Hi Everyone,
Getting close to buying 5 fixed picture windows and a slider from Pozzi for about $13,000, (custom curves/grids). Pine interior is standard but I am thinking about paying an extra $1K to get their fir option in order to match other existing windows in my house. The fir windows are clear coated with a urathane finish. The existing and new windows aren’t side by side but can be viewed at the same time from various places in the house. To save the cost I was thinking about trying to stain the pine to look more like fir and wondered if anyone has tried it.
I also have one other question on the windows…the rep ordered the fixed picture windows as “in sash” as opposed to “direct set” but couldn’t give me a good answer as to why (think I may be looking for a different rep). From the cross section drawings it looks to my untrained eye that the direct set has fewer gasketed areas and would be better at not leaking. Is one easier to change out if the glass needed to be replaced? Are my custom grids a factor? Thanks for your input.
Tom
Replies
Hi Tomski,
I will bypass the finish work question on your windows because that isn't an area that I deal with...but, on your question of direct set versus sash-in-frame I can offer a few words.
Why the rep spec'd one over the other might be simply a matter of individual taste - you would have to get that from him - which appears difficult from your post.
Anyway, all operable windows could be considered "sash-in-frame" - meaning that the sash is constructed separately from the frame and then installed with appropriate hardware to allow you to operate the window. Caement, doublehung, awning, etc...if it operates it has a sash that is installed in a frame.
A fixed sash-in-frame is the same construction as an operable window except that the sash is permanently monuted in the frame and not operable. Some companies actually offer fixed casement, fixed doublehung, fixed awning - meaning it is built much the same as the operator version only it doesn't...operate.
In a direct set, on the other hand, the glass is mounted directly into the frame - there is no sash involved.
You are correct that a sash-in-frame is a bit more complex, but it really is easy for a window company to mount a fixed sash in a frame without problems related to leaking - either air or water.
Oberon gave you the answer re fixed sash versus direct set.
But you need a new window salesman, pronto! Your rep has demonstrated supreme uncaringness in not learning his product line well enough to be able to describe this very basic window construction feature. I don't want to say the rep is stupid, but he certainly doesn't give a hoot about learning his job.
Windows and doors aren't rocket science, but it does take someone who knows the line to be able to quote and order a package correctly.
Thanks Oberon,
The rep did mention something about being able to get a better price by going with a "fixed casement" as he called it. It didn't make sense to me at the time ( To me, if it's fixed, it's a picture window). Should the glass fog up or break..is one cheaper to replace or require less demo of the trim to get the glass out?
STain pine to look like fir?
First off staining pine can be trickey. It has a tendency to blotch.
SEcondly, the bigger issue is that the grain patterns are COMPLETELY different. I suppose if they were far enough apart most people would never think about it. I would, I am just that type. And you will surely know.
Is 14 k really any different from 13 k? Go with the fir.
Yeah, your right, do it right. Thanks for your input.
Tom
Tomski,
Often that is a feature of the particular company as much as the style.
Company X, for example, may install their glass package with a relatively easily removed snap-in glazing bead which would make removing the IGU (Insulating Glass Unit) easy whether it is a sash-in-fame or a direct set. Of course it is always possible that they mount the glass somewhat differently in each sort of window.
Other companies might use a different mounting method making it more difficult to remove the glass package in the event of failure.
I don't even want to generalize and say that removing a sash from a frame is easier than removing the glass directly from the frame, because it really can be company and even product specific.
Thanks for your explanation Oberon.
Sorry to be so free wtih your money. I know these are tough decisions and when building a house you have fifty of these 1k decisions to make and something somewhere has to give.
If you are concerned about future replacement of glass, direct set will always be replacable where a sash is dependent on Pozzi still supporting that particular size.
Pozzi's warrenty as far as industry standards go ... sucks.
14 grand for 5 windows with a 1 year warranty.... did you read the fine print....What's to worry about ? You have more faith in their windows then they do.
Good luck. You need it.