I am building a new house in the mountains with a cold climate (average winter 10 degrees and summer up to 80) Most of the windows will be under a covered 7 ft porch. The garage windows will be exposed. I am looking at single hung or double hung. I have reviewed Pella, Marvin, Milgard, Andersen, Sierra Pacific and all have left me with a HUGE sour taste in my mouth. At this point I am ready to just buy shower curtains from Walmart and use!! (just kidding ) I currently have Pella Windows 450 series. I can feel cold air come in where the glass meets the wood, but not around where the sash meets the side wall or frame. I like how its on its own tract and does not move from side to side. While looking at Marvin Ultrex all fiberglass, I saw alot of reviews of the bottom of the window iced over. The fiberglass with wood interior was pretty but very loose in and you could jiggle it from side to side. ( the sales man said it was because in was on display and the real windows did not do that ) I did not notice much in the line of weather striping in the window. The Andersen 100 jiggled really bad.... I did not like the composite type Andersen. I looked at Milgard and it looked like a nice window... Until I came home and started reading reviews on their own web site, it seems like you have to publicly call them out before they will respond to your issues.... I know some issues are caused by improper installation, but some issues like joints in the window not tight causing leak or condensation in-between the glass are manufacturing problems.

A friend told me to look into Gerkin Windows... I was really impressed with

what I saw on their web site. I have yet to call them. I was not able to find a local dealer for self inspection

I guess my question are:

Are Gerkin Windows as good as they seem?

What kind of window do I want in a cold climate?

I would prefer fiberglass on the outside and wood on the inside but am open to other options.

I have issues trusting "sales men" every one of them told me the same thing when I brought up

all the bad reviews on their windows, " It was not installed correct" then they get pissed because

I start critiquing the window.

Looking for what window to go with!

Thanks for your help!

Lisa