[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Desert windows - fiberglass?

[Lawrence Lile]

I'm interested in this conversation, since my family has some property
in Phoenix.  Eventually we'll have to replace the windows. Let me know
what you end up using.  

Right now we are replacing air conditioning.  I'm trying to convince my
brother-in-law to put on a metal roof, and insulate the attic, to cut
down on the size of the unit.  HVAC guys are recommending 4 ton units in
a house that would use 1.5 tons in Missouri. Yow!  "But it's a dry heat"
they say there.  Seems like you could save a lot with a little more
insulation and a reflective roof.  

Do you see a lot of metal roofs going in?  We are having trouble finding
a metal roof contractor to even quote us.  

 
 
Lawrence Lile, P.E., LEED AP

-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Dan
Johnson
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:02 PM
To: greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [BULK] [Greenbuilding] Desert windows - fiberglass?
Importance: Low

Looking for windows to put in a new house in Phoenix, with a very low
U-value (0.3 or less) to fight against 115 deg F heat.  I'm concerned
about the durability of fiberglass frames in that intense UV
environment.  In my experience, anything synthetic left in the sun
turns to powder in a few years.  Are fiberglass actually OK?  

Desert window options:
1. Fiberglass frames - UV degradation?
2. Aluminum frames - hard to find thermally broken Alu frames for
residential windows, otherwise splendid
3. Wood - forget wood in the desert. It will last a year
4. Vinyl - avoid vinyl (see dialogue elsewhere); same UV degradation
as fiberglass?

FYI: also have a good shading scheme, exterior blinds, etc.


       
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