Choice Double Pane Windows

Chris D asked:


I want the best possible window that has the best insulation. Would you say vinyl or wood? I want the inside white. The outside is going to be white, I have white aluminum siding. This is going to be a large living room window. Any ideas of what the specs. of the window should be? Like double or triple pane? Again the insurance is paying for a good portion of it I just want the best out there. Thanks
I live in n/w Indiana and the window is on the south wall.

Jarvis

3 Responses to “Replacing Bow Window?”

1. t j Says:
   January 29th, 2010 at 12:39 am

   Elliot

   I suggest vinyl triple pane gas filled, there the most energy saving and don’t rot.
   t

2. John D M B Says:
   January 31st, 2010 at 11:23 pm

   Carie

   Hello

   You have not stated your general area where your house is located. The best windows for California will be much different than windows for the Yukon or Alaska.

   Make sure the contractor removes the old window to the rough opening.

   When the replacement window is installed, make sure the contractor fills the gap between the window and the rough opening with proper insulation and seals the finish inside and out side. This is to prevent air and moisture leakage.

   Bow and Bay windows also have to be insulated properly at the the top and the bottom since these types of windows extend out past the exterior surface of the outside wall

   Here is a link to the Canadian standards and recommendations for windows and doors:

   More links:

   Double or triple glazing will depend on the window and the location of your house. Also the orientation of the window -East, West, North, or South makes a difference.

   Most high effeciency windows are have a low-e film coating or imbedded surface. The location of the Low-E surface depends largely whether or not your location mainly requires solar heat to be reflected out or in.

   Southern climates where Air Conditioning is the main concern – solar heat should be reflected out.

   Northern climates where Heating is the main concern – inside heat should be reflected in.

   If the above is incorrectly installed, the window will not function properly.

   My advice to you is to read the information contained on the links then research the companies manufacturing these windows. Do not let a salesman talk you into something that seems too go to be true (this is the reason for research.

   Personally I avoid Vinyl/PVC products for windows and doors, especially large units. Although they have improved greatly over the years. Large unit place greater stresses on the window frames which often causes them to warp – salespeople for Vinyl/pvc windows will tell you this does not happen.

   Go to a showroom where they have vinyl/pvc double/triple pane sliding doors for openings up to or greater than 6 feet wide. Open the door fully; then pull it closed with a moderate jerk. 99% of the frames will bow out even when you pull the door closed normally. Watch the frame while pulling.

   Remember, bow window frames will have greater stresses on them because the do protrude out past the outside surface of the exterior wall.

   I personally would select wood, then fibreglass, then Aluminium

   Cannot give you particular manufacturers – do not know your location.

   Good Luck

3. mary h Says:
   February 2nd, 2010 at 10:24 pm

   Idella

   I agree with john about the vinyl windows for larger openings, vinyl has come along way – but quality made virgin vinyl windows are often close in cost to wood.
   There are lot of junky vinyl distributers out there.
   Each product has its benefits and place in a home
   But if you want better go with wood.
   Wood prices for a good quality window can be scary-especially a bay window , so if i were you – i would price both before making a decision. And keep in mind if its going to cost you money out of pocket – even a mid grade Vinyl Window will last a while … so how long do you plan on living there?