Replacement windows near Kansas City

[vettefan1953]

We are looking to replace 13 double hung windows and one sliding patio door. These are our favorite options thus far. We’ve had several bids for Provia Endure, but this was by far the best price. The highest was $25,000.

Our house faces east and west with lots of sun and no shade. We also live south of Kansas City, so we get a lot of strong winds as well.

In terms of build quality, I’d rank the SoftLite as the best we’ve seen, with the Great Lakes and Provia tied for second. The Simonton looks good on paper, but the installer wasn’t great about answering questions.

Are we on the right track? We’re leaning SoftLite, but we also liked the Provia Endure which is much more affordable.

Option 1 - $21,828
Great Lakes Comfort Smart
Triple Pane
U-factor: .20
SHGC: .20
Visible Transmittance: .36
Condensation Resistance: 57
Air Infiltration <= .30
Energy Star 7 Rebate Eligible
Aluminum Cladding Install
Double Lifetime Warranty incl. glass breakage and install

Option 2 - $19,000
SoftLite Elements
Double Pane
U-factor: .26
SHGC: .26
Visible Transmittance: .48
Condensation Resistance: 58
Air Infiltration <= .01
Energy Star 6 Not Rebate Eligible
Aluminum Cladding Install
Double lifetime warranty incl. glass breakage and install
Only company to use W2 installers instead of subcontractors

Option 3 - $18,728
Simonton 6500
Double Pane
Still waiting on NFRC values as designer only had old material for Energy Star 6 line
Energy Star 7 Rebate Eligible
Aluminum Cladding Install
Lifetime warranty on frame and hardware
10 years glass
3 years glass breakage
Soft lifetime warranty on install

Option 4 - $16,543
Provia Endure
Double Pane
U-factor: .27
SHGC: .21
Visible Transmittance: .47
Condensation Resistance: 60
Air Infiltration <= .05
Energy Star 6 Not Rebate Eligible
New wood trim instead of alclad
Double lifetime warranty incl. glass breakage
10 year warranty on install

[TheWindowNerd]

I would go with option 2
theWindowNerd

[Windows on Washington]

+1

Option 2 is the leader in the clubhouse.

[Ricknez]

I can tell with confidence that the Soft Lite " Elements" is the clear winner by a huge margin. Looks like you have an easy choice.

[HomeSealed]

+1, Softlite Elements is in a class of its own here, easy choice.

[vettefan1953]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Can someone speak as to why the SoftLite’s are so much better? I thought they were better constructed, but the NFRC numbers are pretty comparable to the Provia Endure.

I guess, what am I not seeing here?

[masterext]

Imagine two buildings that look similar but one is built with a much more solid foundation.

[toddinmn]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Can someone speak as to why the SoftLite’s are so much better? I thought they were better constructed, but the NFRC numbers are pretty comparable to the Provia Endure.

I guess, what am I not seeing here?

If you were to look at them side by side, open them, operate them , look at the details you would then know. If you were to install them you would know more.
You could pretty much throw these in an opening with no shims or screws and they would perform better than a cheap window trying your best to get
It right.

[Windows on Washington]

+1 Todd.

There is much you learn about a product from installing it.

[HomeSealed]

Great feedback above.

Additionally, the advantage in the ratings (air leakage, design pressure, U value with like glass) is not insignificant in favor of the Elements. A few points in each area is a larger difference than you may think, and is really indicative of the quality of the engineering and build of the product. While anecdotal, Todd's comments about installing are spot on as well.

[vettefan1953]

Thanks for everyone’s help. We pulled the trigger on the Soft-Lite.

Another quick question, what is the preferred install? Aluminum cladding or new wood trim?

[Windows on Washington]

You don't have to paint the cladding.