Ram is a heavier duty aluminum, and more of a premium offering in this market.

PlyGem's 4800 series is a builder grade aluminum window (as they even list it on the brochure) that some contractors are offering for replacement applications, even when it's not a good use of the product. Windows that are designed to be installed using a nailing fin, can be quite flimsy when installed without the nailing fin (screwing through the jamb).

I'd spend some time reading through the PlyGem warranty too. It's very, very week. The insulated glass is only warranted for 10 years and after the first year of the warranty, they will only give you a credit toward the purchase of replacement glass. Warranties will tell you how much confidence the manfuacturer has in their own product.

Quaker would be another option in aluminum, but they will be priced around the same as Ram.

Are you absolutely set on SDL bars?

+1. You rrreally sure you need SDLs?

Thanks both. Sounds like Ram is the right answer here. They're just more expensive, but manageable overall.

Yes, given the type of home we're building the SDLs look good.

SDL bars do make a nice window look even nicer, for sure. Quaker is another brand that is available in Houston, and it's comparable to Ram.