Simonton Prism Windows vs. Jeld-Wen Builders Vinyl

[mtyler418]

If anyone has recommendations about choosing Simonton Prism Windows or Jeld-Wen Builders Vinyl, please let me know. I am replacing 17 double hung windows, 2 picture windows, and 1 slider. The products from each seem very similar. The glass I specified when the contractors submitted estimates was LOW-E 366, and products from each meet the tax credit specs of a U-factor of 0.30 or less. The warranties also seem very similar.

[Wearbe]

This doesn't answer your question, but you might want to compare the Jeld-Wen premium series if you are building somewhere that gets cold. The vinyl is much better than on the Builders version and has a higher R-value. I just heard something about the vynyl AND the spacer both needing to meet requirments to get the tax credit. I can't remember the name of the new spacer but it was several points different than the normal one and the normal one does not qualify. Sorry I can't be more specific, I just started researching this and I've only spoken with 3 vendors so far.