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| Author: | Dee |
| Subject: | Fiberglass windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-27 04:35:34 |
We live in Michigan and are looking for replacement windows. We are considering fiberglass windows made by Inline. There is only one company (Majic Windows) who sells them and they are $3k more for the amount of windows that we need than Pella who has aluminum clad windows. Has anyone had experience with fiberglass windows? The company says they are the newest state of the art windows that do not compare with anything else out there as far as strength, durability and energy efficiency. They also can match our exterior color better than anyone else but don't know if they are worth the extra money. Would appreciate any responses. We are tired of shopping and dealing with sales people who tell you 10 different things. So confused!!
| Author: | Steve G. |
| In Reply To: | Fiberglass windows (posted by Dee) |
| Subject: | RE: Fiberglass windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-27 12:16:03 |
Dee --
You might look into the Marvin Infinity line of windows. This window has a fiberglass frame (they call it Ultrex). We just bought a bunch of the Marvin Integrity windows -- similar to the Infinity line, except that these are new construction windows, and have wood interiors. The price we got on our Integrity windows was really good. It can't hurt to check the Infinity line. They should be less than the Pella aluminum clad.
Steve
| Author: | Dee |
| In Reply To: | RE: Fiberglass windows (posted by Steve G.) |
| Subject: | RE: Fiberglass windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-27 19:35:36 |
Thanks Steve, I appreciate the information!! We will look into the Marvin line. Good luck with your new home and windows!
Dee
| Author: | Steve G. |
| In Reply To: | RE: Fiberglass windows (posted by Dee) |
| Subject: | RE: Fiberglass windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-28 08:07:57 |
Dee --
No problem. I'm sorry you are having a tough time with the window buying process.
I don't know how much of a hurry you are in, but I have a suggestion for you. I would stop talking to salesmen for a little while, since salesmen are sometimes a little biased toward the product they sell. I know from personal experience that when I am looking to buy something, and know little about what I'm buying, talking to a couple of salesmen from a couple of different companies will leave me nothing but confused.
Before we bought windows, I simply did some research -- mostly online. If you read every post on this board for the next month, I guarantee you that you will be much more capable of making a good decision on your purchase. The amount of knowledge and honesty on this board amazes me. I would try to narrow down my options, and what I'm trying to accomplish with my new window purchase, BEFORE speaking with another salesman. Once you've done that on your own, they you will probably feel much more confident and informed, and thus will be more likely to make a good decision.
I am not a window expert -- just a homeowner. However, there are lots of experts on this board. But before anyone can give you good advice, they would need to know what you are trying to accomplish. You mentioned the fiberglass replacement windows, which is why I suggested the Marvin Infinity. But it would help for everyone to know what you are looking for. Are you looking for maximum energy efficiency? Or just a good, efficient window but with wood interiors? Or, is low maintenance at the top of your list? Etc. etc.
The only clues I can glean from your original post are:
1. You live in Michigan -- a heating-dominated climate. This affects what type of window might be the best, efficiency-wise, for your situation (for example, low SHGC should not be at the top of your list).
2. You might be looking for something that can match your exterior colors.
3. Energy efficiency is at least somewhat important to you (as I would guess it is for most folks).
You said that the salesman told you that the fiberglass "does not compare with anything else," as far as "strength, durability, and energy efficiency."
I'll make a few comments on this -- but keep in mind, I am biased as I obviously was sold on the fiberglass frames -- I BOUGHT them!!
First of all, there is alot more to energy efficiency than the window frame. It is true that fiberglass is a good insulator, and a fiberglass-frame window will out-perform an aluminum frame window in your area, all else being equal. However, a fiberglass-framed window, without low-e glass, with a bad spacer, etc. would likely NOT outperform many other types of windows in terms of energy efficiency. After all, wood and vinyl are also good insulators. My point is, don't get sold on the fact that a window has a fiberglass frame. What about the glass? Who makes it and what spacer is used? Is it low-e? Gas-filled? etc. etc. Fiberglass frames CAN add to the efficiency of a well-engineered window, but might be next to useless, in terms of efficiency, if the rest of the window is junk.
Having said that, fiberglass IS very strong and durable. The Marvin stores will show you a sample piece of Ultrex (their fiberglass). Their is no doubt that it is a tough, durable material. It is also paintable (unlike vinyl), so if it doesn't match your exterior colors, you can paint them. But, you don't have to. The Marvins come in two colors -- pebble gray and white. Ours are gray, and I don't know if we'll paint them or not until I see them on our house (our bricks have taupes and grays in them, and our exterior paint will be a grayish-tan taupe type color, so the windows may blend pretty well as is).
Another benefit of fiberglass, from what I can tell, is that it expands and contracts, in hot and cold conditions, at a rate nearly equal to glass itself -- which is good, since you want the frame to remain tight to the glass at all times.
Overall, and this is just a personal opinion, I personally might stay away from the "Majic" windows. I have never heard of this company, and this would spook me personally -- particularly if the price is HIGHER than Pella. Fiberglass is a relatively new type of window frame, so it might perhaps be a good idea, if you think you are sold on the fiberglass idea, to try a fiberglass window from a reputable company who you know uses good insulating glass units, good spacers, has a good reputation, etc. Just my opinion.
I hope this long-winded post helps. If you have more specific questions, I suggest you make a new post and ask the specific questions. You might have a better chance getting the experts attention, and having them read and answer your post, if you ask specific questions in your subject line.
Keep us posted,
Steve