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Building a Home Windows Design Dilemma

Northwest Montana - New construction - Aluminum clad windows

4 years ago

New construction in Northwest Montana... view lot

Architectural style would be a combination of "rustic mountain lodge with industrial elements"...

Initially I wanted the look of steel (black metal interior and exterior) with minimal site lines and researched thermally broken aluminum window and door systems, Fleetwood and Western being the two that appeared to have the look I was after. Research has taken me down a rabbit-hole and now I have decided, due to weather and window sizes that aluminum clad is my best option. Sitelines and profiles will not be as optimum, but I am now OK with that fact.

After reading through hundreds of reviews, posts and advice from various sources, it appears that Marvin Ultimate or Kolbe aluminum clad products are recommended.

Quality first combined with visual appeal are most important... budget secondary.

Millworkman has great advice. Thank you all for responding.

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

4 years ago

Have you looked at fiberglass? Look of steel but usually a tick better on the performance end of things.

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Comments (8)

User
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Obviously, steel windows are no longer feasible for a house for many reasons.

I believe the width of an aluminum clad wood casement frame + sash of a Kolbe Vistaluxe is about 20% narrower than a Marvin Ultimate but you should measure them to be sure.

The Vistaluxe certainly has a more industrial appearance.

Adding an awning under a fixed window would double the frame + sash and create a thick horizontal element regardless of the window manufacturer.
Jan Smith thanked User
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Jan Smith
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you, RES 3d Sketches! That is exactly the information I needed.

I am assuming both the Kolbe and Marvin are extruded aluminum not rolled?
millworkman
4 years ago
Correct Jan, both are extruded, no roll form.
Jan Smith
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you, Millworkman.
PRO
N Dobos Architecture
4 years ago
Visit both manufacturers websites. They have details to download and to compare frame width. For fixed windows look into direct set window, not picture windows for skinnier profile.
Jan Smith thanked N Dobos Architecture
PRO
Summit Studio Architects
4 years ago
Also factor in who has good service in your area. Your builder will know which companies can get a technician to fix the inevitable problems that will arise. You will need good service technicians to adjust patio doors, replace missing or broken screens, fix scratched glass or any of a myriad of other things that can happen to windows.
Jan Smith thanked Summit Studio Architects
hapahaole
3 years ago
Hi Jan! Wondering which windows you decided to go with. We live in coastal Los Angeles, so different weather, but also looking at aluminum clad windows. I was thinking all aluminum also (our architect recommended Fleetwood), but I don't really want a black or silver window on the inside of my house....so that got me to the wood/aluminum clad... We are also doing a glad corner window with no post in the middle, so there are only a limited number of vendors who make that....one I think is Kolbe. Anyway, I hope you are enjoying your Montana home now! Thanks!

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