet the new standard for the Federal Credit. The Silverline
has a foam-filled frame for rigidity. The Alside I was shown had metal
bars inside the frame although the website doesn't show that. The B.F.
Rich doesn't seem to have either.

The Alside is Window World's model and they were the most expensive
quote. The other two are local contractors that have been in business
for quite a while. All windows seem to have similar warranties.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the benefits of the foam-filled frames
vs. the other two?

The foam filled frames are for insulation. You will find you can get
Alsides with foam filled frame (at least you could 5 yrs ago). Check a
cut-away of the frames to compare. The more cavities, the better the
structure (rigid), and the better for insulation, believe it or not. I
don't care to go into how it insulates better, by having more cavities.
Something else to consider, Alsides uses virgin vinyl, not recycled vinyl,
I don't know about the other 2.

Did anyone tell you how these will be installed? They fit inside your
existing frame, if the frame is wood. I have heard in the south, they also
install them in aluminum existing frames.

I can tell you, Alsides has one of the best warranties in the business. I
know for a fact, they honor the warranty. However, I wouldn't purchase them
through Window World. Do you have a Alside Supply listed near you? They are
wholesale only, but, they will give you some names of installers. You will
get a better price, than through WW.