Category: Replacement Window Reviews

The Gentek 1900 series is probably the middle of the road option for a new construction window. The quality is decent and they compare pretty well with other vinyl new construction windows.

As readers of the site will know, some of the Gentek windows are some of my top picks, but this model falls slightly below that mark. You’ll find it can provide a decent solution for a new construction window. If you’re a builder you might pick this model, but if you’re the homeowner I might suggest spending a little more for a nicer solution.

What are the advantages of the Gentek 1900 Series windows?

This model will have most of the same features as the Gentek 1700 series windows that we recently reviewed. They have virgin vinyl, welded corners and upgraded balances. These are pretty nice features for a new construction window.

The 1900 series model has a few more advantages. For starters, it’s available as a double hung window and not just as a single hung. If you’re not sure about the difference between those two styles you can find more info on that here.

Beyond all of that, the 1900 series model is also available with more frame options.

Here you can see the frame styles that are available. The 3-1/2″ flat casing is only available as an option on the 1900 series model.

This type of thing usually isn’t a huge deal to the individual homeowner as any installer can just install separate trim. This sort of feature is much more valuable to the builder as it will install faster and save time. If you’re building 1000 houses that can add up quickly.

What are the disadvantages to the 1900 Series windows?

The downsides to this model are basically the same downsides you’ll see in most vinyl new construction windows.

First, the air infiltration rate is defininltey higher than you’ll see from nicer replacement windows. For example, the air infiltration rate of this model is 3x or 4x as high as what you’ll see from the nicer Gentek window models. It’s still pretty good compared to other cheaper new construction windows, but it’s not great.

You’ll also see very limited interior color options which are increasingly important to new construction buyers.

Here are the available interior and exterior colors. You’ll see there are no woodgrain interior options which ins’t a huge deal. New construction buyers generally don’t pick woodgrain. That said, new construction buyers do ask for black interiors or other solid colors and the options here are pretty limited.

Another downside is the other style options.

Here are the grid options and you’ll see these options are pretty limited as well. There is no option for exterior grids and the available styles are pretty limited. If the style you want is included in this list then you’re in fine shape, but if you want anything else you’ll need to look for a different window.

What’s the bottom line?

Overall the Gentek 1900 Series windows can be a good option. The styles and warranty are a little limited, but everyone doesn’t want something super unique. If the style you have in mind is available that’s not an issue.

The warranty is more limited than some other options, but it’s in line with what you’ll see from most new construction windows.

If you’re building a house I’d probably recommend a nicer option, but if you’re a builder looking to pick a window model to carry this one may do pretty well for you.

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

Here we have Gentek 1700 Series windows reviews. First, it’s important to note that this is the cheapest new construction window from Gentek which means it’s not going to be as nice as the other options.

If you’re looking for a budget new construction window this could be a decent choice, but if you were looking for a nicer solution you might want to look at something else. Gentek does make the nicer 1900 Series and you can even get the top of the line Signature Elite model with a nail fin for a new construction application. Those options will be nicer, but they’ll also be more expensive.

What are the advantages of the Gentek 1700 Series windows?

These windows will have all of the features that are pretty standard these days like virgin vinyl, welded corners, etc. That stuff is pretty common.

Less common features are the upgraded block and tackle balances which will allow the windows to operate better and last longer than cheaper options.

These windows are also available in a wide range of configurations including all common styles, except double hung. Interestingly this model is only available in a single hung and if you want a double hung window you’ll need to upgrade to the slightly more expensive 1900 series model.

One nice feature is the clean and simple design. Below you can see a picture of the single hung window.

As you can see, the frame is slim and the glass area is large. Some other windows will use much bulkier or more cluttered designs and the simplicity of this model is nice.

What colors are available for these windows?

Here are the interior and exterior colors for the 1700 series windows.

As you can see there is a pretty wide range of colors available, including the popular black exterior. The interior colors are much more limited, just three options. There are no interior woodgrain options for these windows, but those are more commonly used in older houses so perhaps that’s not a big deal.

What are the drawbacks to the Gentek 1700 Series windows?

One drawback to this model is the warranty. It is MUCH more limited than the warranty on the nicer Gentek window models. The 1700 and 1900 series get the new construction window warranty which is called a “lifetime warranty”, but the devil is in the details. The insulated glass is only covered for 20 years, the moving parts are only covered for 10 years and the labor to fix a warranty issue is only covered for 1 year.

Beyond the warranty, another drawback is the air infiltration rate. Like most new construction windows the focus seems to have been on keeping the cost down rather than providing top quality. As a result, the air infiltration rate on this model is 3x – 4x higher than you’ll see on the nicer Gentek models.

What’s the bottom line?

Overall, this window is perfectly decent when compared to other new construction windows. You should note that new construction windows are typically the bottom of the line windows so that comparison isn’t saying much.

This product appears to have been designed to sell to builders who are very focused on price. If you wanted a nicer option you can find that elsewhere in the Gentek window range.

For a budget focused new construction windows this can be a solid option. Just be sure you understand that you’re not buying a top of the line window.

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

Are the Gentek 70 Series Windows the best choice for your home? Probably not. They go have some good uses so let’s see when it might make sense to use these windows.

It’s important to note that the Gentek 70 Series windows are a basically the bottom of the line window from Gentek. Now, it’s also important to note that Gentek tends to make nicer windows so the bottom of the line from Gentek is still nicer than many other window models out there.

If you’re comparing the 70 Series to another option I’d recommend looking at the Gentek 80 Series windows which are pretty similar, but a little nicer.

What is good about the Gentek 70 Series windows?

Similar to the 80 series, the 70 series offers decent efficiency options in the Barrier XP packages and they offer decent style options too.

While the color and style options can be a little limited compared to many nicer replacement windows they do tend to offer the most popular styles.

One advantage to the 70 Series is that they use very slim frames for maximum glass area. A while back I was talking with a customer who had an unusually small sliding window. The window was very short, maybe 11″ tall. In a window that small the glass area will be very limited. I suggested the 70 Series window to her to try to maximize the glass area in that tiny window.

Another reason someone might pick the 70 Series is the jamb depth is very small. It’s only 2-5/8″ deep which is thinner than most windows. That means it can work better in a prefabricated house or a mobile home. It can also sometimes make for an easier replacement window if the original window had a similarly shallow jamb depth.

How does the price and warranty compare?

The pricing is usually relatively low for this model compared to the upgraded Gentek models. The warranty is the same as the other models which is also a nice feature.

You get a lifetime warranty that is transferable when you sell the house and it covers labor too. You get all of that and it’s backed by a billion dollar company. Overall the warranty is a selling point and the prices are generally very competitive.

What are some downsides to the Gentek 70 Series windows?

In addition to the limited style options I mentioned earlier, the shallower jambs also limit the efficiency. There is no triple pane glass option for these windows and, similar to the 80 series, the air infiltration rates are higher than you’ll see from nicer Gentek options like the upgraded Signature Elite model.

What’s the bottom line?

If you need something very specific like a very shallow jamb depth or a 7/8″ nail fin or absolute max glass area for a very tiny window then this option could make sense. Otherwise, I’d suggest looking at one of the nicer Gentek models like the Signature Elite which is one of my favorite options.

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

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