Bruce,

I have used vinyl windows in the South since 2000.  So far, I have not had any problems with yellowing or sashes breaking.  One of my clients told me that the vinyl does expand somewhat in the hot summers we have here in Auburn.  This can make the windows harder to raise or lower.

If you do use vinyl sashes, I think it is important to use only the brands that are highly UV resistant and have thicker profiles.

I have had problems with the glass seals breaking in aluminum and wood windows so now I specify only fiberglass sashes such as Marvin Integrity.

I like the fiberglass windows, too.  The problem is that I have experienced "tilt-turn" and would REALLY like have them.  I do not know of anyone making them in fiberglass.

Bruce

Bruce, InLine makes fiberglass tilt-turn, and another Canadian company I can't recall right now. But I had some vinyl tilt-turns made in Germany for half the price.

I suppose that could be an option.  Since I am on the east side of the pond I could fill up my container with Euro windows when I return ;-).  I would still worry about the UV issue with vinyl.

Bruce

I've seen yellowing on the windows and doors of some houses around here - seems like it's usually the fake divided light appliques or the fake trim. The vinyl that provides the structure of the window or door seems to stay white, while the trim yellows. Evidently it's a different kind of plastic.

Several quick points. We manufacturer heavy commercial aluminum windows so that is where most of my expertise is. The German vinyl windows are called VEKA. They mfg windows in the US but their windows made in Germany are better quality to best of my knowledge. I do not really know how to reach the import office, as I am on vacation but when I return home will have access to my computer. If you can wait a few days, email me at [email protected] and I will give you their contact info. You are correct, that European hardware is nice. Dont worrry about the vinyl. Improvements in vinyl are much like those in technology ....it improves so fast windows of today are not at all like those of a few years ago.

If I dont hear from you, good luck and let me remind you of one very important thing. The window will only be as good as the installation quality and the materials used in same. Do your research. Look at warranties.........do you have to take the windows out and return them to the mfg (as I saw one warranty online today) ???

Have a nice day.
Bruce