Where is the home located? Brands are fairly regional in some cases and there are some decent ones out there but what to recommend will depend on where you are located.

charlotte nc

Based on the numbers you are throwing out, I would think that a nice Sunrise or upper end Soft-Lite would be in the cards. Have you looked at either of those?

Even the pro's take WOW's advice.

@WOW: thanks. Are you saying that the prices quoted are too high for the products and that Sunrise and Soft-Lite are better at this level? I think that's what you are saying. I've ruled out the Pella windows and I'm not sure I would like the wide frames (?) on the 5500's although I have yet to look at a sample.

If you could briefly state your reasons for the preference I'd appreciate it very much.

The problem also is that I am unable to find an installer for those two products in the Charlotte area. Do you know of any you recommend? The company that quoted the Simonton does not do the other two. They do a lot of Simonton and get a good price from the distributor.

Not that it is too high, just that you can probably look at what most folks consider a premium product at that number.

Have you tried calling both of those manufacturers? They will typically have dealer/installer references in given areas.

OK I will call them. I'm satisfied withe the credentials of Simonton installer though, they've been doing this for years and do a lot of windows.

Wow: soft lite sales called. What window lines do you consider to be superior to reflections 5500 within the soft-lite brand? Thanks

The Soft-Lite Imperial LS and Elements are both better units than the 5500. The Soft-Lite Pro will have a much narrower frame as will the Bainbridge if you don't like the heft of the Simonton frame size.

Thanks wow, sales is visiting this weekend. I'm thinking LS. Will have to consider the heft. I think the returns are diminishing to me beyond LS. Will have to think about the heft and what I would lose going down to the next lower model.

It looks like the imperial Ls is going to be 800 per based on one quote. What is significantly better than the simonton 5500 that might be worth 100 per window.? Can anyone tell me how the energy star numbers compare between 5500 and LS? Also I think the lift rails on the soft lite Is unnecessary and makes it look tacky.

Can't tell you what the thermal numbers comparison is like without knowing what glass options you were quoted. Was the lift rail on the 5500 nicer looking that the one on the LS? They both would probably have them? If you don't like the lift rail, take a look at the 9800 (Impressions) series or at the Okna 800.

In terms of the performance delta between the two windows, it is more than just thermal numbers. The LS will have a better DP number, high mil thickness on the extrusions, and a much better air infiltration number.

Not sure if that is worth $100 to you but it is definitely a more solidly built unit with better build quality. The 5500 is not a piece of junk by any stretch, the LS is just a nicer unit.

Wow: as a newcomer let me first thank you for spending time here. I just realized that the 5500 has a lift rail too. You see they don't bring their best window when they make the sales visit. In fact I think I saw an Alside so I will have to visit the store. Similarly I only got to see the Bainbridge and Barrington.

i can live with a lift rail to get what counts.

on the simonton I'm getting double strngth glass, pro solar (I see that there are upgrades available to this), full screens, colonial grids between glass,and clad aluminum exterior casings ( is that standard) and wood grain interior. 9 windows one picture rest DH, 5 are 70 inches with standard 30 inch opening. Average cost 720 per window. Don't have a soft lite quote yet for LS but it looks like it maybe 100 more.

are there any options like super spacer (?) 1 inch insulating glass, low e 366 that I should add to improve ratings?

Where is the home. Low-e 366 may not be right for your climate.

A good non-metallic spacer is a good upgrade. 1" insulated glass is unnecessary in double pane set up.

Be sure to compare air infiltration numbers along with other stuff.

My pleasure. I know that we (all the pros that contribute like Millworkman, HomeSealed, Bill@uneedawindow, AGM, Oberon, Todd in MN, etc.) are happy to help.

Near Charlotte NC. I'll have to go look at a display 5500 with the ratings. The SL brochure publishes the numbers but simonton does not show any.

No real need for the Low-e 366 but you could put it in without hurting the equation. Leave it off the South Facing glass if you want to preserve passive solar heating in the winter.