Doing research for new windows and doors. Conditions call for fiberglass/composite, or aluminum clad wood; no vinyl. Not South Florida, but they will have to stand up to strong wind and sun exposure.
Hard to tell what actually stands up, and which companies back their warranties if needed.
Decisions based on brochures, salesmen, and in-store displays is probably not the best way to make decisions about something that will cost tens of thousands of dollars. Not unlike car shopping.
But there are no test drives, nor selling used; you're stuck with what you got, for better or worse.
So far, have gotten quotes specifying Marvin Ultimate line, to set a cost ceiling, if nothing else. And their patio doors do make positive impressions, relatively speaking, compared to even the TOL from other brands, like Andersen, with their odd protruding ledge on the sill. The hardware and latching mechanisms also offer clues about the level of design effort.
Marvin, Andersen, and Milgard seem to be what most shops are pushing. Visited a Pella showroom, but no knowledgeable salesmen present when I visited. Kolbe also seen in store.
Anyone else to consider? Jeld-Wen, Weather Shield?
Also need a side door for the garage. Fiberglass, half-light, pre-hung. A slab door would be nicer, but anything will be an upgrade to the original, and this is mostly about function, not looks.
Most specialty suppliers offer Therma-Tru and leave it at that. Big box stores have T-T, Masonite, MMI, and more, but the reviews about doors leaving the factory not square, warping, or not properly drilled do prompt pause. Not to mention shipping damage. Pretty sure the guy at the family-owned supplier will be around next year, while the guy who sells you the door at HD or Lowes may not be, and all that implies.
Welcome to any thoughts, or experiences.
Hard to tell what actually stands up, and which companies back their warranties if needed.
Decisions based on brochures, salesmen, and in-store displays is probably not the best way to make decisions about something that will cost tens of thousands of dollars. Not unlike car shopping.
But there are no test drives, nor selling used; you're stuck with what you got, for better or worse.
So far, have gotten quotes specifying Marvin Ultimate line, to set a cost ceiling, if nothing else. And their patio doors do make positive impressions, relatively speaking, compared to even the TOL from other brands, like Andersen, with their odd protruding ledge on the sill. The hardware and latching mechanisms also offer clues about the level of design effort.
Marvin, Andersen, and Milgard seem to be what most shops are pushing. Visited a Pella showroom, but no knowledgeable salesmen present when I visited. Kolbe also seen in store.
Anyone else to consider? Jeld-Wen, Weather Shield?
Also need a side door for the garage. Fiberglass, half-light, pre-hung. A slab door would be nicer, but anything will be an upgrade to the original, and this is mostly about function, not looks.
Most specialty suppliers offer Therma-Tru and leave it at that. Big box stores have T-T, Masonite, MMI, and more, but the reviews about doors leaving the factory not square, warping, or not properly drilled do prompt pause. Not to mention shipping damage. Pretty sure the guy at the family-owned supplier will be around next year, while the guy who sells you the door at HD or Lowes may not be, and all that implies.
Welcome to any thoughts, or experiences.
