Windows

[pam jones]

HELP! The more I try to learn on the subject of windows the more confused I become. Hate to say it but the vinyl sliders that seem to be the rage look, well, cheap and inferior. They look like a good gust of wind would blow 'em right out of the wall! How does one know what is inferior and what will last when looking at these wimpy plastic things? If there are any "window experts" out there I need a crash window 101 course a.s.a.p. Mucho mahalo! pj

[HADave]

Aloha PJ~ here is a little help, vinyl windows are made from pvc (polyvinyl chloride) and there are varying degrees of quality, usually reflected in the price, I believe though you can compare vinyl samples and look for those that are truly white and not blue-ish in tone as this is a sign of poor quality. Also low quality windows usually have narrower frames, that could have a tendency to sag in the larger units, when exposed to direct hot sunlight resulting in windows that look and operate poorly. heavier sash frames are better and written warranties are the insurance. Better quality construction is that of welded vinyl as opposed to chaulked and screwed together. When shopping check to see the unit segments on display and have the sales person point out the the benefits of their product. I can't say for sure but I would think the Jeld Wens that Royall and Cathy Clark used in there home reflect the better quality vinyl available there on the Island. Another helpful hint to keep your vinyl windows looking and working good is to keep the frames clean and conditioned with Armor-all it will help keep the plasticizers in the vinyl from drying out; especially there on the B.I. Works equally well on vinyl shutters as well. Hope this helps a little and I'm sure others will offer more insight on making a good purchase. Happy Day

HADave



Edited by - HADave on 04/30/2006 13:43:50

[Kapohocat]

Just FYI - Alumside is the window place near Walmart.

Important thign to remember is to think of how you will be opening the windows up high. Casements, awnings and full-frame jal can be opened with a "stick" that comes with the appropriate adapter. Sliders dont.

[pam jones]

Hey HADave! I've missed seeing your posts! Thanks for the info., I knew if anyone would know the ins and outs of windows (pardon the pun) YOU would be da' man! I looked at some that were pretty pricey (over $300.00 for jals. seemed kinda high, compared to $60 something) and the biggest plus I could see was hidden moveable parts and easy to remove screens for cleaning. I'm just wondering if the hidden parts are getting just as dirty and corroded as the other types with viewable parts. Perhaps I overthink this type of stuff. My thinking is longterm, I don't want to have window issues when I hit my say 70's or 80's just because I made the wrong choices now. Thanks for any and all imput, you guys are the best! pj

[Rob Tucker]

I used fiberglas windows in my home. I was looking for very long term quality. I was surprised to get my best price and delivery from J&J Hardware in Hilo. My brother is a contractor in L.A. and we priced fiberglas windows at a "wholesale" factory location there. They were higher in price in L.A. than FOB Hilo with J&J. Marvin windows I believe.

It may be that vinyl windows are fine and dandy but I was not impressed with the variety of quality in vinyl and my general inability to tell the difference.

I had earlier paid some high dollars to buy "hi quality" vinyl outdoor furniture and they faded and discolored so badly over time. I did not want that to happen to my windows. If it matters.... fiberglas windows can be painted. Vinyl, for all practical purposes, can't.

Chairman, Punaweb Committee, MSPA

[David M]

Are there any shops that build custom windows on island, preferrably Hiloside?

David

Ninole Resident

[Kapohocat]

Okay, I do have a soft spot for Argus Building supply! - but he does have a good supply and can order Alpines. He also has (or did have when I left them at the end of March) a good supply of bathroom window sized Oregons that were almost half-price. He also had some other Oregons but not the selection as the small ones. Although he had some great big ones 6050's and I think 8050's at good pricing.

They also deliver in a reasonable amount of time and free del over $1000.

**** No fees paid for this endorsement ***

-Cat

Edited by - kapohocat on 05/09/2006 09:15:03

Edited by - kapohocat on 05/09/2006 09:15:41

[Hotzcatz]

Other than buying pre-made windows, if you would like an unopenable window, it is easy enough to just frame in a sheet of glass. Many glass shops will have a pile of "wrong" sized glass you can purchase from inexpensively. When fitting it into a frame, leave about an eighth to a quarter inch between the glass and the wood then caulk it in place. I put big pieces of fixed glass in a lot of blueprints since it is the cheapest way to let a lot of light into a room. If louvers are put on either side, that will let in the wind. With the big fixed glass panel, you have a clearer view without the screen to look through, too.

Right now I have a big piece of glass "rescued" from the transfer station. It used to be a door, I think. It will be a bath house window after I figure out what size to cut it to. (Glass is real easy to cut, too. Much easier than you'd think!)

A hui hou,
Cathy

[kaptkimo]

We have just received all our windows for our new house in Nanawale. After getting info and quotes from almost all the main window companies we went with Empire Pacific of Tualatin Oregon. Ask for that the "coastal hardware" package be used and all metal will be stainless steel - no added cost.

Moving to Puna (Nanawale) from Kwajalien, R.M.I. Will be constructing an owner-built house. Looking forward to arriving there in May 2006.

[mella l]

Bring this forward for new people. Searched windows under building forum and came up with this. Perhaps it will be of some help.

mella l