Okna v. Vytex

10 years ago

I am a first-time replacement window buyer. I received oodles of quotes from local vendors and have settled on either Okna or Vytex windows. The quotes are as follows for 12 double hung windows, 1 3-lite slider, and 1 2-lite slider:

Okna 500 Series: $9,800
Okna 800 Series: $10,700

Vytex Georgetown: $6,885
Vytex Fortis: $8,730

Is the price difference worth it to go with the Okna windows or is it more of wash? They seem to have very similar specs and ratings (though the Okna windows are superior with regards to Air Infiltration).

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and advice!

This post was edited by rachmaninick on Fri, Oct 18, 13 at 17:38

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

mmarse1
10 years ago
The okna 500 is going to be more air tight ( better air leakage number ) and also has a solid reputation of backing up their warranties which is a true testament of the manufacturer. I also think at the end of the day, installation by a company with a proven track record is paramount. That info can be ascertained by simply searching the web.
HomeSealed
10 years ago
I'd throw out the Georgetown and narrow your choices to the Fortis and Okna options. At that point, the 500 and Fortis prices are not terribly far apart on that size job, and I'd choose the Okna myself. That said, I'd highly suggest a thorough vetting of each installation company, and determine which you feel would do a better job and is more trustworthy. Given proper weight, I'd probably make my decision one way or another based on that in this case.
Related Discussions
Vytex v. Sunrise v. Okna
Q
Comments (16)
I agree that a decision should not be based on that alone, however it is what it is, and should not be completely discounted. There are only a handful (no more than a dozen on the list that I saw) of the hundreds if not thousands of companies nationwide that were singled out by the FTC. The actions must be pretty egregious to warrant such a response, and it raises an eyebrow at the very least. I believe that several of the other companies on that list are now out of business. Often times there may not be one big hairy issue that indicates the way a company does business, but an array of smaller things that can fly under the radar can often establish a pattern. Take it for what it's worth.
...See More
Buried in specs! Sunrise Okna Softlite Vytex
Q
Comments (2)
You are correct that the Okna 500 series does not reinforcement, however I would not let that deter you unless you have excessively wide units. That model hits a design pressure of R50 with no reinforcement which is a rare feat for a vinyl window, and is a testament to its engineering and build quality. If you take pricing out of it and look at product alone, I'd narrow it down to a final 3 of the Okna lines and the Imperial LS. The Okna 800 is probably the nicest looking in most folks eyes, has slimmer lines (more glass area), and the best performance ratings of all of them. Is it worth $100 per window over the LS? That can be tricky to answer. Will you be well served by either choice? Yes. Does that price difference become less of a factor when you consider your choice over a potential service life of 30 +yrs? I'd say yes again. I have two pieces of advice for you: 1) get the best product that you can comfortably afford. You will be happier with that purchase in the end. 2) It sounds like you are considering 3 or more different dealers in this equation. This aspect is HUGE. Even though they all check out on the review sites etc, I'd encourage you to really dig deeper on this. You want a company that you can develop a relationship with, that you feel confident will deliver excellent service AFTER the sale, that you'll want to do business with again, and that you will refer with confidence to your friends and family members. Remember that those prices don't just reflect the product, but the total package in installation and company that come with them. With that being the case, any one of those five choices could truly present the best value, only you can decide.
...See More
Okna 400 & 500 vs. Vytex Fortis
Q
Comments (3)
Depending on where you are located, prices can vary. The Fortis will be more comparable to the okna 500. The fortis exterior profile and the 500 are very similar. The fortis interior is very similar to the soft lite imperial but less bulky.
...See More
Vytex Windows, Okna Windows
Q
Comments (5)
Very fair pricing Grayson, even for a simple install and few product upgrades. Three good window choices as well, nice work. I'm partial to the Okna in this case as it will have the best U value and air leakage ratings with apples to apples glass, but again, all 3 are good. You might consider putting some more weight on the installation company, that aspect will make or break MANY window replacement projects, especially when you have 3 choices that are somewhat close as you do here. Where are you located? That can determine the recommendation for the glass package as well as a garner a possible referral.
...See More
Jen Tollis
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
We were quoted for the vytex fortis window and are considering it. Our quote was for 15 windows ( 14 hung windows and 1 large window that is fixed and does not move). The price was $8900 with triple glazing, 3 panes of glass for more efficiency? are we getting a fair deal? Do we need triple glass?
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Your quote looks to be very reasonable and triple pane is a nice option for added energy performance. The vytex fortis is a very nice window and is made to be very air tight. Vytex seems to be really expanding that product and generating a lot of interest throughout the window industry. I strongly believe its right up there in quality with the upper end product lines of competitive companies you may have read about. Vytex as a company is in very good standing and has been in the window manufacturing business for over 30 years strong.

My area is chock full of overly analytical government types who seem to really embrace that product.

the vytex budget line is called "georgetown " for when a consumer is on a limited budget . its a very decent window when compared to many other product lines of similar brand recognition in that category. The Fortis is definitely the better looking and better performing window.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
8 years ago
That's definitely a fair deal with triple pane glass assuming that its a reputable company and quality installation. Solid window.
PRO
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
i agree with HomeSealed, the Vytex Fortis is a very solid window. their potomac is also solid.

too many homeoweners focus on cold weather when it comes to triple pane but i think its just as important in very hot climates where it keeps the cool air from ac unit escaping and also keeping the hot air from the outside coming in. air tight windows help big time in that regard as well, not just the cold.
Jen Tollis
8 years ago
Thank you for the information. We too thought the vytex fortis was a pretty window and we are now ready to move forward . Just wanted to get feedback from the pro's first. Thank you all so very much.

Okna v. Vytex

Comments (7)

mmarse1

HomeSealed

Related Discussions

Jen Tollis

User

HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC

User

Jen Tollis

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US