Quality Windows for zone 6 recommendations
I’m looking at windows for my new home build and Ive called alpen and Pella so far. Alpen are amazing windoes but at 1000$ for a 30×48 I think they are too expensive for me. Pella I’m afraid won’t have quite enough u value for what I’m after.
I live in south eastern WI we would be considered zone 6 but sometimes we get those huge -20 temps for a week or two and then in summer we get the 100 degree days on occasion as well so wildly different temps. It’s not uncommon for 40-50 degree temp changes daily.
I’d appreciate any thoughts anyone might have on a quality window with great u factor that may be more affordable for me. I tried looking on the passive house website but there were only like 3 that were in zone 6. I don’t need passive levels of insulation but I’d like the best I can personally afford.
Thanks for any recommendations,
Tom
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Replies
If you're considering pultruded fiberglass, Check out Inline and Fibertec, both companies are in Ontario. I believe I remember that Inline manufactured the fiberglass extrusion profiles for Alpen. Both seem to be highly regarded around here and on other resource sites.
I've had quotes and technical calls with both, and they've both been great to deal with (and a bit cheaper than Alpen). My project that will use Inline or Fibertec is currently on hold because of the record-high lumber prices at the moment, so I don't have any direct feedback on the product yet.
One often overlooked thing that may reduce window costs is to consider how many windows actually need to open, versus using a fixed (non-operating) window. Fixed windows are usually significantly cheaper than operable, so if you don't need it to open for egress requirements or for shoulder season ventilation, it could be a less expensive fixed unit. Most manufacturers make fixed profiles to match the operable profiles, so there isn't much aesthetic compromise by mixing them in the same room or when mulled together.
Thanks for the response. I actually was thinking the same thing about fix windows. The orientation and location of my house doesn’t really allow for much of a breeze in general so I really only need one winDow to open in each room and the fixed glass will work. I hear you on record lumber prices thank god I’m building my own house otherwise I may not be able to afford it. The way I’m looking at lumber prices is really it’s mostly framing lumber that’s gone crazy most other products haven’t seen much more than your normal price increase. With that in mind the lumber yard owner in my area was telling me that even though lumber prices are up interest rates are so much lower that your house payment will be within 50$ a month of the same house built a year ago. So while it’s costing you more for the product the difference in price is negligible as far as monthly payment. The biggest problem I see is lumber prices will not be going down for quite some time and when they do go down it’s inevitable Intrest rates will go up. Just my two cents but thanks for the thoughts on the windows.