Simonton 5500 vs Andersen 100

10 years ago

Hello to all out there, I've appreciated reading many of the window forums and learning much about replacement windows. Im replacing 10 various sized DH single-pane wood windows. We've narrowed our choice down to Simonton 5500 and Andersen 100. The quotes we received from our local lumber company are as follows:

10 DH standard package 5500's (one unit with tempered glass) without installation $3100

10 single hung 100's (one unit with tempered glass) without installation $2864

Despite the fact the 100's are single hung, I prefer the more narrow profile and more wood-like appearance.

From my research the 5500's seem well respected and reviewed, but have a bulkier frame. Also I have concerns about the vinyl possibly off gassing, I don't know if this is a concern with the fibrex material.

Both of the windows are within our budget range.

Any opinions/information/experiences are appreciated!

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Comments (6)

mmarse1
10 years ago
The off gassing is a joke and doesnt happen. The 5500 is a pretty good mid grade window. The higher end vinyl offerings would be Okna, HiMark,
sunrise, and Soft Lite. Andersen doesnt come close in performance.

A direct competitor to Andersen Renewal is Okna Starmark which is a cellular pvc and has MUCH better energy performance numbers than Andersen. Its a heck of a window,
toddinmn
10 years ago
I'd say they both off-gas but would not enough to be concerned about, probably get a different answer every time you ask.
I do like the 100series casement window but do not care for the sill design or tilt feature of the single hung.
the price on the 5500 seems a little high, but maybe not knowing the sizes or options.
There are other vinyl windows with a narrow profile that are of good quality that should fit that price range,
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I work at a dealer of both of these brands. They are difficult to compare unless you are comparing Anderson's lower line of window (American Craftsman/Silverline) with Simonton's windows because once you move to Anderson 100 series and above, you change from Vinyl windows to Fibrex. Fibrex is a better product. It is stronger than vinyl. Also, I believe the cut of Anderson's glass is better than Simonton's cut. If you stand at a sharp angle, you will see what I am talking about, but nobody but a dealer will notice that. That is not to say anything bad about Simonton. Simonton is a company that is always on top of their orders. You get your windows quickly with them. Also, they perform excellently. That shows in the strength of their warranty, which is better than Anderson's warranty. So with Simonton you are getting a very durable window from a company that backs up what they produce, and you get it quickly, which is why builders will prefer them. Also Simonton is a far superior product to American Craftsman or Silverline products. With Anderson 100, 200, 400, or "A" series, you are getting a high quality window with a company that has a proven track record of producing the best, and you are getting many more options. Hope this helps.
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magenta1295
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for the responses. From my research I understand the 5500 would be more in my price range than the higher offerings by okna, himark, sunrise and softlite, Yet it seems to be a reputable company and solid window. Here's the price breakdown, without installation:

Simonton DH 5500, standard

1 unit 28x46 $300
1 unit 28x40 $285
5 units 28x53 $300 each
1 unit 28x53 tempered glass $300
2 units 34x50 $320 each

I'm in the Cleveland Ohio area. Do these prices seem competitive/fair?
magenta1295
Original Author
10 years ago
Also,
toddinmn,
what other good quality vinyl replacement units would you recommend that have a more narrow profile than the 5500?

thank you again for your time and responses!
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
The off gassing argument is bunk.

There are more toxic pollutants in your home from a couple of cabinets than there are from some uPVC windows.

Andersen will have just as much, if not more, coming of of it than will the Simonton.

Where is the home located?

The Sunrise is a very narrow profile as is the Soft-Lite Imperial Pro and Bainbridge.

I would check into those other brands before you rule them out.
toddinmn
10 years ago
Check brand's WOW mentioned. I think the pricing is on the high side for the Simonton's.
The OP is in Cleveland.

Simonton 5500 vs Andersen 100

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Simonton 5500 vs Andersen 100

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