Well im really more confused now than I was to begin with....

Im looking for a mid prices high performance window (assuming it has to be a casement not a double hung). Im building a one story ranch, double wall, super insulated.
Im not into taking risks, so looking for a solid performer. WindowRookie now has me spooked on thermotech Canada

newbiejohn - sorry, I'm quite certain there is no such thing as a mid price high performance window. Remember, vinyl windows, I don't care how they are constructed, are subject to extreme stresses due to thermal expansion. If you were to save a few thousand on vinyl triple pane windows, I still would consider it money poorly spent. I'm still debating on my windows - could be one of 2 Canadian manufacturers or Serious Materials.

So your going with Fiberglass windows regardless ? I get scared when people talk about 20-30k for windows. Im going to need roughly 20 windows (standard sizes).

Have you researched the total time from order to delivery for any of these window companys ?

Pretty sure - unless I run into a budget nightmare somewhere, then I'll jump down to the Marvin Integrity (still fiberglass, but not as high of U values, no SHG tuning, etc. My bids for 10 windows range from $8200 - $11,000 roughly. Marvin Integrity are about $4500 or so I think? I'm willing to sacrifice some interior niceties in order to put my money into the shell. If I can't get really nice countertops or super high end cabinets, so be it. You only get to build the shell once!

Casements im assuming ? Im curious I have information here from HWindows and a few others that make high performance windows...casements mostly but none of them mention screens, do they have screens for these windows when opened ?

In my experience screens come with all windows that open; and with regards to window quality, you get what you pay for....and that's why Thermotech can say they can say they have the world's most efficient windows and doors (I have no association with them except as a satisfied customer).

I would love to have the BEST, no doubt ... I have contacted Thermotech and im trying to find out pricing now. Budget for me is a concern (right now i wish it wasnt but thats my reality).

Newbiejohn, You're creating a superinsulated shell and then putting in low rated windows doesn't make since , at least to me. I'm with richntiff the counters or cabinets may suffer alittle but the shell will be spot on. I'll heat this thing with candles. I've got bids from 3 suppliers on 37 fiberglass windows with screens and the bids range from $22,000 to $38,000 without frt.

Just remember it costs more the second time around.

I'm curious to get an H-Windows quote. They are made about 1 1/2 hrs from me - Ashland, WI. They state they have a U-.20 window on their site - and they are even tighter windows than most casements. I talked with a rep at a home show last year, and he had a full sized window with him - they are REALLY nice. My issue with them is I don't think my wife will like the way they open with that bar mechanism deal. I believe they make a standard casement as well though.

Spend the money on your shell!!!!!!! I love guys that put up a high dollar SIP or ICF shell, then talk about putting Andersons or Pellas in them... Oh, but I'm sure they have granite countertops and a GSHP....

For me, Thermotech came in quite high - I wish I could see all these FG windows in person, but you just can't. That's frustrating.

That was a dagger in my eye :)

Are the Marvin Integrity that bad of a window for a superinsulated home?

Sorry John - that was not directed at you! I meant other people in 'real life' not on this site, that I've talked to. Sorry :-)

Marvin Integrity - my take on them is they are a very good window structurally, and they are attractive, but the thermal performance is the same as 99.99% of other US window manufacturers (Serious being the notable exception). It's hard to find data on them, but the Integritys U values run 0.34-0.35, similar to everyone else. Minimum standard for a northern climate - I'm sure it's not a concidence.

Ah, I believe I really need to do more research in this most important area.....

I just get the shakes, when i see windows for 20-30k I believe its because I dont have that much in the tight budget for them...

*Sigh*

Rich,

Have you priced the Serious Material windows at this point ? Im curious about them as well.

The top of the line window they offer the 1125 series offers 6.7 - 11 full frame R Value with a 0.15 - 0.09 U Value

The second best window they offer the 925 series offers a 5.9 - 9.1 R value and a 0.11 - 0.17 U Value

Both of those are fiberglass

I just read on another site that a guy was quoted between 2-3k per standard window for the top of the line 1125 serious ????? If thats true, it knocks me out of the race

Very rough numbers, I would expect ~$750 / unit for Thermotech triple glazed. We had a job recently that was ~$25k for ~30 units (some of those factory mulled).

Comparable window brands to check are In-Line and Duxton. Thermotech is particularly good at tuning glazings for orientation. They take pride in it.

Jessee your posts on this board have been great to me as ive been surfing and reading all thats been available here. This resource has been incredibly education for me.

This may seem like a silly question at the moment, but amid the current economic times and in trying to build a home this summer on a limited budget. Windows is an area I know I shouldnt be skimping on while trying to build a superinsulated home (dual wall 2x4 construction).

But there is no way I can afford $750 a window when I need roughly 20 windows. What is my best alternative in your experience ?

**I can hear some of you now****

a. Shrink your home - my home plan is pretty modest now
b. Save up - believe me, i would but ive been without a home for two years now saving up and im getting pressure from the Mrs!


I love this site and all its members, thanks for sharing

For fixed windows (do not open) you could just buy the glass thermopane and install it in a wood frame and flash the outside with aluminum.

I did this at my daughter's house and saved her ~75% on each fixed window.

newbiejohn - I got a quote on the Serious 725 series - their 'lowest' line window - still very highly efficient, I think U-.19 if I recall right now. Their quote on my 11 windows was in the 10.5k range. Inline is my leader right now for a triple pane low U window U=.20 for 8.5k. Marvin Integrity is about 4.5k My windows range from 24x36 rough opening to a bigger window in the great room that is 96x60. Just to give you an idea. Single story ranch. Hope this helps!

Im assuming by Inline your referring to these guys ?

http://www.inlinefiberglass.com/home.html

IF yes, i havnt checked them out but will..