glass may be neat but the windows themselves are borderline crap.

I'm with what he said.

Borderline is probably understating it.

Their warranty and the way they have bought companies and skirted the warranty is certainly crappy.

Putting held wen aside what are peoples thoughts with self cleaning glass

Self cleaning glass is a nice option but does need somewhat ideal conditions to work optimally.

Most people don't find that it works that well.

Self-cleaning glass is nothing new. It's been in and out of the market for 25 yrs or more. If you have large picture windows up high, it's probably worth it - it may work for a while, it may help. I would do it. On windows you can clean yourself easily, I wouldn't do it. Now, that's not a technical answer, I know :)

That was a great post.

Oberon is smart cookie to put it mildly.

You won't find a fenestration question that he can't answer.

Great guy to go with that great mind as well.

Great find. Thanks. For 2% up charge, I am willing to give it a chance

To say Jeld Wen is "borderline crap" is a very broad and overall an irresponsible statement. If Jeld Wen offered a single source manufactured product it would at best be an opinion. Jeld Wen is the parent company for several lines, much like General Motors has several lines under their umbrella.

1) Builders Series: (Home Depots offering) is an entry level window in terms of cost and product quality.

2) Premium: solid mid line product with a few high end features at an entry level cost, overall great value.

3) Custom: high end product, more aesthetically pleasing, significantly higher cost. Nice looking product, but at this price point there are better windows on the market.

Since you want to drag up old information, I have three words: Norco, Pozzi and Caradco!! Only my opinion but I don't feel they have been improved at all quality wise and this is only my opinion here but it is shared by a multitude of people in the industry.

The warranty history of is questionable to say the least.

If that does not give you pause, I am not sure what will.