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Looking for a number re: Cost of Kalwall

Q | Posted in General Discussion on November 17, 2003 12:27pm

I’ve researched as much as possible on the web, and this site.  But the only reference I could find to an actual cost for Kalwall was “expensive”.

I’d like to use it for exterior walls on an addition.  The exterior walls would be around 48 running feet by 8 feet tall (on a kneewall possibly).  Could someone help me out on what a 4×8 panel of Kalwall costs?  In actual US dollars?

Even a cost range would help as long as actual numbers are given.  So far, I’ve found no real dollar figures (except for school remodelings with a total budget in the multi-millions).

Thank you.

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  1. xMikeSmith | Nov 17, 2003 12:59am | #1

    there is "big Kalwall"  &  "little Kalwall".. big kalwall is for commercial projects.... little Kalwall is the retail operation known as "Solar Components" in Manchester, NH.. they have a catalog... & probably a  website.. try google on "Solar Components Corp."

    one thing to think about... Kalwall is a fiberglass product.. after a couple of years of exposure it will start to lose it's luster & surface finish.. it will havce to be recoated.. fibers will start to "blossom".. it will hold dirt..

     we used it for about 5 years in the '70's but eventually switched over to glass.. i like insulated glass units better than Kalwall

    Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

  2. BobKovacs | Nov 17, 2003 03:11am | #2

    Q-

    I've used Kalwall panels on commercial jobs, and they ran around $40/SF installed.  stupid question, though- why not call Kalwall and get a price???  They've got local reps around here who come out, takeoff the job, and provide pricing- either furnish only, or furnish and install. 

    Bob

    1. Q | Nov 17, 2003 05:06am | #3

      answer to stupid question...it's the weekend, I was looking for a figure this weekend, not when the salespeople show up, and get around to returning my voicemail sometime, realistically, Tuesday...

      Kalwall at their website guarantees against blooming for 25 years.  Is this a really serious issue, or is it a non-issue if the panels are using the nanogel filling instead of fiberglass?  This is the type of question I wouldn't feel entirely sure of getting a real answer to from a Kalwall rep.

      Thanks.

      1. Boxduh | Nov 17, 2003 06:18am | #4

        I bought a "window," a half circle, 8' diameter, bottom edge was the 8' chord, tilted at an 8:12 pitch.  Major Industries was the maker, a Kalwall competitor.  Cost me about $75/sf a couple years ago, plus freight.  I found Kalwall completely unwilling at the time to deal with a residential construction customer.

        I wouldn't be too concerned about the durability of the product.  It has been used in commercial and industrial situations for years.

        1. xMikeSmith | Nov 17, 2003 06:23am | #5

          all of the panels we installed blossomed within 5 years..

           we stopped using it as solar collector covers and switched to Low -iron glassMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

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