We just recently installed Oknoplast windows in our new house build. They are a European window & door manufacturer from Poland. So impressed with the quality. A small company called Laurel Windows in Brevard, NC sells them and is only an hour from our house. Guessing there are a lot of new businesses like this out there with really quality materials.
I have been building and remodeling houses for 40 years. I tell my customers to get the best windows that they can afford. For some people that is going to mean a basic Plygem vinyl window and for others it will mean a state of the art Alpin U 0.10 window. Most of the major window manufacturers buy their glass from Cardinal so the actual glass is the same. My personal favorite after all these years is Marvin Elevate. And, it does not cost that much more to upgrade to U 0.20. You will get it back in lower utility bills.
I've worked for Plygem in two states, and I worked for Comfort View Products. The plants I worked for, they assembled their own glass. They would only buy assembled units from Cardinal or some other company if it was a rarely used or custom size they couldn't make money from. I've heard there were others who didn't assemble their own glass. How nice for us maintenance guys. 😆 The glass equipment is almost the absolute worst to work on in the window business. It's second only to the vinyl welders. They're a nightmare.
This is exactly what I've been wanting! EXCELLENT VIDEO. Jake is awesome! Tons of in depth information and thorough explanations. I can't wait to see what other topics are covered. This is precisely the type of educated and direct instructional learning that's lacking on YT. THANK YOUUUUUUUUU!
First, Matt great idea - expert education: I would call the this a Center of Excellence series, meaning do more of this. Second, Jake not only are you an expert on windows, your way of communicating is fantastic. I have windows in the future with my build projects. I appreciate your education. Thanx!!
Yes, I already love the idea for this video series. I would like to have passive house mentioned more! Other ideas for series are Insulation, flooring, utilities/appliances, framing with LVLs, etc!
When discussing the code, it is useful to use the actual words in a requirement. The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) requires safety glass when the bottom of a glazed opening is within 18 inches of the floor or horizontal surface below. When safety glazing is required, the most common design option is manufactured glazing panels that are either laminated or tempered. Laminated glass can be more custom friendly. Much more widely available for many more fabricators.
i AGREE!!! when discussing the code it is useful if you use all the actual words of the code.......Not only is safety glazing required when the bottom of the glazed opening is less than 18" from the floor, BUT ALSO, 1. the glazing exceeds 9 sq ft 2. The top of the glazing is more than 36" above the floor 3. There is a horizontal walking surface within 36" of the glazing.
Couldn't agree more. Even with the Anderson sponsorship, there's no BS marketing. Just honest advice on windows. Prop's Jake. Looking forward to the next one.
You apparently wasted your time in English class during your tenure in Architectural school. (Sorry had to, I'm an engineer. Always have to give Arch's a hard time) 😊
Excellent analysis! I was getting all ready to disagree with you on SHGC being important... but you covered it. That is actually one benefit of going the performance approach when selecting materials and equipment.
European windows are great, but one European product that I haven't seen the @buildshow cover are rolladens, I loved them when I was in Europe and I hope eventually they can make their way to the US.
Yes, they are great for security and noise/light blocking. Ours were electric except for one door for emergency purposes. We could open/close them individually, or all at once from a single switch at the garage door.
Would have liked a comparison in air leakage between double-hung, casement and fixed pane windows. And window size vs room size (and something outside that is worth viewing). Also - screens? Who needs screens with advanced building concepts?
I’ve been installing windows for 25 years. Andersen Windows has really gone downhill in the last four or five years. I used to consider them similar to a Honda, boring but reliable, and you know how to get them fixed. Now I just call them reliably inconsistent in their quality and their prices have gone through the roof. My Andersen rep says they’ve had too many retirements in the last few years and that all their product lines are having quality issues.
I work in multi family and pretty much all the developers in my market use pella for their punched opening windows, almost exclusively. It’s been forever since I’ve seen an Andersen window package used. And in our own and other family’s homes, the windows are all older Andersen windows and they all have the same few broken hardware issues over and over again, and similar issues on sweeps and weatherstripping.
@@zakiduckyPella's hardware is disgraceful. My neighbors spend $30k on two windows and they look like total hot garbage now. Half rhe cranks are broken.
Why no discussion about VIG windows that can reach into the mid to upper R- 20's equaling most wall systems and not making the windows the weak link for the energy preformance envelope. I know they are costly but these homes are not budget restricted projects and with R gains of R-20+ over the best of triple glazed windows there is a reasonable ROI. Ray Stormont
I have a client who wants to replace all his vinyl windows with vinyl windows in a 24 year old house. I haven't found out why yet, but , you say 30 year replacement... Why do we have to replace windows so soon? I have another client who pulled out intact 130 year old wood windows, many of which that could have been repaired.
I feel like 500 windows isn't a accurate number if you did multiple jobs a day for years because we don't do windows super often and I can count around 100 I remember over the last 6 years.
Why do we work so hard at designing and building a durable home that will last centuries, but accept that "high quality" windows will need to be replace every 30 yrs? That doesn't sound like high quality to me. We don't replace our wall assemblies or even roof that often if they are built well. It truly seems odd to me.
Im hoping this video ends with what good bad and okay numbers are. obviously not a straightforward answer and has to account for budgets but it would be nice to know what numbers are good for my tool shed vs okay for my living room.
If I live in a cool, Mediterranean costal climate with average temperatures 40-60 F, wouldn’t I want a high U value to collect heat on thermal mass flooring/walls?
Big takeaway- windows generally need replaced (or rebuilt) in 30 years. Unless being historically accurate is a concern rebuilding will cost as much as replacement, but the overalll window still will not have the performance (or durability, or lower maintenance) as new good quality units.
Where is code?? The code is that adopted by your local jurisdiction. Most availiable on line now. Skylights have their own safety requirements, and the energy minimum standards are specific to skylights as well.
I did my own 32 andersen casements, just the sashes, after 28 years, time for new sashes, better improved coatings, and better sunglass grey, not bronze, also now desiccants in the spacer, that wasn't in the 1989 versions and it wasn't low e 3, which is improved performance. maybe he means 5000 ?
Yeah, 500 windows is about one job in an apartment building. My grandmas apartment has 8 windows, there are 11 stories in that building, with 6 apartments each. That's 528 windows already, in reality more because on some people decided they wanted to glaze their balconies. I would use my own apartment building as an example, but it's a bit of an outlier, being a bit over mile long if "unfolded"
I replaced 32 casements sashes in my own house 27 year old andersen glass, new sashes, from andersen sun glass the grey looks great, blocks so much heat gain over standrd low e 3. much better, and clear view from inside out, compared to the old bronze sunglass versions. the coatings keep improving over time. Cardinal is most likely making the coated glass to spec, for Pella , Andersen, and lots more. I have yet to have an early failure in seals etc. My 27 year old Andersen roof windows rubber seals started getting old, so 2 started weeping out of 8. Had them all changed out to Velux when my new Owens Premium 50 year roof was done. Roofer was a factory recognized Velux and Owens guy, so i don't want games if something goes bad during warranty. Most glass have a 20 year warranty, seals etc. For some reason Velux doesn't offer a sunglass coating like Andersen, odd. I like the sunglass, it's darker look from outside, with a crystal clear view out from inside, and it blocks a lot more heat gain from the direct sun than std. low e 3 does, dramatically better, So i went all sunglass even the back andersen slider, it gets direct sun in the moring, it 8 ft wide, so it matters for back room. It's almost like Magic, entire door was replaced as old Andersen frame was showing signs of decay, new one has an improved bottom plastic mount, so wood is not at bottom touching water. they learned. Also a metal screen slide up top, is much better than stock plastic
Andersen sunglass. Works great,keeping sun heat from heating up room in summer. Plus privacy. Exsposures with that hot afternoon sun need it. Mine work great. Much better thsn std low e 3
All the window manufacturers in the US use one of 2 glass manufacturers. You got scammed into thinking the glass was special. All the coatings are the same!!!
@@toomanymarys7355 Cardinal makes Andersen coated glass. Coatings are similar as the technology is used by glass makers. Not scammed, how? Either Pella or Andersen, that offer low e 3 version, then the added coating blocks more infra red, look at the catalogs. coating on the different surfaces of the glass panels, they call it sunglass, others call it solar something , my point is, standard low e 3 doesn 't block as much sun,infrared heat gain, or blocking UV, there are differences as the low e 3 with the added coating andersen markets as sun glass, of which there are two versions in the catalog, one lets in slightly more visible light. Solar guard by the former ppg glass maker has several versions of low e coatings, all for different applications. the coating are either added or lessened. the technology is a standard, but the applications vary depending on where it's to be used. The coatings vary, and give different appearances, that are not teh same, from grey, to bronze, etc. how much siler etc in teh coating, hard or soft coat.
@@toomanymarys7355 I didn't get scammed, i know Cardinal makes most of the glass units for andersen and Pella, to spec. The sunglass coating(andersen calls it low e 4 marketing, cardinal has no such term) is a different added coating than the Andersen std low e 3 .it's in the catalogs, look it up, even cardinal describes it. andersen markets it as sunglass, just a name, Cardinal calls it something else...no scam at all. Look at the specs for sunglass, versus std low e 3 there are two version of andersen sun look at the specs. there is a big difference in them also, i got the max to block heat gain, in summer sun, is intense, sunglass is magic. Other companies like the former PPG new name, I can't recall calls it solar guard, there are several versions of their coatings, not a scam...look it up
Tilt & turn, multi-lock all the way. No thanks to companies that make "replacement windows" and construction windows, which are garbage. Anderson is absolute crap, and compared with the best European window companies, the best American companies don't hold a candle.
European are great till you have trouble then you’re screwed. Call ten different people and no one knows what to do. Call Andersen and in 5 minutes you have problem solved.
@@moonshinewarrior Andersen has excellent customer service, exactly. The European windows i seen in Germany are built like tanks, and operators are super solid.
@@moonshinewarrior You give them the number on the screen for casements, which tells them which sash, instant, new units like my 8 ft slider now has a sticker with serial number and part number, something they didn't have on the stuff installed in 1989, i replaced my 8 ft slider door with same size slider they improved the frame, end stops, and other details, they got better, not worse. The outside sits on a plastic to keep wood off the water, and a metal sliding screen guide up top, inside of the plastic guide, better all around Hardware is better, and the low e coating is better now version 3, they call sunglass low e 4 for marketing
European style tilt-turn windows are also made by two American companies. Zola and Alpen. Both companies are based in Colorado and their product line up is comparable to anything Schuco offers. Unlike Schuco, they have good turn around times. And being stateside builders can save quite a bit on shipping costs. The last time I wanted a quote from European Architectural Supply (Schuco) they told me there was a 9 month lead time.
Windows are simply unnecessary these days. At one point in time the only way to get light or air in a house was to cut a big hole in the wall & stick a piece of glass in it. We've got efficient, high-CRI LED lighting, ERVs/HRVs with excellent filtration, and high definition cameras if you really want to see what's outside while still being inside. Need an emergency exit? Doors. They're like windows but stronger, more energy efficient & easier to get through in a hurry!
The 9:00 had me ripping off my sound cancelling earbuds thinking something happened around me. Turn down the transition, pick a small beep or some other modification would be appreciated for my ears.
We just recently installed Oknoplast windows in our new house build. They are a European window & door manufacturer from Poland. So impressed with the quality. A small company called Laurel Windows in Brevard, NC sells them and is only an hour from our house. Guessing there are a lot of new businesses like this out there with really quality materials.
I have been building and remodeling houses for 40 years. I tell my customers to get the best windows that they can afford. For some people that is going to mean a basic Plygem vinyl window and for others it will mean a state of the art Alpin U 0.10 window. Most of the major window manufacturers buy their glass from Cardinal so the actual glass is the same. My personal favorite after all these years is Marvin Elevate. And, it does not cost that much more to upgrade to U 0.20. You will get it back in lower utility bills.
I've worked for Plygem in two states, and I worked for Comfort View Products. The plants I worked for, they assembled their own glass. They would only buy assembled units from Cardinal or some other company if it was a rarely used or custom size they couldn't make money from. I've heard there were others who didn't assemble their own glass. How nice for us maintenance guys. 😆 The glass equipment is almost the absolute worst to work on in the window business. It's second only to the vinyl welders. They're a nightmare.
This is exactly what I've been wanting! EXCELLENT VIDEO. Jake is awesome! Tons of in depth information and thorough explanations. I can't wait to see what other topics are covered. This is precisely the type of educated and direct instructional learning that's lacking on YT. THANK YOUUUUUUUUU!
First, Matt great idea - expert education: I would call the this a Center of Excellence series, meaning do more of this. Second, Jake not only are you an expert on windows, your way of communicating is fantastic. I have windows in the future with my build projects. I appreciate your education. Thanx!!
Yes, I already love the idea for this video series. I would like to have passive house mentioned more!
Other ideas for series are
Insulation, flooring, utilities/appliances, framing with LVLs, etc!
Knocked out of the park, Jake; really good video! BSN is going from strength to strength.
When discussing the code, it is useful to use the actual words in a requirement.
The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) requires safety glass when the bottom of a glazed opening is within 18 inches of the floor or horizontal surface below.
When safety glazing is required, the most common design option is manufactured glazing panels that are either laminated or tempered.
Laminated glass can be more custom friendly. Much more widely available for many more fabricators.
i AGREE!!! when discussing the code it is useful if you use all the actual words of the code.......Not only is safety glazing required when the bottom of the glazed opening is less than 18" from the floor, BUT ALSO, 1. the glazing exceeds 9 sq ft 2. The top of the glazing is more than 36" above the floor 3. There is a horizontal walking surface within 36" of the glazing.
Thanks Jake. You packed a lot of useful informations into this video.
Awesome information all in one place! Will be watching this one again.
I like this guy. He doesn't clog the B S filter.
Couldn't agree more. Even with the Anderson sponsorship, there's no BS marketing. Just honest advice on windows. Prop's Jake. Looking forward to the next one.
Wish I had this video in architecture school. Waisted so much time researching this trying to make sense of it all.
You apparently wasted your time in English class during your tenure in Architectural school. (Sorry had to, I'm an engineer. Always have to give Arch's a hard time) 😊
Excellent analysis! I was getting all ready to disagree with you on SHGC being important... but you covered it. That is actually one benefit of going the performance approach when selecting materials and equipment.
Excellent overview!!
European windows are great, but one European product that I haven't seen the @buildshow cover are rolladens, I loved them when I was in Europe and I hope eventually they can make their way to the US.
I loved those when I lived in Germany
Yes, they are great for security and noise/light blocking. Ours were electric except for one door for emergency purposes. We could open/close them individually, or all at once from a single switch at the garage door.
I have wanted them to do that also. I love them.
I learned a lot here, thank you for this
Any experience with Kohltech windows? Looking at the tilt and turn Energlas Plus Argon LSG for our 1950s house renovations.
Would have liked a comparison in air leakage between double-hung, casement and fixed pane windows. And window size vs room size (and something outside that is worth viewing). Also - screens? Who needs screens with advanced building concepts?
I’ve been installing windows for 25 years. Andersen Windows has really gone downhill in the last four or five years. I used to consider them similar to a Honda, boring but reliable, and you know how to get them fixed. Now I just call them reliably inconsistent in their quality and their prices have gone through the roof. My Andersen rep says they’ve had too many retirements in the last few years and that all their product lines are having quality issues.
I work in multi family and pretty much all the developers in my market use pella for their punched opening windows, almost exclusively. It’s been forever since I’ve seen an Andersen window package used.
And in our own and other family’s homes, the windows are all older Andersen windows and they all have the same few broken hardware issues over and over again, and similar issues on sweeps and weatherstripping.
I don't use any big brand. Regional brands are ALWAYS better quality and better performance for lower price.
@@zakiduckyPella's hardware is disgraceful. My neighbors spend $30k on two windows and they look like total hot garbage now. Half rhe cranks are broken.
Go European windows if you can
Which manufacturers do you prefer these days?
Why no discussion about VIG windows that can reach into the mid to upper R- 20's equaling most wall systems and not making the windows the weak link for the energy preformance envelope. I know they are costly but these homes are not budget restricted projects and with R gains of R-20+ over the best of triple glazed windows there is a reasonable ROI. Ray Stormont
I have a client who wants to replace all his vinyl windows with vinyl windows in a 24 year old house. I haven't found out why yet, but , you say 30 year replacement... Why do we have to replace windows so soon? I have another client who pulled out intact 130 year old wood windows, many of which that could have been repaired.
I feel like 500 windows isn't a accurate number if you did multiple jobs a day for years because we don't do windows super often and I can count around 100 I remember over the last 6 years.
Why do we work so hard at designing and building a durable home that will last centuries, but accept that "high quality" windows will need to be replace every 30 yrs? That doesn't sound like high quality to me. We don't replace our wall assemblies or even roof that often if they are built well. It truly seems odd to me.
Im hoping this video ends with what good bad and okay numbers are. obviously not a straightforward answer and has to account for budgets but it would be nice to know what numbers are good for my tool shed vs okay for my living room.
If I live in a cool, Mediterranean costal climate with average temperatures 40-60 F, wouldn’t I want a high U value to collect heat on thermal mass flooring/walls?
Big takeaway- windows generally need replaced (or rebuilt) in 30 years. Unless being historically accurate is a concern rebuilding will cost as much as replacement, but the overalll window still will not have the performance (or durability, or lower maintenance) as new good quality units.
“This episode is sponsored by Anderson Windows”… so I guess we have to use Anderson windows… 😂
In a cooling climate, a lower SHGC is better. In a heating climate, a higher SHGC is better.
Where is code? Also apply to skylight as well.
Where is code?? The code is that adopted by your local jurisdiction. Most availiable on line now. Skylights have their own safety requirements, and the energy minimum standards are specific to skylights as well.
Yea, my markets still on 2003 IRC
I went with window world better than H D And Lowe’s better price also. ???
So spend $100K on windows to save $20/month on the cooling bill. At this rate, I’ll pay for those extra high performance windows in 371 years.
you got jokes......I like jokes!!
Learn how to use a calculator
Yea cry more maybe you will make more money then.
That doesn’t sound like a lot…I replaced 11 windows and I’m not in construction
I did my own 32 andersen casements, just the sashes, after 28 years, time for new sashes, better improved coatings, and better sunglass grey, not bronze, also now desiccants in the spacer, that wasn't in the 1989 versions and it wasn't low e 3, which is improved performance. maybe he means 5000 ?
Yeah, 500 windows is about one job in an apartment building. My grandmas apartment has 8 windows, there are 11 stories in that building, with 6 apartments each. That's 528 windows already, in reality more because on some people decided they wanted to glaze their balconies. I would use my own apartment building as an example, but it's a bit of an outlier, being a bit over mile long if "unfolded"
I replaced 32 casements sashes in my own house 27 year old andersen glass, new sashes, from andersen sun glass the grey looks great, blocks so much heat gain over standrd low e 3. much better, and clear view from inside out, compared to the old bronze sunglass versions. the coatings keep improving over time. Cardinal is most likely making the coated glass to spec, for Pella , Andersen, and lots more. I have yet to have an early failure in seals etc. My 27 year old Andersen roof windows rubber seals started getting old, so 2 started weeping out of 8. Had them all changed out to Velux when my new Owens Premium 50 year roof was done. Roofer was a factory recognized Velux and Owens guy, so i don't want games if something goes bad during warranty. Most glass have a 20 year warranty, seals etc. For some reason Velux doesn't offer a sunglass coating like Andersen, odd. I like the sunglass, it's darker look from outside, with a crystal clear view out from inside, and it blocks a lot more heat gain from the direct sun than std. low e 3 does, dramatically better, So i went all sunglass even the back andersen slider, it gets direct sun in the moring, it 8 ft wide, so it matters for back room. It's almost like Magic, entire door was replaced as old Andersen frame was showing signs of decay, new one has an improved bottom plastic mount, so wood is not at bottom touching water. they learned. Also a metal screen slide up top, is much better than stock plastic
As an HVAC guy windows are the enemy of comfort, especially western facing windows! I'd rather be comfortable than have a ton of windows.
For the SHGC you dont always want this to be low. In cooling dominated climates you can gain trade summar energy for winter energy
they charge 3x price for high efficiency which doesnt even offset the utility cost if you used budget windows.
Your info isn't quite right....not 3X, and the savings is real
Andersen sunglass. Works great,keeping sun heat from heating up room in summer. Plus privacy. Exsposures with that hot afternoon sun need it. Mine work great. Much better thsn std low e 3
All the window manufacturers in the US use one of 2 glass manufacturers. You got scammed into thinking the glass was special. All the coatings are the same!!!
@@toomanymarys7355 Cardinal makes Andersen coated glass. Coatings are similar as the technology is used by glass makers. Not scammed, how? Either Pella or Andersen, that offer low e 3 version, then the added coating blocks more infra red, look at the catalogs. coating on the different surfaces of the glass panels, they call it sunglass, others call it solar something , my point is, standard low e 3 doesn 't block as much sun,infrared heat gain, or blocking UV, there are differences as the low e 3 with the added coating andersen markets as sun glass, of which there are two versions in the catalog, one lets in slightly more visible light. Solar guard by the former ppg glass maker has several versions of low e coatings, all for different applications. the coating are either added or lessened. the technology is a standard, but the applications vary depending on where it's to be used. The coatings vary, and give different appearances, that are not teh same, from grey, to bronze, etc. how much siler etc in teh coating, hard or soft coat.
@@toomanymarys7355 I didn't get scammed, i know Cardinal makes most of the glass units for andersen and Pella, to spec. The sunglass coating(andersen calls it low e 4 marketing, cardinal has no such term) is a different added coating than the Andersen std low e 3 .it's in the catalogs, look it up, even cardinal describes it. andersen markets it as sunglass, just a name, Cardinal calls it something else...no scam at all. Look at the specs for sunglass, versus std low e 3 there are two version of andersen sun look at the specs. there is a big difference in them also, i got the max to block heat gain, in summer sun, is intense, sunglass is magic. Other companies like the former PPG new name, I can't recall calls it solar guard, there are several versions of their coatings, not a scam...look it up
I bet this guy can identify a waffle (milled) hammer when he sees one.
Tilt & turn, multi-lock all the way. No thanks to companies that make "replacement windows" and construction windows, which are garbage. Anderson is absolute crap, and compared with the best European window companies, the best American companies don't hold a candle.
European are great till you have trouble then you’re screwed. Call ten different people and no one knows what to do. Call Andersen and in 5 minutes you have problem solved.
@@moonshinewarrior Andersen has excellent customer service, exactly. The European windows i seen in Germany are built like tanks, and operators are super solid.
Don't buy AndersOn, that is swag, get AndersEn, the real stuff, that is your trouble right there
@@moonshinewarrior You give them the number on the screen for casements, which tells them which sash, instant, new units like my 8 ft slider now has a sticker with serial number and part number, something they didn't have on the stuff installed in 1989, i replaced my 8 ft slider door with same size slider they improved the frame, end stops, and other details, they got better, not worse. The outside sits on a plastic to keep wood off the water, and a metal sliding screen guide up top, inside of the plastic guide, better all around Hardware is better, and the low e coating is better now version 3, they call sunglass low e 4 for marketing
European style tilt-turn windows are also made by two American companies. Zola and Alpen. Both companies are based in Colorado and their product line up is comparable to anything Schuco offers. Unlike Schuco, they have good turn around times. And being stateside builders can save quite a bit on shipping costs. The last time I wanted a quote from European Architectural Supply (Schuco) they told me there was a 9 month lead time.
Windows are simply unnecessary these days. At one point in time the only way to get light or air in a house was to cut a big hole in the wall & stick a piece of glass in it. We've got efficient, high-CRI LED lighting, ERVs/HRVs with excellent filtration, and high definition cameras if you really want to see what's outside while still being inside. Need an emergency exit? Doors. They're like windows but stronger, more energy efficient & easier to get through in a hurry!
To much talking. I'm waiting for you to answer the question?
Jake did you lose a lot of weight?
500 windows....this guy has probably ruined some really nice houses
The 9:00 had me ripping off my sound cancelling earbuds thinking something happened around me. Turn down the transition, pick a small beep or some other modification would be appreciated for my ears.