Good to hear your Weather Shields held up well through winter. Did you notice any difference in noise reduction compared to your old windows? I've been debating between Marvin and Weather Shield myself, but honestly, I'm starting to think the install matters more than the brand. Did you run into any tricky spots during installation, or was it pretty straightforward overall? I'm fairly handy but haven't tackled windows yet...
"I'm starting to think the install matters more than the brand."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've seen top-tier windows perform poorly because of sloppy installs. Weather Shield's been solid for me, but honestly, invest your energy in getting the flashing and sealing right—makes all the difference in efficiency and noise reduction.
Good points on the install, but does brand really not matter at all? I mean, sure, a great install can save a mediocre window, but wouldn't a higher-quality brand like Marvin still give you better materials or warranty coverage down the line? I've had friends who went cheaper and regretted it later when parts wore out sooner than expected. Maybe it's about finding that sweet spot between good install and decent quality...?
"Maybe it's about finding that sweet spot between good install and decent quality...?"
Yeah, that's exactly how I see it too. I've seen some mid-range windows perform surprisingly well over the years because the install was spot-on. But you're right—materials and warranty coverage do matter, especially if you're thinking long-term. Have you looked into how Weather Shield compares to Marvin in terms of energy efficiency ratings? That might help narrow down the sweet spot you're talking about...
Good points all around. I'm usually skeptical about brands that aren't as widely discussed, but Weather Shield isn't exactly an unknown either. A neighbor of mine had them installed about five years ago—nothing fancy, just their mid-tier line—and they've held up surprisingly well, even through some harsh winters. Still, Marvin's reputation for energy efficiency is tough to beat...but like you said, a solid install can make or break performance. Seems like you're on the right track with your thinking.