"Good insulation around frames matters just as much as ratings, sometimes more..."
That's a great point—I hadn't fully considered the frame insulation's impact. Now I'm curious, how much does frame material (like wood vs. aluminum vs. fiberglass) play into overall insulation effectiveness?
Frame material definitely matters, but I've seen fiberglass windows installed poorly that leaked air like crazy. Wood frames insulate well, but maintenance can be a pain... Curious if anyone's noticed real-world differences between fiberglass and vinyl?
I've had both fiberglass and vinyl in different projects, and honestly, installation quality made a bigger difference than material. Had a vinyl window job done once that was airtight, then another fiberglass install that was drafty from day one... go figure.
Totally agree that installation is key. I've seen high-end fiberglass windows installed poorly, and they performed worse than mid-range vinyl ones done right. But I'd still argue material matters somewhat—fiberglass tends to handle temperature swings better long-term, less expansion and contraction. Still, if the installer cuts corners or misses sealing properly, even the best window won't save you from drafts... learned that the hard way myself.
You're spot on about installation—I've seen some pretty pricey windows turn into drafty nightmares because someone rushed the sealing. But I'm still curious about the fiberglass vs vinyl debate. I've heard fiberglass handles temperature swings better, but does it really justify the extra cost in moderate climates? I'm leaning toward fiberglass myself, but sometimes wonder if I'm just falling for marketing hype. Anyway, appreciate you sharing your experience... makes me feel less crazy for obsessing over window details.
