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The Kitchen Table

New Vinyl Windows...I've got a question

15 years ago

Does anyone know the difference between a 5-chamber window and a 12 chamber window?....besides 7 chambers (you smarty-pants!!) How much better is the 12? Would I actually feel the difference, or is it overkill? We live in the Vancouver area of B.C....so it doesn't get THAT cold. But we do get a swack of rain!

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Comments (8)

susanjf_gw
15 years ago
is the rest of the home air tight? wonder if your utility co might have some info?
kickypants
Original Author
15 years ago
That's a good idea, especially since they have no interest in selling a particular window to us. Thanks, I'll do that. I've tried all over the internet and I'm stumped.
Anyone else have the answer?
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Honestly i think thats a decent price, for the amount of work they are going to be doing, i dont think thats outrageous. Tile tear out can add up regardless of how much is there, depending if its a mud base or just cement board, it takes time. Are they adding quarter round or just taking it off and re-installing it? either way thats still more time, if they are adding it, is it white? or are they having to stain it? thats all time and money there too. For me the toilet install i would be calling a plumber to do that, not that its difficult but liability speaking, if i were to mess it up and the bathroom floods, thats on me, hiring that out cost more but takes the stress off of me if something goes wrong. then are they adding 3/4 plywood? the plywood it self is no expensive but you have a small house, and with that means lots of cuts and that there is time consuming. Honestly speaking here, the scope of the job doesnt seem too difficult its just really going to eat some time and i think for the quote you got, it feels right, im not in your geographical area so that could be way high, but in my area, i would be charging a lot more for that same project. Getting more quotes is a good idea, but rest assure that your quote you have now sounds like a good one.
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grittymitts
15 years ago
I have no clue either, but will be very interested in what you find out.
Suzi
mom-4
15 years ago
Try this link for an explanation:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infwindows/infglossaryreplacementwindows.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Window terms
Jodi_SoCal
15 years ago
There's a nice Windows forum here at the GW. You should check it out.

Jodi-

Here is a link that might be useful: Windows
kickypants
Original Author
15 years ago
Thought I'd let you know how it all turned out. We spent all day on the internet, calling salesmen and checking out what the various ratings all meant. I swear that we could be window salesmen now!!
The chambers give you added strength as well. The waaaaay more expensive Vinyltech Sears windows had 12 chambers, 1 more seal but you pay for additional openings. The Amsco windows are a lower grade at 5 chambers, but all the openings are included, 1 less seal (which doesn't matter as long as they are installed properly), low e coating included and have a nicer finish inside because they use 1/4" round inside the frame to block off an ugly looking "crack". The company using these windows will also fix the problems with our Sears installation by adding more caulking to those windows.
Basically, we chose the cheaper windows (by 1/2 the price!!) because we didn't need a Ferrari in the basement when a Volvo would do....and we're hoping to be much happier with their installation crew.
Wish us luck!!
Thank you all for your suggestions.
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
15 years ago
I had never heard of air chambers before, but see from the link above it says:

Air chambers are spaces built into a window frame that make the window stronger and being shaped like a honeycomb, they improve insulation.

Also from that site:
R-value
The R-value of a window refers to the amount of heat loss it allows. The higher the number, the less heat is lost. R-values today can go from 0.9 to 4.0, or even more.

Dismissing the air chambers, were the R-values as good or better than the cheaper models. I have always thought of the R Value as being the standard of how good a window was at keeping the heat out in the summer and the cold out in the winter.

Length of warranty is also something to consider when buying sealed multi-pane windows. A few of the seals in mine have finally broken after 20 years. Thankfully they are not the main windows like in the kitchen and the living room.

Sue
susanjf_gw
15 years ago
so post a picture when you're done! love to see how projects have turned out...

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