Fiberglass or vinyl windows ?
rbiny
14 years ago
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Comments (15)
skydawggy
14 years agolars210
14 years agoRelated Discussions
Wood windows.. Budget..
Comments (9)You will never buy any window for less than a builder grade vinyl one. In my experience the quality of vinyl is dependent on the quality and amount of the plasticizers used and so the cheapest vinyl window is unlikely to last very long especially in a cold climate. So where the house is and how long you will live in it are important factors. Andersen 400 Tilt-Wash is a reasonably priced vinyl clad wood window; I would not use the 200 series. Andersen makes an all-composite fibrex (sawdust & PVC) window called the 100 series. It only offers between-the-glass mullion grilles, 6 exterior colors and 2 interior colors. Marvin Integrity fiberglass clad wood is a good window (wood-ultrex) and it is also made in an all-fiberglass version (all-ultrex). The only windows that would come close to the cost of vinyl are the all-fiberglass or all-composite windows which will be more expensive but probably worth it. Of course, there are higher grade vinyl windows. Always go look at a sample of windows. Make sure the nailing fins are well sealed to the frame, the upper fin corners are sealed not just lapped, the sill slopes down with a drip, the mullions options are not ugly and the sash operates smoothly. You will probably have to live with a white interior sash color but I have heard that fiberglass can be painted. Maybe composites can be painted too. I would get a sample and test it. Sometimes a manufacturer will mail a sample if not to you, to a builder or designer....See MoreBest value for triple pane windows
Comments (14)Hi gang - a few more questions. 1.) I had been leaning toward fiberglass initially due to the strength and the expansion characteristics. However, I am now feeling more comfortable with high end vinyl. My question is about the strength of the large casement windows. Most of the single casements will be 36"x66" and the mulled units will be 3 wide of 30"x66" casements (center fixed). With triple panes that seems like a lot of glass and weight. Are my concerns valid? 2.) I will be getting some price quotes this Friday from a few local distributors of some of the Canadian fiberglass brands (just received the Marvin Integrity quote on triple panes and was floored by cost especially since it is not foam insulated) and getting quotes on Sunrise and Okna. Can one of you window pros provide an anticipated cost comparison between Inline/Fibertech/Thermotech in fiberglass and Sunrise & Okna for vinyl? Also how much of a typical savings are there in the vinyl windows over fiberglass? 3.) After reading more on Sunrise and Okna, I saw a few other treads on different sites where WoW and Homesealed commented. On question I had was type of foam insulation used in the window. Sunrise injects and Okna has inserts. How big of an issue (and how common) are the voids with injected foam and which method providers better improvements to the window's strength for triple pane glass support. 4.) I am leaning towards the Okna as the top vinyl option based on the type of spacer, user comments, and it sounds like it offers a better (more foolproof) seal. Is that a fair estimate? 5.) What is the maximum size of a built-in J-channel on Sunrise and Okna. Both width outside window and depth for the siding projection. 6.) Lastly, on the Sunrise windows does anyone have experience with their interior jambs/trim? Seems like it would be much more efficient than having the trim guys do them; however, on-site trim may allow for more flexibility if the extension jambs are slightly off. Thanks in advance for all your time/expertise!...See MoreDid you go with wood, fiberglass or vinyl windows?
Comments (29)The exterior materials of window parts play a big role in price and performance but it's dangerous making assumptions based on material alone. I tend to agree with JDS that poor quality vinyl should be avoided and phased out. There are high quality vinyl windows available that come with factory finished dark colors and can still outperform the aluminum clad or fiberglass competition. Energy performance is mostly about the installation, IGU or glass package and the window unit's airtightness. Be sure you are meeting 2012/2015 energy codes when it comes to U-value, SHGC and the blower door test results that windows and doors so heavily impact. It might be cost-effective to beat code here. Double hung or sliding door and window styles tend to be the least efficient when it comes to energy performance. Longevity or durability is mostly about installation and how the various window unit parts were assembled. Materials and finishing processes matter but probably less than the window maker's reputation. Thanks to the many homeowners and professionals on this forum for providing feedback with this all-important quality. The biggest problem with most vinyl is that it expands and contracts much more than the glass parts. This can wear out the seal between frame and glass more compared to other choices. I think most vinyl windows use weep systems to handle the eventual leakage, a good thing but concerning when preventing unwanted air and water entry are two of the biggest unspoken goals when building....See MoreAll Wood vs. Aluminum Clad for Beach House
Comments (7)I suggest getting a clad window with Douglas Fir as the interior wood. If the Marvin Fir price is too high, try getting a price for Loewen or Sierra Pacific. Make sure you paint or stain every square inch of the exposed wood, as the elements WILL find a way to damage the weak spots in the wood. My concern about an all-wood window is not necessarily the quality of the timber, but the quality of the fabrication. There are lots of one-man-shops who can build a beautiful-looking wood window, but what are the odds that a handcrafted window is going to hold up to the constant barrage of the elements? And do you think Joe Blow Windowmaker is going to give you much of a warranty when the wind and rain is blowing right through the cheap weatherstrip he installed? I don't think so....See Morelars210
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