Schuco Triple Pane Windows?
kliner
16 years ago
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fhiwindows
16 years agowatboy
16 years agoRelated Discussions
dual pane vs. triple pane
Comments (9)The technical information posted by Oberon is excellent. One error that should be corrected, in order to avoid future confusion, is noted below. "...convert the U factor numbers to R value - U .19 = R 2.86 and U .35 = R 5.26." Correction: "U .35 = R 2.86 and U .19 = R 5.26" In response to additional information requested in the initial post, the U-value numbers stated for Pella vary greatly. It appears that the spectrum of U-values .28-.87 shown for the Architect Series product may include a triple-pane low-E option through to a clear single-pane option within the same window assembly. My experience with both Pella and Eagle (as well as many other wood window manufacturers) has shown that their U-values are very comparable when similar glass construction is used. The former's U-values might show a slightly better performance rating based on the use of roll-formed aluminum clad sashes instead of extruded aluminum sashes, due to the heavier gauged metal being more conductive. Otherwise, it may be only fine/minor details that separate the two manufacturers shown. I believe that both even use the same glass manufacturer. In regards to the triple-pane option, a consumer should evaluate the type of construction utilized in the triple-pane insulating glass unit. Some companies will offer removable interior storm panels and refer to them as "triple-pane". There is a benefit to this design, as will be explained later. Another approach to triple-pane IG is to minimize the spacing between the glass panes. This method diminishes the optimum U-value that can be achieved through the use of an adequate air/gas space (i.e. 7/16"-5/8"). Both of these triple-pane options have been designed to allow window manufacturers to fit the wider IG units into "standard" 1.5"-1.75" thick sashes. A disadvantage to utilizing triple-pane glass in fenestration products is the added weight of the glass. It is our opinion that hardware changes may also be required when utilizing heavier glass options in windows and doors. In casement types, this would include heavier or stronger hinges. In double hung types, this would include properly matched weights and pulleys. Hinged doors might include commercially rated ball-bearing hinges, and/or a greater number of hinges than a dual-pane unit. Another disadvantage to a triple-pane IG product is the multiple seals. When selected by a consumer, the triple-pane option doubles their potential for seal failures. The consumer should ensure triple-pane warranties match the standard dual-pane offerings. It is our opinion that dealing with seal failures is a nuisance, regardless of warranties. This is likely the only advantage to a removable storm panel type of "triple-pane" option, since it is simply a dual-pane IG unit with an additional pane of glass placed to the interior side and utilizing some type of rubber gasket as a dust/bug "shield". However, unless a hard-coat low-E product is placed on the removable storm panel, the energy advantages are minimized. Other aspects or information to consider in the purchase of windows or doors have not been requested, but should be noted. Air infiltration ratings are another big consideration that should be made in conjuction with U-values. Additionally, depending on the location of construction, solar heat gain characteristics found in different glass products can prove beneficial when incorporated properly into a building structure's design. Lastly, product durability should be a priority. With the mention of "cold freeze/thaw", there will be a lot of differing movements (expansions/contractions) between the dissimilar materials used within the complete window or door assembly, so the methods of product assembly/construction will be very important....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 MoreMy Triple Pane Window Research and Decision
Comments (57)Hi, Over the last 3 years I have installed the following casement windows. Summary: Of the 3 windows I have now installed I would probably go with the Marvin "Essential" All Ultrex windows if I wanted an All Fiberglass double pane window. Unfortunately they do not offer a triple pane option for the Essential series. If we ever build new or have to redo windows in our next home, I will likely go with the Marvin "Elevate" Wood Interior / Fiberglass Exterior Triple Pane windows. Or I would further investigate the other higher end triple pane fiberglass options on the market. Since I live in MN and Marvin is based in MN and they are really nice windows, I would probably pick the Marvin Elevate's triple pane still. The other higher end fiberglass options may have better thermal glass spacers, but I think with a triple pane, this likely matters much less compared to double pane glass spacers for condensation resistance. The real advantage of a triple pane window is you can use any window blinds/shades you want and still have no condensation. For my double panes I have to open our blinds around 12 inches so the bottom of the window is exposed to the room otherwise they get pretty bad condensation on colder nights which completely defeats the purpose of having fancy thermal efficient double cell cellular blinds. Crestline Acclaim Triple Pane with 366/272 coating Good Excellent condensation resistance, virtually zero even at -20 deg F Nice wood like side jamb visual design look Stiff frame that doesn't move based on summer vs winter Nice gaskets Cheap Bad Single Operator cranks are pretty bad, especially for a heavier triple pane Gives off a greenish hue tint due to the 366/272 coating I really wish they would update to a double operator crank and give more glass coating options, could be an excellent window with those updates!! Marvin All Ultrex "now called Essential" Double Pane with 180 coating Good Stiff frame that doesn't move based on summer vs winter Double operator cranks are nice and smooth Option for 180 coating Okay Mediocre condensation resistance, typical double pane Jam visual design Bad Kind of expensive No option for high transparent screens No option for self clean glass Anderson 100 Series "Fibrex" Double Pane with 272 coating Good Cheap Double operator cranks are nice and smooth Okay Mediocre condensation resistance, typical double pane High Transparent screen option very expensive Can't remember if a self clean glass was an option Bad Frame gets smaller in cold weather and larger in warm weather. I installed in summer and windows opened and closed great, then winter came and they would get slightly stuck due to the outer frame shrinking enough for gaskets on sash to get slightly stuck on fixed window frame. Likely due to the fibrex material's coefficient of thermal expansion and mediocore frame design that allows the thermal expansion/contraction to deflect the frame....See MoreSoundproof Window : dual laminated vs triple pane vs sound control pkg
Comments (3)Hi Yin Lin, I'm in the same situation. Am building a new masterbedroom with quiet rock walls for sound buffering from nearby trains. Am looking for windows that will also offer sound buffering. What did you end up getting and are you happy with them?...See Morekliner
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