<p>Yea, after the contractor installed our Milguard awning and slider windows he has stopped using Milguard for anything but dliding windows. I guess we were all disgusted at the awful service. The sliding window works ok but the other 8 are awning windows and fraught with quality and rap air issues. :(</p>
<p>Ok, for anyone interested, this is what my son says: first off, ANY windows in an environment like HI, the waterfront, or otherwise near seawater have different requirements than regular windows. You cannot put standard windows in a home in those places and expect them to last. Installers should know this. Also, windows come with ratings. For standard windows, you want a DR or PG rating of 40. For “strong weather” or high wind areas, you want a rating of 70 or above. Above the baseline is never a bad thing, but you’ll pay more.</p>
<p>He no longer works with residential windows but suggests that in WA, start with VPI Windows. They are not cheap but he says they will be well worth it. They work with certain dealers, which you can find on their website. For good quality installations, he suggests Wis Windows,which works with many manufacturers. He also said Charter Windows, which also works with many brands, is a good company. The companies he’s worked for have tested windows in all kinds of conditions, types of housing, commercial places, in many states and sometimes for court cases having to do with lawsuits over failure. He’s good a good read on windows. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thank you, sseamom, and please tell your son thanks! I will definitely check out those companies. It’s always hard to tell without recommendations, because of course, everyone claims their company is great.</p>
<p>Sseamom, does your S have any recommendations for HI windows? Ideally, we really would LIKE some good awning windows and will NOT use Milguard and haven’t been that enthused by any that we’ve seen or heard of to date. We still do have windows that are over 60 years that are solid stainless steel that are amazingly maintenance free but someday are thinking of perhaps replacing them, ONLY if we can find something as good or better.</p>
<p>Had never heard of the brands you mentioned–thanks. Have heard of Marvin, Anderson, Pella, and Coast, as well as a few others.</p>
<p>HImom, I will ask him. The names mentioned above are regional, though some also carry other brands. I don’t think he’s done any work in HI but he might have some names. I mentioned your problem and he said you should not get anything with wood if you want them to last-period. And go for the higher ratings. But if I can reach him I’ll see if he can be more specific than that.</p>
<p>Ok, he says VPI would be a good choice in HI. I checked their website and they have a dealer in Kanehoe. Might be worth a call. He says that for anyone, look at the ratings. That’s your key. He had another suggestion for anyone in the northwest-Euroline. VERY high end, but good quality. They don’t look like they are in HI though.</p>
<p>Thanks–will check it out. H has more projects before we move on to windows, but it can’t hurt to do research. Appreciate the info, since my friend is also considering new windows. Never heard of VPI before.</p>