Comments EnergyGuru has made
The BEST choice is FiberGlass Frame Windows
I put in hundreds of windows every year. I try to steer all my customers, friends and family to extruded FIBERGLASS windows. They are way stronger and more sustainable than flimsy environmentally problematic vinyl and many manufacturers can install super-insulating triple pane glass in these stronger frames, whereas that is not even a choice in vinyl and usually not in wood. Fiberglass frame windows are more expensive than vinyl (worth it) but usually less expensive that wood. Umbra, please go back and research these type of windows, and update this article - it is a real environmental disservice to leave out the best choice and not discuss the importance of the best insulating glass you can afford. This is a hundred year mistake people! Once they are in it can be generations before the cost is justified to change them again. By the way I like wood as a beautiful second choice, we just have to get the manufacturers to pick sustainably harvested wood.On Umbra on windows posted 4 years, 2 months ago 6 Responses
glazing
In the past the technology was less advanced and premature seal failure was more common. Nowadays it is rare so don't let that stop you from upgrading windows.
As far as energy used to make new glass goes, it is not insignificant. BUT, the energy wasted by not doing anything is much more. My recommedation is to get SuperWindows that are highly insulating and we won't be faced with upgrading everything all over again in twenty years.On Umbra on windows posted 4 years, 2 months ago 6 Responses
Yes, Contractor Selection is Key
As an Environmental designer/builder & remodeler I am constantly faced with having to tell homeowners that their last guy hosed them or had only half the knowledge he should have, not to mention all the unscrupulous or unreliablity problems I hear about.On Umbra on windows posted 4 years, 2 months ago 6 Responses