One more thing John....Negotiating a payment schedule is not going to work in this case because it isn't until they are installed and functioning that you see what the problem is. The cranks themselves aren't stripped, it is what the cranks are attached to that are separating and falling apart. Most of the windows are about six feet high and will not close on top. Again, because the crank assembly isn't strong enough to close it. Also, the frame for the screens is very hard to attach to the frame. Two of my screens broke within two years. I had problems with some of the windows the first year I moved in. Again, I will say that it is just my husband and myself living in this house and we take very good care of it. We have Anderson Windows installed in our basement and garage and the screens are easy to put in the windows and the crank assembly works much better. Just my opinion.....

Go back to this thread:RE: Thermotech vs Fibertec Windows Posted By rashley on 07/30/2008 10:13 PM and read what swmal posted about Fibertec. Click on the link where you will read another horror story about Fibertec. Then read the post after that. The problems with this company have been going on for years and to this day haven't been corrected. I don't want anyone to go through what I am. Windows are a big investment in a home.

almost all windows meet a certain criteria regarding air and water infiltration, however, improper installation is the most probable cause. Business Network Solutions Inc has developed and selling adjustable window and door bucks

Just a note to tell you how pleased we are with our new windows. We want to compliment you on the quality of your product and your workmanship.
Michel, Woodbridge, Ontario

What a transformation it (Fibertec) made to a 55 year old home!
Boz, Oak Brook, Illinois

Panorama

You must be Oprah rich to be able to afford two entirely different identities and two places you reside in(Michel, Woodbridge, Ontario and Boz, Oak Brook, Illinois) from your last two posts.....lol. Both with excellent referals for the same company....

I also checked the link that I posted on May 15, 2009 and it was entirely changed??? Now from two referals both  0 out of 10 stars, you now have three referals all 10 out of 10 stars...all posted on the exact same day....what are the chances.....  

http://homestars.com/companies/2663486-fibertec-window-door-mfg

This is a serious discussion thread, if you want to advertise your products....pay for it like everyone else!

Not sure if this was already posted, anyways I just found it. Is this the same company?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zixeEKDGZ48

I would check out Serious Windows - http://www.seriouswindows.com/ They are an American company - I wouldn't rule out their Vinyl line - its affordable and very energy efficient.

I would recommend looking at the Serious window.  This window has u-values in the teens.  We happen to be a distributor of this product in Oregon/Washington.  I happy to forward you any specific information you are interested in, or get you in contact with someone in your area.

I just ordered 43 Serious Materials windows from Logic Window Systems in CO. I did a lot of research on windows and chose them for our new home at 7200'msl near Durango, CO. The windows are "tuned" for exposure and purpose. Ex, the S facing clerestories have a fair U-value and a high SHGC, as we want that sunlight in the winter, whereas the N facing slider has a very low U value (2 panes of glass and 2 films +Krypton) to keep in the heat. The pultruded frames are made by In-Line fiberglass in Canada. Very low expansion coefficient, unlike PVC or Vinyl. On top of all that, the windows will arrive painted inside and out. We are building a modern home, so the clean lines are a big plus. I can't say the price, but can say that these came in at lower price than a top name company, with better U-values and I don't have to finish the inside surfaces.

Hi WindowRookie,

I agree that panorama post looks pretty weird/suspicious. But I'm actually one of the posts on homestars and remember thinking at the time "Why does that say June 29? It's July XX." System hiccup or something?

Anyway, I really did have a great experience with their product and service. (Not to discount the experiences of the other folks -- not sure why a company could be so hit-and-miss.) We have just one window in the whole place (25 window openings, 37 windows, 22 openers -- mix of casement, awning and sideways slider) that has a bit of a sticky lock and our sales rep (Steven Hall) has offered to come by to check it out when he's in the neighbourhood. (We're still getting settled after our move so there just hasn't been a good time for us yet.)

But we've had some big rains hit those windows and there hasn't been any water penetration anywhere. I've been on a phone call while table saw ran 10' from my window and the triple glaze makes it sound like it's barely there. Certainly no need to leave the room to hear the person talk, or call them back.

If getting the right sales rep is the difference between getting good and bad service with Fibertec maybe try asking for our guy? We were on such a tight budget and weren't sure we wanted to lay out the kind of cash needed for fiberglass windows that we gave him a pretty hard time to get the sale ("How long have you been in business? How's business now? Can we come see your facility to make sure people are working there?" -- at the time we didn't realize they were one of the bigger fg manufacturers.) But he was great about the whole thing.

Anyway, I'll leave it there but happy to talk with anyone about our experience if it will help.

-Colin Foster

I couldn't agree anymore with this statement! 9/10 times It comes down to a faulty installation job. Whether it be over packing insulation, or not using any insulation at all, or just installing the window out of square - can become a nightmare for some.
















replacement windows

Loewen Windows, manufactured just north of the border between Fargo, ND and Winnipeg, Ontario, makes one of the most energy efficient as well as highest quality doug fir frame windows available with double Low-E, triple glazing. Loewen's triple glazing U-values are equal to the much hyped "Heat Mirror" or "Serious Windows" type of triple glazing but without the risk of the plastic film failing after a few years. I've been in the industry long enough to remember the last time "ultra high efficiency" windows with the suspended plastic film were marketed, in the late 70's and early 80's. The film had a tendency to or get sags or ripples that interfered with view after a few years passed and the warranty ran out. There were a lot of very unhappy customers. Unless they've made drastic improvements to their technology, I wouldn't expect the currently marketed products to be any better than they were the last time. Have you noticed that Heat Mirror and Serious Window's glazing is not used by the major manufacturers of high quality wood windows like Marvin or Loewen? There's a good reason for that.

At some point I'm hoping a reliable manufacturer of high quality windows will offer a window with an insulated fiberglass exterior frame, a real wood interior finish (not wood-grained plastic), and triple glazing with insulating spacers. Marvin's Integrity series has the fiberglass frame with wood interior but the frame isn't insulated and triple glazing isn't yet available. I have a hunch they're working on it. C'mon Marvin! We're waiting.

Hello Mark. I think your point about the heat mirror film is a critical factor in evaluation of the Serious windows. We are planning a new house some 2 years out and right now we are planning to use, or at least strongly leaning to use, their windows. The dealer nearby said they have a lifetime warranty. As I understand it, they believe they have the technical issues solved with the film. As I research more, if I find that the heat mirror film is a problem, then of course, another option will be pursued. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Regards, Steve

I find it interesting how many people still try to make this point. Serious Materials purchased Alpen Glass two years ago. Alpen Glass has been manufacturing this glass for 28 years with an outstanding track record. This product is in some very high profile buildings (Smithsonian, Mt. Rushmore Visitors Center, etc.) with none of the above issues. Serious emplyees these same workers who are using the same process with the same success. If we are going to debate products let's at least present facts.

We are also Marvin dealers and they do make an outstanding product. I too hope that they will incorporate TriPane into the Integrity product. It would be a great alternative offering.

Hello Kori. As one strongly leaning to get Serious Windows for our next house, I should like to get your opinions. ........ 1) Have you any experience with any Serious residential installations over the past year where you can guage the performance of their fiberglass windows, particularly the heat mirror film? Is it holding up? ............ 2) Along the same lines, have the owners seen signs of deterioration of the heat film?....... 3) Have you had any experience with owners complaining about lack of visual transmittance through the glass? Another way of asking this is there a displeasing tint on the windows? ......... 4) And lastly, have you heard of long delays in Serious delivering windows to clients? ........ Thanks for your views!...... Regards, Steve

We just purchased and installed 33 serious windows for our new ICF home. I'm VERY VERY happy with the quality of these windows. We went with the vinyl 301 series, you can't bet the price for R3.8 & 95% UV protection. On top of that they are beautiful windows!

I purchased my windows and slider from Alpen right about the time of their purchase by Serious.  The 32 double hung windows and 6' slider have been installed for about 18 months now.  I do have some minor concerns about air infiltration, but the glazing itself looks as good as day 1.  I can't see any visual difference from my neighbors Andersen 400 series - in terms of view through the glass.  If I were to do it again, I'd probably investigate the cost of fiberglass frames (I chose vinyl) for some added rigidity.

You often see "high end" windows using wood frames.  These windows are usually about the looks, not performance.  Fiberglass and vinyl usually have better insulating values.  I have not personally seen a high performance window using aluminum frames, but they might be out there.

Ed 

Steve,
I do have customers that have Serious Fiberglass windows installed that are happy to be used as referances. I haven't heard of any complaints regarding the heat mirror produced by Serious (formerly Alpen). It's hard to talk about the visible light or tinting because everyone has different sensitivity levels. In one of the homes I have been in there is both high and low SHGC glass and while you can see a difference I don't find it offensive. I have taken several architects to visit this particular house and none of them did either.

I work for Medallion Industries in Portland, OR and we have been dealers for Serious for 6 months now. I have heard from other dealers that Serious had a lot of problems getting product delivered on time early last year. We have not experienced this problem to date. However they do have a long lead time of 6 - 7 weeks but if you plan accordingly it shouldn't be a problem. Please keep in mind I am on the west coast and we only sell the fiberglass products I don't know anything about the vinyl lines.

If you would like to contact me visit our website for information. www.medallionindustries.com

Kori