Category: Replacement Window Reviews

Are the Gentek 80 Series windows the best choice for your home? Let’s find out.

First, it’s important to note that the 80 series windows are designed as a new construction window but they can be used in replacement applications as well. The downside to using a new construction window is that they are generally designed to be lower cost options. That can be bad if you’re looking for a better than average solution.

Now, the Gentek 80 Series windows are generally some of the nicer new construction windows out there. That means they’ll often be a better choice than more commonly used, and lower end, windows.

What are the best features of the Gentek 80 Series windows?

I’d say the best features are the efficiency options. These windows come with a 1″ insulated glass package and many of the Barrier XP efficiency packages that are available throughout the rest of the Gentek line. They are available with triple pane glass or double pane glass and they’re also available with the upgraded Super Spacer (although you must specify that when ordering).

Beyond the efficiency packages the Gentek 80 Series windows are also available in a wider range of colors than a typical new construction window.

In the picture above you can see the interior and exterior color options for these windows. You certainly can find other window products with many more color options, but these tend to be some of the most popular options.

What other style options are available?

Below you can see the options for grids which are the main style option. They’ll have all of the popular patterns, including craftsman grids. These are pretty common styles that you’ll see from most manufacturers. There’s nothing too special here, but it does accomplish what most people are looking for.

What is the warranty for the Gentek 80 Series?

These windows come with a lifetime warranty that is transferable to the next owner. This is pretty common among nicer vinyl windows. It’s a great feature to have but it’s not a huge differentiator since it’s offered by many companies.

One aspect of the warranty that is often overlooked is that it also covers labor to fix a warranty issue. That is something that all companies do not offer and it’s a great feature.

What are the downsides to these windows?

There are a few downsides to this model. For example, we mentioned earlier that the style options are a little limited. For example, there aren’t many colors available, there are no options for upgraded hardware and no option for exterior grids or blinds in the glass.

Those limitations aren’t too unusual for a new construction window, but they might be important to you.

Beyond the style, the air infiltration rate is also a little higher with this model than we would like. That measures how much air can get through the window when it’s closed and locked.

The air infiltration rates for the single hung 80 Series varies between 0.17 and 0.20 in the standard configuration. To be fair that’s good enough to get the AAMA Gold Seal so it’s not horrible. That said it’s also not nearly as good as the nicer Gentek Signature Elite window that we’ll be reviewing shortly. As a point of comparison, the Signature Elite has a significantly better air infiltration rate of 0.04. If air infiltration is a concern for you we might suggest looking at the upgraded model instead.

What is the bottom line?

Overall the Gentek 80 Series is a decent new construction window. It’s available with a stucco fin or a nail fin or as a box frame for a replacement application. Some of the style options are a little limited but that won’t matter if the styles they do offer work for your project.

This isn’t the nicest window Gentek makes, but it’s a perfectly decent choice for many projects. And, the warranty is pretty solid as well.

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:

• Gentek window reviews
• Triple pane vs double pane windows
• Can you get window prices online
• How to find a great window company

If you’re thinking about a Gentek 5100 sliding door you may want to think about a different option instead. We recently reviewed the newer Gentek Sanctuary door and you may find it to be a better option.

If you are still considering the 5100 sliding door you’ll want to be clear about the reason. Overall this isn’t a very great door, but there might be a reason that it could still make sense for you.

Why isn’t the 5100 sliding door any good?

For starters this is a very old design. I worked for the parent company of Gentek, Associated Materials, back in 2004 and this model was not new then. It’s old.

Old doesn’t necessarily mean bad, but this was a low end option back then and it hasn’t gotten any nicer with the passage of nearly 20 years.

Just in case you didn’t believe me when I said this was an OLD design, here is the picture from the cover of the brochure. Look at the TV in that living room. This is not a recent picture. I would guess they last updated this picture about 20 years ago.

Ok, but what are the real downsides?

One drawback is that this door is pretty flimsy. It comes with the vinyl frame assembled and it’s about the most wobbly thing you’ve ever seen. In my experience the door doesn’t seal very well and it really does feel cheap.

What colors are available?

Hardly any. You can only order this bad boy in white or beige. No other colors are available.

Can you get blinds in the glass in this sliding door?

No.

Why would someone pick this model?

The one redeeming characteristic of this door is that you can get custom sizes that are not too expensive and they come in quickly.

If you need a custom sized door for a flip house or a lower end rental this could be a fine option. Otherwise I’d look for the nicer Gentek models.

What’s the bottom line?

Gentek makes some very nice products. They make a nice patio door called the Sanctuary and if you’re in the market for a sliding door that’s the option I would suggest. The Sanctuary door is pretty nice, but this 5100 model door is not.

If you’re enticed by the low cost custom sizes that are available just know that you’re getting into so you’re not disappointed later.

Other posts you might find helpful:

• Gentek window and door reviews
• Why you should NEVER buy Simonton windows
• Is triple pane glass worth the cost?
• Top lies told by window salespeople 
• The easy way to get window prices by email?
• How to find the best window companies in your town?

The Sanctuary sliding door from Gentek is the nicest sliding door option that Gentek produces. Is it a nice enough door for your home? Let’s find out.

As readers of the site will know I tend to be a fan of many of the Gentek products and as a result my company does offer them in some markets. Of course there are Gentek products that I’m not a big fan of, like the Concord Plus window. Luckily the Gentek Sanctuary sliding door is a pretty decent option and here we’ll look at it in more detail.

For starters, the Sanctuary sliding door is available in three configurations.

This is a little unusual, but this door can be ordered with a typical 3″ wide sash, a wider 5″ sash or it can be ordered in a French style.

That terminology may be a little confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple. Below you can see a few pictures that will illustrate the differences.

As you can see above this is the door style that is designed to maximize light. When we’re saying this model has 3″ rails we’re talking about the parts that are circled in the picture. They call this the contemporary style.

You can see the Classic style in the picture below. This option uses 5″ rails for a more substantial look. The downside is that the glass is a little smaller due to the thicker rails.

As you can see in the picture above the thicker rails of the Classic style do give the door a nice look. This option is a little more expensive and it does have less glass area so you’d need to decide which you prefer.

What about the French style sliding doors?

Here’s the French style door and you can see how it has a thicker bottom and top rail to look more like a French style door. This Sanctuary door still opens by sliding which means it doesn’t take up space when it opens and it seals very well.

This is a bit of an unusual style. To my knowledge Gentek copied this style from Andersen. It’s not the most popular option but the people who order it tend to be very happy with it.

What about the energy efficiency?

The Sanctuary doors are available with all of the same Barrier XP glass packages that you can get in the Gentek windows. That means there are hundreds of available packages. You can get just about any configuration that you’d like or your dealer can probably make a recommendation or two.

Here are a handful of popular packages. You can see U-Factors are available down to 0.20 with triple pane glass and common double pane packages are at 0.27.

What colors are available for the Sanctuary sliding doors?

There are a wide range of color options available. Here you can see the interior and exterior color options.

It’s important to note that all color combinations are not available so you’ll want to talk to your dealer about the availability. Also, custom colors are NOT available at all. For most folks this isn’t an issue, but something to be aware of.

What are the other popular features?

You’ll get make great standard features with this door like multi-point locks, extruded screen frames, powder coated hardware, durable rollers, etc.

Then, there are a range of optional features available like a foot lock for added security or an exterior key lock. You can also get upgraded decorative interior handles, shown below. The standard hardware will be color matched to the door.

Can you get blinds in the glass?

Yes you can. The blinds for this door are a little unique in that they come with a 20 year warranty. Most other manufacturers only offer a 10 year warranty on blinds so that’s a pretty big difference. The blinds raise and tilt and you can still get efficiency packages with the blinds, also a little unique.

What sizes are available?

These doors are available in 2, 3 and 4 panel configurations from 4′ wide to 12′ with custom sizes also available. They’re also available in 8′ tall models which is not the case with every door. If you have a challenging door opening this could be a great model. Just be aware that custom sizes can get a little expensive and they can take a long time to come it. Gentek tells us they’re working to improve lead-times for custom doors, but we’ll believe that when we see it.

What’s the bottom line?

This is a good quality door with great efficiency options, many common color and style options and a lifetime warranty to back it all up. It doesn’t have some of the newer features like a top hung screen or an additional locking bolt at the top of the frame, but those are features that are often more fluff anyway.

Overall Gentek has a very solid door option in this Sanctuary model.

Other posts you might find helpful:

• Gentek Sequoia window review
• Why you should NEVER buy Simonton windows
• Is triple pane glass worth the cost?
• Top lies told by window salespeople
• The easy way to get window prices by email?
• How to find the best window companies in your town?

How can you find a great window company?

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

Let us know how it goes.

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

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

What are the advantages of the Gentek Sequoia Select windows?

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

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

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

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

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

Overall, this is a pretty good quality product.

What colors are available?

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

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

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

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

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

What is the warranty on the Gentek Sequoia Select windows?

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

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

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

What are the downsides of the Gentek Sequoia Select windows?

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

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

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

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

What’s the bottom line?

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

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

How can you find a great window company?

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

Let us know how it goes.

Other posts you might find interesting:

• Can you buy Gentek windows online?
• Gentek Concord Plus windows reviews
• Window sales tactics explained
• How to find a great window company

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

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

What is the history of the Gentek Concord Plus window?

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

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

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

What are the advantages of the Gentek Concord Plus window?

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

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

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

What are the downsides to the Gentek Concord Plus window?

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

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

What’s the bottom line?

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

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

How can you find a great window company?

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

Other posts you might find interesting:

• Gentek window reviews
• Triple pane vs double pane windows
• Can you get window prices online
• How to find a great window company

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

First, these two Simonton patio doors are the same.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can I find a great window company?

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

Other posts you might be interested in:

• Can you order replacement windows online
• Alside 6400 Patio Door Review
• Triple pane vs double pane glass
• How to find the best window companies
• Simoton window complaints
• Top lies told by window salespeople

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

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

What about the features of the 5500 Inovo Patio Door?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the other features this door offers?

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

Does Simonton offer blinds in the 5500 Inovo patio door?

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

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

How energy efficient are the 5500 Inovo patio doors?

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

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

What’s the bottom line?

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

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

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

Other posts you may be interested in:

• Alside 6100 Patio Door Review
• Simonton Windows Complaints
• Window Sales Tactics
• Simonton 5500 Windows Reviews

Our Simonton Madeira windows reviews are here to help you determine if these are the best windows for your home. The short answer, maybe not.

The Madeira windows are decent enough. Sometimes people think I’m too harsh when talking about Simonton windows, but I continue to think they are at best solidly mid-range.

As we get started, I’ll point out something a little silly. The pictures in the brochures for the west coast Simonton window models like the Verona are just a little silly. If you had a very fancy marketing budget to pick pictures that will be used for a very long time is this the picture you’d pick?

I mean, that’s a fine looking house, but it can’t possibly be the best possible option.

What are the features of the Simonton Madeira windows reviews?

The features of this model are pretty basic which is a common thread among all of the Simonton windows. There’s nothing too fancy but the important things are there.

The features listed above are pretty typical among all vinyl windows. The equal site lines are nice. I was just pointing out the uneven glass sizes in the Simonton Verona window and they’ve fixed that in the nicer Madeira windows.

The “Air Look” feature is a funny one to point out because almost every vinyl double hung window has the same night latches that allow the window to open a little bit while remaining locked.

Are Simonton Madeira windows energy efficient?

Sort of. They talk a lot about the efficiency but the actual efficiency ratings are rather unremarkable.

You can see they compare the 0.30 U-Factor to Brand “X” with a 0.35 U-Factor. Somehow they forgot to mention that basically every vinyl double hung window will have a U-Factor of 0.30 or lower. Lower is better when it comes to U-Factors so this graphic is basically saying that the efficiency here is very average.

To be fair, when you pick some of the ProSolar packages the efficiency ratings can get better. They have options as low as 0.23 which is actually pretty good. If they would have used 0.23 in the graphic above it would look a lot better. Another failure of the brochure design team if you ask me.

Simonton does offer an upgrade to Super Spacer which is a nice efficiency feature. The change in spacers doesn’t make a huge difference in overall efficiency but it does improve the condensation resistance rating and has some other advantages as well.

What about the Simonton Madeira window warranty?

The warranty is pretty decent on this window. Here’s a chart that illustrates the highlights.

As you can see the Simonton DaylightMax and Madeira windows have the same warranty. The residential warranty, meaning it’s a house you’re living in, is good for as long as you own the house and it’s transferable when you sell the house.

You get glass breakage coverage standard and basically all components of the windows are covered. In addition the warranty is backed by one of the larger window manufacturers in the country. In my opinion the warranty is a great selling point for this window.

What’s the bottom line?

The Simonton Madeira window is pretty basic but overall a decent window option. There aren’t any particularly interesting features but the windows look nice and the warranty is pretty strong.

It’s certainly not a top of the line window, but it could be a perfectly good choice if you’re looking for basic options.

If you’re looking for a better option you can find our list of recommended window companies right here.

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

Post a comment below and let us know. It’s always our goal to post accurate info along with our opinions and I’m interested in your opinion as well.

Other posts about Simonton windows that you might find helpful:

• Simonton Windows Reviews
• DaylightMax Windows Reviews
• Simonton Verona Windows Reviews
• Window sales tactics
• How can you find a great window company near you?
• Can you order windows online?

How can you find a great window company?

When 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 know which companies to avoid you can find common window sales tactics here. That’s become one of the most popular sections on the site.

In addition, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies 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. In conclusion, the best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies here.

Find the best replacement window reviews online right here. 

Here we have Simonton Verona windows reviews so you can see if these are the best windows for your home. First, the Verona is a west coast model so if you’re not in the west you’ll want to look at different Simonton window models.

Assuming you are in the west then the Verona is a model you may be considering. It’s typically not an option we’d recommend and below you’ll see why.

For starters, the Simonton Verona window frame is a weird shape. Look at how much narrower the glass is in the bottom sash than the top. It’s not completely unusual for a window manufacturer to use smaller glass in the bottom sash but the difference in sizes here is pretty extreme.

What are the features of the Simonton Verona windows reviews?

Well, there really isn’t much to talk about in terms of features. This is just a basic cheap vinyl window with basic cheap features.

It seems they can’t even find much to brag about in the brochure for these windows. If the marketing department can’t find anything great to talk about you know there’s really nothing special to see here. The features listed above are features you’ll find in just about every vinyl window in the world. There’s nothing interesting at all to talk about with this window.

What is the warranty on the Simonton Verona windows?

The warranty for these windows is relatively decent considering their low end nature. You get a lifetime warranty that covers the frames, hardware and glass.

The warranty does not cover glass breakage and if you transfer the warranty it is only good within 10 years of the original installation. The screens also only come with a 1 year warranty so that’s a little short.

Considering Simonton is a large nationwide manufacturer the warranty should hold up for a very long time and I’d say that overall the warranty is decent.

What’s the bottom line?

If you were my buddy asking me if you should get these windows I’d say no. There are many other nicer options out there. This one is a pretty basic window that should also come with a pretty basic price.

If you’re looking for windows for a rental house this might be a decent choice, but I wouldn’t put these windows into a house where you’ll be living.

If you’re looking for a better option you can find our list of recommended window companies right here.

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

Post a comment below and let us know. It’s always our goal to post accurate info along with our opinions and I’m interested in your opinion as well.

Other posts about Simonton windows that you might find helpful:

• Simonton Windows Reviews
• StormBreaker Plus Windows Reviews
• Simonton window complaints
• Window sales tactics
• How can you find a great window company near you?
• Can you order windows online?

How can you find a great window company?

When 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 know which companies to avoid you can find common window sales tactics here. That’s become one of the most popular sections on the site.

In addition, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies 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. In conclusion, the best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies here.

Find the best replacement window reviews online right here. 

The Simonton DaylightMax windows reviews are here to help you decide if these are the best windows for your home. Most window salespeople can make the process of picking new windows very difficult. We’re here to make this process just as easy as we can.

What’s the most important aspect of the Simonton DaylightMax windows reviews?

They have slim frames to maximize glass area. They do this because this can be a big deal to some folks and this model is designed for those customers.

In the picture above you can see what we’re talking about. The two windows shown are the same size but the glass is much larger in the window on the right. That said, these comparisons are often a little deceptive as the companies will always use a very thick window to be the window on the left. It’s not necessarily a competing slim design window on the left side.

Notice how they don’t even tell you what window model that other one is. They could do that if they wanted, facts are facts, but they don’t and that makes comparing the options harder.

If you’re concerned about glass area you can ask any company for the glass dimensions so you have something to compare. Another quick trick is to ask them for the VT rating for the window model with clear glass. In my experience, that’ll be a fast way to determine how much light is blocked by the window frame. The higher the VT rating the better.

Are there other upsides to the Simonton DaylightMax windows reviews?

Not really. Other than the slim frame it’s a pretty basic window model. The big mistake that Simonton makes is only using slim frame designs in their cheaper windows.

Interestingly there are several strange mistakes in their brochure for this window model. For example, see the pictures below.

The strategy here is pretty strange. They show the windows in the same house but the angle is different so it’s hard to compare. Interestingly, they also use a stucco flange which makes the frames of the DaylightMax windows look thick. If they had used a block frame window it would have looked much smaller. That’s the opposite of what they were trying to show. Why would they do that? Who knows.

Then they made another strange strategy decision by including windows with very sloppy caulking in the brochure. I can’t imagine they couldn’t get an installer who could do this better.

Moreover, even if they couldn’t get the caulking fixed they could have fixed it in Photoshop in about 30 seconds.

Of course the weird brochure pictures don’t really have anything to do with the quality of the products, but it’s strange to me that a big company with a decent marketing budget wouldn’t make the brochures a little nicer.

What’s the bottom line?

In my humble opinion Simonton has their product line all screwed up. They take a nice feature that customers want, like slim frames, and they put it in their cheaper windows.

That means in order to get the slim frames and maximum glass area a customer has to accept other compromises and that doesn’t seem like a great strategy.

In the old days companies would use the thicker framed windows as their “high end” windows and Simonton seems stuck in that mold. That said, I wouldn’t recommend this window model because I think there are other better options out there.

If you’re looking for a better option you can find our list of recommended window companies right here.

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

Post a comment below and let us know. It’s always our goal to post accurate info along with our opinions and I’m interested in your opinion as well.

Other posts about Simonton windows that you might find helpful:

• Simonton Windows Reviews
• StormBreaker Plus Windows Reviews
• Simonton Impressions 9800 Series Reviews
• Window sales tactics
• How can you find a great window company near you?
• Can you order windows online?

How can you find a great window company?

When 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 know which companies to avoid you can find common window sales tactics here. That’s become one of the most popular sections on the site.

In addition, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies 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. In conclusion, the best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies here.

Find the best replacement window reviews online right here.