The Sunrise Restorations windows are the “top of the line” option from Sunrise. Does that mean they’re great windows or just good marketing? Let’s find out.
First, it’s been claimed that they call these windows “Restorations” because they were designed to look like wood windows to be used in restoration projects. That just feels like sales fluff to me. Many vinyl windows try to look like wood windows, that part makes sense. Unfortunately most historic projects will still require wood windows, vinyl just isn’t the right product for a historic restoration.
That said, vinyl is a great choice vs wood, fiberglass or composite windows in many circumstances. Let’s find out if the Sunrise Restorations windows are the right choice for you.
What are the advantages of Sunrise Restorations windows?
The salesmen selling these windows may tell you a lot of fantastic stories about their greatness. In my experience these windows are usually offered by the most sales focused companies out there.
That doesn’t mean the windows are bad, but it does mean that you’ll want to be careful which stories you believe.
It is true that the Sunrise Restorations windows will use the higher end block and tackle hardware vs the cheaper constant force type used by other companies.
These windows can also be very energy efficient and we’ll have more on that below.
The look of these windows can be a selling point, but it’s pretty subjective. Some customers want a window with many style details and other customers want something that looks more plain and blends into the house. There isn’t really one best option when it comes to style.
What are the disadvantages?
I would say the biggest downside to the Sunrise Restorations windows will be the price. There’s typically only one company in each city selling these windows. They do this to avoid having two dealers competing with each other. The goal there is to allow the dealer to maximize their profit. That’s good for the dealer but not always good for you.
Are Sunrise Restorations windows energy efficient?
Yes. The Sunrise windows will offer a range of energy efficiency glass packages that will provide perfectly good efficiency ratings. In general all nicer windows will have similar efficiency ratings available. That means one won’t typically be substantially better than another, but these windows will offer good ratings.
The air infiltration ratings for the Sunrise Restorations double hung windows will fall into the same category. The ratings will be perfectly good and in line with options from several manufactures.
Is the Sunrise window warranty any good?
Overall Sunrise does offer a decent window warranty. The fact that they’re a relatively small manufacturer is real. You’ll want to understand that if they were to have a lot of problems and vanish you’d be out of luck. This could happen with any company, but with a small company the risk is greater.
We’ll have a whole post coming out reviewing the Sunrise window warranty soon. When it’s published we’ll link it below.
What’s the bottom line?
Overall the Sunrise Restorations windows are nice windows. They’re usually sold at higher than average prices. It’s my suggestion that you may be able to find a comparable option from another manufacturer at a substantial savings.
Other popular posts about Sunrise Windows:
- Sunrise windows warranty review
- Sunrise windows complaints – Is there a problem here?
- FAQ – Sunrise Windows
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.
Good Morning!
I’ve been in the window business for 40 years. I’ve sold Sunrise Restorations windows for 17 years now and I’ve had them in my home for ten years. I also sell Marvin, Western, PGT and ProVia products. In the past I’ve sold Simonton, Soft Lite, Vytex, Owens Corning and several other brands. I’ve been the top producer with my present employer for 26 years out of my 27 years with them. In 2006 I was recognized as Simonton’s top producer for their top tier product at an awards ceremony in Key West. I sold and still sell with absolute integrity concerning pricing and product.
I said all that so I can say this with knowledge and integrity. The Restorations by Sunrise is absolutely, without doubt, the best performing window I’ve been blessed to present to my clients. Of all the case studies I’ve done with the various products I represent, the Restorations receives the most consistent positive customer ratings for efficiency and operation. In my higher end market, over one million, aesthetic values are predominant so Marvin is usually what I present.
The Restorations windows in my home, now for ten years, have shown no signs of warping, fading or chalking, even on the windows that receive constant IR exposure. ANY other vinyl product would be showing issues such as vinyl smile or color deterioration at the minimum. You mentioned a couple of times that dealers sell Restorations at a higher price because of exclusivity, no competition. We sell Restorations at a higher price because we pay more for the product. My job is hard enough without inflating cost just because of exclusivity. The margins I am required to maintain are indeed fair, as well as the same across our entire product line. I hope this information was helpful in some way.
Blessings Window Dog!
I hope you continue to do well selling windows. I don’t think any reputable window products will chalk or fade and I do think the efficiency ratings for Sunrise Restoration windows are in a similar ballpark with many other options. I’m glad you’re happy with them and that you have many happy customers. Thanks for writing.
Replacing 20 double hung and 2 casement windows. Would appreciate any feedback on the following quotes in Maryland:
Option 1: V5000 Restoration (Sunrise)
$22,600.
The installation company said the V5000 Restorations are the Sunrise Restoration windows rebranded by the Manufacturer that bought them (MI Windows). They also said MI has not made any changes to the windows. Does anyone have any more information on this? Should I be concerned since MI has a reputation for being cheap but Sunrise Restorations have a solid reputation? The install company for this quote is top notch
Option 2: Okna Insul-tec 500 Series – DX Heat Seal Spacer Glass System
$20,392
The install company here is a decent size but no where near as much info as the company in option 1.
Appreciate the feedback!
Which windows have you chose? I am on the market for replacement windows and I was thinking about Sunrise Restorations. Are Sunrise windows still good after being bought by MI windows?
I picked the restorations and am very happy with my choice.