The Sunrise Verde windows are a decent option. If you’ve been shopping for Sunrise windows you might notice that they offer several models but usually not all through the same dealers.
There might be one dealer in town offering Sunrise Verde windows, another offering Sunrise Essential windows and maybe a third offering Sunrise Essential windows.
The downside there is that the company offering the Sunrise window model that is the best fit for your project might not be a great company to work with. If that’s the case you’re better off finding another window product rather than dealing with a company that isn’t great to work with.
You should definitely not work with a company that treats you poorly just to get a certain window model. There are plenty of fish in the sea.
If the dealer in your town is a great company this isn’t an issue, but it’s something to be aware of.
What are the advantages of Sunrise Verde windows?
Like the other Sunrise windows you get the upgraded hardware and components in the Sunrise Verde windows line. That’s the same upgraded type that you’ll see from other nicer brands like Okna, Preservation, Gentek, etc.
I’d say that’s a good sign that Sunrise set out to make higher quality windows than many other companies.
Another advantage of the Sunrise Verde windows is that they come with foam insulation in the frames. This can be a good thing or it can just be an excuse for the salesman to add to the price.
So, whether or not foam in the frames is actually an advantage depends on the cost premium that they’re charging you. If this option is only $5 more than the Sunrise Standard windows without foam that might be a good deal. If it’s $100 more it’s probably a bad deal.
What are the disadvantages?
The disadvantages to the Sunrise Verde windows are similar to the other Sunrise window models. If the local dealer is pushy or expensive or otherwise not great you won’t have any options.
Also, Sunrise was recently purchased by low end window producer Mi windows. I assume they bought Sunrise to get some exposure to the nicer end of the market. If that’s the case, it makes sense.
Sunrise did have some management turnover in recent years which can be a sign of trouble. It’s also possible Mi windows bought them because they were on sale. That would be less of a great sign.
Ultimately Mi has all of the resources to make a nice window without buying Sunrise. Why would they spend the money? We can only guess, but it’s something to be aware of.
Do you get more glass area with Sunrise windows?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. In other posts we’ve pointed out how Sunrise brochures will often make comparisons that aren’t quite as clear as you might think. We talked about that in relation to the Sunrise warranty here and the Sunrise air infiltration here.
They do the same thing with glass are. Here’s an example from their brochure:
If you just saw this picture you’d think Sunrise windows will obviously provide more glass area than any other window, but that’s not exactly true.
It looks to me like this picture is showing you a Sunrise window vs Alside Ultramaxx. The Alside Ultramaxx windows are a super old design and they do use thick frames.
What Sunrise doesn’t mention here is that there are many other vinyl window options (including some from Alside) that will offer much slimmer frames.
So, it’s true that the Sunrise windows will allow for more glass area than this one other model, but it’s also true that there are many newer windows with slim frames. Sunrise isn’t particularly unique in offering this design.
Is the warranty on Sunrise Verde windows any good?
Yes. The warranty is the same for all Sunrise windows and it’s perfectly decent. If a salesman tells you that it’s super special or that it’s “unlimited” that’s not exactly true, but it is perfectly decent.
They offer a lifetime transferable warranty is the same as you’ll see from many vinyl window manufacturers. It’s certainly longer than the warranty you’ll see from wood or composite windows like Renewal by Andersen.
There are still limitations. For example, the exterior colors are covered against fading for 10 years and if your house burns down that would not be covered by the window warranty.
Overall I think it’s fair to say that the warranty on Sunrise windows is perfectly decent.
How efficient are Sunrise Verde windows?
We’ve talked about the efficiency of Sunrise windows in our other recent reviews. The bottom line is that the efficiency is perfectly good, but often presented in a way that makes them seem better than they might be.
We’ve written about the Sunrise windows air infiltration
in another recent review. Here’s an example using the Sunrise SHGC ratings.
As you can see in the picture above, Sunrise windows are available with a very low SHGC rating. That doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story. For example, a low SHGC rating is actually less efficient in a cold climate where you want heat from the sun in the winter.
The low SHGC rating can also mean the windows have darker glass which can make it feel like you’re always wearing sunglasses. A package like this might make sense in a hot climate but it won’t be the best solution everywhere.
If you’re ordering Sunrise windows you’ll want to talk to the salesperson about the available packages. Remember, lower isn’t always better when it comes to efficiency ratings.
What’s the bottom line?
Overall it’s possible that the Sunrise Verde windows could a good choice. It’s also possible that they could be overpriced. This is due to the distribution model that Sunrise uses where they only sell to one or two companies in any town.
Don’t feel like you’re stuck working with a company that treats you poorly because you have to have Sunrise Verde windows (or any other model). There are lots of great windows out there and there’s no need to feel pressured.
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.
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