Go aluminum if you want all black inside and out.

What brands were you looking at? Better brands will not have that issue from what I know.

We are in Canada. Looked at Pella, Durabuilt and All Weather.

We just installed Fleetwood and we love them! All black and beautifully built. I’m in southern California and they do require a Fleetwood trained installer.

I would never select vinyl windows. The frames are too thick and the proportions of the windows are all wrong.

Frames are too thick?

Here is a comparison of a pretty standard vinyl window that provides more visible glass and light than one of the most well regarded wood windows on the market. About 6% more visible light (i.e. more glass) by comparison. Similar glass packages compared.

It's just a bonus that every measurement of performance is better too.

• U-Factor = 17% better
• Visible Transmittance = 6% better
• Condensation Resistance = 11% better

https://search.nfrc.org/search/cpd/cpd_search_detail.aspx?cpdnum=OKW-K-18-00073-00001

https://search.nfrc.org/search/cpd/cpd_search_detail.aspx?cpdnum=MAR-N-425-16866-00001

Definitely don't want to compare price or warranty.

@HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC, I would like to see the data/reports to support your statement #1?

All you have to do is look at the U-values. There may are some “European” aluminum windows that have lower U-values but they have to go to greater lengths to isolate the interior from the exterior components .

There is a reason many vinyl windows went away from using aluminum or steel to reinforce there products. If your having a hard tome using google i can post up some data.

@tc9876

What do you mean by "reports" to support statement #1? A quick survey of the U-Factor and CR numbers on any thermally improved aluminum window will tell you everything that you need to know about it's applicability in a cold climate. Thermally broken aluminum is a great product in the right application and an incredibly strong and thin profile. That said, anyone using it in a climate with a winter of any significance is not building science savvy and is setting themselves up for purchase misery/regret.

That regret will be you windows sweating buckets or the consistent bloody noses as you set your winter relative humidity to about 12%.

@toddinmn @Windows on Washington Ltd I looked at aluminum thermal break windows for midwestern location. U value is .19, SHGC is .38, CR is 67. These numbers do not align with the blanket statement that was made in #1. I wanted to understand better the basis for the statement, that is all. @toddinm Your snarky comment about my ability to use google does not serve you and makes you appear small.

Those are great number. What product is that specifically that you are referencing?

A CR of 67 is pretty good, although with a triple pane window you'd like to be in the low 70's or above. That will give you the best condensation prevention.

There are thermally improved aluminum windows out there that are world beaters on the performance end of the spectrum. That said, they are going to be very expensive and a tiny fraction of the marketplace. These two factors make them poor choices for most people when it comes to cold climates.

@tc9876

Any follow up at to what product you were quoting the data from previously? Do you have a CPD Number for it?

@Windows on Washington Ltd You will likely have a negative comment as my builder ordered the windows from China. I don't know the CPD number.

Authentic full divided light windows are available, but you will pay a hefty price for them. Investigate Parrett.

Simulated divided light windows are made from a single, large pane of glass with surface muntins "welded over the exterior". Standing back from the windows, it is hard to tell the difference.

I don't like the white on the crank out windows, either. But, that said, I would never, ever have crack outs again. One unexpected rain storm, when you are an hour away from home, and the windows are never the same.

BTW, we love our black Anderson 400 Series simulated muntins. You can choose your pattern. For this house the windows are 2/1 and the full view doors are 4/4.

"Investigate Parrett"

Becarefull looking at Parrett, they look great but..............................

@tc9876

No negative comment. But without validated data, how are we supposed to make that actual comparison? The Scientific Method requires data before conclusion is all. Have to be careful when making assertions online as they are up for consumption by a bunch of folks.

@tc9876

I applaud your adventurous spirit as well. The lack of readily available warranty service or manufacturer contact (in North America), will be a non-starter for most folks. What was the final price on a given operator of size?