New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

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dmagalhaes
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Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:16 pm

New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#1 Post by dmagalhaes »

Looking to upgrade my windows on a new construction in CT.
GC uses Jeld wen, but I am looking at getting something better but staying close in price point. His lumber yard only sells Jeld wen, Silverline, Ecoshield by KasKel and Anderson.
I don't know much about windows but I am learning tons from these forums.
Originally I had looked at Gorell, Okna, Sunrise, and Harvey. But they seem to be a bit difficult to get without installation. Not many places will sell the windows without installing them.
Does anyone know anything about the Ecoshield line by KasKel?
There are some local places selling Simonton and PlyGem.
So many brands, dont know where to begin!
Open to suggestions on other brands and where to get them.
Thanks for any help!

toddinmn
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#2 Post by toddinmn »

I would consider the Simonton or Ply-Gem in there top lines.
They are both upper mid range windows with good reputations.
Both offer sash reinforcemnt uprades and warm edge spacer uprades. Ply-Gem also offers foam filled sashes and frames I believe.
Norandex is a supplier that may have Soft-Lite available to you.
Polaris is available here to GC's and would be a viable choice.

TheWindowNerd
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#3 Post by TheWindowNerd »

I would look at HiMark/Okna 5500
How many, what color, what options?
What is your zip code?

theWindowNerd....

dmagalhaes
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#4 Post by dmagalhaes »

anthony wrote:I would look at HiMark/Okna 5500
How many, what color, what options?
What is your zip code?

theWindowNerd....
I was looking at those, they were my first choice but I am also trying to make it easy on my GC to get the product.
My zip code is 06483

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Delaware Mike
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#5 Post by Delaware Mike »

Upper end Plygem are decent as is the Simonton 9800 series. I wouldn't go below those models.

dmagalhaes
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#6 Post by dmagalhaes »

Delaware Mike wrote:Upper end Plygem are decent as is the Simonton 9800 series. I wouldn't go below those models.
Simonton 9800 is listed as a replacement window, they have the ProFinish Brickmold, Master, and Contractor listed for New Construction.

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Delaware Mike
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#7 Post by Delaware Mike »

Sorry, it's been a while since I've danced with any Simonton products. Missed the new construction part of your post.

toddinmn
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#8 Post by toddinmn »

They can be ordered with a nail fin.

dmagalhaes
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#9 Post by dmagalhaes »

where can I find the AI ratings for Ply Gem, or any window for that matter, some of the manufacturers list their structual data, others don't.
I am comparing the Ply Gem and the Simonton. Should I do the 5500 with a nail finish or just look at the new construction lines of each?

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HomeSealed
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#10 Post by HomeSealed »

Plygem premium/great lakes 5000 is .19 AI.
Every manufacturer has structural test data reports, you just have to ask for them. Generally speaking, the products that dont offer exceptional structural performance are not going to mention it in their brochures. In fact, they will talk about everything EXCEPT those ratings. Just be diligent in your research. :D

masterext
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#11 Post by masterext »

.19 air leakage rate is very high.

toddinmn
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#12 Post by toddinmn »

I'd do the Simonton with 5500 with a nail fin since it is a better window than their new construction ones. Simonton list all of their AI ratings on their site, it can be a little confusing since they show numerous sizes of windows tested unlike others that just show 1.

dmagalhaes
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#13 Post by dmagalhaes »

Anyone notice the simonton profinish master line. Its a single hung new construction rating, but the ratings seem pretty good. r-5 window and has an AI of .08. It doesn't look like they have many sizes to choose from(unless there are more sizes than what are listed on the stuctural data) but the 3'0 x 5'2 is what 11 of my windows are going to be. Those ratings seem better than the reflections 5500.
Thoughts?
I am not opposed to going with a single hung window to keep cost down due to budget reasons.

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HomeSealed
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#14 Post by HomeSealed »

I am not intimately familiar with the details of Simonton's offerings, but those numbers are solid. Just make sure that you don't need a ridiculous shgc (lower is worse in CT) just to hit that R5.

dmagalhaes
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Re: New construction in CT window recomendations/advice

#15 Post by dmagalhaes »

HomeSealed wrote:I am not intimately familiar with the details of Simonton's offerings, but those numbers are solid. Just make sure that you don't need a ridiculous shgc (lower is worse in CT) just to hit that R5.
shgc? there are two ratings center of glass or total unit but from there data most of the ratings are around .19-.25 for total unit and .27-.36 for center of glass
What is that rating for?

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