Vytex Potomac Series v. Okna 500

10 years ago

HELP! We have narrowed down our vinyl window replacement to these two choices. There is about $1,000 price difference between the two to replace 27 windows. I am not concerned about the price difference if the Okna is really a better window. What do you professionals think? I do believe that both contractors we have contacted do high qualty work. I am also concerned about the Vytex due to some warranty issues I have read and heard about, although those complaints were several years old Please help me make a decision. Thanks so much in advance.

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Comments (8)

HomeSealed
10 years ago
Which Okna line? If the 500 or 800, the Okna is the superior performer. $1k is a very small premium given 27 windows, and figured over the lifespan of the product (30+ years). I think that you'd be very happy with the Okna.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
For a $1,000 delta, its not even a question in my book. I think the Okna is superior and certainly given the very small spread in price.
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SOrry to hear about your problem. Was the source found? Did they determine that it was the window and not the roof? Did the installer refuse to fix it or deny responsibility? I don't think that I have read anyone "seminating" false facts that a low price is a scam. I only see advice from "behind the curtain" in the industry regarding what is a fair price and what is not. Even then, its all about the amount of risk involved. I think all would agree that buying from a tiny operation "no name" installer at a very low price is a much riskier proposition than an established company with a great reputation and history. Common sense. There are many statistics to prove that, and while sometimes an amazing deal is exactly that, there is a very good reason why construction has one of the highest complaint rates and a poor reputation, and its primarily because of fly by night companies as this is about the easiest industry to get into. Big companies aren't perfect either, but once again, the chances of problems are reduced in a linear fashion as the reputation, age, and size of a given company goes up. The trick for the the consumer is finding the balance point in that equation, where things are just right and cost and risk are balanced with the proper weight on each side. If there is any bad advice being "seminated" here, it is that using a "no name" at a price that seems to good to be true is a wise choice. If it worked for you that's great, but more times than not it results in people posting here looking for advice on how to deal with the debacle that they have found themselves in.
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I am also trying to determine between soft lite imperial Ls and vytex potomac. I know i am late, does the OP have any info or any pro’s ? The two of those windows look at be very energy efficient and seem to be made very well. One thng i noticed was the vytex potomac seemed to look a little nicer? Both had a nice design on the sash but the vytex was a little more narrow ( more glass). The potomac also had a “ magnetic seal”. The imperial did not have that option but did have every other option. The two seemed very close. any opinions here and am i missing anything? Both were prices somewhat closely but the vytex was cheaper by $560. 14 windows in total. vytex being 565 per window and the imperial being 605 per window. Both are duel pane glass with argon and foam filling in the window.
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mmarse1
10 years ago
Agree
lpetchen
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the replies. Would your answers be any different if we were planning g to stay in our current home for only the next five years?

This post was edited by lpetchen on Tue, Nov 5, 13 at 16:09
HomeSealed
10 years ago
No. The better window is what it is, and its essentially $37 per window difference. A window that is of superior quality and performance will be better from day one, and that gap will only grow wider over time as the inferior product will degrade more rapidly. Both of those products SHOULD still look and operate like new in 5 years, but if your 5 yr plan turns into 10-15 or more, I'd want the better product both for your benefit and that of the potential buyer.
Lastly, you might consider letting the Okna dealer know your situation and see if there is anything that he can do to help close that gap in $. 27 windows is a nice sale that I'm sure he/she does not want to lose.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
+1 to HomeSealed advice.

That is not a big gap to spread at even an abbreviated time lapse.
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Vytex has a good rep in our industry and have been around a long while and good warranty service. If you look hard enough the best company will have at least a few disgruntled customers over the most trivial thing.

the vytex potomac would be on par and comparable to okna's 800 and the vytex fortis would be on par and comparable to the okna 500 window. Basically you are getting the potomac at the okna 500 price which sounds good to me. Both vytex windows are very good indeed. Okna does make a good window just to be fair. need to say that at risk of getting shot in the head. Lol

You seem to be getting a nice package at a competitive price on the vytex.
PRO
User
8 years ago
Vytex and Okna make solid windows. Either would serve you well.

Vytex Potomac Series v. Okna 500

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HomeSealed

Windows on Washington Ltd

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Vytex Potomac Series v. Okna 500

Comments (8)

HomeSealed

Windows on Washington Ltd

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mmarse1

lpetchenOriginal Author

HomeSealed

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lpetchen
Original Author