Although vinyl replacement windows are mainly used for existing structures, your probably in the market for what we call new construction windows. They are usually accompanied with a nailing fin on the outside so they could be mounted to the house sheathing and then covered over with siding, stucco or whatever.

They are available in all vinyl, exterior aluminum or vinyl clad exteriors with wood on the inside. Examples are Pella, Anderson and a zillion more.

You mentioned Alside. They do make a wonderful M/Free window with all the bells and whistles like low e and argon gas (a must today with the high cost of energy).

Although my first love is porches, I've installed windows for over thirty years here in the Northeast and have installed all the above.

Each kind has its' pros and cons. Their warranties (if you read them) are all about the same.

If your looking for something decent that is going to last, any of the above mentioned would do. You could probably expect to get a good twenty years out of them.

Asthetically, they all look basically the same on the outside. The difference is on the inside - wood or vinyl.

Although wood requires maintainance, you can create the look of a furniture finish - a rich look.

Food for thought!

All the best,The Porch Guy

Has anyone used Paradigm windows?

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Here is a link that might be useful: polycarbonates sheets