Create a link to this page

I recently had the opportunity to install a couple of these windows recently. I wasn't going to post anything about them but really need to get this off my chest. These are the biggest design failures I've seen in many years. Getting these units square and sealed up was one of the most frustrating things I've been through in a long time. These were double acting slider units that should be on the hunting shack up North. When I was setting the windows and squaring them up. I pull the window open slowly and the pull rail came off the sash and I almost lost the window out the hole. Now this pissed me off like nothing you'll ever imagine. In order to get the seals to fit tight we had to sim the unit so much it was smiling at us. Even with a full sill leveler it still wouldn't square up. The sashes were friction functioning and were very difficult to slide open and closed. The units were being put into an older ladies home who was never going to get these windows open and closed. The interior sash pocket was an "L" shaped snap in piece of track. When I went to close the window it caught this piece because it wasn't in right and snapped the leg and cracked it. Now I'll take into consideration that the S__t ball was really rolling down hill. But I've hung some real junk in my life (Gienow, Marquess, etc.) and they turned out ten times better than this Sunrise window. So I would never recommend these to anyone in any shape or form. I was very unhappy with them.

I'd also like to add that the company selling these windows had no other choice because the customer wanted the tilting in function. So this is in no way any bad press for the provider. This is just my opinion as an installer of product I feel really needs some design work!!

Guy, I understand where your coming from with your post, but the title of this thread is not accurate. You are not impressed with the window you described; I may be wrong, but I thought sunrise's casement is a decent window.

Guy you simply had a bad day. You know large sliders well sometimes make you crazy. I've sold and installed some of their windows (not sliders) and their nothing special. Sunrise is just another off-spring of the Great Lakes shuffle. In fact the father of the Sunrise owner is the original founder of Great Lakes- Ralph Damen. A man who I thought was a marketing genius. Not much of a window but if you read their brochure at the time back in the early 80's you'd swear that window would do everything but slice bread. Anyway if your ever in need of a tilt in slider try either Lindsay in Mankato or heartland in Aplington, Ia both make a good and a better in a very respectable product.
I can't get them but Shucco makes the most awesome slider on the market but I don't know if they tilt in or not.

I've used the Lindsay window before. They seemed to be fine. I can get them with out any hassle I guess but never have. My manufacturer is out of the St. Cloud area, Thermo-Tech. They have been good to me and take care of me very well. So I feel I would never get what I get from them from any other supplier. They always ship my order in two weeks no matter what time of the year it is. They will even ship directly to my job site if I want. So if it's not broke don't fix it applies here. I've never done anything with the Heartland window at all. I've heard of them but that's it. As for the Sunrise window, I know it was above and beyond a bad day. I've done some investigating on their window and found most of the same issues from other installers. Their issue on the pull handle also acting as the glass stop is the dumbest thing I've ever seen. This is a major league design flaw. There is to much stress on this piece to be used as a removable item. I agree with you on the Schuco Slider being the best. This is a window that was designed very well and it does tilt in. You can easily remove either sash in a heart beat. Thanks for the information, it's much appreciated!!

Guy- "Their issue on the pull handle also acting as the glass stop is the dumbest thing I've ever seen. This is a major league design flaw. There is to much stress on this piece to be used as a removable item."

This is also done on the Alside Sheffield and Ultramax. You can see it clearly on the cutaway diagrams on the Alside and WW websites. When pressure is put on the lift rail it presses directly on the glass too. I never quite understood the logic behind it either. Take a peek at it and tell me if it's similar. I still can't figure out how to post pictures here... LOL.[/img]

I took a look at that cut-a-way and the lift rail is definitely part of the glazing bead. It’s interesting that Alside is using that horrible design on their upper end windows and on the lower end they use an integral lift rail.

I once handled a window with where this was the case and we often found ourselves going out to snap lift rails back. We started applying silicone into the groove on repeat offenders. It’s was almost a guaranteed problem on double-hung windows when they got to be 48â€Â￾ wide.

Bill
Uneeda Window

I forgot to mention Guy that of the two Heartland has better pricing and delivery. Lindsay's probably a little closer. Tell me a little more about the company your buying from maybe I'd like them.

Guy,

I'd like to hear more about your opinions (or if anyone else would like to chime in) on Thermo-Tech windows.

From seeing their product videos on their website and from interacting with their staff, it seems like they are running a top notch operation. I was originally pretty set on the Marvin Integrity line, but I just don't think I can justify the cost of the fiberglass+wood since I have no plans on painting the windows and because it's pushing my budget.

I'm considering ordering a batch of windows for new construction from them, sight unseen. It would be great if you could provide some general idea of the build quality, ease of installation, any issues you have had with installs/orders, longevity of the sash, insulating performance (real world), and customer feedback.

Thanks.

Just had a call on an Sheffield for this very same thing the other day.

This has been a problem for the last twenty years. I can't count the number of times when putting in a large double hung or slider the lift or pull rail came off in my hand. Alside still uses it but our Mikron people, Heartland has done away with it and has pulls built into the sash. In as far as Sunrise goes I think most dealers handle it because of the bells and whistles and impressive brochures. There nothing more than a Great Lakes renamed. Mid performing vinyl with a slightly higher price.
Alside claims there problems with this issue have been greatly eliminated with a little different extrusion for the lifts........maybe so but I also noticed some silicone to help it along. So we now all have another sales point to bring up, unless of course your an Alside or Sunrise dealer.
Sliders, umm don't forget your shims.

It should be noted that this window has gone through several rounds of improvement since the original post. I've been installing Sunrise for years and I have experienced the lift rail issue a time or two, but it had been a factory oversight (lack of silicone). I've not seen one in a very long time though.

As far as you leveling the window, are you sure it isn't installer error? Whenever I've had slider leveling issues, the windows/sashes have always been wider - exposing the window to more potential imperfections along the sill. But in every case, time was needed to level things out with the opening, not the window.

I personally think this window is a great system. I've installed them all and serviced the worst of them. Customers really like them.

Cheers...

Guy, while you may have had difficulty installing this window several years ago, Sunrise has really stepped up their game. They are among the easiest windows to install now. They offer a true lifetime guarantee as well. We sell and install this line and we have had nothing but positive experiences for the past two years running. I do hope that you get the opportunity to install one of their latest models. I believe you will find the problems you mentioned to be non-existant. Thank you.
Max
Sutton
IL

Guy,
This really sounds like human error, not the fault of the window. I think you mentioned they went into a "hunting shack"...perhaps the opening was "out of square" not the window. When dealing with openings like this it takes special care to install the properly, leave it to a professional.
I've sold and installed Sunrise windows for the last two years, and had absolutely NO problems with them, and all my customers love them. The glass packages and architectural features of this window are unsurpassed by any manufacturer in my opinion

You're new here, so I won't ridicule you. I'll just suggest you read more than you write, which is like listening more than you talk. It helps one avoid looking foolish.

You should have noticed that the original post is from 2005. Since you have been selling and installing Sunrise windows for the past two years, you're really not in a position to know what Guy was dealing with five years ago.

Guy has been in the business for many, many years. He certainly knows how to properly install a window.

Thank you Randy, I appreciate the support. These kind of posts from those who really don't do their homework always make me laugh.

XxDuaniacxX,
Randy has pointed out that my post from was five years ago. If your going to post on this website you should take the time to investigate the people you call to the dance floor. If you would have taken the time to look you might have noticed I've been in this trade longer than most. My 27 year old son who runs my crews has been doing it since he was 12. I have 30 installers that do a pretty good job at what they do. For you to tell me to "Leave it to a Professional" is a slap in the face. I'll chalk it up to ignorance and stay calm. I'd be very interested in your background and how long you've been in the game.

My opinion on any product is nothing but an opinion. This is why people come here, they're after our opinions. I'm sorry you think I'm some kind of hack. I had issues with the product years ago. I know they've made some improvements since then. I have no problem at this time with their window. I have problems with installers talking trash about someone they don't even know.

Max, I appreciate your post. It was done the way it should be. Thank You! I have installed them recently and found them much better than before.