We built a new home in 2002 using Andersen green vinyl clad, double hung windows. The windows started fading right away (after I was assured by Andersen that they wouldn't). After 9 years the fading is significant. Their solution was they would paint them. I bought vinyl clad so I wouldn't have to paint, so I have delayed any decision. Today we were washing the exterior of the windows and noticed large openings in excess of 1/4" in the corners, both top and bottom, on the exterior frames, where the vinyl appears to have opened up (pics attached). This has occurred on many of my windows. A neighbor who has Andersen green, vinyl clad windows recently showed me where many of his frames are "spongy" at the bottom from apparent rotting. Anyway, this is not a good sign for a "maintenance-free" window. I contacted Andersen by email today and will call on Monday.