Quality windows
Please help!
I’m going nuts with window choice for new home. We will be building as Green as we can (following the basics outlined on this site) and the window choice has got me stumped. The basics are easy- double pane,Low- E ,Argon filled, vinyl. But who really makes a window that does what it claims? And has a real lifetime warranty?
I’m choosing NO sliders of any type because D.O.E. says they leak. I need a brand name with a series #.
We don’t mind paying a bit more for longevity a performance but we’re not millionaires and don’t care about prestige. You would be doing a green sista a BIG favor if you have any advice on windows with good track record.
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Replies
Karl and Heather,
Start by reading this article: "What Windows Should I Buy?"
Martin
Thank you-thought I had search the entire site. But there's a lot of material.
BTW we signed up for the trial membership-do we need to be paid member to access this full article?
Best
HH
Heather,
Your trial membership gives you access to the entire site, including the article I linked to. If you are having trouble with access to GBA articles, you should contact customer service:
[email protected]
Phone number: 800-943-0253
Thank you!
BTW
Love this site-science trumps opinion every time
If you want good performance, check out some of the Canadian manufacturers too. They tend to have less appearance-oriented options than the big US names, but they also tend to have better performance specs.
Keep in mind that if you’re in the northern climate zones triple pane is also an option to consider. Glazing choices are also influenced by climate zone, so it would be helpful to know what climate zone you’re in, or at least where you are geographically located.
Bill
Bill,
Thank you
We live in sunny steamy South Carolina. It does get a bit chilly some winters but as you know the heat is our biggest challenge.
Hi ya'll
Thanks for taking your time to give me your input.
I signed up for Consumer Reports last night. Although it may not be "super green" we've decide on Simonton windows.
They rated slightly lower than Pella(on wind resistance) and we are impressed with the lifetime warranty that extends to second home owner. Also, $125.00 less per window. Since we will using casement,fixed and awning styles- I think we will have a good tight seal and a durable product.(all come with Low-E,argon,double pane) Our design includes all southern facing( no westerly glass) windows will be passive solar from over hangs to block summer sun.
Thanks again,
HH
Make sure you know which “loE” you’re getting. There any many variations. In your climate, solar heat gain is probably your biggest concern so you’ll likely want loE coatings with the higher numbers (270, 340). The higher numbers generally have a higher SHGC rating, which means less heat gain from the sun. The higher loE number tends to be what is quoted by default these days.
Bill
If you are considering premium vinyl windows, you might want to check out OKNA. They are the "high-performance" vinyl window.
(No, I do not work for them. I am just a happy customer.)