Kolbe. With a U-factor as low as 0.19, triple-pane aluminum-clad Ultra Energy Performance casement windows meet Energy Star certifications throughout the United States and Canada. Pine frames are standard, but multiple wood species are available. The casements have a standard 3 1/4-inch jamb depth and a 2 1/4-inch-wide sash. 800.955.8177. www.kolbe-kolbe.com. More
How do you spec durable, high-performing windows for a multifamily project? Very carefully. More
These window and entry door reviews will give insight into current products on the market. The climbing price of steel during the past couple of years has narrowed the price gap between steel and fiberglass, luring more converts to the composite doors, which mingle fiberglass, resins, and fillers to form panels that manufacturers claim are 10 times more resistant to dents than steel and about 10 times less likely to rust, even on a beach house. More
For many years, sturdy steel reigned as king of the entry door because of its durability, low maintenance, and affordable price. But with the proliferation of lower-cost smooth-skin fiberglass doors and cheaper fiberglass imports from China, the price differential between steel and fiberglass has nearly faded away. More
Indeed, aluminum cladding has been embraced by builders and consumers for its reliable performance and low-maintenance characteristics. "It's crisp, stable, and it doesn't expand and contract like other materials", says Engerman. Unfortunately, it is also a good conductor of heat and cold. To compensate, manufacturers are engineering their newest models with the highest-performing glazings, such as argon-filled low-E2, and other insulating materials. Consequently, products such as Caradco's Tradition Plus and Pella's ProLine double-hung aluminum-clad wood windows meet or exceed the DOE's tough Energy Star requirements. More
