People often ask me what is the "best window". That is a loaded question if there ever was one. While window design, the manufacturer, delivery competence, warranty service, and even order entry/inside sales are very important, the installing contractor is actually a more important consideration. This is the company you as a homeowner will be interacting with the most. The factory "just" makes the window (and there's a lot going into that!) but the contractor has to measure them correctly, receive, and check them in looking for mis-orderrs, defects, missing screens, etc., then get them to your home and install correctly. Then they are your primary contact for any issues that arise over the course of your ownership of the property. Many window manufacturers will refer you back to the installing contractor if you contact them for service. The biggest problems come from when the installer does a horrible installation and the homeowner is looking to the factory for help. We just make 'em folks! So please, for your own sake, choose wisely. Get real references and talk to them. Make sure the installers are trained, licensed, bonded, and insured. As to see photos of the installers and go to the BBB and CSLB websites to check their bonafides. Internet five star reviews cannot be trusted.
As for the Best Window, I am not going to give you my biased brand recommendations as its skewed to what I see out here in CA. But I can give you some good universal window design features to look for.
Vinyl extrusions, for the most part, are very well made with a few exceptions. In California, though, we have hot summers, intense daylight, and idiotic politicians. There is no such thing as "Virgin Vinyl" as all vinyl has a blend of impact modifiers, heat stabilizers, and color retention compounds blended in. That term came from a very long time ago when extruders used other plastics (and recycled content). The vinyl siding industry used that term to get exorbinate prices on their ugly vinyl siding. A few siding manufacturers got the bright idea to make windows also so the term is still persisting. Some vinyl though has thinner interior wall thicknesses (usually .072 or less), not very many chambers, maybe less titanium dioxide than others. Some vinyl is also a weird color, sometimes a flat matte finish, often blue-white or grey-white. The best color is what is called a cream-white and has a semi gloss finish. Also an easy way to check for a quality vinyl is to rub with your fingers. If it feels rough, or chalky, it's crap. If it feels silky smooth and the color looks good, and does not have thin walls, it's probably pretty good. Always ask to see a corner cut extrusion and feel it up!
Look for good weatherstripping and lots of it. Some now have anti-microbioticals to prevent mold and allergies) and look for a full interlock. Where the sash meets the fixed portion of a horizontal slider at the lock is called the meeting rail. The interlock is where they lock together when the window is closed. Often companies have notched out sections to accommodate the lock(s) which is horrible as it is a gap in the primary sealing point! Look for full interlocks, with full perimeter weatherstripping, and just say no to notches. Cam locks, because they draw these components together for a tight seal, are technically better than smart touch or positive action locks (PAL locks) as the cam and the keeper draw the seal together. For the love of Pete, look at the screen too. Often overlooked, but very important if you like, you know, fresh air. No plastic corners, look for better visibility mesh, and how easy is it to remove the screen. If the screen frame is flimsy and light forget it. If you have to fight it to remove it, move on to a different series.
Then look at the overall design. Is it an even sight line? That is the vent glass is the same size as the fixed lite. Builder grade windows have unequal sight lines where the fixed can be two inches or more larger than the vent lite. This is really noticeable on large XOX or end vent sliders. It looks small-big-small especially from the inside looking out. Is it a good looking window inside and out? Does it have rounded corners, some nice detail to it, or is it plain? Is the exterior flush fin flat or does it have a bevel, or some kind of characteristic that is visually appealing? This is going on your home. Is it a thin single wall stucco fin or a better double walled fin? Take the corner cut and hold it up to the house at the same corner you are going to replace. It is amazing how many professional window salespeople do not do this simple check. While you're at it check the neighbors. What have they done and does it look good? Walk your neighborhood and ring the bell of the home that had windows replaced and ask 'em who, what they used. Most homeowners are generally happy with their purchase (sometimes even if it looks like hell and they may not even see it). But still look at the homes and the install before you sign up with anybody. There is nothing more expensive than regret.
Look for the next post and the most important window aspect - the glass package!
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