Interesting points about glazing and frame design, but I'm wondering if we're overlooking something else here—long-term durability? I've seen vinyl windows warp or crack over time in extreme cold conditions, especially when exposed to direct sunlight and temperature swings. Fiberglass seems to hold up better in those scenarios, at least from what I've observed.
Also, you mentioned triple-pane glass...have you noticed any issues with weight or hardware strain over time? I've had a couple clients complain that heavier triple-pane units put extra stress on hinges and hardware, leading to alignment issues down the road. Maybe that's more of an installation thing, but it makes me wonder if there's a sweet spot between insulation performance and practical longevity.
I agree that wall insulation is underrated though—seen plenty of homes where people splurged on high-end windows but skimped on proper wall sealing. Always feels like a missed opportunity to me.
Good call on the triple-pane weight issue—I’ve definitely seen cases where the extra heft caused hardware and alignment headaches down the road. Usually, it seemed to boil down to installation quality and hardware choices, but even then, heavier glazing units just naturally put more strain on hinges and frames over time. Makes you wonder if manufacturers could do a better job matching sturdier hardware specifically for triple-panes.
Also, totally with you on vinyl durability in extreme cold. I've noticed fiberglass holds up better too—especially in places with big temperature swings and strong UV exposure. Vinyl can get brittle or warped, and once that happens, you're stuck dealing with drafts or even leaks. Fiberglass seems more stable long-term, at least from what I've seen.
And yeah, wall insulation is definitely underrated. I’ve seen people drop thousands on windows but skip sealing air gaps around electrical outlets or attic hatches...always makes me scratch my head a bit. Proper insulation and sealing really amplify the benefits of good windows.
Had a similar experience with vinyl windows at my uncle's cabin up in Vermont. First winter was fine, but after a couple seasons of harsh cold snaps and some intense sun exposure, we noticed warping and drafts creeping in. Switched to fiberglass eventually, and they've held up noticeably better. Makes me wonder if vinyl quality varies a lot between brands or if it's just inherently more vulnerable in extreme conditions...