It's hard to find a narrow profile window in Canada outside of the highest end, passive house certified aluminum. Most Vinyl windows are chunky to chase R-values necessary for Energy Star Most Efficient grants. I ended up choosing Cascadia windows because fibreglass is the halfway point in narrowness and strength.
What do you think of the new "thin glass technology" ? A local company here in Colorado called Alpen is all about this and claims to be way ahead of the game for energy efficiency, and does have NFRCA to prove it- they use thin triple pane. but none of the industry buzz mentions if this really increases light transmission, which is a big priority for my remodel so I really appreciate you stressing that factor in this video.
This thin triple pane has been around for about 7 years. Instead of the middle lane being 1/8" glass as usual, they are using a super thin pane of glass. The main benefit for this is so that companies who have millions of dollars invested in their extrusion equipment can create a triple pane unit where a double pane unit used to fit. They don't need to purchase new extrusions to handle the thicker glass. (Most double pane is 3/4" while triple pane is either 7/8" or 1"). It's not that this new triple pane is better, it's just another way if skinning the cat and saving money. I wouldn't buy this window just for that reason. This should be one of over a dozen factors to consider.
Jeff - question for you, my carpenter installed my Marvin essential direct glaze windows and after we got some rain, I noticed some water ingress in the corners. Is this normal? No cladding is on the home, just the WRB is present.
The weathershield window is far superior to the PlyGem. PlyGem's market is to lower end new construction projects. Looks good but doesn't need to last.
Is low-E required by most building codes, to your knowledge? Such as in Houston? Or is the option of using low-E left up to the homeowner? My house is surrounded by trees and is already dark as it is! I need to replace the windows but don't need Low-E
Typically, the city does not care what you do if it's a replacement window project. However, if you are building a new house, they're going to have some restrictions.
I need impact windows and I am confused as to whether or not I really need triple pain with the argon gas or if just regular impact would be fine. Does it really make that big of a difference with the argon vs just triple e?
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you! I'm in Florida and am also considering aluminum vs vinyl. The salesman that came to us recently was pretty pushy towards vinyl triple pane.
Anyone who's pushing should be kicked out of the house immediately. This is an important decision that needs to be made based on information not pushiness
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you! Yes, and they are very pricey too. We have a recommendation contractor coming soon that we connected with through your site so hopefully it goes well. One thing I just noticed is that with double pane, it typically would have the gas between the panes, but with impact, I don't think there is any. It's seems there is just a vinyl material only so the glass doesn't break. The gas would only be between the sacrificial layer and impact layer if I get the triple pain. The low-e is the main thing to keep the heat out right?
It's hard to find a narrow profile window in Canada outside of the highest end, passive house certified aluminum. Most Vinyl windows are chunky to chase R-values necessary for Energy Star Most Efficient grants. I ended up choosing Cascadia windows because fibreglass is the halfway point in narrowness and strength.
Awesome. Thank you for sharing
I really wish there was a window channel for snowy areas!
My builder is wanting to use Sierra Pacific Windows. I never even heard of them.
They make a very nice window. You'll love it.
Hi Jeff, could you please give me your opinion on the Tucker PVC Window 200 series? Thanks
I have never heard of it before. I'm sorry.
What do you think of the new "thin glass technology" ? A local company here in Colorado called Alpen is all about this and claims to be way ahead of the game for energy efficiency, and does have NFRCA to prove it- they use thin triple pane. but none of the industry buzz mentions if this really increases light transmission, which is a big priority for my remodel so I really appreciate you stressing that factor in this video.
This thin triple pane has been around for about 7 years.
Instead of the middle lane being 1/8" glass as usual, they are using a super thin pane of glass.
The main benefit for this is so that companies who have millions of dollars invested in their extrusion equipment can create a triple pane unit where a double pane unit used to fit. They don't need to purchase new extrusions to handle the thicker glass.
(Most double pane is 3/4" while triple pane is either 7/8" or 1").
It's not that this new triple pane is better, it's just another way if skinning the cat and saving money.
I wouldn't buy this window just for that reason. This should be one of over a dozen factors to consider.
Jeff - question for you, my carpenter installed my Marvin essential direct glaze windows and after we got some rain, I noticed some water ingress in the corners. Is this normal? No cladding is on the home, just the WRB is present.
Ply Gem Mira or Weather Shield Signature series. I dont anything about Ply Gem windows. Can you help?
The weathershield window is far superior to the PlyGem. PlyGem's market is to lower end new construction projects. Looks good but doesn't need to last.
What do you think of All Weather Aluminum windows/doors 5000 series?
I replied to your other comment. Good luck!
Is low-E required by most building codes, to your knowledge? Such as in Houston? Or is the option of using low-E left up to the homeowner? My house is surrounded by trees and is already dark as it is! I need to replace the windows but don't need Low-E
Typically, the city does not care what you do if it's a replacement window project. However, if you are building a new house, they're going to have some restrictions.
What’s good with wind
I need impact windows and I am confused as to whether or not I really need triple pain with the argon gas or if just regular impact would be fine. Does it really make that big of a difference with the argon vs just triple e?
If you're in a warm climate, triple pane is a waste of money.
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you! I'm in Florida and am also considering aluminum vs vinyl. The salesman that came to us recently was pretty pushy towards vinyl triple pane.
Anyone who's pushing should be kicked out of the house immediately. This is an important decision that needs to be made based on information not pushiness
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you! Yes, and they are very pricey too. We have a recommendation contractor coming soon that we connected with through your site so hopefully it goes well. One thing I just noticed is that with double pane, it typically would have the gas between the panes, but with impact, I don't think there is any. It's seems there is just a vinyl material only so the glass doesn't break. The gas would only be between the sacrificial layer and impact layer if I get the triple pain. The low-e is the main thing to keep the heat out right?
Jeff - if 2 coats of Low-E is called 270, and 3 coats is 366, then what is 1 coat of Low-E called in the industry?
I don't know... I don't think they make that
181 Lo-E , we use it in Canada. Mostly in colder conditions