Great Video. I love the way he Honestly explains the Term "COMPOSITE". Good on you mate! Being a Building and Construction student, I would like to know their application in a Passive House; to keep the house air tight; Energy Efficiency?
Adding section header links to your videos is very much appreciated. I can only think the dislikes on your videos are coming from your competitors or window companies whose questionable ethics you expose. Great videos.
100 series is made from the same batter as the RBA. However, the RBA has a lot of bells and whistles they can add to it. RBA is the retail branch of Andersen in home sales. They're way overpriced. Unless you need a special option that the 100 series can't make, I'd go with the 100 series and pocket the money.
I saw your video on Impervia field testing it was very impressive. I was debating between Pella Impervia and Marvin Essentials. Have you done a comparison of those two? What are your thoughts?
I just watched all three of your window material videos here on RUclips - aluminum, wood-clad, composite. I live in the South (NE Georgia) to be exact and the temperature swings aren't so extreme as elsewhere, but Reason #4 (composite materials (fiberglass) expands and contracts at the same rate as glass), appears to be the top reason for me. I want to build an airtight house that will be just as airtight through the years. Would you say composite windows would hold up much better than aluminum and wood-clad windows? All other factors notwithstanding, which window material would you recommend for the South? Thanks.
I do like fiberglass over any other type of composite product. The benefit of being in the south is that you don't have to worry much about the cold weather. I would not be concerned about using aluminum, fiberglass, composite, or vinyl in the south.
Do you have an opinion on Thermotech vinyl windows out of Minnesota. I was looking at them and they do seem pretty tight inside the sash. But looking to see if you have heard anything about them before I buy 23 of them.
I have not heard of them. I wish I could offer some advice. I would do your due diligence online and see what you can find about them. If you find nothing, that's just as bad as finding a lot of negative reviews. Any window company that does a good job, will have outstanding reviews across most platforms.
@@HoustonWindowExperts It went well all Windows were true to ordered size, none of the 23 out of square. Got all 23 inserts in in one day, finish work was longer. 3 picture/2 Single Hung / 18 Double Hung They felt better opening and closing than others I had tested in stores. Went in in July will let you know how they do in the winter months. Pleasant so far
Yes, the improved via is paintable but it is a lot of work to paint. It will save you money compared to some of the other wood products but it will be a lot of work. You might want to compare the price of the impervious to the lifestyle series. It is more affordable then the architect series or the reserve series from Pella.
Jeff, love your videos but there are many thermoplastic polymers besides PVC. Not sure what Andersen uses besides sawdust in Fibrex, could be many things, including PVC
You always have the coolest glassed BTW. Do you think that having a black exterior colored window in New Jersey climate with an above average amount of sun exposure is summer is a big enough reason to go with composite. Am concerned about the effects of black vinyl warpage and the fact that we may not have enough data on the products since black painted vinyl is relatively new popularity and data. Thx
I would not hesitate whatsoever. We sell thousands of black vinyl windows in Houston and it's hotter than Hades down here! I would suggest you look for a laminated product instead of a painted product. That would be to your advantage as well. Thanks for the feedback on my eyewear.
I really like the Pella Impervia line but simulated divided light is a very important consideration for my colonial-style home. I do not like the grilles between glass and it seems like this is the only option with Impervia. What would you recommend that is in the same ballpark (price/quality/performance) that has a more aesthetically pleasing simulated divided light option? I'd prefer fiberglass/composite but am willing to compromise for the SDL. Thanks!
That gets to be a tough choice. You can go to vinyl and have some great options for sdl but they are typically wider profiles. Have you looked at the Pella lifestyle series yet? It's going to be a little bit wider than the impervia series but it is not very chunky like some other brands are. They have a lot of great color choices and more than one grid option as well.
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thanks so much! I just started investigating windows and am overwhelmed by the number of different choices (lines/mfg). Your content has been very helpful and I appreciate your time in answering my question. I'll check out the pella lifestyle series. Ultimately, I'm looking for a mid-tier window that looks good and performs OK but won't break the bank. Unfortunately, I *need* to replace my windows; I don't want to. I think a lot of homeowners fit this category. haha.
Love all your content I've seen so far, Jeff. I live in northern WA and am leaning toward the Impervia, however, I heard you say the finish will hold for ten years or more. But does that also mean that it won't fade? The coating could still be there, but if it fades from black to dull grey for example, that won't look nice at all. My house gets a ton of sun exposure, but I want black windows with minimal frame. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and your question. All products will fade over time. The Impervia is a powder coating and is less susceptible to fading than most other finishes. I think you'd be happy with it!
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you so much for the prompt reply. Since you’re so helpful here with people that aren’t even your customers, I sure wish you were in my area! 🙂
@@HoustonWindowExperts I have and I just heard back yesterday and there’s no one in my area. The Pella dealer near me is the only one for 200 miles around.
Hmmm... I've never heard of them. If you want an alternative product, please visit JeffsList.com and see if there's anyone in your area that we can recommend to you
I had all the windows in our house replaced about five years ago. I went with vinyl, double pane, double hung. Had composite quoted as well. They were quoted at $20 k & vinyl quoted at $6k. No problems with the vinyl to date. For me , composite is not the answer.
I had all the front & side windows installed:2bathroom, small frosted glass, 1 small kitchen, 4@ 70x47 & 1@70x35. I installed the back with 2@ 47x70. And 1@57x71 mulled. Hardi planked the back. Looks like I may be in need of some more at lake Livingston: 4 @ 71 x 71 bay & 1@ 1071/2 x71 mulled,
Jeff, You forgot to mention 2 important facts about the Marvin Essential windows. They are 8 times stronger than vinyl. And they have a pure Acrylic finish instead of a powder coat.
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you. I subscribed to your channel and found the NT comparison that you did earlier. I've never bought windows before and with your tutelage, I am becoming an educated buyer. Thank you for what you are doing.
In order to powder coat a window, you would need to be able to remove the glass to complete the process. Typically, powder coat finishes have to go through a curing process under heat. If the window does not come powder coated already, I would not suggest that you attempt it. Please note that you can paint a fiberglass window if you decide to change the color in the future. Thank you for watching and for your question!
Hi Jeff, I actually meant ordering a brand new composite (fiberglass) window from the factory with a black or white exterior frame, but wood tone interior. Is such a configuration possible?
I have Pella Architect series windows in my house. They were there when I bought the house and are in such good shape that I do not need to replace them at this time.
Great Video. I love the way he Honestly explains the Term "COMPOSITE". Good on you mate! Being a Building and Construction student, I would like to know their application in a Passive House; to keep the house air tight; Energy Efficiency?
Adding section header links to your videos is very much appreciated. I can only think the dislikes on your videos are coming from your competitors or window companies whose questionable ethics you expose. Great videos.
Thank you for watching and your comment.
What is the difference between Andersen R100 Fibrex windows and Renewal by Andersen Fibrex windows? Which are better and why? Is the price the same?
100 series is made from the same batter as the RBA. However, the RBA has a lot of bells and whistles they can add to it.
RBA is the retail branch of Andersen in home sales. They're way overpriced.
Unless you need a special option that the 100 series can't make, I'd go with the 100 series and pocket the money.
Thank you! I was torn btwn Al. and this composite version. I think I'll go with composite. I want strength and smaller edges.
Great! Thank you for watching and your comment.
I saw your video on Impervia field testing it was very impressive. I was debating between Pella Impervia and Marvin Essentials. Have you done a comparison of those two? What are your thoughts?
I like the Marvin product the best. If you can get the Infinity product, even better.
Thank You Very Much Jeff 😊,
JaneLee 🕊
Thank you 😊
I just watched all three of your window material videos here on RUclips - aluminum, wood-clad, composite. I live in the South (NE Georgia) to be exact and the temperature swings aren't so extreme as elsewhere, but Reason #4 (composite materials (fiberglass) expands and contracts at the same rate as glass), appears to be the top reason for me. I want to build an airtight house that will be just as airtight through the years. Would you say composite windows would hold up much better than aluminum and wood-clad windows?
All other factors notwithstanding, which window material would you recommend for the South? Thanks.
I do like fiberglass over any other type of composite product. The benefit of being in the south is that you don't have to worry much about the cold weather. I would not be concerned about using aluminum, fiberglass, composite, or vinyl in the south.
Got it. Thanks for this info. Of all the materials available, which would last the longest? Specifically, for operable casements.
Do you have an opinion on Thermotech vinyl windows out of Minnesota. I was looking at them and they do seem pretty tight inside the sash. But looking to see if you have heard anything about them before I buy 23 of them.
I have not heard of them. I wish I could offer some advice. I would do your due diligence online and see what you can find about them. If you find nothing, that's just as bad as finding a lot of negative reviews. Any window company that does a good job, will have outstanding reviews across most platforms.
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you very much . I did find some comments on them both good and bad so that was a plus.
Thanks for the quick response.
You're welcome. If you find your experience to be pleasant or unpleasant, I would like to know more about the product and how it went.
@@HoustonWindowExperts It went well all Windows were true to ordered size, none of the 23 out of square. Got all 23 inserts in in one day, finish work was longer. 3 picture/2 Single Hung / 18 Double Hung They felt better opening and closing than others I had tested in stores. Went in in July will let you know how they do in the winter months. Pleasant so far
That's great!!!
would the Impervia be a good alternative for a person who likes the paintability of wood windows, but wants something cheaper then wood windows?
Yes, the improved via is paintable but it is a lot of work to paint. It will save you money compared to some of the other wood products but it will be a lot of work. You might want to compare the price of the impervious to the lifestyle series. It is more affordable then the architect series or the reserve series from Pella.
Jeff, love your videos but there are many thermoplastic polymers besides PVC. Not sure what Andersen uses besides sawdust in Fibrex, could be many things, including PVC
Thank you for watching. I'm basing my content on what information they provided to me. I wish it could be more specific.
You always have the coolest glassed BTW. Do you think that having a black exterior colored window in New Jersey climate with an above average amount of sun exposure is summer is a big enough reason to go with composite. Am concerned about the effects of black vinyl warpage and the fact that we may not have enough data on the products since black painted vinyl is relatively new popularity and data. Thx
I would not hesitate whatsoever. We sell thousands of black vinyl windows in Houston and it's hotter than Hades down here!
I would suggest you look for a laminated product instead of a painted product. That would be to your advantage as well.
Thanks for the feedback on my eyewear.
Great super educational. Thank you
Thanks for watching
Will the darker color windows absorb more heat resulting in expansion and contraction issues causing the glass to fog up?
That is always a risk. Using a capstock instead of paint is the best.
Beige is a great choice
I really like the Pella Impervia line but simulated divided light is a very important consideration for my colonial-style home. I do not like the grilles between glass and it seems like this is the only option with Impervia. What would you recommend that is in the same ballpark (price/quality/performance) that has a more aesthetically pleasing simulated divided light option? I'd prefer fiberglass/composite but am willing to compromise for the SDL. Thanks!
That gets to be a tough choice. You can go to vinyl and have some great options for sdl but they are typically wider profiles. Have you looked at the Pella lifestyle series yet? It's going to be a little bit wider than the impervia series but it is not very chunky like some other brands are. They have a lot of great color choices and more than one grid option as well.
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thanks so much! I just started investigating windows and am overwhelmed by the number of different choices (lines/mfg). Your content has been very helpful and I appreciate your time in answering my question. I'll check out the pella lifestyle series. Ultimately, I'm looking for a mid-tier window that looks good and performs OK but won't break the bank. Unfortunately, I *need* to replace my windows; I don't want to. I think a lot of homeowners fit this category. haha.
Love all your content I've seen so far, Jeff. I live in northern WA and am leaning toward the Impervia, however, I heard you say the finish will hold for ten years or more. But does that also mean that it won't fade? The coating could still be there, but if it fades from black to dull grey for example, that won't look nice at all. My house gets a ton of sun exposure, but I want black windows with minimal frame. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and your question. All products will fade over time. The Impervia is a powder coating and is less susceptible to fading than most other finishes. I think you'd be happy with it!
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you so much for the prompt reply. Since you’re so helpful here with people that aren’t even your customers, I sure wish you were in my area! 🙂
I'm glad to help. If you're looking for a great window company near you, I may know someone that I can recommend. Have you seen JeffsList.com yet?
@@HoustonWindowExperts I have and I just heard back yesterday and there’s no one in my area. The Pella dealer near me is the only one for 200 miles around.
That stinks!
Where is the list to the recommended windows stores? I’m in Georgia near Columbus
Kasey, you can email the office at info@houstonwindowexperts.com and someone will get back with you. Thanks for watching!
Any experience or thoughts on interstate compositwood windows? My local company deals in interstate windows only
Hmmm... I've never heard of them. If you want an alternative product, please visit JeffsList.com and see if there's anyone in your area that we can recommend to you
@@HoustonWindowExperts thanks for the reply. I did go on your website and am waiting for an email back to see if there is anyone in my area.
Ok, thank you!
Hi Jeff, wish you were in my area! who do you know in the 17042 area
I started a website to help people locate a great window company near them. We may have someone in your area. Please visit TheWindowExperts.com
I had all the windows in our house replaced about five years ago. I went with vinyl, double pane, double hung. Had composite quoted as well. They were quoted at $20 k & vinyl quoted at $6k. No problems with the vinyl to date. For me , composite is not the answer.
Good input. Thank you!
How many windows/UI’s are we talking, John?
I had all the front & side windows installed:2bathroom, small frosted glass, 1 small kitchen, 4@ 70x47 & 1@70x35.
I installed the back with 2@ 47x70. And 1@57x71 mulled. Hardi planked the back.
Looks like I may be in need of some more at lake Livingston: 4 @ 71 x 71 bay & 1@ 1071/2 x71 mulled,
Jeff,
You forgot to mention 2 important facts about the Marvin Essential windows. They are 8 times stronger than vinyl. And they have a pure Acrylic finish instead of a powder coat.
Sounds like their bomb shelter ready!
Thank you for your comment.
I hadn't thought of that!
Why did you not mention the NT brand of windows on display behind you?
This video was about composite windows. I have several other videos about the NT windows. If you browse around you'll see some.
@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you. I subscribed to your channel and found the NT comparison that you did earlier. I've never bought windows before and with your tutelage, I am becoming an educated buyer. Thank you for what you are doing.
Thank you for watching!
Can the interior of a composite window be powder coated/painted to look like wood?
In order to powder coat a window, you would need to be able to remove the glass to complete the process. Typically, powder coat finishes have to go through a curing process under heat. If the window does not come powder coated already, I would not suggest that you attempt it. Please note that you can paint a fiberglass window if you decide to change the color in the future. Thank you for watching and for your question!
Hi Jeff, I actually meant ordering a brand new composite (fiberglass) window from the factory with a black or white exterior frame, but wood tone interior. Is such a configuration possible?
@@oldporkchops
Any suggestions on great companies in Boston, MA
Thank you for watching. Please go to JeffsList.com for more information.
What kind of windows are in your house?
I have Pella Architect series windows in my house. They were there when I bought the house and are in such good shape that I do not need to replace them at this time.
Hi I am in Minnesota where do I find the best Windows?
In your area there are many great dealers. I'd try Marvin, Andersen, or Windsor.
Try Allside window mfg. in Cleveland Ohio
The finish on the pella window looks terrible. Like painted duct tape. How does that look good???
The Infinity product has a much better looking finish.
The finish on the impervia looks like crap
Thanks for watching and your comment.