Good points overall. One thing I've wondered about though—if you're installing windows sealed at your specific elevation, doesn't that limit your options quite a bit? Like, wouldn't you be tied to local manufacturers or at least someone who can custom-build for your altitude? I've never had to deal with it personally (I'm only around 2,000 ft), but it seems like it could narrow down your choices pretty quick.
Also, about the thermal efficiency trade-off with capillary tubes...is it really that noticeable in practice? I get the theory behind losing gas fill, but in real-world terms, how much difference does it actually make? If you're already at high altitude, aren't you typically dealing with thinner air and colder temps anyway? I'd imagine you'd want all the insulation you can get, but maybe the difference isn't as drastic as it sounds on paper.
Warranty coverage is another good point. I've had issues before with warranties being voided for the smallest things—like installing a window myself instead of hiring their "approved" installer. So I can totally see altitude being another excuse for manufacturers to back out of coverage. Definitely something to watch out for.
When I was helping a friend build his cabin up in Colorado, he went with capillary tubes mainly because it was just simpler and less expensive upfront. Hasn't mentioned any condensation or seal problems yet, and it's been about five years now. Maybe he's lucky, or maybe the climate there just isn't extreme enough to highlight any issues. But yeah, seems like mileage varies quite a bit depending on exact elevation and climate conditions.
Anyway, appreciate hearing different experiences on this—it's one of those niche topics you don't think about until you're stuck dealing with fogged-up windows every morning...
"Also, about the thermal efficiency trade-off with capillary tubes...is it really that noticeable in practice?"
In my experience, it's not as big a deal as some manufacturers make it sound. I worked on a project at around 7,500 ft elevation a few years back, and we went with capillary tubes mainly because custom-sealed windows were just too pricey and limited our options. Honestly, the difference in insulation wasn't noticeable day-to-day. Sure, on paper you lose some gas fill efficiency, but practically speaking, good quality frames and proper installation made way more difference than the gas fill itself.
Warranty-wise though, you're spot-on. I've seen manufacturers void warranties for way less than altitude issues—like DIY installs or even minor modifications. Definitely pays to read the fine print carefully.
Your friend's cabin experience sounds pretty typical to me. Unless you're dealing with extreme temperature swings or humidity issues regularly, capillary tubes usually hold up fine. But yeah...mileage definitely varies depending on exact location and climate specifics.
Warranty-wise though, you're spot-on. I've seen manufacturers void warranties for way less than altitude issues—like DIY installs or even minor modifications.
I dunno, I've seen it go both ways. My brother-in-law's place is around 8,000 ft and he swears he notices a difference in comfort since switching away from capillary tubes. Could be placebo though...he's picky about stuff like that.
Capillary tubes can be a bit tricky at higher elevations, but honestly, I'm skeptical about how noticeable the comfort difference really is. Could it be that your brother-in-law is just hyper-aware because he made the switch? I mean, I've seen folks swear their house felt warmer after changing window colors...so placebo effect is definitely a thing.
But to be fair, altitude does mess with window performance in subtle ways. At around 8,000 ft, you're dealing with lower atmospheric pressure, and sealed IG units can sometimes bow or even fail prematurely if they're not designed for it. Capillary tubes help equalize pressure, but they also introduce other potential issues—like moisture infiltration if they're not sealed properly after installation. Did your brother-in-law mention anything about condensation or fogging since switching?
Warranty-wise, manufacturers can indeed get picky. I've seen warranties voided for some pretty minor stuff—like using non-approved sealants or even DIY caulking jobs (seriously). But altitude-specific warranty clauses aren't always clearly spelled out. Have you checked the fine print on his windows? Some brands explicitly cover high-altitude installs if you follow their guidelines exactly.
Anyway, comfort perception aside, I'd be curious if he's noticed any actual measurable differences—like fewer drafts or lower heating bills since switching away from capillary tubes. Anecdotal evidence is cool and all, but numbers usually tell a clearer story...
My place is at about 7,500 ft, and honestly I didn't notice a huge comfort difference when we switched windows either. But the warranty thing is real—definitely double-check that fine print before committing, saved me some headaches later on...
Yeah, warranty fine print is sneaky like that... learned it the hard way myself. But honestly, even if comfort isn't a huge difference, better windows can help with heating bills. At least that's what I've noticed at my place—every little bit counts up here!
Yeah, those warranties can really trip you up—been there myself more times than I'd like to admit. You're spot on about the heating bills though. Even small upgrades can make a noticeable difference, especially in colder climates. I've had clients skeptical at first, but after a winter or two, they're usually glad they invested in better windows. It's one of those subtle improvements that pays off gradually... worth sticking with it for sure.
Good points here. A couple things I've learned from experience:
- Triple-pane windows are great, but sometimes good double-pane with proper insulation and sealing can do almost as well for less.
- Don't overlook installation quality—seen some pricey windows perform poorly due to sloppy installs.
- Also, consider window orientation... south-facing windows can help passively heat your home in winter.
Just my two cents from trial and error.
Totally agree about installation quality—seen too many folks drop serious cash on high-end windows only to have drafts because the installer cut corners. Personally, I'd rather spend a bit less on the window itself and put the savings toward hiring someone meticulous. Learned that lesson the hard way...
"Personally, I'd rather spend a bit less on the window itself and put the savings toward hiring someone meticulous."
Yeah, that's usually a safer bet. Had a client once who insisted on top-of-the-line windows but went cheap on installation... ended up calling me in winter asking why their living room felt like a wind tunnel. Guess what the issue was?