What he said ^^^^^. Obviously the Intergrity is a fiberglass window while the Kolbe is extruded aluminum clad wood. And the Weathershield just kind of exists (and would not be in any good conversation I were to have about windows)

I think I have fallen into the internet black hole of "window experiences from hell" and am now convinced that not matter what I do my windows will leak. Windows are a big deal here in Florida and I wonder if spending top dollar on the Kolbe is going to be a painful regret later. I guess if I get the Weather Shield and they fail then I would think about how I should have shelled out a few more bucks for the Kolbe. The Marvin Integrity is just not a look or size compromise I prefer.

I am meeting with my window dealer tomorrow... he also recommended Neuma french doors (these at 8ft tall doors) which makes me even less confident in his recommendations, since Neuma fiberglass french doors have a bad review on this forum.

I have moved on to being overwhelmed with kitchen issues and am certainly not a window expert but wanted to mention a few things we learned in our remodel. With roof, doors, windows...contact your insurance company ahead to see what you need to get the best discount (that we did). Some only use certain companies for a wind mitigation report. Then I would contact a wind mitigation expert and get advice ahead. Quite frankly the wind mitigation expert can absolutely give you advice on windows and doors that work best in your area. Plan your furniture ahead in a room with patio doors so you know which door should open (as most times you don't open both) and Fiberglass doors are almost impossible to stain! Hardest job I've done and went on to paint them...We are right at the ocean. I wanted the 3/4 lite french doors. They are 8 ft and beautiful. I think they are Plast pro- impact (not sure the line). If you learn the difference is not huge in the windows then definitely I would go for the larger even if they are not the best....Have used Houzz forums every step of the way! Good Luck

Don't worry too much. You are in the right place for good advice and have, collectively, about 100 years of experience between the regular posters here.

Lets take a step back and talk about what kind of look you want? Inside of each of those material categories (i.e. wood, fiberglass, hybrid, aluminum, vinyl, composite), there will be brands/products that are bottom, middle, and top of the pack.

So....what look are we going for? Do we like the full wood window interior? What about the Integrity (wood-ultrex split) was not appealing?

Have you seen the Marvin Ultimate, the Andersen 400 or E-Series?

I am pretty happy with the look and feel of the Aluminum Clad windows. The Integrity was bad for 2 major reasons. 1. They were unable to come close in many of the windows sizes (these windows are pretty tall, some are about 7'6") 2. The "tract" where the window moves up and down is tan or white only. I want a black on black window, the tan tract on the inside of the window is extremely unappealing. The Kolbe is able to do the black aluminum with the black painted wood interior.

This house is a contemporary rancher and the exterior will be white board and batten hardiboard (cement block construction) with a dark grey metal roof. All the windows and doors must be impact for code in my area. The house will eventually see for about $800,000 (so I cannot spend a million dollars on windows) and the windows should be great quality, but not best quality. I also have 8 sets of french doors. Spending $100,000 on windows and doors does not make me feel great.

I am guessing Kolbe is pricing their single hung to hit the DP rating but I would ask them that question as to why. I think WeatherShield is a great value and their prefinish poly painted interiors look really nice. I've sold their premium coastal window series and had no issues.

Why are you not looking at PGT windows which is what most everyone here in FL uses?

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What again?

You don't know what that means MWM...rookie.