Browse Forums Windows & Doors 1 Sep 10, 2008 9:10 am Hi everyone,
I am new to the forum but see from reading the posts that there is a wealth of knowledge around here. My wife and I are currently working with Metricon to build the Mercer 32 and we have just done PC and working towards FC. I have asked Metricon about options for double glazed windows and after much reading here I asked if they were thermally broken, UPVC etc. I have put their reply below and wonder if someone can help interpret it as it doesn't make much sense to me. I am guessing that DGU means double glazed unit. The quote we have had for double glazing is $7800 which seems expensive and not sure if it is worth it or not. Southern Star Windows provide our windows. Fixed Windows are 3/12/3 Clear Float DGU Awning Windows Sash 4/10/4 Clear Float DGU Fixed panel 5/8/5 Clear Float DGU Thanks, Dale. Re: Double glazed windows query 2Sep 10, 2008 10:14 am Hi Dale,
There is no information about the frames there from what I can see DGU...yes this stands for double glazed unit 3/12/3...these numbers refer to the thickness of the pane of glass/air gap/pane of glass Depending on how many windows you are getting, $7800 doesn't sound too bad to me. I'd go back to your builder and tell them you want more information...maybe ask for the WERS ratings for your particular windows. Goodluck 'chelle We have a hand-over date...15/10...but I won't hold my breath! http://people-in-glass-houses.blogspot.com/ Re: Double glazed windows query 3Sep 10, 2008 12:20 pm Ask for the Uw values for the windows.
U is a measure of thermal conductivity and the lower the value the better. It's just the inverse of R used in insulation. If you like, take the number and invert it so you can geta feel for it. So a U value of 4 means that it has an R value of 0.25 (whihc is not too bad for a window). Uw means that you want the U value for the entire window. Let us know the numbers. Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Re: Double glazed windows query 4Sep 10, 2008 2:41 pm Southern Star provide aluminium windows
(not thermally broken or uPVC) 3, 4 and 5 Clear float refers to the type of glass - basic clear glass the middle number refers to the air space. they use air rather than argon within the IGU they use aluminium spacers to seal the unit rather than warm edge technology. they dont have there DGU rated in WERS from what i can see but to give u an idea 3/12/3 aluminium , air will be around 4.0 Uw and SHGC of 0.55 (and the solor heat gain coeffiencent is important in Victoria) 4/10/4 will be worst and 5/8/5 worse again (lower air space not good) aim for around 12mm if u can As an example a 3/12/3 with argon gas and an energy advantage type glass will reduce the Uw to around 3 but increase the cost (using the best available aluminium product) Hope that helps but they have not answered your question and i would ask for both the Uw for each type of product and the SHGC and ask have they been rated in WERS or are they using a Generic Rating Never argue with an idiot!!!! They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience. Re: Double glazed windows query 5Sep 10, 2008 2:52 pm Thanks for the advice. I gather from the notes that as far as DGU go they aren't very good. I never realised there was so much range in double glazed windows.
I have gone back to our sales consultant and asked for more info as suggested. By the way the property is located in the Morningside Estate Gisborne. Dale. Re: Double glazed windows query 7Sep 11, 2008 12:46 pm I asked for the information and M3tricon has refused to supply it. They said such detailed information is not provided by volume builders and suggested I talk to the window manufacturer myself.
I presume this is a fob off by our sales rep who can't be bothered finding out the information as they would need this detailed information for the 5 star rating assessment. For reasons I will post in another thread later today I am mighty peeved off with M3tricon and reconsidering using them. Dale. Re: Double glazed windows query 8Sep 11, 2008 1:04 pm This is the link you need:
http://www.wers.net/documents/Southern_Star_NFRC.pdf $7800 seems like there may be a bit of extra builders mark-up in there, unless it includes the doors. For a similar size house/glazing we were quoted $2,500 with PD, and had to pay around $4,500 with our builder (windows changed to awning and double glazed ... doors not included). Re: Double glazed windows query 9Sep 16, 2008 9:56 am joles Sorry, completely off topic but DuckyQuackQuack who is that you have as your avatar? Ian Curtis of Joy Division Never argue with an idiot!!!! They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience. Re: Double glazed windows query 10Sep 16, 2008 9:59 am DuckyQuackQuack joles Sorry, completely off topic but DuckyQuackQuack who is that you have as your avatar? Ian Curtis of Joy Division Thought so..... . Excellent choice! I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: Double glazed windows query 11Sep 16, 2008 10:30 am Just to update what has happened.
M3tricon has terminated our relationship as per post in building a house forum so this company's windows no longer an issue. We are now building with Carlisle and they are looking into double glazing for us. Thanks, Dale. I don't know them all, the first 2 top of your list are best known. Rylock is a good company, Stegbar is for sale. 4 16265 I’m in a similar position except I’m after sliding 3 stacking doors. I am on a second-story apartment of which the balcony would not adequately fit any bi-fold or… 5 16197 2 7215 |