Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 8/11/2005

Question
Hi,
I am building a new home and I am overwhelmed with the choices of windows.  I would like a short list of well made windows.  I have look at Pella, and Marvin. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations? Thank you so much. Janice

Answer
Hi Janice - thanks for your question!

Most "brand name" windows are well-made (I've listed some names at the bottom) but there are other factors to consider in choosing windows besides quality construction.  For example:

The climate where you live will require higher or lower insulating values; if you're in a hurricane-prone area you'll want windows with a higher impact rating and a higher water-resistance rating.

The solar orientation of your home may affect the type of glass in the windows - "low-e" glass, for example, reflects most of the harsh UV rays of the sun.

How much maintenace do you want to do?  Windows with a wood exterior look great but require frequent repainting.  For "no" maintenance, choose windows with a "clad" exterior.

The style of your house will dictate the style of the windows - casement, doublehung, slider, etc.

There are also other factors to use for comparison - depending upon how deeply you want to get into it.  Each manufacturer offers several styles of window; several types of glass; several levels of insulating value; and most have more than one product line with varying levels of "quality".

But assuming you just want to know the names of respected window manufacturers (and not all are available everywhere), I've listed a few below, some are a little better than others but they're all good products.  Keep in mind that the quality of the service after the sale is critical - windows do occasionally fail and you want a strong service department behind you!

Marvin
Pella
Andersen
Windsor
Weathershield
Hurd
Kolbe and Kolbe

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomedesign.blogspot.com