Opinions on windows??

[lockman]

I've got 2x6 24"o.c exterior walls and I need several windows that are only 21" wide and 54" high, and a couple that are 42"wide and 54"high. I', really wanting a dark brown / bronze color. I think this would look best with cedar siding and that is the color of my metal roofing, but it seems the only way to get this is to either get the cheap metal frame windows, or wood frame with aluminum cladding. At the big box stores the smaller metal frame windows run about 75.00 each, while the wood framed / aluminum clad are about 240.00 each. I can get vinyl windows for about 120.00 but only in white or tan. White is completely out of the question, but I think tan may look ok.

My questions are:

Is it really worth the extra money to get the more expensive windows?

Are the wood framed worth the money over the vinyl? What about the vinyl over the metal frame?

Does anyone have a picture of white or tan windows on a natural wood house?

Thanks...

[MountainDon]

Vinyl windows will warp in hot sunshine if made in dark brown or bronze colors. It was been tried years ago and was bad news.

Do energy codes have to be met? If so, most all aluminum windows are pretty much guaranteed to fail the code test. If energy codes are not in effect for your project then the only energy "code" is in your wallet. If you're building a home that will be lived in permanently, buy the better windows. Look at the u-factor; the lower the better. All new windows and exterior doors are labeled with that info.

I do like the aluminum clad wood windows with natural wood interior faces. We have some in our house. They do cost more than vinyl as a rule. For the cabin I chose vinyl and being newer than the wood they have a higher performance rating.

[John Raabe]

Don has given your good advice. Also, check to see if the metal windows have a thermal break. If they don't you will get lots of water condensation, staining and even interior frost if you are in a cold climate. Thermal break metal can be OK in mild climates, but in cold climates you will likely pay more in heating than the cost difference of the window upgrade.

PS - vinyl windows (white or tan) can be wood wrapped on the interior and look quite nice, I think. If you wrap or case them in wood on the outside they can also look pretty good. This is more work, of course.

[MountainDon]

If you have a Lowe's nearby, and who doesn't, have a look at their Better Bilt brand of vinyl windows. Reasonably priced, good value for the dollar, IMO. White or tan vinyl as well as aluminum, but the vinyl has a better u-factor. Custom sizes don't cost that much more than standard sizes.

[lockman]

Thanks for the replies fellas....

As far as the listings for the u-factor, shg, etc.. is that just for the glass or does that take into account the frame too?
Would vinyl windows with the same glass as a wood frame be comparable in efficiency?

I live in central Arkansas so it doesn't get too cold here most of the time, but I'd still like to have something reasonably efficient.

[John Raabe]

For windows the best numbers are tested u-values for the assembled window (frame and glass).

Wood and vinyl are generally close but both can vary by manufacturer.

[MountainDon]

A factory made window includes frame and glass, the whole unit for the u-factor.

When I ordered the last window for the cabin they messed up and it came in as aluminum. The first thing I noticed was that the u-factor was wrong, not as good as the vinyl ones I already had. When the correct item came in the u's matched.