[Greenbuilding] Windows - double hung

[Keith Winston]

Hi John,

> To the window topic:
> The hardest part in this research is getting the U-values that compare
> apples to apples.  I see U-value ranges for good windows btwn .28 and
> .33.  I can't decide on going with wood (my historic side wants to match
> what I have or my energy side wants a long-lasting performing window) or
> with fiberglass.  There is a pretty cool historic painting scheme we are
> going with, so factory applied paint vs in the field, I know I'll get
> better long term results with factory applied but it'll cost a bunch
> with the custom colors (wood or fiberglass).
>   
Hmmm. I wouldn't sweat bullets over the difference between .28 and .33. 
You can get Fiberglass windows down to U-values of .11. At least, I 
think that's the best I've seen.

If you're going to paint, some of the advantage of fiberglass is lost 
(that is, no need to paint, ever)... I don't know about factory paint 
jobs, are they really better? I've never tried it.
> Loewen, ThermotechFiberglass, Inline Fiberglass Ltd, Kolbe.... I can't
> decide!  Plus, it's not as easy as expected to just compare apples to
> apples.
>   
I don't think I understand your apples to apples comments. What is 
confusing you? I often make spreadsheets when I start getting 
overwhelmed by comparisons, so I can track multiple dimensions 
simultaneously, and apply constantly-shifting decision criteria.

Good luck!

Keith