Windows, windows and more windows

[UDRider]

So I am thinking of replacing some windows. I narrowed it down to two companies: Milgard and Simonton. As for product lines from Milgard either styline or Tuscony, from Simonton either 7300 or 7500. After doing much research and reading reviews I am not much closer to narrowing it down. I looked at Styline, Tuscony and 7300 in person. If I had to rate them in terms of appearance quality and spec I would go from "best" to "worst" Tuscony, 7300, Styleline. I haven't see 7500 but in theory it seem to be on par with Tuscony.

Is this a correct assessment? Is it worth paying extra for Tuscony or 7500?

What I liked about Tuscony is space between two glass panes is more (I think similar to 7500), the "water exhuast ports" were nice slits instead of just wholes like on Styline/7300. It had stop locks on top and bottom. So window can only be opened both ways. Styline didn't have any, and 7300 just on the bottom. The frame build quality looked better. Which does not translate to build better of course.

Thanks.

 

[daventura]

Pella, Anderson, and Marvin will be at least 50% more than Milgard.
And what do you get for twice as much money?
Lots more marketing, but not necessarily a better window.

Milgard DOES have a great warranty.

You didn't specify if these were going to be wood or vinyl.

I like wood, but that's just me.

I need more information to make a proper recommendation.

 

[250mL]

Where are you located? Simonton has a factory in Vacaville.

I had a Sacramento company install Simonton on two houses I've owned. I am very happy with the product and with the install company. They also gave the best quote on windows in the area.

It sounds like you are looking for double hung windows (both upper and lower panels move), instead of single hung (only lower panel moves). As far as I understand, the Simonton 7300 line is only a single hung, whereas the Simonton 7500 line can be single or double hung.

I needed to go with the Simonton windows specifically since they were the only company to make a double hung in a 48" width. The other companies would only go 45" or so.

Again, I am pleased with the Simonton product I've installed in two houses. Dollar for Dollar, I've heard Milgard to be of lesser quality than the Simonton. The Simonton windows also compare well in terms of value versus the Anderson or Pella windows (due to marketing as suggested above).

 

[UDRider]

Pella, Anderson, and Marvin will be at least 50% more than Milgard.
And what do you get for twice as much money?
Lots more marketing, but not necessarily a better window.

Milgard DOES have a great warranty.

You didn't specify if these were going to be wood or vinyl.

I like wood, but that's just me.

I need more information to make a proper recommendation.

I am in Santa Clara area.

Two of the windows will be double hung. So those will have to be either Tuscony or 7500, since as 250mlL mentioned, Styline/7300 don't have that option. The rest will be single slider. So there is a choice there.

Windows will be facing, west, south, east.

I was planning on going with Vinyl, argon filled, Loe coating. Whatever the marketing name each company uses for it . I think with Milgard it's SunCoatMax.

Where are you located? Simonton has a factory in Vacaville.

I had a Sacramento company install Simonton on two houses I've owned. I am very happy with the product and with the install company. They also gave the best quote on windows in the area.

It sounds like you are looking for double hung windows (both upper and lower panels move), instead of single hung (only lower panel moves). As far as I understand, the Simonton 7300 line is only a single hung, whereas the Simonton 7500 line can be single or double hung.

I needed to go with the Simonton windows specifically since they were the only company to make a double hung in a 48" width. The other companies would only go 45" or so.

Again, I am pleased with the Simonton product I've installed in two houses. Dollar for Dollar, I've heard Milgard to be of lesser quality than the Simonton. The Simonton windows also compare well in terms of value versus the Anderson or Pella windows (due to marketing as suggested above).

Yeah, when I looked at Styline vs 7300, the 7300 did look to be better quality. At least outside. From reviews I read Simonton warranty department doesn't seem to be the best thought. Although most reviews were at least two years old.

 

[250mL]

I think warranty work will largely depend on how well your installer stands behind you. My installer is a high volume customer of Simonton and I'm sure that would work in my favor if it comes down to needing warranty work.

Take a look at and compare crosscuts of the window frames. Again, if I remember correctly, the heft and build quality of the 7500 was very nice. It was told to me that the 7500 line has multiple channels molded into it for strength and as a thermal break. Compare for yourself.

Oh, IIRC, the Anderson windows are also more costly due to the different material they use. I don't think they use the typical vinyl material, but they have there own proprietary composite. Supposed to be more dense, rigid, larger variety of colors, etc... of course all at a cost...

Too bad you're not in the Sacramento-Vacaville area. I would without a doubt recommend the installer I chose.

Can I ask how many and what type of windows you currently have? In my case I had 10+ aluminum double panes from the 70's on each of the houses. The difference is absolutely amazing. It's a real no-brainer. Comfort increased dramatically, something like a 10* change without doing a thing (both cold and hot). The house used to heat up with very little lag with when the sun came up in our 100* heat. Where it used to be uncomfortable at 11AM, it is now is bearable until 4PM. There's a very noticeable decrease in sound transmission too.

 

[UDRider]

I am going to replace around eight windows. They are single pane, wooden frame, and probably twice as old as me.

 

[UDRider]

Added another one to my list Amerimax. Can't really find a lot of reviews on it either. Just general recommendations that they are about the same as Milgard and Simonton.

 

[insyder]

We put Anlin windows in our 70's era condo. They insulated better than the walls that surrounded them. Remember to consider factory tinting on windows that get a lot of sun.

 

[zphreak]

Too bad you're not in the Sacramento-Vacaville area. I would without a doubt recommend the installer I chose.

Who did you use? I have dual-panes that have failed. They would be covered by the home warranty but the window manufacturer is out of business. I need someone who can just replace the glass and leave the frame, I want to keep the same type of frames throughout the house. 4 out of 37 windows and the sliding glass door need replaced.

 

[Mr. White]

I had all the windows in my condo replaced with Simonton 7300 in 2010. I have nothing bad to say about them. And the "double" lifetime warranty can't be beat. Bay Area Windows Pros in Burlingame did the install, and I have no complaints about them either.

 

[Ratters]

Added another one to my list Amerimax. Can't really find a lot of reviews on it either. Just general recommendations that they are about the same as Milgard and Simonton.

I put Amerimax windows into my last house. The windows were great, the installers not so much, had to have them come back a couple times to fix things. The windows themselves cut outside noise tremendously and kept the interior temperature much more stable.

I need to get new windows when it will fit in the budget. I'll look into the Simontons since I live near Vacaville.

 

[Arminius]

I put Milgard in my last place. It made a huge difference in the summer. I could leave my windows open at night then close them in the morning and would not need to turn on the AC until late afternoon.

 

[cynner]

#homeownerproblems

 

[UDRider]

#homeownerproblems

Thank you for reviews everyone. Looks like you can't really go wrong with any of the three brands, just make sure the installers are good.

 

[Dubbington]

My Dad like's Jeld-Wen which Home Depot carries and sizes can be special ordered. Pella and Anderson are too expensive and Milgard didn't honor a warranty on some windows he installed on a home.