Does anyone know anything about windows?

[02audionoob]

I would certainly concur with the Pella recommendation. And Marvin makes what I think are really nice wood casements and double-hungs.

As an aside, it's interesting to me how the major US manufacturers of windows are mostly huddled in blackraven's neck of the woods. All of the manufacturers we've mentioned are in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

I noticed one of your vinyl choices brags about their high solar heat gain coefficient. That's a new way of looking at it. The point of Low-E windows is to reduce solar gain.

Edit: On the Low-E issue...I don't mean to at all dismiss the concept of a high solar heat gain coefficient. It sounds like it would really be the right idea in cold climates. It's new to me, but I live in a hot climate.

[ForeverAutumn]

We live in a very humid area. Would that cause a problem with the wood expanding and windows sticking in the humid summer months?

[3LB]

My apology then. I thought that I detected some malicious sarcasm. Carry on with you fun.

No need to apologize, it was malicious sarcasm, just not directed at 'Noob

[02audionoob]

We live in a very humid area. Would that cause a problem with the wood expanding and windows sticking in the humid summer months?

In quality modern wood windows like Marvin, Pella, etc. you don't have the old-style simple configuration of a wood sash sliding in a snug wood groove. It's a little more sophisticated than that and wouldn't be susceptible to that issue. The slide area is usually more of a tongue and groove made of rigid vinyl or similar non-wood connection.
　
Humidity can be more of a problem in the winter. In the cold months, interior humidity can cause condensation that drips onto the wood and eventually causes issues, so it's good to try to keep the interior of the windows dry. I say "eventually" because good windows are going to outlive you and me both, even with occasional condensation. You just don't want it to be too frequent. There are a few things you can do to help reduce condensation, such as running a dehumidifier or keeping the window coverings open at least a little. Running the dishwasher, cooking with open pots, doing laundry, taking hot showers, etc. will contribute, so any ventilation for those activities is good in a humid climate. Just as an example, when it's 0F/-18C outside, you could start getting condensation at only 30 percent indoor relative humidity.

[Rich-n-Texas]

I have dimensional stability.

Hope that helps!

[blackraven]

The Pella, Designer series is one of the more expensive but when you see how they work and being a Bay window you might go the expense. They're the ones I mentioned have the blinds on the inside of the window. They are only Double hung style though. Pella also carry windows that slide open and crank open. As you will see they also have a wide variety of doors.

Thoswe Pella windows with the blinds inside are great. We have some friends that have them and we are replacing our sliding door to our deck with those this summer.

[ForeverAutumn]

Thoswe Pella windows with the blinds inside are great. We have some friends that have them and we are replacing our sliding door to our deck with those this summer.

What happens if the blind breaks? How easy are they to repair if the blind is inside the window?

[Feanor]

What happens if the blind breaks? How easy are they to repair if the blind is inside the window?

Ha! That was a big consideration for me when I replaced my sliding patio doors a couple of years ago. My philosoply is to avoid complicate options unless you really need them because they will break before you're done with the main item.

[blackraven]

What happens if the blind breaks? How easy are they to repair if the blind is inside the window?

I'm not sure what the warranty is on the blinds but the one that we saw uses a totally diffent mechanism than standard blinds and it looks like it will hold up to abuse. You might want to do a google search and check the reliablitiy.