We're likely going with Simonton windows and I've heard and read great things about them. To date, their customer service has been incredible.

We install over 6000 Simonton windows per year. They are a great company to deal with, On the rare occaision we have an issue, they are very quick to take care of it. There is a reason Simonton won the JD Power Award for best window company.

http://www.jdpower.com/homes/ratings/residential-window/index.asp,

It's impossible to compare all quality windows. Some of the best window brands are unknowns.

The JD Power Award means very little unless they put Simonton up against every possible candidate.

It's like giving that award to Ford and saying they make better cars than Mercedes.

Michael

The rating was given based on information from the remodeling industry not consumers. It wasn't based just on window quality alone, it was based on factors like how the manufacturer handles warranties, what the overall value was, maketing support, getting orders correct etc.

Something that many rookies in this industry don't understand is that many companies who make great windows also have terrible support after the sale. I can personally tell you about a few who have taken years to resolve warranty issues and a few who never did. I have also seen many window companies who actually made a pretty good window, come and go leaving the consumer with nowhere to turn for service and parts. Ever hear of Wintech?

Ive also had issues with factories who ship orders with the windows made incorrectly, the wrong size, damaged, etc.

I'd much rather do business with a large $600 milion per year company like Simonton who is part of Fortune Brands (Master Locks, Moen Faucets, Therma-True Doors, etc.) who actually has a nationally known reputation for high quality service than to risk it on a lesser known company who might not be around if I have a problem, unless there is some compeling reason to go with the lesser known brand.

So the JD Power Award to Simonton isn't a claim that they make the best window, it's they are the best company overall.

Oh BTW, as someone who has owned several Mercedes, I can assure you Ford makes at least an equally quality product in their Lincoln line these days. Just take a look at some of the Consumer Reports ratings on Mercedes. They were a good car at one time but today their quality sucks. I drive an Acura and a Lexus now.

I agree with Skydawggy on this one, but I do understand Mikes theory on the small home town manufacturer. The JD Power Award is really an honor in the door and window industry. The everyday Pro's are the ones who vote for the product, not the end user. The end users votes are really flawed when it comes down to it. Think of all the mistakes that are made or covered up by the dealers that sell these windows. Most mistakes or issues are done by the dealers or installers, and the blame always goes to the manufacturer. Most dealers or installers damage a window and tell the customer it was a manufacturing error. They feel the customer won't be so mad if they think it was a mistake made by someone else. So the consumers vote can be tainted by the issues created in an unfair environment. I don't install the Simonton window as much as I used to in the past, but I can tell you when I did, I had great respect for their customer service & support. The only other manufacturer I know of that has better service is Andersen IMO (probably because their located here locally). Simonton does make a lot of windows when you think about it. Not only the windows that carry the Simonton logo but all the Home Depots and Sears windows made that most consumers don't know about. So it's quite a well deserved honor.

In support of Mikes theory on the little guy. My manufacturer that I use here for all my jobs is a local manufacturer. I'll put their window up against anyones. I have always had great service and support. I get my orders promptly without incident. If something does go wrong I'm within driving distance of the factory. By having this relationship with a smaller manufacturer my advantage is getting the really odd windows made for me that the big guns wouldn't even think about making for me. It makes no difference to me that they're not huge. I get a great window at a great price. I just can't beat it.

BTW I'll never trade my 3500 diesel 4 door Silverado in for anything. I use it for work, family & fun with no regrets. Plus the diesel gas is finally cheaper than the other stuff. But we all know every manufacturer has it's glitch somewhere. Happy days gentlemen!

I started to delete the Windows forum since I've made my decision and ordered the Simonton Reflection windows (with a few of their upgrades). They came in last week but DH wants to be here when they're installed. That'll be next Sat. I'll let you guys know how I like them once they're in :)
Monica