Oh wise posters,
I am about to start an addition on my own home and have been looking at the aluminum windows offered by Milgard. I like the look of the windows. They come in a bronze anodized which is very close to black. The frames are very minimal, say in comparison to vinyl. The price seems to be about 20% more than vinyl. In short, I’m interested. However, my local supplier shows no excitement for the product. He says that in spite of having a thermal break, they will still sweat in cold weather. He says that they just aren’t a great product for residential use. On the other hand, I get the feeling that he really doesn’t have much experience with the product. Here in the Northwest we don’t really have that cold of weather, maybe a few weeks of freezing temperature in the winter. I’ve talked to a local architect who has used them in the past and he doesn’t report any issues. So, I thought I would see if anyone here has used these windows and can offer an opinion. I’m particularly interested in cold weather performance. Thanks.
Replies
cityhix,
Google up Milgards website and compare the ratings for thermal efficiency between the two style windows (vinyl/ aluminum).
Here in Or. I am not sure that they even meet the current codes. I quit using thermally broke aluminum windows back in the late 70's.
They (or at least the ones I used to install) did sweat during freezing weather. Better with wood or vinyl IMO. I agree with your supplier.
I have only used the aluminum on commercial work in the last 20 years .
I put some "thermally improved" Milgard sliders in a remodel to try to match the existing house. They came in at U-.39, which just makes the energy req here (.40). They are entirely unremarkable windows in every way, but they may fill a need in certain situations. What's available seems to vary by state or region.
Ahhh... you are in B'ham. You could get them where I did, Simmonds Glass in Anacortes, 800-598-0909.
Edited 6/10/2007 10:03 am by davidmeiland
Thanks for reminding me to confirm that they are rated with an adequate u-value. It seems that I might recall thinking that could be an issue.The addition that we are planning has some fairly "modern" stylistic details that I was thinking might go well with the appearance of aluminum windows. I certainly won't use product, however, if the reviews are bad. Thanks for the input.