Hello! I am on the verge of replacing 13 aluminum windows and a sliding glass door in Suquamish, Wa - across the Puget Sound from Seattle. I have been digging through this forum and others trying to pinpoint my best options for vinyl replacement windows. The current aluminum windows are behind T1-11 siding so replacing them with new construction windows is in the works. I am replacing them myself with help from a contractor so I haven't been getting bids from installation companies. Shopping solo, hunting for reviews and pulling out my hair. The majority of windows are sliders.

It seems my window choices around here are limited. I cannot get Soflite or some of the other highly recommended windows here in the NW corner. I am entertaining Milgard (Styleline), Pella, Alside Mezzo, Simonson, PlyGem and a local manufacturer Cascade. First I'd like to know if I am missing a manufacturer I need to consider. Secondly, any advice of which direction to go? All of these manufacturers have issues of some sort from the research I have done. I a feel stuck with too much information and not enough information, all at the same time.

Anything will be an upgrade to what we are replacing. I am on a limited budget but I don't want to slap in cheap windows. Cascade have been highly recommended as my local option but I cannot find a lot of information on them. I need the U-Factor at .30 or under and prefer thinner vinyl frames. Any help or advice would be great.