Hi Patricia - thank you for your input! It's right in line with our thinking ... though the up front costs may be higher, replacing windows in 5 or 10 years is not something we want to do. We've got this amazing chance to get it right at the outset!

have fun please send pics when done.

maintenance-free is music to my ears! definitely one of our top criteria in making this decision.

we're so thankful for any advice anyone is willing to offer! the deluge of decisions is just beginning and we're keenly aware that we don't even know what we don't know. if you know what i mean. i just made this wacky graphic (while procrastinating around making big decisions) and I hope you'll follow us on this adventure - and PLEASE share your ideas and experiences!

For a residence, I like windows with extruded aluminum exterior cladding.

P M Vollmer and son - do you have any thoughts on their vinyl-clad wood vs aluminum-clad wood?