"Are there homeowners/contractors who have been pleased with their product line?"

I am sure there are a few or they would not still be in business but there are no pro's I am familiar with that in good conscience would recommend their products.

Is there anything that I should spring for which will lengthen their lifespan?

No.

Is there anything that I should spring for which will lengthen their lifespan?

Very large roof overhangs on the house.

Hilarious...but true. I was going to go with plastic wrap or a tarp.

I guess my follow up question is which window brand would you go with?

Where region of the country are you building? What style windows (ie: double hungs, casements, sliders, etc)? What type of exterior (alum. clad, wood, fiberglass)? Interior finish? Custom home?

We are building in Southwest Michigan, casement. aluminum clad. We were looking at the contemporary series from Weathershield. And, we actually do have large overhangs on our roof.

Marvin, Kolbe, or possibly Lepage if they have a local dealer.