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High quality window that won't break the bank.

3 years ago

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to get 14 new vinyl windows in my house. I plan to stay at my house for many years so I want something good, but not overly expensive. I want something that will tolerate the extreme heat and rain in Florida. I don't need impact windows as I am getting hurricane shutters as it is required when replacing windows in a hurricane area.

From my research it looks like the "better brands" include (not limited to):

1. Simonton

2. Anderson

3. Pella

My question is for each of the above brands, what model/series is considered high quality? Is there any other brands are series that you recommend?

The only thing I don't like is a really thick vinyl frame.

Thank you so much!

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Comments (9)

User
3 years ago
Andersen makes a composite (PVC & sawdust) window and a vinyl clad wood window but not a vinyl window.
millworkman
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Simonton, is ok, not good, not terrible.

Andersen is as mentioned above. What series from Andersen are you considering.

Pella, Only way I would use anything by them is if it were completely free and then I would still have reservations.

Look into PGT, CWS or a couple of the other popular brands in Fla. Unless you can find an Okna, Softlite, or Polaris dealer.
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Mary Ann
Original Author
3 years ago
I really appreciate your advice millworkman and RES. I actually hear terrible l things about PGT. The online reviews of them are horrible. There is a softlite dealer near me.

I am thinking the 400 series of Anderson windows.
seosmp
3 years ago
We have installed Sunrise in our basement (lookout) last year and are considering for the rest of the house - based on positive input from various sources.
millworkman
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Sunrise would be fine as well. The name escaped me when I was typing out my initial reply. And again as RES pointed out Andersen does not make a "vinyl" window. That being said the 400 series Woodwright is good, as far as the 400 TW the mechanism is not that great for operating the tilt function.
User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
When you say Andersen 400 you must say if it is the 400 Tilt Wash or the 400 Woodwright. Same pvc clad wood frame, very different sash.
scrappy25
3 years ago
I had a sunrise projected bay window and patio door installed 2014 and they are both great.
User
3 years ago
Also Anderson went out of business many decades ago. Something to do with a similarly named competitor I think.
lucky998877
3 years ago
Mary Ann, we just installed 25ish Anderson 400 windows in black and they are fabulous! Ours are all either casement or fixed. Very heavy compared to what we took out.

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