Replies

1. 
   GCourter | Jul 10, 2003 12:01am | #1

   I would not install a casement window that is more than 30" wide.  The problem is that it ends up working like a door.  If you had a 40" high door you would not want to make it 36" wide.  The hinges would cause a problem.  I try to keep the width 40% (or less) of the height.  The beginning of your message stated "a vinyl window more than 26 inches wide".  I glad you went on to specify casement.  Our double and single hung windows are tested at 46" X 68" and they test out at 68#/sqft.  http://www.vinylwindows-usa-east.com

2. 
   GoldenWreckedAngle | Jul 10, 2003 01:18am | #2

   Fine Homebuilding Issue #46 April/May 2002 - article: "Is it time to switch to all vinyl windows?" Page 67, paragraph 3 of the first column on the bottom...

   "Guertin stays away from large sizes - anything more than 5 1/2 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide - because he thinks vinyl frames may expand too much in summer's heat and make the sashes difficult to operate. Other than that he likes details such as tilt-in sash and high energy efficiency as well as lower cost."

   Kevin Halliburton

   "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

1. 
   edwardh1 | Jul 10, 2003 02:20am | #3

   thats the article - thanks for finding it.

   In the article, when challenged by the vinyl window industry folks (I think he represented some type of architectural group) - his reply was _ I repeat what we said - no wider ....

3. 
   FrankB89 | Jul 10, 2003 03:43am | #4

   My biggest complaint about vinyl casements in the larger sizes is, when you leave them open on a hot day, the frame will sag a bit so when you crank them closed, you have to help them up into the closed position so they latch.  Then they cool off and are OK again until left open on a warm day again....

   About 4 years ago, I installed some really large vinyls in a new house; 9-0/ 6-0's with transoms if I remember right....real heavy boogers (thicker glass on the larger windows). 

   The only way we could get them set true and even in the R/O's was to remove the glass, and then reglaze, because the frames were anything but straight and square. (The glass unit is undersized enough in it's frame that there's room to get everything realigned). 

   (If I installed windows all the time, I'd probably buy a set of those suction handles and remove and reglaze vinyl windows of any larger size....makes for a much easier and more professional looking installation and makes trimming out much easier).

    

   
   

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   Edited 7/9/2003 8:46:44 PM ET by Notchman

4. 
   Davo304 | Jul 10, 2003 07:05am | #5

   Hasbeen,

   All depends on style of window.  I regularly install double-hung variety in widths ranging from 28 inches to 34 inches wide , and have never ever had any problems or callbacks.  usual window size is 28 X 54...vinyl double-hungs work real well for this size unit.

   If 36 inch width seems a bit too wide for a double-hung unit, change it to a slider, or to a double-opening casement ( 18 inch casement each side that opens outward from center). There are many window configurations to opt for.

   Check out    http://www.simontonwindows.com  they manufacture vinyl windows for both replacements and new construction. Their replacement line, known as the Reflections series, carries a double-hung line of windows ranging from a minimum width of 16-1/2 inches all the way up to 56 inches.

   If there was a problem with widths past 36 inches, then they would not still be marketing a 56 inch size maximum.

   If you install the window frame correctly, the sash should not sag; regardless whether it is vinyl or not.  Not all vinyl windows are made the same...some are more cheaply fitted than others. Simonton is a pretty good brand, though their quality control is also starting to slip somewhat...but their frames and sashes are strong, and do not sag.

   Good luck on your project.

   Davo

   
   

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   Edited 7/10/2003 12:06:59 AM ET by Davo

1. 
   Davo304 | Jul 10, 2003 07:20am | #6

   When installing replacement windows on a vinyl sided house, you can hide the "J" channel that normally outlines the window perimeter by using aluminum coil stock to completely wrap overtop the vinyl "J".

   Here are 2 pics, one showing the old style with the "J" channel exposed...and the other showing a better look using a multi- bend aluminum trim piece that I bent with my brake.

   Davo

5. 
   GoldenWreckedAngle | Jul 10, 2003 07:21am | #7

   Here is a link to the National Fenestration Rating Council's Certified Products Directory. It makes for some good comparison. The lower the U-value in the charts the better the thermal performance of the window. Since the NFRC U-value rating is for the entire window assembly, not just the glass, it can give you a pretty good indication of which windows are quality built and which ones leak a lot of air around their seals.

   In my own search I've been looking for U-value numbers from the mid .3's on down. It's not the only indicator of a quality window but it's one of the best.

   Kevin Halliburton

   "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

1. 
   IMERC | Jul 10, 2003 07:51am | #8

   Kevin... Two other to consider.

   Jeld Wen -   http://www.jeld-wen.com/

   Traco -  http://www.traco.com/

1. 
   GoldenWreckedAngle | Jul 10, 2003 08:08am | #9

   I have a quote from the Jeld-Wen Dealer But Traco is a new one on me. Couldn't find them on the NFRC site anywhere. Are they a new manufacturer?Kevin Halliburton

   "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

1. 
   IMERC | Jul 10, 2003 08:28am | #10

   Don't think so... They're 56 years old

   They have developed a pretty good reputation around here. Company and product.

   Spec me a window and I'll see if I can do a match up.

   Do you mind emailing me. I'll be up for awhile yet. 

1. 
   GoldenWreckedAngle | Jul 10, 2003 08:41am | #11

   I'm still at the office finishing up a presentation for tomorrow - What's got you wide eyed at this hour?

   I just e-mailed you but I forgot to add double pane, soft coat low-e and argon filled to the specs.Kevin Halliburton

   "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

2. 
   IMERC | Jul 10, 2003 08:48am | #12

   Did it go someplace else?

3. 
   GoldenWreckedAngle | Jul 10, 2003 09:11am | #14

   Your spam guard sent me a message telling me I'm nothing but spam to you. That hurts man... that really hurts.

   Make that 0-101U.I. Low E... I think.Kevin Halliburton

   "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

2. 
   Davo304 | Jul 10, 2003 08:54am | #13

   TRACO......stands for Three Rivers Aluminum Company

   They are located in Pittsburgh, PA

   Been around a long, long time.

   Davo

1. 
   GoldenWreckedAngle | Jul 10, 2003 09:14am | #15

   Thanks Davo - I'm thinking shipping costs are gonna be a dissapointing factor for anything coming to Texas from Pitsburgh. What's a vinyl window manufacturer doing in steel country anyway?Kevin Halliburton

   "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

2. 
   Davo304 | Jul 11, 2003 07:54am | #16

   The shipping costs just might fool ya...might not cost what you think.

   Actually, TRACO started out as an aluminum clad window co. Then later got into the vinyl market as well.

   Pittsburgh no longer has any steel mills...and unfortinately, the last 2 big ones, Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel (located in Wheeling, WV) and Weirton Steel (Weirton, WV) are both in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy right now. Back in the late 70s/early 80s, both of these companies still employed a hefty amount of people (approx 12 to 14,000 at each mill). Sadly, today both companies combined employ a total of less than 7,500 workers .

   Don't know if anyone really knows this or not, but the City of Pittsburgh is fast becoming a science/medical industry place nowadays. A lot of the old steel mills have already been bulldozed over.

   The only "steel" left in Pittsburgh is the Pittsburgh Steelers...unfortunately for them, their so-called "steel curtain" defense isn't what it used to be either. But hey, GOOOOO STEELERS!   Bet your a Cowboys fan huh? Ahhh, I won't hold that against ya!.... ha! ha!

   Good luck on your window search.

   Davo

   Edited 7/11/2003 12:56:28 AM ET by Davo

3. 
   IMERC | Jul 11, 2003 08:06am | #17

   TRACO has a plant in IOWA. [It's that Idiots Out Wander Around place]

   Those multipiers I gave you. Times them against the list price.

   Send the Auto CAD attachment if you wish.

   Wood is the real wood in oak.

2. 
   hasbeen | Jul 14, 2003 10:01pm | #18

   Thanks, Kevin.  That was helpful.Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.