Replies

1. 
   davidmeiland | Mar 02, 2013 06:32pm | #1

   Nothing scientific here, but I really dislike vinyl windows (the plastic tends to distort over time) and the SHGC=.20 seems incredibly low to me, since you're not in Phoenix. I wouldn't even be considering the Jeld-Wen product.

   Hopefully you are also giving the builder some air-sealing details and some ACH50 targets to hit. If you're using forced air, where is the ductwork going?

2. 
   user-1093575 | Mar 02, 2013 09:04pm | #2

   Thanks for the response. Was thinking the same thing on the .20SHGC and the reaffirmation is comforting. Yes we are using forced air and the ductwork will all be in the conditioned space. And yes, we are providing some air-sealing details to our builder and will be performing blower door tests several times. One of my biggest areas of concern is the access to the attic. I would like it have the attic access in one of the gable ends as to not disrupt the ceiling plane. Does anyone know if this would pass code?

3. 
   Kopper37 | Mar 04, 2013 12:08pm | #3

   Troy,
   I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by Accurate Dorwin. From my experience, they are very responsive and cost competitive. Their SHGC and U-Values will be top of the line too.

   If your builder is still concerned about supplier location, you might check out Eagle brand windows (a subsidiary of Andersen). They offer a triple-pane window. The specs aren't as good as the fiberglass triple-pane windows from Canada, but they are another option . . .

4. 
   user-1093575 | Mar 04, 2013 08:26pm | #4

   Thanks Daniel. From everything I've read, I think I'll go with the Accurate Dorwin if the quote is anywhere in the ballpark.

5. 
   Lizzieplants | Mar 06, 2013 11:28pm | #5

   Consider Intus windows. They are heavy duty triple pane vinyl European windows that cost about the same as higher end U.S. windows. The fiberglass windows from Canada and Europe are very expensive. Intus took a while to get here but the customer service was great.

6. 
   user-1115477 | Mar 07, 2013 05:56am | #6

   Troy,

   Accurate Dorwin: I bought and installed a round of casement and picture windows last year. Have been reasonably happy with the AD people/product, except:
   1. The AD salesperson was slow and not impressively knowledgeable, overall. One problem was that despite several emails with him, back and forth, with me specifically and clearly designating which direction I wanted the casements to open (hinging location), they came in all backwards and I am living with it OK. Still, that was unbelievable and unacceptable. I had read that the Canadians and the Europeans have a protocol for designating hinging that is different from the U.S. so I was very careful with the English language to ensure that I got what I wanted--still didn't happen.
   2. AD did not have good control of their US trucking company (Old Dominion at that time). Despite clear instructions that I needed a truck with a lift to lower the windows to the pavement at delivery, that didn't happen, and we had to carefully and manually lower the extremely heavy windows from the 6-ft.-high truck bed. wow!
   3. The AD installation instructions say that the casement frames have to be completely plumb, level and square in order for the window frame edges to be parallel with the frame edges (OK, this is obvious and routine). However, even with everything perfectly plumb/square, there is play in the hinging and the resulting parallelism is not very impressive. Windows are somewhat large (30" wide and about 60" high), but for very expensive windows, I find that scenario unacceptable.

7. 
   mscannell | Mar 07, 2013 09:22am | #7

   If you like fiberglass you might take a look at the Milgard Essense series. The have comperable U factors , nice powder coated exterior colors, options for plain, DF , pine or primed interiors and a lifetime warranty on labor materials and breakage.

8. 
   user-1093575 | Mar 07, 2013 10:41pm | #8

   Thanks for the recommendations and input regarding Accurate Dorwin. I will continue to post as we receive additional quotes.

9. 
   user-1093575 | Mar 10, 2013 09:16pm | #9

   The quote from Accurate Dorwin is in - $16,026 + another $711 to upgrade from white frames (we want something dark). My builder has found the rep to very helpful thus far. Since I've been leaning this way all along I think we are going to go with these. Quotes are still due from Inline and Duxton and I'll post those when received.

   Does anyone have ideas for entry doors? Right now we are thinking of Frostkorken (Optiwin), Drewexim, Intus, and Pella fiberglass. Same goals - comfort, durability and longevity.

1. 
   matthew25 | Apr 21, 2023 07:10am | #13

   ProVia makes up to an R-10 entry door (fiberglass) but that is with no lite. It drops much lower as soon as you add glazing.

10. 
    briancornwell | Apr 20, 2023 05:40pm | #10

    - Local supplier not needed these days. Windows ship worldwide these days, and logistics are a breeze. To put things in perspective, Alpen (full disclaimer, I work here as the marketer) has shipped windows from Antartica to Greenland from Colorado, USA. No problems. Right now our lead times are 4-6 weeks or so; couldn't be easier/faster to get your windows delivered.

    - Studies range from 30 all the way up to 80 years. Fiberglass has a longer lifespan than uPVC. Though, both are excellent window frame materials to go with.

    - Not at all. I personally love our fiberglass product; it's my favorite. Triple glazed is the way to go. If you have the $, QUAD is amazing in cold climates, and the gov has done studies shown payback in under 3 years, but it requires more money up front you know. Suspended film or ThinGlass, both are great. If you want the latest and greatest, I like ThinGlass the best.

    - We have 3 Passive House certified guys here. I built my own 4500 sqft Passive House in my early 30's too as the GC + architect. So it's more like 4 folks here who can speak to that. Plus, our old timers have just incredible, incredible knowledge on all things windows/glass. Everyone here will literally wait on you hand and foot. Any details, questions, etc. you got it!

    Would love to earn your business. We care about customer service as much as we do in terms of innovation. A lot! No need to ask for me, but if you ever need some quick questions answered reach out. I'll gladly help. [email protected]

1. 
   nynick | Apr 21, 2023 08:47am | #14

   Working with Nate. He's been helpful and responsive. Thank you!

11. 
    [email protected] | Apr 20, 2023 09:24pm | #11

    briancornwell, since the original question was asked 10 years ago, more likely than not they have already reached a decision.

1. 
   BrunoF | Apr 21, 2023 02:52am | #12

   So that’s why the pricing looks so good!

1. 
   briancornwell | Apr 21, 2023 10:16am | #16

   LOL!

2. 
   briancornwell | Apr 21, 2023 10:16am | #15

   Oops! I thought it was 2023, not 2013! Sorry all for bumping back up. :)

12. 
    BrunoF | Apr 21, 2023 10:43am | #17

    Would love to know what the OP went with and how is opinions are now 10-years later

1. 
   user-1154138102 | Jul 25, 2023 09:09am | #18

   Same here!