I need to replace my nearly 18 yr old aluminum windows. Home Depot sales rep quoted me for Simonton windows 6100 and 6500 series. I've never heard of them. Reading forums it seems they are on par with Alside, which was quoted to me by Empire Today. Looking at the windows samples it seemed Simonton windows seemed better. Received a quote from Pella but they are just too expensive. Can I get any thoughts/recommendations/warnings about Simonton and/or Alside?

 

From what I have seen, both manufacturers make a good mid line window. As you have already found out, Pella, Andersen, Peachtree and others mainly sell higher end windows, and price them accordingly. Not knowing where you live, it would be difficult for us to advise on a particular line of windows. It has alot to do with cold of course, heat, wind, salt spray, house facing, etc. In some of the more intense weather areas, it is usually best to bite the bullet and be done with it, but in a milder climate, the Alsides, etc would do just fine.

 

Hi Thanks for your reply. I live in the Northeast, in CT by the shore. Basically it comes down to if I want higher or mid end windows. OK.
But check this out, HD gave me a quote of 7K for 4 windows and 2 sliding glass doors. Pella (Impervia series) gave me the same number for same replacements. Something doesn't seem right here, no?

 

Not sure what product the orange big box was quoting you, but Pella has higher end and lower end stuff, now. They had to compete somehow, and they couldn't do it with high end stuff only. Hope the 7k included installation, retrimming , etc.

 

7k seems like a lot.

I too am in the market for windows and i think i'll go with Anderson series 200 replacement windows which can be bought with screen for ~200.00 for most of my standard size windows.

I figure i can get an aircompressor with the finisher nailer and re-do any trim as necessary and still be ahead of the game since i have to replace at least 13 windows this season and possibly another 20+ next year - would HD really charge me near 100 grand for replacement windows?

 

Looks like I am the 3rd man out. I would not buy windows from big box, anytime. Simonton does make some OK windows, but look for a Simonton dealer other than big box. I have been an installer for Certainteed for a long time. But don't take my word for their quality, Consumers has rated them the best replacement window twice. I have had to deal with Pella a number of times, all bad. They do not honor their advertiseed quality. For a wood window, you can't beat Andersen, their renewal(replacement) windows are good, but a bit pricey.

 

Just replaced 6 windows with vinyl clad from the big box store. Yeah, they're cheap - and probably not nearly as good as I could get. But, I spent a bit under $200 per window... they look good, they fit, and took about one hour apiece to install. Probably need to be replaced within 10 - 15 years, according to the experts who tout higher end products....

BUT - in this transient society, where rarely does a homeowner plan on living in his home till he dies (I move frequently) - those cheap new windows will be a selling point when I move on - as the average homebuyer hasn't a clue about the brand nor the quality - but simply knows they are double pane/e-glass/and new. In this 80 year old house - that's going to be worth twice what I paid for them. I never expected my new windows to "pay for themselves" in energy savings - though they will, no doubt help lower my costs. But, they open/close easily, look good, and swivel for ease of cleaning (who cleans their windows enough to care?)

I've got 12 more to replace - and will do the same thing over again. _ The house - a $500K stone home in a solid old neighborhood of St. Louis.

 

You are certainly free to do what you feel is right. But why would you put CHEAP( in price an quality) windows in a 1/2 million dollar house?? Makes no sense to me. Just curious, not looking to start a major discussion.

 

Because I make money on every house I buy/sell (9 in 4 years so far). The new ones are energy efficient, look great, and work smoothly. What more could you ask for? I've never, ever had a buyer ask "what brand windows are these" when selling a home.

Would my daddy have used them? Probably not. Is it the right thing to do? Depends on each individual circumstance. Unfortunately, in today's disposable society - it may not be "right", but it's "normal".