The crusade continues.
We are trying to compare the construction of these two models, which appears very different to me, at least. While I don't need a DH window per se, the 5500 seems to be a "known quatity" in terms of a vinyl window sold in TX by which we can compare things. The SH, in this case the Tuscany, is more along the lines of our needs. Honestly, there are many windows out there, but lots are relatively unknown here in TX, with far less factory support (sometimes due primarily to distance), and customer service. I'm not so interested in them as a solution. Other windows that do meet those criteria, are welcome candidates.
In my mind, the way the two windows are sealed between the sashes and the casing is one big difference. IIRC, the 5500 has a bulb seal across the bottom of the lower sash. The Tuscany has, what I will call, a thick substantial rail across the inside of the bottom, behind the lower sash and there are small thin "v-seals" (my terminology) all around the front side and bottom of the lower sash. My terms are probably off, but the experts likely understand what I'm getting at.
The balance systems are totally different and I won't do a description justice. 5500 is constant force coil spring, the Tuscany is much more elaborate with little pulleys and spring working in concert with that.
Latches are different....and honestly we prefer the cleaner lines of Milgard's SmartTouch system, which is built in to the sash, not bolted on to the top of it. Seems like a more elegant solution; integrated versus added on.
Glass packages, I won't try and compare.
Many things are different about Milgard's Tuscany relative to lots of the windows I have seen thus far.
Can someone comment on these different approaches? Advantages / Disadvantages? Relative cost of the two versus the quality?
Trying to find air infiltration numbers to compare also.
I realize my terminology is probably off, so feel free to correct !!!
TIA
skydawggy