triple pane or double pane?
ontariomom
12 years ago
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toddinmn
12 years agoWindows on Washington Ltd
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Are Triple Pane Pella Windows That Much Better Than Double Pane
Comments (20)Having actually researched this I can say that the best windows are quadruple glazed windows. However Triple glazed is excellent too. Just ensure that you buy from a manufacturer that uses a gas fill. I got some from Klearwall and they used Argon gas which has great insulation properties. To ensure that your triple glazed windows are good quality I would suggest you look out for a Passive House certified product...See MoreReplacing old single glass panes with new double glazed panes.
Comments (32)There have always been good and bad design, builders and materials. I see it being built everyday with the garage as the front door. The main house of my project is fairly well built - to the standards of the day (balloon framing - bricks on their side for the footing etc) - the garage and studio above was not. there are many great homes and buildings that have deferred maintenance often ironically because they were a cut above - lots of trim and detail. Went to Pittsburgh and Philly a couple weeks ago - many unremarkable homes (unpretentious) in wonderfully vibrant communities. Our friend's home - pictured - was a row house - they shared a lawnmower, ladder etc. If it was the sabbath they turned on the stove for the neighbors - if they locked themselves out of the house they would borrow their key from the neighbors. No McMansions, just people that care. These people are wealthy beyond measure. Single pane glass....See MoreSunrise Solace (aka Restorations) quote reasonable?
Comments (9)A year is far from realistic given that there are often multiple manufacturer price increases in a 12 month period. 30 days however should be no problem. Since my opinion has been indirectly questioned in subsequent comments, my experience with softlite is that they are extraordinarily cut-throat in their business practices, and will always serve their short term self interest, even at the expense of others. I believe that the Gorell purchase is a prime example of this, and my own experience along with that of my clients is the basis for my opinion. I have had multiple recent inquires for Gorell replacement parts for homeowners met with a highly unsatisfactory response. I understand that they are not obligated to honor Gorell's warranty despite purchasing the company and reaping the benefits of that, however a minimum level of decency would be expected with regard to servicing those homeowners that have no choice but to turn to softlite for replacement parts. Decency in my opinion, which has not been extended. Recently, I was quoted exhorbitantly high prices for replacement parts ($400 for an average sized casement igu for example) followed by an outright refusal to even sell the parts. I was told a part was "too large to be sent via ups", despite knowing for a fact that this is untrue, and the fact that they deliver product to multiple other customers within a mile of my warehouse.... I just call them as I see them: Softlite makes a good window in the case of the Elements and Ls, but I would not count on them to do you any favors should you have any warranty or other issues that they can get out of. The web is littered (including this forum) with other scorned homeowners that have been left high and dry....See MoreRenewal by Andersen or Marvin Integrity or Starmark Windows
Comments (18)There is quite a bit of misinformation that you have been given Mr Jones, I'd definitely take some extra time to sort through it all and make sure that you have accurate facts. I'll go through some, all of which are easily verifiable: Manufacturer and material : All three are very reputable, with Andersen and Marvin having a longer history. That said, Okna has indeed been in business since the early 90's and is a top 100 manufacturer as well. The 3 materials have similar histories as well, as none have been used commonly in a residential window application for more than 20 yrs. All three have their merits, although all three do represent a small "niche" . Vinyl and wood are FAR more common. There is no clear winner here IMO. All are suitable with no decisive pros or cons, particularly considering that each individual product is designed and engineered to exploit the respective materials' inherent strengths, and mitigate its weaknesses. If there is one that I'd put slightly behind the others it would be the Renewal, as adding wood flour/sawdust to vinyl really doesn't add much. Appearance: This depends of course on what areas are examined, however the Marvin all ultrex integrity is by far the slimmest. The Renewal and Starmark are both somewhat bulky by comparison, although neither is very bulky compared to some other products. Despite the slim lines, the all ultrex Integrity is actually the least attractive based on the feedback that I hear. The wood/ultrex on the other hand is bulkier. This category is in the eye of the beholder. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Interior appearance: well stated. Some folks would prefer the rich, real wood interior (Integrity) with only a 10 year warranty, others would prefer the synthetic stainable with lifetime warranty and no maintenance (Starmark). Winner again depends on the individual and their needs/wants. Hardware: The Renewal and Starmark both have more attractive hardware options than the Integrity IMO. Both are all metal, both have multiple finishes available. Performance: Here's a big one. To accurately compare, it is necessary to look at apples to apples glass packages. At .25 for a standard double pane package, and .19 for triple pane argon, the Starmark runs away with the win here. With equivalent glass (surface 2 low e, argon fill), the the Renewal and Integrity are .29 or higher. You can switch to any other glass package across the board, and apples to apples the Starmark will be multiple points better. This can be verified via CPD number (certified products directory) at nfrc.org Air Infiltration: Another big one. The reps that you have spoken to are either flat out lying, or being highly manipulative. The only window of the 3 that sees that .05 AI number is the Starmark. The other two are in the teens at best, if not .2+. I would request a structural test data sheet for reference. If renewal or Marvin will provide it, make sure to compare the size of the window and configuration. It is highly likely that your rep(s) are using casement or picture window ratings to compare to the starmark double hung. The starmark is .01 as a casement. Patio doors: Since this was mentioned, the differences as stated for windows continue for patio doors. If the real wood interior is preferred at the expense of performance, then the Marvin or renewal options are better. The Starmark will be a much better performer, but without the real wood interior. Installation and durability: On durability, this is another area that would trend toward Starmark based on containing no organic parts that can rot, and also on the lifetime warranty. Renewal and Integrity are each 10 years (20 on glass). Installation itself will vary by dealer, and should be given proper weight. One cannot speculate on the quality of installation based only on material however. The only thing that could possibly be considered on that line of thinking would be availability to contractors I suppose. Integrity can be purchased by anyone, whereas Renewal and Starmark are exclusive products where dealers are regulated by the manufacturer. One important thing to note, is that comapanies that install Renewal windows are NOT owned by Andersen. They are a dealer that exclusively carries that line and meets Andersen requirements, however they are not actually part of Andersen. Price: This again will vary by dealer and area. Renewal has a reputation as having the highest price, using high pressure sales, and also of posting thinly veiled, inaccurate info where THEY talk poorly about competitors (not to say that is the case here, of course). That said, I'm sure that there are some great Renewal operations across the country, just as there great Starmark and Intergity dealers. Ultimately, these are three windows that are solid to excellent, and each have their own pros and cons. You are unlikely to go wrong with any of the three, it really depends on which options most closely aligns with your goals for the project. It sounds like that is the Renewal at this point, I'd only recommend getting the accurate performance information, and then perhaps that would (or not) impact your decision....See Moretoddinmn
12 years agoWindows on Washington Ltd
12 years agoontariomom
12 years agoGreenWindowMan
12 years ago
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