We are looking for a quote for Metal Clad wood windows
As of now, we know only "big three" manufacturers
Pella, Jeldwen and Andersen.
How do they usually priced compared to each other?
Are there any other manufacturers of metal clad wood windows besides these "big 3"?
Any links, contacts, especially in Southern California area?
Thanks.

Hi,
You might want to save yourself 25%, with better quality, by looking at Sierra Pacific windows. They're available only in the Western Sates, and made in Red Bluff CA. We took our window list in there...amazing. They have showrooms in Fair Oaks, Camarillo,and San Diego. Try them at 1-800-824-7744, or http://www.sierrapacificwindows.com. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, just in love with saving money.

Kolbe and Kolbe has a metal clad window.  I used to sell there windows as part of the log homes we manufactured back in the 90's.
http://www.kolbe-kolbe.com/

You might want to read this article New Trends in Clad Wood Windows
. It outlines some of the major manufacturers and features of the wood clad windows that they make.

We have been going round 'n round over windows on my *construction project. *
We definately want AL clad wood.
We thought we were going to go w/ Weathershield as we did on Phase I (*guesthouse, 5 yrs ago*) but Weathershield has stopped making he one we want. So now it is between Hurd and Jeld-Wen. Neck and neck on price.
Things to look for are
1. is the aluminum rolled sheet metal that is simply wrapping the wood, or is it stronger extruded aluminum.
2. Are the corners mitered or the better post and stile design.
3. Do they come w/ sill trays?
4. How is moisture handled between wood and metal (condensation )
5. Is the wood treated in any way, how long w/ a guarentee.


Have a look at Vetter, owned by Weathershield...same high quality I am told.

I would not vote for Kolbe and Kolbe or jeld-wen. I have installed both and have not been impressed quality and fit and finish are just so so. K and K is local to me but so is Semco. Installed thousands of them and quality vs price is very good. Never installed Vetter, Weathershield or Hurd all are also produced in Wisconsin.

Check out www.wdma.com for a list of halmark certified products.  A sort of "who's who" in windows and doors.  You should also check-out www.shelterwindows.com (1-800-747-2419).  A small company, but the best kept secret in wood windows.

For other comments related to windows check this thread.

http://www.greenbuildingtalk.com/Forums/tabid/53/view/topic/forumid/16/postid/31380/Default.aspx

When it comes to windows you'll have the same luck getting a consensus of what's good and what's not as you will with cars, or steak dinners!!

I just installed a house full of alum clad Kolbes and was very dissappointed, exterior fit and finish was horrible, they came dented in the same general area off the truck and their patio door hardware and general design is very poor for aesthetic reasons. Service was good for repairs but there shouldn't have been so many. Was also dissappointed with Semcos alum clad. Pellas aluminums were good.