[Greenbuilding] Looking for windows

[Sacie Lambertson]

Lynelle you asked this question back in May.  I kept the responses, one of
which is below:  I like Kolbe and Kolbe but don't know if they are in
Canada.

(And, to the group, I am still interested in recommendations for storms.)

Sacie

"I have used Accurate Dorwin for a number of years, as the makers of good
insulated fiberglass frames, and sash, and triple glaze. While the embodied
energy is higher than Reuben's suggestion, the end product is good.
I have also been interested in Thermotech in the past; I have found it hard
to reach the company.
I figure that techno support and service is a big part of buying and
installing manufactured windows, and Accurate Dorwin, from Winnipeg area,
ranks high.

I have also installed locally manufactured custom built windows, with
single glazing, and added custom outer storms.
All done in a local cabinet/woodworker's shop.
Probably not as airtight nor with as much R value as a factory window. But
local."

or from John Straube:

While some wood and some wood windows last, many do not.  This is the
reason people switched.  They wanted painted wood, and that
required maintenance.  For every 100 yr wood window there is one that
rotted at 50.  With new wood, they can fail in 20.

The key is to protect the wood window through smart detailing (building
overhangs, recessed windows, drip caps, steep sloped sill with drip kerf
etc etc).  Then hope you can find some slow growth cedar or maybe heat
treated wood to get the better material.

It is not just “spec wood and it will last 100 years”.  It is more like
“study wood, understand windows and buildings, choose the best materials
and the best designs and you should get 50 yrs, maybe more”.



On Sun, Jul 24, 2016 at 11:23 PM, Lynelle Hamilton <lynelle at lahamilton.com>
wrote:

> Looking for windows for an addition. I'm in central Ontario.   I'm on the
> water, so have concerns about wood, given the humidity. I'm aiming for net
> zero energy, so efficiency is important. Have had a few folks tell me that
> triple glazing is unnecessary. Also, most of what I can find locally is
> vinyl.
>
> I've learned the hard way that after sales service is important, so am
> looking for a company that has a solid and good record in this regard.
>
> I know that his has been discussed before, but can't find the thread.
>
> Many thanks!
>
> Lynelle
>
>
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