best windows to get

[mb911]

I am building a small second home/cabin on a lake up north of my by about 3 hours. I am looking for suggestions of good quality windows that will last in a wooded but cold environment for many years. My home has Pella and I will not be using those. I should also mention I will be using smart board for siding and a steel roof again for longevity of hassle free. Any suggestions?? I only need 4-6 windows depending on final design but looking for input..

Thanks


here is the slab

[intakexhaust]

Marvin ++++

[pete3799]

I put Marvin low E windows in our log cabin when i built it 20 years ago ..........no problems.

[pavulon]

I like cedar. Maybe there is someone making them closer to WI?

Bergerson Cedar Windows Custom Built Solid Wood Windows and Doors

[look 171]

I really like Integrity windows by Mavin. Only draw backs is that you can't get custom sizes. Standard size isn't an issue since you are building from the groound up.

[Zeke]

As many know, I sold and installed many kinds of windows over a 25 year period and I was always impressed with composite. Has none of the disadvantages of vinyl, wood or any of the clad products. My next choice would be aluminum with a thermal break. AL has come a long way and is used extensively in commercial. Some of the product lines are downright sexy. Not cheap.

Either one cannot rot or get attacked by insects. All windows look pretty worn after 20 years except some of the older historic well taken care of. But new products suffer from some quality issues and each kind have their own set of problems. I've even seen SS hardware rust at the beach, but I still recommend it over any "lifetime" finish.

Composites and AL offer the best longevity while maintaining a fresher look over time. YMMV.

I see look agrees with me.^^^^

[latroz]

What is the budget and the desired R-value?

Some German triple panes can get a good R, so good they don't use U.
Though that may not interest you, they are good.

[look 171]

Milt,

There's always Fleetwood windows. I like them also.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by look 171

Milt,

There's always Fleetwood windows. I like them also.

Ah, yes, the Porsche of aluminum windows.

[look 171]

Hey, we don't mess around here.

[john70t]

Not much direct sunlight to blemish painted surfaces and warp.
Lots of humidity equates to plenty of cleaning and scrubbing the green stained mildew 1x/yr.
Protection against boring insects.
Insulation against low winter temps when away.

[id10t]

Cabin in the woods? The grease fat from a ba'er smeared on old newspaper and duct taped to teh side of the house.

[john70t]

Ideally, there would be be a foot(or more) of concrete foundation exposed/painted to keep the ants away from any wood.

Trench now! around the perimeter to divert those 100yr floods.

Any nearbye weak trees have to go.

[Steve Carlton]

I thought Fleetwood was the Cadillac of windows.

[vmb]

We put in Loewen windows in our home 10 years ago. They were great. Unfortunately, we learned that putting in nice windows in an 85 year old brick house with no insulation will not make a dent in the heating and cooling bills.

[Reg]

^^^^^ These are very good windows but on the high end of the scale.
If you want simple, new old windows I may be able to help you there. PM if you wish.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

I thought Fleetwood was the Cadillac of windows.

Ha, that's funny.

[mb911]

Originally Posted by john70t

Ideally, there would be be a foot(or more) of concrete foundation exposed/painted to keep the ants away from any wood.

Trench now! around the perimeter to divert those 100yr floods.

Any nearbye weak trees have to go.

All done and dont have to worry about 100 year flood plain as I am at the top of the bowl of the lake. It is 3 teared and on the top tear.

all week trees taken down even removed a 3foot dia maple that was not dead but in the way.

[look 171]

I look into Milgard Windows. Good product for not too much money. Life time warranty.

[Zeke]

I don't know if he can get Milgard that far East. Denver is the closest factory. I mean he can get them freighted in, but they won't service outside of their sales territory. There are some very good Canadian windows that might be sold in Ben's area.