Gentek Sequoia Select Windows Reviews

Readers of the site will know that I tend to think Gentek windows are some of the nicest windows out there and the Sequoia Select is a very nice window model.

I do think this is the second nicest window that Gentek products so it’s worth considering. That’s also why my company decided to offer it. You may also want to look at the newer Signature Elite model that is also a great choice.

Here is a Gentek Sequoia Select sliding window.

What are the advantages of the Gentek Sequoia Select windows?

There are a few aspects of the Sequoia Select windows that separate them from other options out there. For example, they’ll come standard with upgraded block and tackle balance mechanisms that are nicer than the cheaper constant force balances you’ll see in many windows.

best replacement window balances
Here is a quick list of the advantages of the nicer block and tackle balances.

This is the part of the window that allows it to open and close and prevents it from slamming shut. Often times companies will use cheaper components here because customers don’t know much about them. Almost all higher end products will use higher end components like this so it’s a good indication of quality.

Next, the Sequoia Select model is available with dozens of efficiency packages that they call Barrier XP. This means you can pick a package that makes sense for your house rather than being forced to pick from two or three choices.

Here are the common efficiency ratings of the Gentek Sequoia Select windows.
Here are some of the common packages. Remember there are dozens more available.

The trick there is that often times the in-home salesman won’t understand the choices. That means they’ll sometimes struggle to explain the options. If you get someone who knows what they’re talking about this won’t be an issue.

In addition, the Sequoia Select windows are designed with very strong vinyl frames and copious amounts of weatherstripping to make sure they hold up and keep the elements out.

Overall, this is a pretty good quality product.

What colors are available?

These windows are available in a wide range of interior and exterior colors. Below you can see the available colors as of today. Keep in mind the color palette does change over time.

You’ll see they do offer a black exterior which is a very popular option lately but there is no option for a black interior.

We commonly see customers get a little crossed up when picking color combinations. The easy way to think about it is to start with the idea that the windows come either white, beige or clay. Then, another color can be applied to the interior and/or the exterior.

So you can get a white window and then apply the black exterior to have a window that is white inside and black outside.

If you’re not sure about the options it’s always easiest to check with the company offering the windows. They should be able to help make picking colors easier.

What is the warranty on the Gentek Sequoia Select windows?

The warranty on this model is pretty solid as well. The original buyer gets a lifetime warranty that covers the frames, the sashes, the glass, hardware and the screens.

The warranty is also transferable when you sell the house so you can use that as a selling point.

It is important to note that the glass breakage warranty is optional so your dealer needs to include it in your original order. Overall I’d say the warranty is a good selling point for this model.

What are the downsides of the Gentek Sequoia Select windows?

The main downside to this model is the bulkier frame. In the past, manufacturers would make their “top of the line” model with thick frames so they could talk about strength.

Many years ago earlier vinyl windows were thought of as flimsy so manufacturers focused on strength in their marketing. The result was the nicer windows in the market had thick frames and then people decided they didn’t like that.

Now, most manufacturers are moving to a slimmer frame design, but there are still thicker framed windows out there. The Sequoia Select falls into that category. This isn’t a huge issue if you have larger windows, but if you have smaller windows it can be more of a concern.

Other than that there aren’t a lot of downsides. This is a pretty solid all around window.

What’s the bottom line?

Ultimately, the Gentek Sequoia Select model is a decent choice. The warranty is good, the available options compare well with the competition and the efficiency ratings are solid.

As a result, this is a product that my company offers, but it’s not always our most commonly recommended option. If you’re considering this model you might also want to look at the newer Signature Elite model where you might find a little more value.

How can you find a great window company?

This part is easier than some people thing. If you’re looking for a great window company you can find recommendations all over the country right here. We list companies that we know and my company too so you can make the process of getting new windows just as easy as possible.

Let us know how it goes.

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Gentek Concord Plus Windows Reviews

If you’re thinking about buying Gentek Concord Plus windows you might want to look for a nicer option. It’s true that Gentek makes some of the nicer vinyl replacement windows on the market, but the Concord Plus model is their lower end option.

It’s a fine window but it traces its history back quite a while and I think you’ll be happier with the nicer Gentek Signature Elite or Sequoia Select. Ultimately the price difference between the lower end Concord Plus and the nicer models is not too huge. It’ll be worth the added cost to get the nicer window models.

Here is the frame of the Gentek Concord Plus.

What is the history of the Gentek Concord Plus window?

Many years ago Gentek made a model called the Signature that was very popular. There were many thousands of these windows sold and installed and it was a big hit.

As time marched on, the Signature model started to get a little long in the tooth. Gentek then came out with a new model called the Signature Elite and they basically rebranded the old model the Concord Plus.

So, the Concord Plus window is based on a very popular option, but it’s an older design that just isn’t as nice as the newer options.

What are the advantages of the Gentek Concord Plus window?

I don’t mean to be too much of a Debbie downer, there are nice aspects to the Concord Plus windows. For one they’ll use slim frames which will maximize glass space.

If you have small window openings and you want to maximize the glass area in your new windows this might be a model to consider. It will provide more glass area than many other models in the same size opening.

Unfortunately that’s about where the advantages to this model end.

The Gentek Concord Plus windows use Barrier XP glass packages.

What are the downsides to the Gentek Concord Plus window?

This list will be a little longer. For example, this window model comes with thinner single strength glass and it uses cheaper constant force balances vs the nicer block and tackle balances used on other Gentek models.

The Concord Plus model will use a cheaper type of roll formed screen frame and the air infiltration rate is higher than the newer models as well.

What’s the bottom line?

Gentek makes some great windows, really some of the best windows on the market today. Unfortunately, the Concord Plus isn’t the best option they make and it’s one we would suggest you avoid.

If you’re looking at Gentek windows look at the much nicer Signature Elite and Sequoia Select models and you’ll be much happier.

How can you find a great window company?

That part is easy. Check this section for recommendations of window companies all over the country. There’s no better way to get new windows.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Simonton Impressions Warranty Review

Is the Simonton Impressions warranty any good? Let’s find out. The warranty is an important part of a window purchase and it’s often overlooked until it’s too late.

You’ll notice the in-home salesman selling Simonton Impressions windows will typically talk about a “double lifetime” warranty. That can be a silly term, but what they mean is the warranty is good for as long as you own the house and it’s transferable when you sell the house. So, double lifetime. It is a silly way to explain a warranty term, but so much about this business is silly. It sort of fits.

Here’s a quick chart that outlines the basic coverage:

So, you get the lifetime warranty on the vinyl and the hardware. That’s pretty common, most manufacturers will offer that.

Then, you can see the glass warranty is prorated after 20 years which is more limited than many other companies. That means if you were to get a seal failure in 25 years you’ll be paying something to get it resolved. That might not be the end of the world, but something to be aware of.

Note the lines towards the bottom sowing the blinds in the glass only have a 10 year warranty, the factory applied colors and coatings are only 10 years too and that can be a little short.

You should also be aware that the commercial warranty is only 10 years. That means if you rent the house the warranty is MUCH more limited.

What is not covered by the Simonton Impressions warranty?

There are a few limitations that you should be aware of. Labor is not included that means even if there is a covered problem you’ll be paying someone to fix the issue.

Other limitations include the caulking and products installed over three stores off the ground.

Caulking can be a common window issue, but basically no window warranties will cover it. Caulking is just part of owning a house and you should check it out every year or two to make sure it’s still looking good.

What’s the bottom line?

The Simonton Impressions warranty is pretty decent, but it has many of the same limitations you’ll see from most warranties. The term “double lifetime” is a little silly and Simonton seems to really be leaning into it.

If the salesman makes claims that labor or caulking is covered by the warranty you’ll want to get that in writing. Then you’ll want to decide how much faith you put into the warranty from the small installation company as that is not coverage that Simonton offers.

Overall I would say the Simonton Impressions Warranty is perfectly decent and I wouldn’t let it stop you from ordering these windows.

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Why You Should NEVER Buy Simonton Windows!

If you’re considering buying Simonton windows you’ll want to read this post. Here we’re outlining the reasons that anyone should avoid Simonton windows.

To be fair you’ll find that a window salesman will always tell you why you shouldn’t buy this brand or that brand so you’ll want to take this with a bit of a grain of salt. We’re playing devil’s advocate here a little bit, but these are the reasons a competing salesman will tell you to avoid Simonton windows.

Remember, if you think I’m wrong about something post a comment below.

First, they’re lower end or “contractor grade” windows.

This is something you’ll always hear about Simonton windows. There is a little truth to it as Simonton is widely distributed and typically sold by smaller contractors who are more focused on price than quality.

The terms like “contractor grade” are always a little silly since they don’t really mean anything. The nugget of truth here is that they do use lower end components and older designs. That’s why you generally don’t see nicer window companies selling Simonton windows.

Next, Simonton windows use lower end components than other brands.

This one is mostly true. You’ll see Simonton windows use the lower end constant force or coil balances. Higher end products will generally use the upgraded block and tackle type balances that are tested to last longer and operate better.

best replacement window balances
Here you can see the main differences between constant force (used in Simonton windows) and the nicer block and tackle balances.

This is something that most customers don’t really know anything about. You can’t really see the balances when you’re looking at the windows. That means it’s an easy way for a manufacturer to cut a corner.

Simonton is owned by Ply Gem which also makes higher end brands like Great Lakes. They don’t want to interfere with the high end window sales so they keep Simonton windows a little cheaper. That makes sense from a business standpoint.

Simonton windows have higher air infiltration rates.

This is a common line used against Simonton windows and it’s worth considering. The air infiltration rates will be different with different Simonton models so there isn’t one answer. In general Simonton windows do have higher (worse) air infiltration rates than you’ll see from higher end manufacturers.

For example, most newer window designs will have air infiltration rates under 0.05. With some common Simonton models the air infiltration rate will be 2x or 3x that rate. Some new construction windows will be even worse.

That means more air can get through the windows when closed and locked. This is a common complaint about windows, so it’s something to consider.

Finally, the thicker frames will block more light.

This is another one that people sometimes don’t consider until it’s too late. Some popular Simonton windows like the 5500 series will use thicker frames than many other models. That means the same size window will provide less glass area than you’d get with a different window model.

Now, that’s not true with every model. For example the Impressions 9800 or the Reflections 5500 models do tend to have thicker frames but the Daylight Max or 5050 series will use slimmer frames.

The trick is that the slimmer models from Simonton tend to be their lower end designs so you give up other features when switching to those models.

So, you can get the nicer windows and features but you have to take the thicker frames. Or, you can get the slimmer windows with more glass are, but you get lower end windows. That’s not a great trade off if you ask me.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Keep in mind that a salesperson will typically tell you all about the downsides of any window model. The issues listed above are generally based in reality, but only you can decide how important they are.

It is true that most larger window companies don’t sell Simonton windows. They’re usually sold by smaller handyman or jack of all trade type of operations. That’s one indication that they’re not the best windows out there and they’re not a product my company would typically offer.

How can you find a great window company?

That’s easy. If you’re considering a window project you can check this section for recommendations for window companies all over the country. That’s the best way we know of to find a great local window company.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Simonton ProSolar Packages – Explained!

When ordering Simonton windows picking out a ProSolar package is VERY important to the overall success of the project. This can be a tricky step because most folks aren’t window experts. Frankly, most in-home window salespeople aren’t window experts either.

We routinely see people get bad advice from window salespeople, either to drive up the cost of the project or just because they don’t understand what they’re selling. Luckily it doesn’t need to be too hard to pick out a good package.

Replacement window efficiency ratings.
Here you can see the Energy Star ratings for windows in different parts of the country.

How can you pick the right Simonton ProSolar package for your home?

Don’t worry, we can help.

You’ll hear window salespeople telling all sorts of stories about low-e glass, gas fills and types of spacers.

This can all feel a little complicated but it’s really not as complicated as you might think.

The Simonton ProSolar packages will all involve combinations of these factors, the low-e coating, the gas fill and the spacer.

Step 1: Decide what you’re trying to accomplish

This may sound obvious but it’s a step people skip all the time. If you’re in the north you probably want a package that emphasizes cold weather performance. If you’re in the south, protection from the sun might be most important.

Then, there may be factors that are unique to you or to your house. For example, I once lived in Baltimore with large windows that faced south. It would get HOT in that house in the afternoons almost all year round. For me, reducing the heat from the sun on that side of the house was pretty important even though Baltimore isn’t exactly the deep south.

Step 2: Define success

At this stage it’s important to keep in mind that lower efficiency ratings aren’t always better. We often see customers struggling to compare the options. These customers will sometimes be inclined to just go for the lowest efficiency ratings thinking that must be the best choice.

That’s not really how it works. For example, the lowest SHGC rating means less heat from the sun gets into the house, but it also means the glass will be darker. In addition it means that you won’t benefit from the heat from the sun in the winter. If you’re in the north this can be pretty important.

We typically recommend using the Energy Star guidelines from the US Department of Energy as a starting point. That way you’ll know you’re looking at options that are at least pretty good. Note, the Energy Star map is shown above.

Pick your Simonton ProSolar package

Simonton ProSolar package.

The basic ProSolar package is shown here. It’s a pretty solid choice for someone in the middle of the country where it’s not too hot or too cold. If you are in a more extreme climate this package probably won’t be the best choice.

Simonton ProSolar Shade package details and info.

The ProSolar shade package, shown above, will be designed for high sun areas. If you’re in the south or if the sun is the main problem you’re trying to solve this package might make sense. It uses a heaver type of low-e coating on the glass to block more solar heat.

The downside to this package is that it will make the glass a little darker than other options. That might be a tradeoff that you’re willing to make, but it’s something to be aware of.

Simonton ProSoalr Sun Package explained.

The Simonton ProSolar Sun package is designed for cooler climates where you want more heat from the sun. This package will have a lighter low-e coating. In addition to more solar heat it will also allow more visible light which is attractive to many people.

What about spacers and gasses?

Once you’ve picked a basic package you can still change the type of spacer in the package and the type of gas fill. These factors will have a much smaller impact on the overall efficiency so it’s important to weigh the increase in cost vs the difference in benefit.

Luckily this is pretty easy to do. All windows will have published efficiency ratings for all options. If the salesman is trying to tell you that he only recommends windows with Super Spacer because it’s the best, you’ll want to ask about the ratings and the cost difference with a lower cost spacer.

Usually the difference in ratings from a spacer is only 0.01 or 0.02 in the U-Factor. If the cost difference is small that might be fine, but if he’s charging you $50 per window more for that option you can probably skip it. You’re not likely to notice a difference that small.

What’s the bottom line?

There are a lot of available efficiency options but it’s not rocket science. Start by identifying what problem you’re trying to solve, then define success then pick a package that will achieve success.

Lower ratings are not always better, in fact they can sometimes be worse. It’s important that you don’t just focus on the numbers without considering what those numbers actually do for you.

How can I find a great local window company?

That part is easy. You can check this section for recommended window companies all over the country.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Simonton Window Warranty Review Reflections and Asure

When comparing window options it’s important to understand the window warranty. Here we’re looking at the Simonton window warranty to see if it’s any good.

How long is the Simonton window warranty?

To get started, you’ll see the Simonton Reflections and Asure windows are sold with a “double lifetime warranty”. Sometimes competitors will say that lifetime warranties are limited to only being good for a few years, but that’s just not based in reality. This warranty is good for as long as you own and live in the house and then the warranty is transferable when you sell the house. So, it lasts a pretty long time.

Now, that’s only the case if you own and live in the house. If the house is a rental or owned by a business the commercial warranty is much shorter. The commercial warranty is only 10 years and there are other limitations as well.

What is covered by this warranty?

The coverage from the Simonton window warranty is pretty typical. It covers the frames, hardware and screens for as long as you own the house. The glass is covered for 20 years and then prorated for up to 50 years.

Here’s a quick chart that outlines the coverage:

Here you can see the Simonton window warranty coverage.

What is not covered by the Simonton window warranty?

The biggest component that is not covered by the window warranty is the labor. The installation coverage and the labor to fix a warranty issue are both not covered by the warranty.

Now, you may be able to get some labor coverage from the dealer selling you the windows. The risk there is that the dealer could easily vanish in a few years leaving you with no labor coverage at all. Unfortunately that happens all the time.

Is glass breakage covered?

Not really. You do get glass breakage coverage on the Reflections 5500 model for 3 years, but no glass breakage coverage on the other models. There’s also no glass breakage coverage included in the commercial warranty.

What’s the bottom line?

Overall the warranty on the Simonton Reflections and Asure windows is decent. You will see better coverage from some other manufacturers. The big advantage to the Simonton warranty is that it’s backed by a large company so they’re likely to be around a long time.

A “better” warranty from a small time manufacturer who goes out of business in a couple years isn’t actually better at all.

As long as you’re aware that there’s no labor coverage and the glass breakage coverage is limited to non-existent you should be in good shape. If your project is a rental or a commercial project the commercial coverage is also pretty limited, but that’s pretty common too.

I’d say the Simonton window warranty should not be something that prevents you from ordering these windows.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Simonton Impressions Inovo vs 5500 Inovo Patio Door

If you’re looking for the differences between the Simonton Impressions Inovo vs 5500 Inovo patio doors you may have some questions. Luckily we have answers.

First, these two Simonton patio doors are the same.

They’re the exact same. The Simonton Impressions Inovo and Simonton 5500 Inovo doors are identical. You can find our full review on the Simonton Inovo patio door here.

This offers you a great opportunity to see if your salesperson is being honest with you.

Typically the Simonton Impressions 9800 window line is sold at a higher price than the lower cost Simonton 5500 windows. That means the salesperson selling the more expensive windows may also want to charge you more for the door.

To find out if your Simonton salesman is being honest, ask them for a quote for the other door.

If he already quoted you the impressions door ask for a quote on the 5500 model. If he tells you the two doors are identical then he’s being honest with you and you can probably trust his other answers as well.

However, if the salesman raises or lowers the quote on the other Inovo patio door then you can be confident they’re trying to manipulate you and you can cross them off of your list.

Ultimately Simonton only makes one Inovo patio door and if the salesman tells you anything else he’s trying to trick you.

What should you do if you think I’m wrong about this?

Post a comment below and let me know. You’ll see many folks do that all over this site every day so feel free to join in. It’s always our goal to be accurate so if we’re actually wrong about anything we’ll update it and if you’re wrong we’ll let you know. It’s fun.

How can I find a great window company?

That part is easy. Check this section for recommendations of local window companies (including my company) all over the country. This will be the best place to get started.

Other posts you might be interested in:

Simonton Reflections 5500 Inovo Patio Door Reviews

If you’re looking for a new patio door you may have come across the 5500 Inovo patio door from Simonton. You’ll also likely find that the salesman will tell you it’s the greatest door since sliced bread. Is this really a door you should spend your hard earned money on? Let’s find out.

First, the door is made by Simonton which is generally a good sign. As one of the larger vinyl window and door manufacturers Simonton will typically be able to offer more stability and support than you’ll get from smaller manufacturers.

What about the features of the 5500 Inovo Patio Door?

These doors will come with several features that are pretty nice and many that are pretty typical.

For example, the screen on this door is “top hung” which means it slides on a track that is on the top of the door frame rather than on the bottom. The advantage there is that you can’t get rocks and dirt into the track which should mean that it opens smoothly and works well for a very long time.

Simonton 5500 Inovo patio door screen.
Here you can see the top hung screen on the 5500 Inovo patio door.

You can see the top hung screen in the picture above and that is a nice feature.

Another great feature of this sliding patio door is the shootbolt at the top of the door that adds a little extra security. You can see this feature in the picture below. Many doors will be available with a foot lock at the base of the door, but this model is available with additional locks at both the top and the bottom of the door. I’d say this is a nice option.

Shootbolt on the Simonton 5500 Inovo patio door
Here you can see the additional lock that is available on this model.

In the picture above you can see the shootbolt and that’s about the end of the unique features on this door model.

What are the other features this door offers?

There are a range of other features touted in the brochure like the multi-point locking system, foot lock, elevated monorail track, etc. Those are all pretty standard among most newer doors so they’re not anything to get excited about.

Does Simonton offer blinds in the 5500 Inovo patio door?

Yes. Interior blinds are available as an option on this door. The same downsides exist with the blinds on this door as you’ll find on all other doors. If you’re considering this option be aware that the warranty on the blinds is more limited than you might expect and repairs can be EXPENSIVE.

Blinds in Simonton Patio Doors
Here you can see the blinds available in the Simonton patio doors.

In our company we find that many more people ask about blinds in a door than actually order them. This is a feature that can sound great, but doesn’t always work as well as you’d hope.

How energy efficient are the 5500 Inovo patio doors?

In terms of efficiency these doors will be about as good as anything else. They’re available with the popular ProSolar glass packages from Simonton. These packages are perfectly good, but not unique and not really any better than what you’d see from any other manufacturer.

They offer argon or krypton gas fills, different types of low-e coatings, super spacer or stainless intercept spacers, etc. These are perfectly great options, just be aware that you can get these features from just about any manufacturer so they’re not unique to Simonton.

What’s the bottom line?

The Simonton 5500 Inovo patio door is a perfectly nice option. It offers the backing of a larger manufacturer and some good quality features. As with any window or door project it’s important to find a good dealer or installation company before falling in love with a product.

If you do have a great installer lined up and this door is on your list I’d say it’s probably something that you’d be happy with.

If you’re still looking for a great installer or if you’d like recommendations for local window companies you can check this section to find the best options in any city.

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