flexiblefullpage - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
Currently Reading

Innovative Products: Sierra Pacific H3 High-Performance Windows

Advertisement
billboard -
Windows & Doors

Innovative Products: Sierra Pacific H3 High-Performance Windows

A unique three-part frame makes for good looks and great energy performance


By By Professional Remodeler Staff November 13, 2017
This article first appeared in the November 2017 issue of Pro Remodeler.

The frame of Sierra Pacific Windows’ H3 Window uses three materials—vinyl sandwiched between wood and aluminum—to create a nearly perfect thermal break and excellent overall energy performance. Dubbed “Fusion Technology,” the core of the system is a heavy (0.072 inch) vinyl frame that accepts solid wood sashes clad on the exterior with heavy-duty extruded aluminum that the company says is twice as thick as standard roll-formed cladding. 

A unique “snap-lock” system connects the vinyl to both the aluminum cladding on the exterior and the solid wood extension jambs and stops on the interior, hiding the vinyl channel and minimizing the number of visible fastener holes that need to be filled.

The Transcend line of H3 insert windows is designed to fit between existing jambs without disturbing interior trim, and can be sized in ⅛-inch increments with jamb depths up to 5 ⅛ inches. Operable models include casements, awnings, and tilt-in double-hung units. 

New-construction units, which also include sliders and fixed-glass (picture and transom) options, have a rigid integral nailing fin that helps eliminate racking problems during installation and provides a convenient surface for sealing a water barrier. The windows can be ordered in custom sizes and with jamb depths up to 8 ⅛ inches. Multiple units are shipped with continuous head jambs and sills, eliminating the need for field mulling.

H3 windows are double- or triple-glazed with numerous high-performance coating options, including Cardinal’s Low-E 366, which reduces solar heat gain while preserving visible light transmittance, and Low-E 180, which allows passive solar gain while reducing heat loss.

Divided lites can be simulated either with surface-mounted exterior and interior bars (with or without aluminum between-the-glass spacers) that match cladding and wood species, or by between-the-glass grilles in three profiles: ⅝-inch flat, or 11/16- or 1-inch contour. Two-tone grilles are also available.

Interior wood—including all 13 optional trim styles—is available in 9 species that can be factory finished in three stain colors (Clear, Espresso, and Toffee) or with a two-part catalyzed polyurethane white paint. Aluminum cladding is available in five extra-durable anodized finishes and in 70 powder-coated finishes that meet the AAMA 2605 organic coating standard (custom color matching is also available). 

We spoke with Michael Anschel, owner of Otagawa-Anschel Design + Build, in Minneapolis, who used triple-glazed H3 windows throughout a recent whole-house remodel. Anschel says he got more window than he bargained for. “The almost completely thermally broken vinyl frame makes the window lighter in weight, but you still have the beauty of wood on the inside and aluminum cladding on the outside.” 

This, along with glazing options and a high-quality foam spacer, is an important element in the window’s performance. “Condensation resistance [CR] really attracted me to this window,” Anschel says. “The H3’s CR 69 exceeds the ideal CR 65 listed on the NFRC label.” 

Plus, Anschel likes the way the window looks: “The narrow glazing-to-frame dimension and abbreviated reveals means there’s less in your way visually.” 


Add new comment

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
leaderboard2 - default

Related Stories

Pella's New Debut Promises Faster, One-Person Window Installs

The window manufacturer promises 3.15x faster installation with its Steady Set system

Marvin Releases Switchable Privacy Glass Window

The privacy glass windows can be purchased from Marvin's Direct Glaze windows

Innovative Products: Window Shades That Create Natural Light

Wait, shouldn't window shades keep light out?

Pro's Pick: A Better Tool for Window Installs

This pro's pick is a big help for window and door installers

Andersen to Develop Solar Power Generating Products

The leading manufacturer will develop solar power generating window and door products in partnership with Ubiquitous Energy

Top 100 Products 2022

The industry's best, determined by our audience

Top 100 Products 2022: Windows & Doors

Products from Andersen, LaCantina, ProVia, Phantom Screens, and Windsor Windows & Doors

How to Replace a Window (Part 2)

This time it’s in a fat wall wrapped with a housewrap air barrier and exterior rigid insulation

Windows Go In at Model ReModel 2022

Symbi Homes selects custom black windows for its healthy, modern accessory dwelling unit

How to Replace a Window in a Fat Wall (Part 1)

Jobsite Know-How details how to install a window... again. This time it’s in a fat wall wrapped with an air barrier and exterior rigid insulation

Advertisement
boombox2 -
Advertisement
halfpage2 -
Advertisement
native1 -

More in Category




Advertisement
native2 -
Advertisement
halfpage1 -
Advertisement
leaderboard1 -