Marvin Ultimate Narrow or Ultimate Tripane (Not narrow frame)

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

We are doing full frame window replacements (complete removal and replacement). We have 2x4 walls that come out to 5 1/4 jamb depths.

We were all set to go with Marvin ultimate narrow frame windows (vertical grain Doug for). They are narrow enough (roughly 2.5”) to allow us to do inside mount window treatments and also 3 sides of drywall and a bottom sill/stool trim detail.

Window rep mentioned that these windows won’t meet energy star requirements since u factor is .30 and we would need .27 … she also said we may have some condensation in the winters.

She suggested we go with ultimates that are 4 9/16 deep and also go with tripane. U factor is .23

Questions.

Will I notice cold winters a lot with double pane ultimate narrow windows and will we struggle with condensation?
If we do go with tripane, there is only 11/16” left for drywall and a sill/stool. Will this look silly?
Last part is that with tripane the window treatments are 2” deep so they will sit proud to the wall. Is this an odd look?

Thank you!

Featured Answer

PRO

toddinmn

2 years ago

The triple pane will reduce the likely hood as the condensation ratings will show.. You may have a case when it’s 0 degree F when the dual pane condensates where a triple will go down to -15 degree in the same enviroment. I would recommend the triple but am not saying the dual would not meet your goals.

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Comments (8)

PRO
JAN MOYER
2 years ago
Maybe you need to look into new construction windows vs. replacement if you are willing to mess around with the exterior?
Blake
Original Author
2 years ago
@Jan I should have clarified... we are replacing with new construction windows!
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PRO
JAN MOYER
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Yes, because you used the word.........."Replacement" : )

Safe is better than sorry. When the experts warn ? Believe them.

There are a lot of beautiful window treatments that look great installed as an outside mount. Falling in love with a look has its perils. Every transom here below cracked post install. .......

Windows should have been upped in quality, despite the fortune spent. The client was at the max of window to framing walls. Just got replaced.

Yes metal, and we'll see how that goes in the wild lake side weather of winter in the northeast. Both foyer upper, and dining upper. Nice big.........cracks you can't see.
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PRO
toddinmn
2 years ago
It is hard to predict if a window will have condensation problems as it pertIns to your sight conditions and locations.

Condensation can very hard on wood windows.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
I have double paned sealed window units as repelcement for old 1957 windows they have never had an issue with condensation and we live in Canada where the winters are wet and snowing sometimes cold not one drop inside . Where do you live why does the person think you will get condenstaion in a double paned window? I never like wood windows they require upkeep and so many choices for metal clad or just metal .
PRO
toddinmn
2 years ago
I’m in the Mpls. metro area, very simular temps to you. Condensation is determined by the interior environment as well as the exterior. I have seen new windows immediately condensate after replacing the old due to the house being tightened up and under what I would consider normal circumstances, I have triple pane windows that will condensate on the exterior side in the right conditions and I have seen many that had no problem.
Blake
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks, everyone..great thoughts and if anyone else has input, I'd love to hear... if you have Marvin ultimate double pane, do large openings feel cold when close to them ?

We are in Madison, WI ... cold winters and hot/humid summers. We have a mid century ranch with 24" soffits. We have somes large trees and many of the windows are south facing. So we get quite a bit of sun in the winter and almost none in the summer because it's overhead.

We have air sealed the attic and sprayed the box sills and have R60 in the attic... so we are improving things greatly as we continue to upgrade. Just two more windows and front/patio door to do in the future. Unfortunatly we can't do house wrap because we have valuable redwood siding in great condition. We do have whole house humidification/dehumidification though.

Seems like what people experience is largely due to site conditions like a few mentioned. It also sounds like tripane doesn't solve issues either.

Tough because windows are $ 2.5-3k per opening before install, so don't really want to get it wrong!

Thanks again!