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Fiberglass/wood window for tall casement

ensa
10 years ago

I was getting a quote for Sunrise window and I was told some of my casement windows are tall and vinyl is not the best choice for them. I'm looking for some alternatives.

I like fiberglass and Marvin integrity is one. Is there any other quality brands out there?

I also like Andersen wood clad. But I read about complaints of rotting. I guess I shall be expecting potential rotting after the 10 year warrenty period. Anyone choose wood clad over fiberglass besides the reason for the wood looks?

Comments (9)

  • HomeSealed_WI
    10 years ago

    Looks, name recognition, richness are it.
    Performance, maintenance, warranty, will go to vinyl, composites and select fiberglass choices.
    Marvin is the class of fg choices made in the states, but there are some highly efficient choices north of the border if you can find people that carry them.

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    10 years ago

    +1 to HomeSealed comments.

    Most folks that want FG are not going that route because of performance.

    It is all looks at that point.

  • fenmaster
    10 years ago

    I have never seen a AW400 casement rot, probably because the entire sash is vinyl sheathed.
    What is the size of the windows that you are concerned about?
    Sunrise will make some of the largest casements.
    In fiberglass if you have an InLine dealer near you I would look at them.

  • ensa
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    I think they're 6'6. And he didn't say Sunrise doesn't have the size. It was just a suggestion given to me that FG and wood are better choices for these windows because they have more strengh with vinyl.

    So Marvin FG does not perferm as well as some other brands likely made in Canada. Compaing FG to FG, where are the differences come from? I thought the LowE glass coating are pretty standard stuff nowadays and they all meet energy star. Is it because some brands provide triple level coating options to make the factors go way lower?

  • fenmaster
    10 years ago

    Actual measurements will help, W x H.
    AW max height is ~ 72". Himark shows 70" max height, 96 overall UI, they will go over thoses sizes by special quote only. Inline shows 72", but will also go over with special quote. In general if you are doing dual pane you can get bigger with triple pane having more limits.
    Funny, Sunrise is the one company that does a 80" tall in their price list.

  • HomeSealed_WI
    10 years ago

    ensa, energy star is a pretty low standard when it comes to windows, and further it only tests thermal efficiency. You can find two different windows with the exact same glass package that will be off by several points of U-factor due to the design and construction of the product. Additionally, air leakage is a VERY important concern, This is the primary area that the top vinyl choices and some of the Candian FG products will perform very well, and where most wood windows fall a bit short.

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    10 years ago

    Agreed 100%.

    Energy Star is the starting point and a good baseline starting point to starting adding more critical evaluation at that point.

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    10 years ago

    You can't get an Integrity wood-ultrex casement over 6-0 tall. 5-0 is the max height on the all ultrex as well.

  • ensa
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    You're right. I got a message from a dealer. The taller casement will go wood. He'll quote me the rest windows for FG.

    Though two other dealers didn't mention any problem with them. One of them is for vinyl, and the other is Renewal by A. Strange.

    I tried to measure the window but I'm not sure how exactly to get accurate measure. The glass is 23X69. They're pair of casement units open like french doors. The opening on the wall is probably 60 X 80. When the snow melts maybe I can get a measure from the outside.

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