Posted By Lee Dodge on 30 Nov 2010 05:53 PM
Jhark312-

In your description of fiberglass, you state: "The resins are the binder, and the total composition depends on which resin was used as a binder. (Resin systems available include standard polyester ... "
From the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary,
"Definition of POLYESTER
: any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used especially in making fibers or plastics…"

Therefore, you have verified my definition of fiberglass.

Perhaps you could also tell us the feedstock for polyester and the other resin systems, keeping in mind that you have already told us that "However, for many reasons, vinyl is a terrible choice:
a. it is a petroleum by-product."

Lee

Posted By Jhark312 on 30 Nov 2010 06:36 PM
Chris - I respect your 40 years experience in the field, but you cannot honestly say that you have gone back to jobs 5 years, 10 years beyond the installation to "Check on the performance". Really? If "the website" was designed to malign the vinyl indistry, then verify the sources. 

Fibertec window SPECIFICATIONS:

GLAZING STOPS: uPVC exterior glass stop with co-extruded gasket, ensures a positive seal to the sealed unit glass.

Posted By Jhark312 on 01 Dec 2010 08:25 PM
Marvin, I know doesn't use them.  Anymore that is . . thats one of their high points on the sell as I recall.  Apparenly they had issues with wood and vinyl (as did cardco and Jeld-wen) years ago (in the early 90's), and it led to many leaky doors and windows after the glazing compound or caulk at the glazing failed.

Some of the higher end $$$ companies are direct glazing with a pure silicone (dont get me started on VOC's) to take out that smaller stop as a weak point.  there is a distinct down side, and thats re-glazing of a broken sash.  But when it all shakes out, my preference would be buying a new sash over leaky windows.

Just my thoughts.

Marvin Window does not say what their glazing beads are made of Standard Features:

Vinyl nailing fin (clad units)

Note: does not say what the glazing beads are made from in specs

Caradco windows:

Can’t find specs but this popped up right away:

http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/rotting_caradco_windows_79080.html

seems like it does not matter what the glazing beads are, the wood rots in ten years according to the Bob Villa article

JenWeld………. Makes all types windows and offers a materials comparison (but no fiberglass?)

Aluminum – A lightweight and strong material that is a cost effective alternative to wood.  This material is corrosion-resistant and performs well in most climates.

Vinyl – A strong plastic material that is used for its durability, energy efficiency and ability to stand up to the elements.  This material will never fade in color, flake, peel or rot.

Wood – Wood comes from trees that grow in a variety of species, such as fir, pine, mahogany or alder.  Each species has a range of characteristics, like grain, color and sap content, which contributes to its unique appearance.

Clad-Wood - Like a coat of armor, cladding is a strong layer of metal on wood, providing extra protection and low maintenance benefits with no exterior painting required.

I am not talking about "reglazing" I am talking about the original PVC glazing beads, direct glazing? please explaing that further I understand the silicoln sealant, but whats holding the glass in ?

JH;

Windows 101: the glazing sealant is not the  same as the bead, it is what holds the glass in the sash, thare has to be a way to replace a broken piece of glass and that would be by removing the glazing bead.

your specification listed does not match your statement

the vinyl statement is from JenWeld that makes wood, aluminum and vinyl

PS: redo your homework……………………. fiberglass resins continue to “off gas” for months, The toxic element in fiberglass is polyester resin. Polyester resin has a styrene carrier which outgasses VOCs.