Anyone have any experience with Inline fiberglass windows and doors?

Our company used to be a dealer for Inline but ended the relationship a while back.

Pros:

Good price
Nice low profile picture window for commercial and modern design
High quality paint job
100% pultruded fiberglass
Inline uses a fiberglass mulling strip so you have a perfect color match.  Other manufacturers use a PVC or aluminum mull strip and you can see the difference in the two materials.
Mitered window screens with internal corner keys

Cons:

Open frame instead of closed frame. Not rigid and easy to rack
They do not have nailing fins. Only have anchor brackets. Makes it difficult to install and nearly impossible to flash.
They use Truth hardware that dates back to the 1980's.
Corner keys are not injected with silicone
Operator and lock handle are not gasketed
Difficult to reglaze windows at job site due to glazing bead design
Poor customer service
Site lines.  Fixed picture window does not match the profile of the casement window
Size limitations. Largest casement they will manufacture is 36" x 60"

I just spoke with the distributor and he was telling me that they have nailing flanges built into the brick mold. They also can be mounted by screwing the frames in like some commercial application. I think they also offer several handle options. I wonder if they changed the line since your company was with them. Thanks for the info.

The distributor is correct. They do have nailing fins for their brickmolds but if you don't want brickmolds then your only option are anchor brackets, which is the commercial style install. The brickmold option adds a lot of cost, especially if you are doing it just for a nailing fin. According to their website they do offer a nesting handle but it is an upgrade and costs extra. The hardware they use does not allow for adjustment of hinges.

Enerlux

As a Comfortline dealer what else would you say but bash your competitor. First you mention " no nested hardware" then get called on it and change your tune "it's an upgrade". Open back profiles are easy to rack, sure if you are a poor installer. It's the same frame as Serious and no one has ever complained. No nailing fin, oh I forgot that too. No silicone in corners, oops must have forgotten that one. Their hinges are Truth not Acme...that's 5 falsehoods you've told so far.  In the future, if you are not going to be honest at least know what you are talking about...

Hmmm, former dealer I wonder why....

Windowrookie,

We are not a ComfortLine dealer. We manufacture the Comfortline system because it is the best fiberglass system on the market today. We previously manufactured the SureView fiberglass system but discontinued it when SureView's venture capital company pulled all of its support and funding. This proved to be an astute move because SureView was sold to Omniglass which was part of Serious Materials which is having all kinds of financial difficulties.

I corrected the statement on nesting hardware. Inline does not have a plain nailing fin. If a customer doesn't want a brickmold (ie. modern/contemporary house) then they have to use the anchor brackets. It takes much longer to install the windows because you have more dimensions to level, it takes 5x as long to flash, you have no nailing fin to silicone behind, you don't have as good of wind break, you have to flash the bottom which prevents proper weeping and you have to be extra careful not to bow the frame since it is open backed and flimsy.

People don't complain about Serious Windows because they decided to develop their own aluminum nailing fin. Inline has not. Serious also uses 100% Truth hardware with adjustable hinges.

I did not say there was no silicone in the corners. I said the corner keys were not injected with silicone. There is a big difference between smearing silicone in a corner and injecting silicone into a corner key. Have you ever compared the corner keys of the SureView or Comfortline system versus the corners of Pella's or Inlines. There is zero comparison.

Statement of facts is not bashing.

Enerlux

Your opinions and statements are full of half truths and bias. You present information fully knowing that you are misleading people or from YOUR point of view. When you are confronted with facts, you then correct your statements with splitting hair justifications at best. It is should be apparent to all that you are here to promote and sell your product. You are not to be believed as you have a vested interest.

Unfortunately I will play your game and respond.

1. You only corrected your statement on the folding handles after peteinny told you so. Misleading.

2. Not a Comfortline dealer but purchase their system but never mentioned any of this until I brought it up. Misleading

3. Injected siliconed corners compared versus non silicone corners(BTW it is not silicone but an adhesive). Tell me the advantage as you did not? DP, AI, Thermally. Why is it better? Misleading

4. The hinges are for windows under 20". Previously you did not mention that until I addressed this. Again misleading. Sure why not I would like to see the pic, please provide.

5. Must install using brackets, try drilling through the frame. Misleading, seems to be a trend.

The piece de resistance is your ranking. The most highly regarded windows here and most forums, you've given them a poor rating. You obviously are losing business to them or are afraid of them. Obviously you ranked yourself the highest, good for you. Your educated opinion this how I ranked it: $$$$$$$$$$$$$
There is no logic in your rankings, this represents the type of person you are. Btw Serious never made your list... How can anyone take you seriously, Enerlux is  not on the NFRC list and you ranked yourself as number 1.

I would advise everyone to stay away from Enerlux Windows. Don't believe him, do not take his advice and lastly NEVER buy from him.

Windowrookie,

You need to take a deep breath and stop going off the deep end. I wasn't on here promoting our window until you brought it up. If I want to contact anyone about our window system I will send them a private message. I have no problem promoting my window system though because I have worked with / studied the window systems discussed and the system we manufacture is the best overall system from an energy, aesthetic, installation, manufacturing and structural standpoint.

Our window system performs at:

DP-70 Casement at 36" x 60"
0.01 CFM Casement at 36" x 60"
0.22 U Value on 24" x 59" casement triple pane (This is the standard test size for NFRC) (We can also get superior U values to 0.19 if we use Quad glass HM88 with krypton gas fills and All Metals Stainless Steel Spacer, but a HERS rating will show that it does not provide the homeowner a good ROI)

My ranking of fiberglass systems was a ranking of fiberglass systems and not just the windows. This was clearly stated. Serious makes a very nice window but I'm not a fan of the Inline system. I previously worked for a Serious Window dealer and have experience selling, installing, maintaining their windows.

1. I corrected the statement on the nesting folding handle in the next message. Not misleading just an error that needed corrected.
2. You brought it up not me. I was only offering an evaluation of the Inline fiberglass system.
3. Injected silicone corner keys like on our fiberglass windows does a better job of sealing the corners to stop water infiltration. It also does a better job of joining the lineals together to make the window more monolithic and rigid. Instead of just getting silicone on the miter, silicone is spread throughout the entire corner key. The silicon also stays inside the corner key whereas the smeared on silicone attracts dirt and is unsightly. I will take pictures of this also. These are things that don't show up on testing but are important for the long term performance and aesthetic of the window. The SureView system uses an adhesive. They use a two part methyl methacrylate adhesive from NovaGard and it is injected with a Graco PR70 pump system. The Inline system is not an adhesive it is a caulk.
4. I will take multiple pictures for you.
5. I guess you haven't installed too many Inline fiberglass windows and you aren't too concerned about a properly flashed building envelope. Try removing their glazing beads, drilling a pilot hole, then fasten the window with a pan head screw and then reinsert the glazing bead. It is an incredibly time consuming process that leads to glass breakage.

You haven't told me anything new and you haven't acknowledged any facts I bring up. I have experience / knowledge with all of these fiberglass window systems, so I ranked them. I also stated that it was my opinion. I may be associated with a window company but I am also highly knowledgeable. I have a background in commercial energy efficiency (Project Manager for Schneider Electric) and know my stuff. Our windows are NFRC tested by ATI but we do not certify the windows because it is an unnecessary expense that provides the customer zero value. We are hardly alone in the window industry in this regard. If someone wants to purchase a high quality vinyl or fiberglass window direct from the manufacturer then we are a good option.

Windowrookie,

Here is a link with the pictures to provide proof of:

* Silicone in corners
* ACME hinge
* Dated hardware
* Non architectural match of fixed picture

Inline Photos

Enerlux

Your claim of the most superior window with a U value of a .19 in triple is nuts. Truely and simply nuts!!! I can name 7 other windows that have significantly better U values, Inline being one.

The Inline uses low expansion foam in the sealing of their corners along with sillicone/caulking. This is far superior than the silicone alone you use in your window. Over time the silicone could create a pinhole and will suck water in. If you dealt the product, why do you not know this? Misleading again.

About the installation, you mentioned you HAVE to use anchors. I pointed out that you didn't. Then you change your tune again and say "oh yeah but...". Why do you continue to change your statements. My whole things is that you are a competitor who is not truthful. Oh yeah, I forgot that, I was just getting to that are probably lines you use on your poor unsuspecting customers.

I have reviewed the pictures and have only one thing to say. As a person who claims to be intelligient and knowledgeable, you sir are a complete moron. The picture of the open casement clearly shows a stainless steel Truth hinge. Regarded as the best hinge on the market. If you cannot distinguish between a hinge and an operator, you have no business being in business.
A N D E R B U R G is Truth. What is the worst is how adamant you were, you are 100% lying, misleading and defaming.

I will not longer respond to your posting I have clearly proved my point. You obviously have your agenda of trying to mislead the public. Again I reiterate, do not take Enerlux's advice or buy from him, he is a tinman who sells buy by half truths and misinformation. Good luck.

Enerlux

Your claim of the most superior window with a U value of a .19 in triple is nuts. Truely and simply nuts!!! I can name 7 other windows that have significantly better U values, Inline being one.

The Inline uses low expansion foam in the sealing of their corners along with sillicone/caulking. This is far superior than the silicone alone you use in your window. Over time the silicone could create a pinhole and will suck water in. If you dealt the product, why do you not know this? Misleading again.

About the installation, you mentioned you HAVE to use anchors. I pointed out that you didn't. Then you change your tune again and say "oh yeah but...". Why do you continue to change your statements. My whole things is that you are a competitor who is not truthful. Oh yeah, I forgot that, I was just getting to that are probably lines you use on your poor unsuspecting customers.

I have reviewed the pictures and have only one thing to say. As a person who claims to be intelligient and knowledgeable, you sir are a complete moron. The picture of the open casement clearly shows a stainless steel Truth hinge. Regarded as the best hinge on the market. If you cannot distinguish between a hinge and an operator, you have no business being in business.
A N D E R B U R G is Truth. What is the worst is how adamant you were, you are 100% lying, misleading and defaming.

I will not longer respond to your posting I have clearly proved my point. You obviously have your agenda of trying to mislead the public. Again I reiterate, do not take Enerlux's advice or buy from him, he is a tinman who sells buy by half truths and misinformation. Good luck.

Windowrookie,

One of the strongest forms of argumentation is to acknowledge parts of the opposing person's view. You clearly are incapable of acknowledging or processing any facts I present.

1. I clearly stated that our casement can test out better than 0.22. Our fixed picture can perform as low as 0.14.
2. Obviously you did not look at the picture close enough and see ACME printed on it. You are correct that it was the operator and not the hinge. It still proves my point that they mix and match different brands of hardware. So all you have to do is flip Truth operator for ACME operator. The Anderburg hinge still does not have any adjustments in it.
3. Why would anyone install a window with the method you described other than an insert replacement job? Clearly you are not looking out for the homeowners interests.
4. I have disassembled Inline windows, stripped them of their hardware, removed their corner keys and analyzed the window. It is only caulk in the miters. In fact, tomorrow I will disassemble a left over Inline sash that I have laying around and will take multiple pictures just for you.
5. There is more to evaluating a window than just U value. That's why I said I feel our window is the best overall window from multiple viewpoints.
6. Obviously you have no understanding of how my window corner key works and to claim the Inline corner assembly system is superior is laughable.

You have proven nothing other than you are incapable of having a debate without personal attacks. I already knew that Anderburg is Truth. Just because you use a rude, hostile tone doesn't make you correct. You gravitate towards one little statement and rant, yet you ignore all of the other facts in front of you. I know the Inline system and I know my system. You have a basic knowledge of the Inline system and do not know anything about my system. I am not in the business of building average windows. Our company wants to build the best fiberglass windows on the market. That is why we originally manufactured the SureView system (until the VC firm pulled all funding) and that is why we currently manufacture the Comfort Line system. If the Inline system were better than the Comfort Line system, we would be manufacturing it, but it is not.

I have to say, I have zero experience with either manufacturer installing or otherwise, but all of Enerlux's points are valid, especially the no nailing fin.

Based on the points made and the supposed "half truths" exposed, the points made remain valid and a concern, and what is with this dead focus on u-values? Alot more to a window than its u-value.

Windowrookie,

Today at work I disassembled the Inline fiberglass sash as I said I would to disprove your never ending rant. Hopefully this will prove to everyone on the board that you are not only rude but not credible. The pictures prove that:

* There is only silicone on the miters.
* There is no adhesive.
* There is no foam in miter, the corner key, or the entire sash.

Inline Corner Photos

When I originally responded to the thread it was to provide an honest evaluation of the Inline windows. I am qualified to do that because I have extensive experience with the system. I also did not originally disclose my company in the thread because I have been in private communication with the original poster so there was nothing to new to disclose to them. I did not want to post pictures of the Inline system and publicly go into such great critical details of their window system, but you forced my hand. I am a creator of windows, homes, jobs and community. Who cares if I want to sell product. I make a good window and sell it at a good price. Like I said previously, if I want to contact someone about getting a quote or pitching my product I will send them a private message because I don't want to spam the boards. After reading this entire message thread, hopefully people on the board will know that I can provide a qualified opinion on windows, building science and the building envelope.

You on the other hand are nothing more than an amateur, unqualified, unprofessional critic.

So I finally got to see an Inline window for myself today.

Here are my thoughts about the window.
Positives;
It appeared to be a well made window. The frame appeared strong with a good finish. The hardware was well made with no adjustment. It had a double gasket with the outside seal being a weather seal as it had a gap at the bottom to allow water to pass while the inner seal was a tight air seal that closed well with the use of the hard ware. The nailing flange attached to the channel in the frame and was an extruded aluminum and very strong and well made. The window could also be installed by screwing thru the inner frame into the jamb like some commercial installs. The sales person also did mention that they had an inner flange that attached to the window to allow for the window to accommodate any size extension jamb (very good feature).
Negatives;
What I did not like the most about the window was the corners of the frames. Although the frame was aligned perfectly it had calk smeared in the corners. It seamed sloppy yet intentional. I asked the sales person about this and he said it was how they manufactured it. Looking at the overall quality of the window I wonder why they would assemble the window with calk and not use some type of epoxy or glue. (no real cost difference) Could it be so the window could be taken apart if in the event the seal should fail in the glass?

Overall I like the window. It is priced reasonably fair and is well made.

wow, pretty heated. It never fails to amaze me the effort the people on this forum puts into their responses!

Windowrookie- I would be curious to see YOUR rankings of the list Ener provided.

I have to fight the urge to respond with a deluge of corrected facts so let me just say this. Every window manufacturer out there does things a certain way and is always trying to improve their product while also trying to find ways to manufacture it less expensively.. that's business and will not change. About some of the statements above... One: Comfortline does not have the best thermal performance in a casement unit. I believe that title rests with Serious ENERGY (name was changed a year ago) with a .15 u value b ut like some else said its not about just u-value; Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is important as well as Visible light (VT). Two: there is no glue/epoxy that will work better or is more available than silicone. Silicone is very unique in its expansion/contraction properties and has been used by the window industry as a sealant/adhesive for, what seems like, since dirt was invented. Factors such as temperature differential (-50 to 150+), elastic limit, life span, availability etc. make silicone the best choice. Oh yeah and Silicone is an adhesive... ie, NovaFlex (brand name) 50 year silicone... try removing a nail fin from a fiberglass pull-trusion after it has cured fully... you will destroy the pull-trusion.Three: the window ranking above lists Marvin above inline, accurate Dorwin, Milgard and I Serious didn't even make the list but was mentioned above.... I'm curious how much you have worked with the Marvin product and what qualities you would use to create your list... It cannot be Design Pressure rating since Marvin and Pella are about the same and MilGard and Inline are much better then the two. I find it difficult to believe it based on Thermal value since the fore mentioned have the capacity for twice if not three times the Thermal performance as Marvin, Pella, Weathershield, etc. All of the manufacturer's in that list have products that have a "best fit" project. You would be hard pressed to get Marvin integrity all ultrex windows in a passive certified house just like you would hard pressed to get an owner to pay for Serious or Milgard performance in their detached garage. Just some food for thought!