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quality vinyl options with SDL grids?

8 years ago

Hi, I'm looking to replace the old windows in my house, and finding it very hard to identify windows that are both available in my area, and can be purchased with some decent-looking SDL grids. The grids would only be on the front face of the house, just to spruce up the curb appeal. But of all the brands frequently recommended here, it looks like: Soft-lite doesn't offer SDL, and I can't for the life of me find an Okna/Himark dealer in my area (Boston). All I've found anywhere nearby are one place that does Sunrise Vanguard, and another that does Starmark, and I'm not sure if either of them yet services my town, though I am checking. (Marvin Infinity doesn't seem to be around here, either).

I have two quotes, one for Alside Mezzo (which again doesn't come with SDLs), and one for Harvey classics, which do offer SDLs. Its incredibly hard to find anybody here in the Boston area who doesn't just slap in a whole bunch of harvey and call it a day. I have them in my sunroom, and they are fine, but not attractive. Should I start looking for Marvin Ultimates? I don't really need the wood interior, but I'd like something nicer looking and with more glass than the Harvey classics, especially on the front face of the house, which is also my dining room and living room on the inside. I'd appreciate any advice!

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Comments (3)

PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
8 years ago
Starmark is made by Okna. If they service your area you should be able to get the Okna vinyl. The Sunrise Vanguard would be a great choice as well.

Regarding Marvin Ultimates, they are great window, however they are at the opposite end of the spectrum from the performance vinyls as it pertains to pros and cons. I'd determine your priorities for the project and choose the material you prefer before narrowing down to specific models
seanm10660
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for your thoughts. I only began to consider the Marvin because I was having so much trouble finding a quality vinyl window near me that can be ordered with SDLs. Improving the curb appearance with nice-looking windows is sort of secondary to the basic goal of getting a durable, low-maintenance weather-tight window. In this sense, the Harveys might be our cheapest option with available SDLs, and "good-enough" performance, but I've just located somebody who sells Okna vinyl near me, so I'll get a quote there. We'll see if I can afford Okna 800s, since I think those are the only ones available with the grids I want. Maybe I can do 800s in front and 500s (without grids) in the back of the house.
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Sheila Medford
8 years ago
If you do locate Marvin Integrity in your area-I ended up using a combination of Marvin Integrity wood/ultrex and all ultrex on my home for the same reason. The wood/ultrex with sdls on the front and the less expensive all ultrex without sdls on the back. Pics are on this forum.

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