Hi Kelly, I am trying your window screen method (ie, add the screen and new bedding on top). The bin was happily working along until I did this, but now I am having 4 or 5 escapees every day. The old bedding is still underneath, so I am not sure what is driving them out? Lack of oxygen (lots of holes), too dry (I'm keeping an eye on it), general pickiness? Any comments welcome. --Lisa

the autocad rendition above is taken from my preliminary drawings that I had made to give to the designer. I am not an expert. A long story, but the original designer was a guy my first builder recommended but turned out to be a costly mistake. He was in the middle of a divorce, strung out on anti-depressants, and did not complete the project. He also was not a CAD user. What a mistake. Needless to say, I deep-sixed this contractor and unfortunately learned an expensive lesson. I then started the project with another designer who finalized my plans similar to the last autocad design, but he used a different program, chief architect. I don't have that program, so I only posted changing the windows from my old autocad program. That is why the proportions and things don't look right. I do have a PDF file of the entire plans but I dont know how to convert them to either post, or email. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the insights. thanks again.

The argument that one spacer system is inherently superior to another or all others  is ripe with the possibility of misinformation, misunderstanding, and certainly a great deal of emotionalism. Each system has its proponents and its detractors. SuperSpacer uses an organic as the primary moisture and gas seal. It uses an acrylic as the primary structural seal. Unlike other systems, SS is "backwards" in that it places the structural seal inside of the moisture seal. The primary structural component of SuperSpacer is silicone - which is neither moisture nor vapor resistant, so the silicone is wrapped with a moisture barrier to prevent air and other gasses from passing thru the silicone. Does this make SS an inferior product? Nope, not in the leastÂactually SS outperforms every other system on the market in energy performance numbers. What EdgeTech (makers of SS) does really well is market their product (for example "Health Smart Windows" is primarily a marketing tool). They have what may be an excellent product, but they also have a marketing program that totally kicks butt! They have opened areas of discussion that really didnÂt exist prior to their introduction of itÂthey have emphasized SSÂs inherent advantages while ignoring any potential disadvantages (which is what marketing folks do, of course). They have "invented" new ways to categorize window spacer systemsÂheck, they have introduced IGU spacers to the general public. For an example of longevity, EdgeTech advertises that their system goes 80+ weeks in a P1 test chamber (a standard for testing dual pane windows). They advertise that the "Stainless Steel" systems go 40+ weeks in the P1 chamber. What they donÂt advertise is exactly how long is the "plus" in the 40+ weeks of the "metallic" systemsÂhow about 80 weeks for a PIB / silicone dual seal stainless steel spacer system. By the way, at 80 weeks or so the glass begins to break down and the seal tends to be lost at that point because of glass rather than spacer issues. The hot melt systems used with the SuperSpacer system also have a very specific application temperature range of about 275º  325º. If the applied material is outside of this range, then the P1 chamber testing can be significantly reduced  to as little as two to three weeks to seal failure. What happens in the field in this case? Only time will tell. Am I slamming SuperSpacer? Nope, not a bit. When manufactured to strict quality control standards and exactly as specified by the manufacturer, then SuperSpacer really is a very good, even superior, product. Energy performance and durability are what these things are ultimately about. How do different systems compare? As I mentioned, SuperSpacer is on top  at the edgeÂand TPS is second, by about ½ of a degree or so. The Stainless Steel systems (there are a couple of different ones) tend to be about a degree or so lower  about equal to Swiggle (again, at the edgeÂthe difference may not have much of an impact on the overall U value depending on the construction of the window). Drop another degree or so to Intercept and about another 8º for an aluminum spacer. Using a LowE coating will have more of an effect on the overall window temperature than does the choice of one of the "warm edge" systems. Of course using a LowE coating with SuperSpacer and with Swiggle still keeps SS a couple of degrees warmer at the edge. BUT, these are also ratings of the "raw" IGUÂwhat happens when the unit is in a frame? Well, how about this for thought: Conclusion The thermal resistance of the spacer bar material influences the glass temperature at the edge-of-glass region of an IG unit. Based on the limited testing performed at IRC and computer modelling at EMPA Switzerland, the spacer bar with the highest thermal resistance shows the warmest glass temperature on the warm side and the coldest temperature on the cold side of the glass at a distance 5 to 60 mm from the edge of the IG unit. But the effect of the type of spacer bar on the overall thermal resistance (and tote heat loss) through windows depends heavily on the window design and material. Therefore, the full impact of thermal characteristics of the spacer bar material on the thermal resistance and the condensation resistance of a window should only be determined by testing complete window assemblies. Interesting concept  testing complete systems.

Thanks for the pointers. I have checked specs for Torrence, Optimum, Bliss Nor, and now Milgard Aluminum. All of them have ~2 1/4" frame for hinged side of a dual-pane casement. Even the steel options don't get close to the 1" frame that I currently have. (Current windows have somewhat unsightly hinges, so there is some improvement there.) Looks like, as wws944 mentions, dual pane means there is no way to be as thin as before. Part of me wonders why some of the "chunky" frame can't somehow be hidden behind drywall and siding to give the same overall effect. At any rate, I am going to find a dealer and get a close look at those Milgard Aluminum casements. A little heat/cold transfer isn't a huge deal in our mild climate. Will still be much better than current single-pane windows. Any other thoughts or advice most appreciated.