Forget about brand names because that means nothing anymore they all make bargin basement cheapo lines. Most of those are all you're local big box store will offer, along with two goons and a hammer to do the "installation". I'm finding that price does matter. Duh, the better the window the more it will cost to make. Stuff today is being cleverly manufactured to look tough and rugged, even feel or operate as nicely as a windows twice it's price. How do they do it? Easy, first and foremost, glass thickness and yes this makes a big difference. More expensive windows have thicker glass which is REALLY important when it's insulating value is a reason to get them. Doesn't matter how many panes there are. Quality and durability of the hardware and frame. Cheap windows are built for a price point and you can be 100% assured that every corner was cut to get to the sale price. Cheap cast but painted to look good lock work, plastic tracks, cheaply made lift assist mechanisms all will have a limited life time and will no doubt break first. Of course then you're stuck cause finding replacement parts for these things is impossible and probably by design, you end up having to buy a whole new window. Just like everything else today things are starting to be manufactured for not only price points but to last pre-determined life span.
Suppose it's poor market strategy to make something that is designed to really last, nobody gets rich without returning customers.
All that said, I'm knowingly going to buy and install quasi cheapo windows, but that's OK it's a camp and I'm good with that. There is no way in hell I would put that crap in my house though.
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