Disclaimer: We recently started offering Alside windows (almost) nationwide for you to install yourself or with professional installation by the manufacturer. We do it all with no in-home salespeople. Details here.
Here we’ll be taking a look at the Alside Sheffield windows. The Sheffield windows used to sit near the top of the Alside window line. Very similar products are sold under various brand names including Alside Ultramaxx and Comfort World 6000 series. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better window than the Alside Excalibur or the Alside Mezzo (their other common offerings), but it does mean it will likely cost more.
In comparison to the newest window in the Alside line, the Alside Mezzo window (which we reviewed recently), the Sheffield doesn’t compare very well except in a few specific situations. For example, the Alside Sheffield window is available with triple pane glass while the Mezzo window was not when initially launched. The Mezzo window now has this feature available so that leaves one less reason to buy the Sheffield model. Obviously this only matter to you if you’re a triple pane kind of person.
Another point of differentiation is the fact that the Sheffield window has a few extra pieces of weather stripping. This sounds good and the salesperson might tell a great story, but if you compare the air infiltration ratings you’ll see the Mezzo is typically better. This tells you the extra weather stripping on the Alside Sheffield isn’t doing you much good. It provides the salesperson a nice story to tell, but it doesn’t do much else.
The biggest drawback in my mind is that the Alside Sheffield window uses a much thicker frame which reduces the glass area considerably. If you’re looking at samples in person take a look at the thick frame, especially the sill, and decide if that’s what you want in your home.
Alside Sheffield vs Ultramaxx
The Alside Sheffield and the Alside Ultramaxx share the same frame and ALMOST all of the same parts. There are only 2 two differences between these 2 products. One is the type of sill. The Sheffield uses a sloped sill that allows water to run off and the Ultramaxx uses a pocket sill that drains water out through weep holes in the frame. There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems.
The Alside Sheffield and Ultramaxx models are almost exactly the same product.
The second difference between the Sheffield vs the Ultramaxx is the lift rail on the sash. The Sheffield has a lift rail at the very top and at the very bottom. The Ultramaxx adds another in the middle of the window. Having trouble visualizing what I’m saying in this section? Don’t sweat it, these two windows are essentially the exact same product with different names.
To sum up the Alside Sheffield review I’ll say if you’re getting triple pane glass it’s a fine option. If you’re not this window does’t really make sense and you’ll be better off saving a few bucks with the Alside Mezzo.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Alside Fusion window warranty is one area that this less expensive model compares very well. We’ll go through the details of Fusion warranty on this page. When you get to the bottom you can find a pdf of the Alside Fusion warranty.
If you’ve been shopping for vinyl replacement windows you’ve probably seen that most window manufacturers offer “lifetime” warranties. At first glance it could appear that all of these warranties are the same, but they are certainly not. There are important differences that are important to notice.
One factor to keep in mind is the difference between parts, labor and installation. For example, if you get condensation in-between the glass panes in your windows what will you do? Do you call the company that manufactured the windows or the company that installed them? Do you get new glass or a new sash? Do you know what a sash is? Will anyone install the new parts for you? What if you get a leak in your window down the road? Will the manufacturer say it’s an installation problem and the installation company say it’s a manufacturing problem? What will you do then? These questions illustrate the important differences in “lifetime” warranties.
The Alside Fusion warranty includes:
Lifetime warranty on glass seal
Lifetime warranty on vinyl
Lifetime warranty on screens and screen frames
Lifetime warranty on moving parts
Glass breakage NOT covered (optional warranty is available and must be purchased or it’s not included)
1 year warranty on labor
Installation NOT covered (may be offered by your installation company)
The Alside Fusion window warranty is transferable, BUT when it transfers it becomes pro-rated after 10 years and is no longer a “lifetime” warranty. You might say you don’t care much about what happens after the warranty is transferred because you’ve sold the house and that’s not an unreasonable position. Perhaps it does speak to how long Alside is interested in standing behind the products.
Overall this is a pretty decent warranty as it includes several things that are often excluded (screens, hardware, etc). Remember that glass breakage is NOT included unless you get the optional warranty. Make sure you get this in writing if you think you’re supposed to. You don’t want to find out you don’t have it when the glass breaks 5 years from now.
On a positive note, Alside has been in business for over 60 years and they are owned by a $1 Billion corporation so they are likely to be around to honor their warranty long into the future.
The Alside Fusion windows are the newest offering from Alside. We were one of the first sites to get our hands on a sample of this new product. We’re thankful for the opportunity to write one of the first reviews of the Alside Fusion window. As The Window Dog continues to grow we’re always amazed by the recognition we’re seeing inside the industry. Anyway, back to the review…
Why does the Alside Fusion window exist?
This model replaces the older Centurion and Geneva products which were certainly ready to be put out to pasture. Some might say that this product update is long overdue, but it is a welcome addition to the Alside windows line.
It’s important to remember that this product is intended to be a lower-end offering. It’s not nearly as nice as the Alside Mezzo model that is much nicer. The Alside Fusion model was not designed to be a top quality product and it accomplishes the goal. Any “low-end” replacement window is designed and built for the extremely price sensitive shopper. It’s important to keep that in mind when deciding whether or not this is the right window for you.
Here’s a pretty picture of the Alside Fusion window.
This product was designed for a house flipper, a landlord
With that in mind it’s a decent window, but certainly not the best replacement window on the market.
It’s clear that Alside didn’t spend a significant amount of energy engineering a new product from the ground up. They basically retooled the now discontinued Alside Excalibur window to cut some cost out of it and rebrand it as a new, cheaper product.
The Alside Excalibur had been the most popular replacement window in the company’s lineup for many years, with millions of units installed across the country every year. That means Alside knew they would need to continue producing that model for warranty work for many years to come. Since they were going to be making these windows anyway they might as well make them share parts with the newer Fusion mode. That was a smart idea.
There are only a handful of changes in this new Alside Fusion product. I would guess the need to produce warranty parts for Excalibur windows was the reason for that.
Changes include:
Switching from double strength to single strength glass
Switching from heavy duty screen frames to lighter roll formed frame
Removing balance covers
Basically if you took an older Alside Excalibur window and installed thinner glass, a cheaper screen and removed the balance covers you’d have a NEW Alside Fusion window. Genius.
Does this mean it’s a bad product?
Absolutely not, but it certainly isn’t a great product either. The design is old and the ratings aren’t stellar. Remember, it’s not designed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. It’s designed to be a price point product and that’s exactly what it is.
So what’s the price of an Alside Fusion window?
As with everything in the replacement window business the retail pricing is determined by the company that will be installing them. Your mileage may vary, but here’s how we would expect the pricing to work.
The actual wholesale cost difference between a window like the Alside Fusion and a nicer product like the Alside Mezzo window is likely only going to be around $20-30. You’re likely going to see a much greater price difference when you actually get quotes. It’s likely that many replacement window companies will try to use the two different models to up sell the Mezzo window and increase their margins. I’d expect that you’ll see retail price differences in the neighborhood of $50 to $100 or even more.
Post a comment below to let us know what sort of retail prices you’ve seen for Alside Fusion windows.
What about the Alside Fusion window warranty?
The new Fusion window is covered by a pretty comprehensive warranty as are all of the Alside replacement windows. Remember, when assessing the value of a warranty that a large and well established company like Alside is very likely to be around for the long haul.
Some of the smaller window manufacturers like Gorell and others that have gone out of business in recent years leaving their customers with no warranty at all. That’s why we suggest working with a larger manufacturer like Alside.
What colors are available for Fusion windows?
Remember, this is a low end window so it only offers low end options. The Fusion windows are only available in white or beige.
If you’re looking for other color options you’ll need to look at the nicer window models, including several from Alside.
Do Alside Fusion windows qualify for federal tax credits?
No. These windows don’t allow for triple pane glass and as a result there is no efficiency package that would qualify for tax credits. If you’re looking for a window that can meet that criteria you’ll want to check out the Alside Mezzo or 8000 Series windows.
What are the 3 common mistakes people make?
The first mistake people make when considering these windows is focusing too much on the price.
We know the price is important, but the windows will be in the house for decades. Buying a cheap window like this is a mistake in my opinion. You’ll have these windows long after you’ve forgotten the price and you’ll be dealing with problems.
The second mistake is buying directly from an installer
Reputable window companies won’t be offering a low-end model like this for an important reason. They don’t want to deal with the problems you’re going to have.
We’d guess the only person selling these windows will be a handyman type or someone who is not a real window specialist. If someone is suggesting these windows you’re getting bad advice, but you’re also potentially getting bad service.
I know your window guy could be a friendly guy who you might not mind having a beer with. The problem is a small outfit like that could well be gone in 5 years and you’ll still have those windows. You’ll be much better off buying from an actual business that is more likely to be around for the long haul.
These windows are not very energy efficient. The air infiltration rates are high and the glass package options are limited. Efficiency is more important today than it was 10 years ago and it will be more important 10 years from now than it is today. Our advice is to get a better window.
So what’s the verdict?
Basically the Alside Fusion product is designed to be a low cost option. It’s a fine product for a house flipper or a landlord, but that’s about all it’s good for. If you’re living in the house and planning to be around for a while we think you can get a much better bang for your much with an upgraded product.
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 companies listed there will be able to offer higher quality options, often at very similar prices. There’s really no need to deal with a low end product like this and any company suggesting it is probably not a company you want to work with. Find the listings for the best window companies in the country right here.
Alside Mezzo windows are designed to be a middle of the road option and they accomplish that goal. This newly designed window addresses many of the shortcomings of the previous model, the Alside Excalibur.
Disclaimer: We recently started offering Alside windows and other higher end windows (almost) nationwide for you to install yourself or with professional installation. We do it all with no in-home salespeople. Details here.
While the Alside Mezzo windows use a newer design than many of their competitors, Alside has been around for quite a while. They’re a large US manufacturer. They have 5 US window manufacturing plants and their products are very widely distributed.
Advantages to Alside Mezzo windows
Slim frames to maximize light
Low air infiltration rates for a tight seal
Many color options available
Lifetime warranty backed by large manufacturer
Can qualify for federal tax credit
As you can see in the picture below, the Alside Mezzo windows have a slim frame to maximize the glass area. This is a factor we’ve repeatedly mentioned in our replacement window reviews. This is an important factor that is often overlooked by consumers.
Notice the slim frame of the Alside Mezzo windows.
In comparison, many other replacement windows will use thicker frames. This means the thicker window will provide less glass area in the same opening. That is something that is very important to many window shoppers.
The Alside Mezzo window is designed to be the workhorse of their replacement window line. It will likely become the most popular window they offer.
What are the Mezzo color options?
Like just about all vinyl replacement windows the Alside Mezzo window is custom made. As a result, the range of available options is pretty substantial.
They currently offer 13 exterior colors and 9 interior color options.
All combinations of interior and exterior colors are not available. It’s also important to note that far fewer colors are available in the west coast Mezzo model. You’ll want to talk to your salesperson about the options before you fall in love with an option that doesn’t exist.
They’ve recently added a black exterior option as that has become increasingly popular. The exterior color options do come with an additional cost and they look beautiful.
High quality screens
Alside has always offered a very high quality screen standard with their windows and they’ve continued that with the Mezzo. As you can see below, the screen is made of heavy duty extruded aluminum. In addition, the spline is on the inside to keep it out of the sun. The result is a screen that is more durable and better looking than most.
Alside Mezzo windows come with a heavy duty screen standard.
How about energy efficiency?
The Alside Mezzo window can produce pretty solid ratings for a double hung window. They are in line with other recently designed double pane windows and a solid step above previous generation products. For example, the Alside Mezzo window can meet or exceed the Energy Star guidelines. They can do this in all regions of the country with double pane glass.
As time has gone on these windows are still available to meet or exceed current energy star most efficient guidelines.
Do Mezzo windows qualify for federal tax credits?
Yes, they can. In order to qualify you’ll need to order windows with the Climatech PriME glass package. While the capitalization they use is ridiculous these packages are very efficient and will qualify for tax credits in most cases.
The PriME packages will be triple pane glass packages and they’re some of the most efficient options on the market. We commonly recommend these packages. We’ve written about the advantages of double pane vs triple pane glass here.
Alside Mezzo windows warranty
Newer vinyl replacement windows tend to come with pretty solid warranties and the Alside Mezzo windows are no exception. The Mezzo lifetime warranty is pretty robust and it is transferable to the next owner.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you get a written installation warranty from whoever is installing the windows. Alside, like almost all manufacturers, covers the windows and manufacturing defects. This means they DO NOT cover the installations unless ordered through the manufacturers installation program.
If you’re interested in ordering the Mezzo windows online we can help you with that here. We’ll send prices and info by email with no pushy in-home salesman.
Alside Mezzo windows cost
The retail price of Alside Mezzo windows depends on the company that is selling them. Alside distributes these windows through an extremely large network of independent dealers. They will each set their own retail pricing. Typical costs for windows like this would be in the range of $600-8000 depending on the options and colors chosen. Typical installation for Alside Mezzo windows would run in the range of $200-300.
Some companies do try to charge quite a bit more for these products so remember to shop around if you’re unsure. There is really no reason to pay more than $1500-2000 for a typical vinyl replacement window. For example a basic white custom made double hung window with professional installation can typically be found for around $900-1200.
Note the slim frame and the new contemporary locks of the Alside Mezzo windows.
Problems with the Alside Mezzo windows?
One problem we see is the continued use of the constant force or coil balance system. This is in line with the workhorse nature of this product as it’s not designed to be the very top of the line (mezzo means middle in Italian). The constant force balances are a less expensive option so they do contribute to the competitiveness of the pricing. At the end of the day it’s not the option we would typically pick.
It’s clear they were not trying to make a top of the line product when designing the Mezzo window. That’s ok because many people want a product that is good, but not too expensive. The Mezzo window can fit that bill.
In addition, Alside has had a reputation for questionable quality control at times. Some of this talk is driven by competitors or those companies that offer competing products, but some of it is real. Alside tells us they have invested in new manufacturing equipment for the new Alside Mezzo windows so only time will tell if these past issues have been corrected.
What’s the biggest problem?
The biggest problem with Alside windows is the fact that they sell them through any “contractor” who wants to sell them. Other manufacturers are more discriminating, only selling to reputable and well established companies. Alside windows are sold by almost anyone which means the friendly guy offering these windows might not really know what he’s doing.
We see customers having problems with Mezzo windows that aren’t really window problems at all. They’re installation problems, and sometimes the customer doesn’t even know it.
If you’re considering buying windows from a handyman or a jack of all trades type of operation you might want to reconsider. Buying windows from a company that specializes in windows will be a much better solution.
Disclosure: Our company has never offered Alside windows in the past. With the release of the Mezzo window we now occasionally offer this Alside product under a new program we have recently started. We also offer upgraded products that will be a better value in most cases.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
