Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 19, 1999 05:13am | #1

   *
   I believe windows now have to include insulation and infiltration data from the National Fenestration Council testing. I also beleive they make recomendations based on your location. This information along with your budget should give you a number of windows to choose from. I have found most of the national manufactorers to be pretty good. I generally base my decesions my experience with the local distributor or lumberyard from whom I purchase the windows Since these are the first people I will call if there is a problem.
   Good Luck
   Kevin D

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 19, 1999 06:15am | #2

   *There's a lot of window discussion here -- use search.

2. 
   N._Edwards | Oct 19, 1999 06:37am | #3

   *
   What is the best brand of fast car?

3. 
   Guest_ | Oct 19, 1999 10:45am | #4

   *
   How much does it cost to build, per sq ft?

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 19, 1999 03:56pm | #5

   *A&C,Go with the three major brands- P A M . these window manufacturers have the best guarantees and the best service. I like using the aluminum clad exterior and wood interior on my projects. I also don't have to paint. I've seen some 400k homes with vinyl windows as well. My problem with vinyl windows is the fact that the frames are very difficult to clean, inside or out, over time. What part of misery are you building in? we're located in Eureka just south of the Meremac. Good Luck!!

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 20, 1999 05:50am | #6

   *STINKY?...I'm curious but I'm afraid to ask.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 20, 1999 07:29am | #7

   *A/C, I'm quite partial to Marvin Windows. I hate vinyl. I hate anything clad. I go with all wood. A tad more maintenance, but aesthetically it blends with what and how I build. If your house is going to have plastic siding, you may want to choose a clad window. They have an excellent selection of stock sizes, and should you have recently hit the lottery or received a generous inheritance, they can do anything custom and do it well. The Simulated Divided Light (SDL) option is, to me, the best combination of looks/thermal efficiency available in a divided light. You can layout/design the muntins as you choose. No cheesy removeable muntin grids.I've always received excellent service and have no gripes regarding quality.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 20, 1999 08:43am | #8

   *Andy & Carrie- I don't beleive there is A "best" of anything, especialy in windows , but there are tons of quality good windows availible. Most builders are partial to A certain brand they feel has worked well for them and i'm no exception. I happen to be partial to using Kolbe & Kolbe windows and doors. Your best bet would be to look at many different brands and choose the one you feel comfortable with. It's like FORD/chevy , MILLER/bud , PORTER CABLE/foreign , you see.

2. 
   Guest_ | Oct 20, 1999 09:42am | #9

   *Also, regarding your quest for efficiency which I wanted to address but left out of my previous post:Most insulations are listed with an "R" rating the higher the better. Windows are listed with "U" ratings, and the lower the number the better.Your supplier will be able to answer questions revolving around window A vs window B. Robert mentioned that each of us have our own preferences. True. The same holds for lumberyards. In general, they'll try to sell you what they stock.Know what kind of look you want, what features you want. Find out who makes those windows. Go to a showroom and see them in person. Compare price, warranty, what kind of service you get. There may be a regional brand that's available to you that I'm not familiar with. You do have the web as a research tool, so visit the manufacturer's sites, send out ot the manufacturer's for catalogues, and start your schoolin'.Best of luck. Choose well, you'll be looking at and through your windows for years to come.

3. 
   Guest_ | Oct 20, 1999 10:48am | #11

   *BTW, R value = 1 ____________ U ValueSo, if U = 0.25, R = 4I'm partial to Pella (Great product, OUTSTANDING service) as well as Marvin. Never touch Hurd (rhymes with ....)Regrettably, I am in an area in which Vinyl is the norm, even in $600k homes!

4. 
   Andy_+_Carrie | Oct 20, 1999 10:48am | #10

   *
   we're building a steel framed house and trying to decide what type of window and which manufacturer to go with. We live 2 hours south of St. Louis so the winters are mild. Read the article in issue #114. thanks Andy + Carrie