Has anyone checked out the EfficientWindows.org website? It seems very thorough and full of useful information. I am building a new home and would like to use windows with U values less than .30.  I am also shying away from vinyl and wood (I am not completely against wood) and leaning towards fiberglass windows.  I have decided to go with casement windows and have read some of the concerns with triple-pane windows and the weight associated with them. As such, it seems that the three choices (based on Efficient Windows) are Accurate Dorwin, Inline and Fibertec.  Does anyone have experience with these companies? I have read some complaints on this website, but they seem to be all over the place and I wanted to "consolidate" opinions.  Also, I am wondering if there are domestic options? Thanks.

I'm sure you've also read related posts regarding Thermotech, a Canadian fiberglass company with excellent reviews.  I am in your same situation and so far I'm favoring a domestic company (unsure where they are manufactured however) 'Serious Materials' fiberglass line called 'Thermaproof' .  Their 1125 is their top with huge U/R claim that I have yet to fully corroborate on NFRC, but the company claims they've been tested there and got the highest rating in their history.  good luck

Hi,

I'm actually in search for energy efifcient windows in my area. I heard that is a co in Holland, Oh area manufacturing windows w/U rating at 0.30 or lower.
If somebody know other manufacturers please reply! Thanks.

cd

Any window you select should be tested for air infiltration. The test is done by AAMA guidelines. Too many people focus on a small decrease in U value while forgetting the air infiltration rate. Long term this is more important

Smartwall makes a good point about infiltration.  However, I've wondered where to get the infiltration ratings.  The www.nfrc.org site seems to test for infiltration, but don't seem to have the number in their database.  They have the U, R, and other values but not the infiltration value.  Where do you find the infiltration rating of a window to make the informed decision?

Thanks,
Bruce

Bruce, dolphin posted a great site for resources EfficientWindows.org

Yes, that is a great site and answered some questions.  However, I'm missing where infiltration values are listed on that site for particular windows.  Could you please point me to the information?

The manufacturer should have had their windows tested . If they have not it would leave me with a big mark.

Do you know a manufacturer who do testing for air infiltration? Thanks.

Yes American Jewel Windows in NJ. They are a small vinyl window co. that has the testing .

I would think most window companies should be able to supply the info.. It's an important consideration.

Thanks for the info.

John,

Can you share more info on your findings?
Thanks,

cd

You would be making a HUGE mistake doing business with Fibertec. I purchased a home with about 30 Fibertec casement windows. There is not one room in my house that has a window that works properly. The windows are too heavy for the flimsy mechanisms. They will either not close on the top, or the plastic piece to hold the mechanism in place falls out or breaks. I have been trying to get help since last November and the Fibertec Company will not return my emails or phone calls. When we did speak with someone who said she owned the company, she was extremely rude, argumentative and has a major problem telling the truth. My husband spoke with the President of the company who said to email pics of the windows. I have repeatedly emailed him and he refuses to respond....and this was just to purchase the plastic pieces!! This house was brand new, my husband and I were the first to live here (no children living with us). We moved in about five years ago. My house is quite large and some of the windows are high off the ground. The only way to temporarily fix the windows is to hang out the one next to it. If I fall out one of the windows and kill myself I am going to haunt that company forever!! I really don't know what to do because I can't afford to replace the windows and every room has at least one window that is broke.
Also, because the windows were not made in the USA, their dimensions are different so if I want to put up inside shades, they have to be custom made.
Hope this helps anyone considering Fibertec.

Wow! Thanks, LINYER. I am sorry that you have had such trouble. I hope some good will come from your experience. I certainly will cross them off the list. I am still looking at Inline and Accurade Dorwin, but now I have my concerns with the ease at which a company without representation in the US can "ignore" attempts at getting in touch with them to rectify problems. I have also been in touch with Serious Windows. Anyone have any experience with these windows?

That's understandable to be leary of one person's opinion. This site helped me out tremendously because it linked me to other consumers that are facing the same problem as myself. Go back to the May 15th post written by Windowrookie....click on the links he posted and you will read about Fibertec and how other consumers have been treated in the same unprofessional manner that I was.