After utilizing the information provided on this thread, I have narrowed my choices to the following manufacturers, in no particular order:
1) Okna 500 Series
2) Gorell 5100-5300 Series
3) Ply Gem Premium
4) Sunrise Restorations/Vanguard
5) Comfort Duraguard (locally manufactured with good reviews)
I am trying to balance energy efficiency, noise reduction, quality of windows, warranty, installation, and of course price. Having read information on STC and windows, I am weighing the benefits of double pane laminated glass, versus non-laminated triple pane glass in the overall scheme of the aforementioned criteria.
Now I have to decide on which glass package is most beneficial as there appear to be numerous options. Winters here are brutal & solar heat gain is not a huge factor as it is cloudy most of the time. In summer, the sun can be very intense and with no shade on any of the windows, keeping solar heat gain down is a factor, as most of the house can feel like an oven.
Any expert opinions, or information would be greatly appreciated.
Window manufacturer recommendations
-
- Posts: 210
- Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2011 5:28 pm
Re: Window manufacturer recommendations
I'd either go with the Sunrise or the Okna depending on the price.
Go low solar gain on all windows except the south facing. On those I'd go moderate solar gain. Somewhere in the .26-.30 range.
Go low solar gain on all windows except the south facing. On those I'd go moderate solar gain. Somewhere in the .26-.30 range.
- Windows on Washington
- Posts: 4868
- Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
- Contact:
Re: Window manufacturer recommendations
+1
Solid product sampling there but I like the same 2 choices as my top choices.
Solid product sampling there but I like the same 2 choices as my top choices.
- HomeSealed
- Posts: 2761
- Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2010 6:14 pm
- Location: Milwaukee, Madison, Northern IL
- Contact:
Re: Window manufacturer recommendations
I'd narrow it down to the Okna, Gorell, and Sunrise. Each have some pros and cons, but all 3 are great windows. Ultimately, I'd give another look to the installation/ install company to help you decide.
Re: Window manufacturer recommendations
Thank you gentlemen!
Would anyone have any recommendations as to glass package?
Would anyone have any recommendations as to glass package?
-
- Posts: 1893
- Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:52 pm
- Location: SE PA & NJ; CT
- Contact:
Re: Window manufacturer recommendations
Glass package do you mean TP vs DP?
You would be best with TP in your region, budget will need to be your quide with all the other variables you have mentioned.
You would be best with TP in your region, budget will need to be your quide with all the other variables you have mentioned.
- Windows on Washington
- Posts: 4868
- Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
- Contact:
Re: Window manufacturer recommendations
+1
If you can swing Triple pane, go with that option.
If you have dark floors and good thermal mass in rooms that are South facing, go with double pane in those locations for passive solar.
If you can swing Triple pane, go with that option.
If you have dark floors and good thermal mass in rooms that are South facing, go with double pane in those locations for passive solar.
Re: Window manufacturer recommendations
Many thanks for the suggestions.
I don't know solar mass my rooms have, but my stomach has plenty!
Now I have to get estimates from dealers/installers.
I don't know solar mass my rooms have, but my stomach has plenty!
Now I have to get estimates from dealers/installers.
800-399-4623