Simonton Reflections 5500 Review

The Simonton Reflections 5500 is at the higher end of the Simonton replacement windows.  This model is distributed nationwide with several variations offered under various brand names including Prism or Prism Platinum.

Overall, as we’ve said before, Simonton makes a fine product, but this model is getting a little long in the tooth.  It utilizes some older design elements and offers less than outstanding performance numbers.

best replacement windows of 2015

What are the drawbacks of Simonton 5500 windows?

The biggest drawback for me is the thickness of the vinyl.  You certainly get less glass area with the Simonton Reflections 5500 than you would with some competing products.  For example, in the NFRC sticker below you can see the window with a U-Factor of 0.29 a SHGC of 0.24 and a rather low visible transmittance rating of 0.45.

Simonton Reflections 5500 window ratings
Simonton Reflections 5500 window ratings

This window would block out too much light for my taste.  There are other models that can achieve very similar ratings with a thinner vinyl frame resulting in more visible light and a higher VT rating.

As with most windows there are several glass options that can certainly affect the numbers, but the thick frame is here to stay.

What about the window hardware?

The Simonton Reflections 5500 also uses the inexpensive constant force balance mechanism which have several drawbacks.  They also charge extra for features that many companies offer standard such as double strength glass, balance covers and heavy duty screens.

Here you can see a Simonton Reflections 5500 window with the constant force balance and no balance cover.

simonton reflections 5500
See this Simonton Reflections 5500 window with inexpensive constant force balance and no balance covers.

The last picture I’ll show you for now is of the sash stops this model utilizes.  This block at the top of the frame prevents the sash from opening all the way.  It’s not a very big deal on a large window and Simonton does a good job of making it as small as they can.  On smaller windows you won’t be able to open the window as far as you’d expect.  Why do they put it there?  They have to because of the cheap constant force balance mechanism used in the jambs.

simonton 5500 window review
See the sash stop that prevents the bottom sash from sliding all the way to the top.

You might ask yourself if this balance mechanism or the lack of a balance cover or the sash stops are a huge deal and the answer is probably no.  I mention them here to illustrate the idea that perhaps this product doesn’t represent a fantastic bang for your buck.

There are many old and outdated design elements in this product that just aren’t necessary anymore.  The price of a Simonton Reflections 5500 window doesn’t typically reflect the fact that it’s a bit old fashioned.

Is this window offered under different brand names?

As you’re considering your options remember that manufacturers will often offer the same or VERY similar products under many brand names.  They do this to help contractors selling the products avoid competing directly on price.  If you get 2 quotes from 2 companies offering the exact same product then the price becomes a relatively important point of differentiation.  However, if one of the companies can tell you all about why their product is “better” then perhaps the price will become less of a factor.

If you think this is a little strange, you’re right, but it happens in every industry from mattresses to bowling balls.

To sum up this Simonton Reflections 5500 window review I’d say overall it’s a fine product from a reputable manufacturer (despite my nitpicking), but you can usually do better for a lower price.

Keep looking.

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here. 

Triple Pane vs Double Pane Windows

When deciding on triple pane vs double pane glass for your new windows there are several important factors to consider.  There are differences in sound transmission, weight, efficiency and cost.  Here we’ll take a look at all 5 factors to help you make the best decision for you and your home.

double pand vs triple pane windows, cost, prices, noise and sound
When comparing double pane vs triple pane windows there are many factors to consider.

How about noise through triple pane vs double pane windows?

It is VERY common for replacement window salespeople to tell folks that windows with triple pane glass will reduce noise in the home.  In fact, switching from double pane to triple pane has a very small impact on sound.  You’d be much better served by going with laminated glass.  We go into more depth on this in our sound transmission post.  The long and the short of it is if you’re buying triple pane windows to reduce noise you’re overspending.

best replacement windows of 2015

Are triple pane windows heavy?

Well, yes they are heavier, but it shouldn’t matter to you.  A high quality replacement windows will have a balance mechanism to counterbalance the weight of the sash.  Regardless of how heavy the glass is the window should slide up and down effortlessly.  If your new windows are hard to open it’s either because the balance mechanism is not working correctly, the windows don’t fit in the opening just right or something else is impeding their motion.  The weight of the glass or the sash shouldn’t have an impact.

Along these same lines, some folks think triple pane windows will have a higher failure rate because of the weight and the fact that they have 2 air chambers.  This stems either from the days of old or from a salesperson pushing an agenda.  All nice new windows come with a complete warranty that protects you against any future problems.

How beneficial are triple pane energy efficient windows?

There is certainly an improvement in efficiency when comparing triple pane vs double pane windows.  It’s important to compare the window ratings including u-factor, shgc and visible transmission when comparing the options in order to understand the differences.

Triple pane windows will typically have u-factors that are about 20-30% better than a similar double pane window.  That’s a pretty substantial improvement.  They will also have better SHGC ratings as they tend to have two surfaces coated with a low-e coating.  These coatings will leave you with a lower visible transmission rating meaning it will typically be darker in a home with triple pane windows.

Are these increases in efficiency worth the trade off of increased cost and decreased light?  Only you can decide that, but with the cost difference likely being lower than you might expect more folks are picking triple pane options.

single pane, double pane, triple pane
Some folks even compare single pane with double and triple pane options.

Cost of triple pane vs double pane windows:

In my experience, when the topic of triple pane glass comes up some homeowners immediately say “oh no, we don’t need that!”  I find they tend to say that because they’ve received a quote for windows with triple pane glass before and the pricing was HIGH.  This led them to believe that pricing for all triple pane windows will be high.

As with everything relating to prices of replacement windows there are many factors at play, but the cost difference doesn’t need to be too substantial.  Perhaps $100 per window is a decent estimate.  So if you can get a great vinyl replacement window installed for around $350 with double pane glass then switching to triple pane glass would put you in the $450 neighborhood.  Sure, it’s more expensive, but it’s nowhere near the $800 per window that some companies try to charge.

Why do some companies try to charge $800-$1000 per window for triple pane windows? 

We’ll be writing a whole series on the tricky practices of some window companies out there.  The short answer is because people pay it sometimes.  If nobody was buying they’d either change their ways or go out of business.  Congrats to you for not taking the bait, but you can be sure there was someone behind you snapping it up.

These companies will likely tend to continue to struggle due to the fact that people are much more informed than they were years ago.

Remember, when deciding between triple pane vs double pane think about how long you’ll be in the home and whether energy savings over time are worth spending money upfront today.  

Other posts you might find helpful:

If you haven’t taken a look yet, try out our window reviews pages to get a better idea of the options.

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here. 

Marvin Infinity Reviews

As we get started on our Marvin Infinity reviews it’s important to keep in mind that this is a fiberglass replacement window.  It’s a bit of a different animal than either vinyl replacement windows or wood windows.  Fiberglass windows are designed to replicate the look of a wood window with increased durability.

While we’ll be writing another post soon on the advantages and disadvantages of different types of window construction it’s important to note that many wood replacement windows offer warranties as good or better than what you’ll get with a fiberglass product.  With fiberglass replacement windows you’re paying a premium over the cost of a vinyl window to get the look of wood.  It would be worthwhile to compare the cost difference between fiberglass and real wood.   The price difference is often very small.

Back to the Marvin Infinity review.  First of all this a great looking window.  It looks very solid, comes in a wide range of colors and offers a substantial amount of style options.

marvin infinity window
Here is a very nice looking Marvin Infinity replacement window

As you can see in the above picture the Marvin Infinity window does a great job of looking like a traditional wood window.

Marvin Infinity windows are often ordered with simulated divided lites or SDL grids.  This means the grids are on the outside of the glass which is consistent with the look of a wood window.

Marvin infinity windows cost
SDL grids on a Marvin Infinity window.

You can see the joint between the grid and the sash frame is pretty tight and very clean looking.  If you get up this close to it, you can tell that it is a separate piece, but nobody is going to go around you house inspecting things like this.  If they are you probably don’t want to invite them over anyway!

Notice the hardware in the picture below.  There are MANY options and they have a very nice classic look.

marvin infinity window hardware
Marvin Infinity window hardware provides a classic look.

One last design element to point out is the lack of typical tilt-latches.  As you can see in this picture, the Marvin Infinity window skips the typical told latches for a very clean and elegant look.

Marvin Infinity window cost and price and pricing
Marvin Infinity windows without the typical tilt latch on the sash.

How about efficiency?

The NFRC ratings for the Marvin Infinity window are pretty solid, but not particularly spectacular.  This makes sense as the product was clearly designed to be pretty rather than the most efficient window on the block.

marvin infinity windows u-factor ratings
martin infinity u-factor and nfrc ratings

You can see in this NFRC sticker showing the Marvin Infinity U-Factor that the ratings for this window are solid, but not remarkable.  You’re paying a premium to get this fiberglass window vs a vinyl window, but you’re not getting any real improvement in efficiency.

There are MANY options that affect the ratings so this certainly isn’t the only option, but the Marvin Infinity window will only ever be average in terms of efficiency ratings.  It will never be a top performer no matter how you order it.

In addition you do get a pretty high air infiltration rating with this window.  That means it does not provide a particularly great seal in windy conditions.  This is more of a concern for some folks than others, but if you’re in a relatively high wind area or if you’re particularly concerned about a tight seal, the Infinity window might not be for you.

Marvin Infinity Warranty?

Unfortunately the Marvin Infinity warranty leaves much to be desired.  They say it has a “lifetime” warranty, but it sure does have a lot of limitations and exclusions.

Breakdown of the Infinity window warranty:

  • Insulated glass seal – 20 years NOT lifetime
  • Accidental glass breakage – NOT COVERED
  • Ultrex fiberglass – Lifetime until transferred, then 10 years
  • Ultrex fiberglass finish – 10 years NOT lifetime
  • Non-glass components (screens, hardware etc)- 10 years NOT lifetime

See the Marvin Infinity warranty on Marvin’s website or download the Marvin Infinity warranty here.

As you can see the Marvin Infinity warranty isn’t nearly as thorough as you might expect for a window sold at this price point.

How about the Marvin Infinity window cost?

The cost for Marvin Infinity windows can vary dramatically.  There are MANY options that have a huge impact on the price so it’s difficult to even give a range.  For example a basic double hung window without installation might start at about $500 and a fancy window with several expensive options could easily top $1000.

If you’ve decided to go with the Marvin Infinity windows the easiest way to get a great price is to shop around.  Find out who are the Marvin Infinity dealers in your area and get quotes for the same products.  There will likely not be too many local dealers as Marvin limits the distribution to avoid price shopping, but you can always call someone out of town too.  A reputable company should be able to send you a quote and a little shopping can go a long way to lowering the price.

To sum up this Marvin Infinity windows review I’d say it’s important to remember that these windows are pretty, but they command a premium price and they offer a very limited warranty.

You’re paying more for this product than you would be for a vinyl window.  That doesn’t mean this product is any better, but it sure does look nice.

You may be better off with a wood window with a longer warranty than this fiberglass product.  You’re paying the premium for the looks rather than for the efficiency and the look is still that of a simulated wood window.  A real wood window would look even better and based on the warranty it should last longer as well.

Take a look through several more reviews on wood, fiberglass, composite and vinyl replacement windows here.

What if I have more questions about Marvin Infinity or Essential windows?

We can help!  Find our Marvin Essential windows FAQ page here.  If you don’t see the answer to your question post a comment and we’ll answer your question for everyone to see.

Looking for any additional information on Marvin windows that you’re not finding here?  Post a comment and let us know.  We’ll be glad to help out!

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here. 

Okna 500 Reviews

The Okna 500 Series aka the Insul-Tec is the most popular model from Okna Windows.  It is certainly a next generation product that provides some features not found on older designs.  The Okna 500 is available in a range of options that allow for very solid energy efficiency ratings.  This model is built with a relatively slim frame which allows for good visible transmittance numbers as well.

okna 500 reviews
This is the optional auto-lock that locks when the window is closed.

It’s important to remember that certain features that may be on a sample window are options so you should be sure they are included if you want them.  Examples of these options are the auto-lock (shown above) and the foam insulated frames (shown below)

okna windows foam filled frames
The foam filled frames are a popular option to increase efficiency.

Two standard features that are certainly part of the next generation design are the fully welded sloped sill which drains water to the outside rather than through the frame and the mortised sill dam which provides for a very tight seal.  Okna windows consistently offer excellent ratings and these features contribute to that result.

Okna 500 air infiltration
See the mortised sill dam on the Okna 500 window. This feature allows for a very tight seal.

One aspect of this design that we’re not huge fans of is the exterior of the frame.  The design has a lot of details and shape which is supposed to look fancy, but we just find it busy.  It fits with the look of some homes, but not all and at the end of the day we’d prefer a window blend in with the home rather than standout.

okna 500 ratings and reviews
Notice all of the fancy designs on the exterior of the frame. For us this is just too busy.

What should an Okna 500 cost?

I used to have a range of price estimates for Okna 500 windows with installation listed here and I discovered that I was frustrating about as many readers as I was helping.  A friend of mine is an Okna dealer in Milwaukee and after learning more about his business I understood why.  There can be a lot of variation in the final price due to a number of factors.  Your best bet is to find a great local company and talk through the options with them.

You can be sure that a basic Okna 500 window installation should be substantially less than the $1,200 to $1,500 per window prices that we sometimes see folks post about.  This is a nice mid-range window that should work well for many people.

Remember, there are MANY factors that contribute to the overall cost of your project.  I would encourage you not to get a price in your head before you call a local company.  The best strategy is to get a few quotes from reputable local companies and see how they compare.  Some companies may try to charge more than others, so if you’re not comfortable with a quote you’ve received just get another quote.

Here’s a post I wrote on understanding window pricing. This is a fine window, but there are lots of fine windows out there.  Don’t feel like you need to work with a company just to get a certain product.

If you’re unsure about the window prices that you’ve received just post a comment and we’ll do our best to help you sort through it.

What’s the bottom line?

Overall the 500 Series windows from Okna are an updated design with solid performance numbers and a legion of devoted fans.  The model is the most popular product from Okna Windows and we can see why.

Other than the basic concerns about Okna Windows as a manufacturer the product performs well compared with most of it’s peers.  When comparing this model to options from other manufacturers make sure you’re comparing relatively new designs.  Older designs from generally well regarded companies (like Simonton for example) just don’t compare.

Find additional reviews on more Okna window models along with several competing options here.

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here. 

Soft-Lite Elements Windows Reviews

Here we’ll take a look at Soft-Lite Elements windows.  We were recently asked to write this review by one of our loyal readers are we’re happy to help.  When looking at Soft-Lite Elements windows you’ll quickly learn that they are billed as the “most energy efficient windows” produced in North America.  While they are awfully energy efficient when paired with the most expensive glass options, that level of efficiency is probably overkill for most folks.

Since they make the efficiency a cornerstone of the pitch for the Soft-Lite Elements let’s start there.  When the Elements window is ordered with the Solar Ultimate Glass the ratings are very low.

They advertise these windows with a U-Factor of 0.16 which is pretty darn good.  The trick is that lower isn’t always better when it comes to efficiency ratings.  For example, a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.21 is pretty low.  That’s great if you live in a climate that is dominated by high sun, but it’s not so good if you live in a colder area.  In colder regions you want to take advantage of the sun and this option would block out too much.

Perhaps more importantly the visible transmittance rating (VT rating) is pretty low with this option.  A rating of 0.37 means that the window will look dark.  It would be smart to look at a sample window with this glass option before purchasing to make sure you’re comfortable with how it will look.

Of course you probably wouldn’t pick this glass option unless it made sense for your home and in your climate.  The important takeaway here is that the claim of “the most efficient window” isn’t really relevant unless you’re going for bragging rights.  It is much more effective to pick a window and a glass option that is right for your home and your climate.

What about the look of the Solf-Lite Elements windows?

In our opinion when some windows try to be “high end” they end up working  a little too hard.  For example, the exterior of the frame of the window is full of curly designs that can look a little busy.

Some folks like all of these lines and the salesperson will probably tell you all about how this gives it the look of a wood window, but in our mind it’s a little much.  We like windows that look like they were always part of the home rather that one that tries too hard to stand out.

This is certainly a style factor and you might like a different look than we do, but consider that a window that looks fancy when sitting on your kitchen table might look a little too busy when installed in your home.

Another style feature on the inside of the Soft-lite Elements window gives it a very clean look.  The Elements window does not have the traditional tilt latches.  The tilt latches are incorporated into the locks which keeps the interior of the window looking clean and uncluttered.

In the past we have seen folks who struggled with how to tilt in their windows when they have this hardware.  It’s not exactly intuitive, but it works well enough.

The salesperson talked a lot about air infiltration.  Is it that special?

Air infiltration ratings are a big part of the pitch for the higher end Soft-Lite windows.  Their ratings are good, but they’re not unmatched.  For example, the published rating for a Soft-Lite Elements window is 0.01.  While there are several reasons this rating is a little deceptive (reasons described in our post on air infiltration ratings), there are other windows out there that achieve the same or very similar ratings.  We know every manufacturer wants to do their best to accentuate their strengths, but in our mind Soft-Lite goes a little too far with this pitch.

How about the warranty for Soft-Lite Elements Windows?

As is the case with all quality replacement windows they come with a “lifetime warranty”.  As always you need to really read the warranty to see what is actually covered.  In this case there are several important limitations:

  • Soft-Lite does not cover labor to fix a warranty problem
  • Soft-Lite does not cover shipping of replacement parts
  • Soft-Lite offers 2 versions of their window warranty, one with glass breakage coverage and one without.  Make sure you know which one you’d be getting.

These limitations aren’t necessarily deal breakers they are more limited than what you’ll find from several other manufacturers.

What’s the bottom line?

To sum things up, the Soft-Lite Elements windows are a nice option.  They can be configured to have great ratings, but the marketing claims tend to push the envelope a little too far.  Realistically they’re pretty darn similar to the ratings offered by many other windows.   It’s important to remember that unless you’re planning on living in the home another 50 years you may not realize any savings with a 0.01 difference in any particular rating.

If you’re looking for a “high end” option, you like the local dealer and you’re comfortable with the pricing, this is a fine option.  Just don’t let anyone make you think you have to spend $800 per window to get good quality.  You have several other options to achieve similar ratings so be sure to shop around if your not comfortable.  At $400-$500 for a typical double hung window this is a fine option.  Much more than that and you’ll be better served to keep looking.

Due to the way Soft-Lite windows are typically marketed you may be able to find a better value in the Soft-Lite Imperial LS window which is very similar.  There isn’t much reason to pay any more for one than the other.

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:

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Provia Endure Windows Reviews

Provia Endure is a window line that you may not be familiar with. While traditionally known as a door manufacturer Provia expanded into windows several years ago. The Endure line is their top of the line window model. Is it worth the cost and nicer than the competition? Is it worth the additional cost compared to the cheaper Provia Aspect window? We’ll see.

If you’ve recieved a quote for Provia Endure windows you probably heard all sorts of claims from the salesperson. The in-home window salespeople can be a tricky bunch. It’s certainly possible that the salesperson overhyped the products to try to get the sale.

Provia Endure window brochure and reviews.

What are the highlights?

In their marketing materials Provia talks about many features that are also available from many other window manufacturers. Things like 3-1/4″ jamb depth, upgraded balance mechanisms, reinforced sashes, dual vent locks, etc are all pretty common. A salesman might act like these are unique features but they’re not.

As an example, if you’ve seen their brochure for the Endure model you’ve probably seen this picture. It’s showing their sash reinforcement that they call Innergy compared to an aluminum reinforcement. The picture is meant to show you that the non-metallic reinforcement is much more efficient. What they forget to mention is that almost no nicer vinyl windows are using metallic reinforcement anymore except in specific situations.

Provia Endure features and options along with cost and warranty info.

As you can see in the picture the non-metallic reinforcement is better than aluminum but nobody really uses aluminum anyway so not too relevant.

In a similar strategy the brochure talks about Neopor foam insulation and barrier-fin weather stripping, both also very common options.

In short it’s a decent option but doesn’t really offer anything that you can’t get from many other manufacturers.

Do they offer blinds in the windows?

Provia does offer blinds in the Endure line, but that’s an option you might not want to rush into.

Provia Endure blinds in the windows.

While a lot of prospective customers ask about blinds in the windows it’s important to remember Provia only offers a 10 year warranty on them. 10 years can sound like a long time but it’ll go by in a flash. Blinds in windows can be a pretty expensive option too and if you need to replace them in 11 years get ready for a big bill.

If they expected the blinds to last longer they’d offer a longer warranty. By offering a short warranty they’re telling you that they don’t expect the blinds to hold up very long. I’d avoid that option.

What about the color options?

You can see the available colors for this window model below. Exterior colors have become increasingly popular and Provia offers a range of color options similar to most manufacturers.

Provia Endure painted exterior color options.

One nice feature is that the Provia window colors can match the door color options. That can let you get an exact match in your windows and doors which is unique.

Keep in mind adding exterior colors can add $200 or more to the cost of your Provia windows. You might consider white windows with a different color exterior trim as an option to keep costs down.

What should Provia Endure windows cost?

As you might expect lots of people ask us about replacement window costs and there isn’t always a simple answer. Everything is custom made and remodeling projects can be unique so prices can vary.

I’d say a reasonable cost for a white window with basic options would be in the range of $400 -$500 before installation. Some companies won’t want to break out their installation costs separately which can make things harder to compare. I’d say maybe $600-$700 per window installed is a typical cost.

Is there a Provia Endure patio door?

They do also make a Provia Endure patio door line and we’ll be completing a review on that product soon.

What about the Provia Endure warranty?

The warranty for the Provia Endure is the same as the Provia Aspect and it’s pretty decent. Like most manufacturers they offer lifetime warranties on their windows. There are however a lot of limitations.

For example, if the purchaser doesn’t live in the house, say it’s a rental, the warranty is only 5 years. In that case the warranty on the blinds goes from a short 10 years to a very short 5 years and there is no glass breakage warranty.

We’ll have a more thorough post on the Provia window warranties online soon. For now I’d say it’s a decent warranty but certainly not unique or any better than the warranty you’d see from any other nicer manufacturer.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Ultimately there aren’t really any patents in the vinyl window business. Most manufacturers offer a range of models to cover a range of price points. The Provia Endure window is perfectly nice but not really remarkable in any way. You can get basically all of the same features and options from many companies so there’s no need to fall in love with this one.

If you’re shopping for windows I do always suggest finding a great installation company before you fall in love with any particular window model. There are plenty of great window options out there but not as many local companies that are great to work with.

To find our recommended window companies all over the country check this section. If we know someone in your neck of the woods they’ll be listed there and they’ll be happy to help.

If we don’t know anyone local to you be sure to let us know who you find. I’m sure you’re not the only person looking.

Remember, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies in your area right here. There’s no need to work with a company that gives you the run-around or makes the process difficult. There are plenty of fish in the sea as they say. The best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies.

Best Window Company in Chicago – LJ Neal & Sons

People have been asking us to recommend a window company in the Chicago area for quite a while now so it’s about time we finish this post!

I’ve known the owners of LJ Neal & Sons for a while and I can tell you they are the best window company in Chicago.  They’re a family owned business and they’ve been operating in the Chicago suburbs for over 60 years.  They use the same no-pressue sales process that we’re always talking about.

LJ Neal & Sons is the best window company in Chicago. They’re the company you’ve been looking for.

You came to our site looking for information on replacement windows and hoping to find the best company in your area.   Hopefully you’ve found our information to be helpful and if you’re in the Chicago suburbs you’ve now found the best window company in Chicago right here.

Leo and Bridgette are supporters of the site and they’re available to help you with your project from start to finish.  In fact, they’re working on some new posts for the site that explain the types of triple pane windows and I think our readers are going to love them.

Does LJ Neal & Sons serve my area?

If you’re in the suburbs of Chicago they probably do.  From Orland Park to Naperville to Gurnee they cover just about all of the Chicago suburbs.  If you’re in the area and you’re thinking about new windows you should definitely give them a ring.

What kind of windows does LJ Neal & Sons offer?

Like most window companies they’ll offer a range of options to fit the needs of most customers.  As you can see in the logo above they specialize in triple pane windows and that makes sense in Chicago.

I grew up in the Chicago area and while I’ve since moved away to warmer climates I can tell you Chicago is an area where triple pane windows make a ton of sense.  Luckily LJ Neal and Sons will have triple pane and double pane options so you can pick the option that works best for you.

LJ Neal is the best source for replacement windows in chicago
This is a true family owned business. You can see the resemblance!

Will they send some pushy salesperson to my house?

Nope.  The owners, Leo and Bridgette, will personally come to meet with you to discuss your project.  That’s fantastic service.  In fact, they’ll even meet you on your installation day to introduce you to the installation crew.  You won’t find too many company with owners that involved in your project!

How can I get more info?

Great question.  We have established a direct way to contact them.  That way they’ll know that Dan from TheWindowDog.com sent you!

Just fill out the form below and they’ll reach out to you.  Your info will ONLY go to LJ Neal and Sons and we will always protect your privacy.

If you have any questions throughout the process I’m sure Leo and Bridgette will be glad to help.  Don’t forget you can always reach out to me as well.  Either post a comment anywhere on the site or drop me a line through the contact link and I’ll be glad to help.






By completing the form above they’ll know that you found them on TheWindowDog.com and they’ll be ready to help with your project.  You’re going to LOVE what Leo and Bridgette have to offer!

Are you the best window company in your town?  We’d love to meet you and our readers would like to find you.  Meet us here.

ThermaStar by Pella Series 20 Windows Reviews From Lowes

Update: While this ThermaStar by Pella window review was originally written several years ago it’s been updated as we continue to work to provide the best replacement window information on the entire internet and beyond.  See info towards the bottom of this post for the most recommended window companies.  Be sure to post a comment or send us a message with any questions!

Today in the top secret WindowDog lair we have captured a ThermaStar by Pella Series 20 replacement window.  You can find these sitting on the shelves at Lowes stores all over the country.  We captured this one at a store in Maryland and the same line appears to be in all Lowes stores east of the rockies.

Pella ThermaStar replacement windows from Lowes
Here is the Pella ThermaStar 20 replacement window from Lowes.


These windows are cheap and that’s the point.  This one cost us about $125 and it includes low-e glass and a full screen.  That sounds like the best price you’ll find for replacement windows.

best replacement windows of 2015

Is it worth the cost?

There are a few distinct drawbacks to buying stock replacement windows from a big box store like Lowes and this window will illustrates them well.

First, as you can see on the label, this window has a nominal size of 24×38, and an actual frame size of 23.5″x37.5″.  If the holes in your house happen to be just that size then you’re in good shape.  If not, you’re going to get creative.  You can rip down some lumber and fill an opening by an inch or two to make a stock window fit, but you’re not going to have the prettiest results.

The biggest drawback is the most obvious.  They just won’t fit right.  You can get cheap custom sized windows from distributors that will still be flimsy, but at least they’ll fit right.

Why are these so cheap?

Here’s a good example, look at this screen.  As you can see in the picture below it has a roll-formed frame, the spline is on the outside, the corner keys are exposed, and on and on and on.

Lowes replacement windows by Pella
That’s a cheap screen on the ThermaStar by Pella series 20 window from Lowes.

If you install this window and never touch that screen for the rest of your life it might hold up.  If you try to remove it, or open it, or stare at it for too long it’s going to bend.  I’m not sure if I have the words to describe how flimsy it feels in your hands.

Next, let’s look at the quality control.  This is a picture of the meeting rail.  You can see the big black scratch that came with this window along with the big thick welds.

Pella ThermaStar windows reviews
This Pella ThermaStar 20 replacement window from Lowes is in our office today.

This was a brand new window and while things do get dirty it’s hard to imagine how it got that scratch.  It may have come from the shelves at Lowes, but it was under the plastic wrapping.  More likely it came from the Pella plant.  It will probably come clean with some soft scrub, but it’s a chore I’d rather not deal with.

As an aside: Soft Scrub will clean anything off of a vinyl window.  It’s amazing.

Here is a quick look at the night latches that can limit how far the windows open.  This mechanism looks similar to many others out there.  I sometimes prefer the type without the button as this seems like it may be a failure point in the future, but it works ok for now.

Pella-ThermaStar-20-Night-Latch
Night latch on the ThermaStar by Pella series 20 replacement windows from Lowes.

How about the warranty on the Pella ThermaStar 20 windows from Lowes?

As you’d probably expect the warranties on stock windows from box stores like Lowes aren’t the same what you’d find on nicer windows.  In this case you only get 2-years of labor coverage to fix a manufacturing issue and the non-glass components are only covered for 10 years if you don’t live in the home.  Many folks might use these windows in a rental property so that is a factor to consider.  If you get the fancy blinds between the glass you’ll only get a 5 year warranty.  That’s an expensive option to only last 5 years.

You can download the entire ThermaStar by Pella windows warranty right here.

What’s the bottom line?

Well, the price was about $125, the quality is questionable, the sizes are limited and the warranty is pretty weak.  As you might expect this one isn’t a great buy.

If you’re looking to install windows yourself post a comment and we’ll try to direct you to a local distributor that can help you with custom made windows.  For something like $25-$50 more per window you can get a MUCH nicer custom made window.

For now you might want to take a look through our detailed replacement window reviews to get a better idea of your options.  You’ll be glad you shopped around.

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here. 

The Best Window Company in Atlanta – Window Universe!

Announcing the Best Window Company in Atlanta – Window Universe!  My good friend Don owns the  Window Universe store in Atlanta and he’s standing by waiting to help you with your window project.

Don over at Window Universe has been in the business for years and he knows windows inside and out.  He’s currently offering some fantastic windows with professional installation from factory authorized installers.  His lifetime warranty is backed up by the manufacturer who is a billion dollar company with 60+ year history in the manufacturing business.

Window Universe reviews

What can Window Universe do for me?

They can do a lot of great things for you, but the most important is that they can make this process easy.  Don and his team are experts at this and they know how to cut through all of the usual fluff to get you the info you need at the best prices in town.

It’s really easy.

Do they offer other products?

They sure do.  In addition to great windows and doors you’ll also see that they offer siding and roofing options to completely transform your home.

Even if you’re just thinking about windows now,  you can be sure they’ll be ready to help when it’s time to replace your roof down the road.  It’s nice to know you have a guy in the business.

How do you know Don at Window Universe?

That’s a great question.  As you probably know we’ve been working on this site for a while now and it’s gained quite a bit of attention in the industry.  I thought I knew a lot of people in the window business before and I know a whole lot more people now.

Don’s been a fan of the site for a while and he reached out a while back to see if we could work together.  After working together for several years he opened a Window Universe location in Atlanta to take his business to the next level.  He’s currently working on a few guest posts to help folks make sense of things and his many years of experience and invaluable.  Now that we have a business relationship I wanted to make sure our readers (you!) knew about this great local company too.

So how do I get a quote from Don? 

Good question.  His system is a little different from some other companies out there.  His process starts with an email.  When you fill out the form at the bottom of this page an email will be sent directly to the owner of the company.  Don will then be in touch to schedule your appointment.

You’ll see the form asks when you’re typically available and how urgent your need is.  This cuts out a few steps and helps them serve you faster and more efficiently.

If you’re in the Atlanta area and you’re thinking about new windows you owe it to yourself to fill out this form just to see what Window Universe can do for you.

Be sure to post a comment to let everyone know how it goes!








Get your FREE quote here!

We will NEVER share this info with anyone and you’re going to LOVE what Don has to offer!

Are you the best window company in your town?  We’d love to meet you and our readers would like to find you.  Meet us here.

Best Replacement Windows

So what are the best replacement windows?  There’s a question that’s been asked a million times before.  As you’re sorting through the options remember that there is no one “best” product.  If there was, everyone would know it and your decision would be easy.

Why isn’t there one type of best replacement windows?

There are several reasons, but the biggest factor is that different people want  different things.  For instance, some of our customers buy windows because they’re moving soon and they want to dress up the house.  Some buy new windows because they’re about to have a baby and they want to make the house less drafty.  Some folks buy new windows as part of a larger remodeling project and some folk just want to make their home more comfortable in the hot summer.  The best replacement windows for each of these folks are completely different.

So, before you can decide what the best replacement windows are for you, you’ll need to be really clear about these factors:

  • How long are you planing on living in the home?
  • If you don’t live in the home at all, are you flipping the house, renting or is a family member living there?
  • Rank these characteristics: efficiency, looks, durability/warranty, price

Once you have a more clear idea of what you’re looking for the question of what are the best replacement windows will become easier to answer.

For example, if you’re going to be renting the house you’ll want windows that look nice, and won’t cause problems.  Perhaps you’re less concerned with efficiency and price is probably an important concern.  You probably don’t want junk, but you also don’t need the greatest windows ever produced by mankind.

On the other hand, if you’ve just bought your new home and you’re undergoing a substantial remodel to turn it into your dream house that you plan on living in for the rest of your days you probably have a different set of priorities.  You want a product that looks great, keeps the house as comfortable as possible and will last a very long time.

Of course, even if you’re in the exact same situation as someone else you still may end up choosing a different product.  You might be more concerned about a product that looks and feels great like a wood window or maybe a fiberglass option while someone else might want the most efficient option available which would probably be a triple pane vinyl window.

 So you’re starting to see why there are so many options.  Why isn’t it easy to find answers regarding the best replacement windows?

Well, it’s a competitive business.  There are just about no patents in the industry so every company is building windows from the same parts and they’re fighting to earn your business.

Companies that are trying to produce the “best replacement windows” are all fighting to say they’re better than the rest.  Companies trying to produce the least expensive products for the price sensitive customer are all trying to be less expensive than the rest.

Keep this intense competition in mind when you’re learning about new windows.

A wise man once said, “before you can find the answer, you must find the question”.  Don’t bother trying to find the best replacement windows until you really understand what you want.

If you’re thinking vinyl windows and you’re interested in being on the low end of the price spectrum you’ll see companies all over the place advertising “new windows installed for $189” or sometimes even less.  Of course they’ll try to up sell you on all sorts of options so most end up being easily double that price.

You’ll also find companies that claim to offer the “best replacement windows” with a 3 hour sales pitch that leads to one discount after another in an effort to get you to sign up right away.  I always ask why they need to work so hard to sell these windows if they really are so good.  You’d think if they genuinely were the best replacement windows folks would just buy them and the dramatic sales pitch wouldn’t be necessary.

So, be sure you don’t waste your time meeting with companies and sorting through options until you have a clear idea of what you want.    Start to get an idea of what the best replacement windows for you will look like.

Once you have an idea of what you want and how you’ll rank the variables of efficiency, looks, durability/warranty, price you’ll be ready to start finding a local window company.  A quick google search will show you more window companies in your area than you can shake a stick at.  For example, when I google “replacement window company” I get 102,000,000 results.  That’s a lot.

Here’s another post on how to identify the best replacement window installation company.  stay tuned.   For now, take a look through some replacement window reviews get an idea of what’s out there.

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here.