Posted By peteinny on 10 Mar 2012 01:13 PM
Here are the U values for the Pella Designer series windows if interested.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF GLAZING SYSTEM CHOSEN:
1. DESIGNER CASEMENTS TOTAL UNIT U = .26 VENTS AND .23 FIXED. 2. DESIGNER DOORS TOTAL UNIT U = ..25.

I am waiting on a quote from Marvin to see what the difference will be.

Let me know what you find from Marvin. I remember reading a test with with fiberglass windows, the Marvins had the worst numbers when it came to air infiltration, U-Factor and SHGC. They tested the Pella Impervia, Marvin Ultrex, Milgard Ultra, Inline, Fibertec, Thermotech and Serious. The Marvins came in last place but maybe things have changed since then.

Let me know what you find...

I think the more I research it comes down to the REALITY that if you want the best of the best windows, the European engineered window design is the only way to go. Reducing costs can be done by utilizing US Distributors. Now if you don't care about having the best of the best, you can go with good windows but of a lesser quality for sure, then Pella's will work.

I'm going to try Intus, you should get a quote from them also:

IntusWindows

Posted By ICFHybrid on 09 Mar 2012 08:09 AM

If you are expecting 220+ mph winds in your area, I suggest you look at windows with hurricane-resistant glass as breakage from flying debris might be of some concern

That wasn't my point. The point was that there standard residential windows are rated as DP80+. No "special" designs or special "hurricane" glass, their standard residential windows come with DP80 ratings.

Posted By Lbear on 10 Mar 2012 03:21 PM
. I remember reading a test with with fiberglass windows, the Marvins had the worst numbers when it came to air infiltration, U-Factor and SHGC. They tested the Pella Impervia, Marvin Ultrex, Milgard Ultra, Inline, Fibertec, Thermotech and Serious. The Marvins came in last place but maybe things have changed since then.

Please provide the reference to the report with this information.

Posted By Lee Dodge on 10 Mar 2012 04:10 PM

Posted By Lbear on 10 Mar 2012 03:21 PM
. I remember reading a test with with fiberglass windows, the Marvins had the worst numbers when it came to air infiltration, U-Factor and SHGC. They tested the Pella Impervia, Marvin Ultrex, Milgard Ultra, Inline, Fibertec, Thermotech and Serious. The Marvins came in last place but maybe things have changed since then.

Please provide the reference to the report with this information.

There are many, but here are two that I had stored, I will try and find the rest:

Musings of an Energy Nerd

Window Comparison

Posted By Lbear on 10 Mar 2012 04:54 PM

Posted By Lee Dodge on 10 Mar 2012 04:10 PM

Posted By Lbear on 10 Mar 2012 03:21 PM
. I remember reading a test with with fiberglass windows, the Marvins had the worst numbers when it came to air infiltration, U-Factor and SHGC. They tested the Pella Impervia, Marvin Ultrex, Milgard Ultra, Inline, Fibertec, Thermotech and Serious. The Marvins came in last place but maybe things have changed since then.

Please provide the reference to the report with this information.

There are many, but here are two that I had stored, I will try and find the rest:

Musings of an Energy Nerd

Window Comparison

Let me be more specific.  I have had difficulty finding infiltration numbers for different windows.  Your second reference above (Window Comparison) is just to what Jesse Lizar posted to a GBT forum, and he provides some unreferenced infiltration numbers for only two windows, a Pella Imperva and an Inline.  I would like to see the "test with fiberglass windows" that you read that includes the infiltration numbers for the windows that you mention above (Pella Impervia, Marvin Ultrex, Milgard Ultra, Inline, Fibertec, Thermotech and Serious).