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Windows
domination_gw

Why NOT PlyGem

13 years ago

We had our final window installation appointment today and it was an installer who comes highly recommended to us by a contractor we have great respect for (has done wonderful work in our home) here in the Milwaukee area (WI).

The window installer puts in PlyGem's Premium vinyl windows (he is part of the Lowe's line). The installer has a great reputation.

Here is the challenge: Why NOT PlyGem? They are 33% lower priced than everyone else we've talked with (Soft-Lite, Okna, Sunrise, and Stanek) AND their efficiency ratings appear to be almost the same. They would be installing their 3800 Premium Vinyl Replacement Windows (casement) with HP Max2 Triple Pane and the Energy Package. The U-value is listed as .23 which is still better the U-Value I'd be getting with the other firms' double pane windows (the other installers all recommended double pane to keep our prices down).

I've been told over and over again that when it comes to windows, the installer is ESSENTIAL. In this case, we appear to have an installer with a fantastic reputation and proven track record.

Everyone else is billing us around $30,000 for this project while this contractor offering PlyGem is coming in under $20,000. If we don't go with PlyGem, we are favoring Soft-Lite installed by HomeSealed (also fantastic customer service). Pay 50% more for Soft-Lite is a huge difference.

Thoughts and feedback will be greatly appreciated.

This post was edited by DomiNation on Mon, May 20, 13 at 19:08

Comments (6)

  • 13 years ago

    The biggest performance difference would be the air infiltration number but I'd say the better U-value and price difference more than negates that.The biggest other difference would be asethetics, but that would be opinion and the price would negate tht as well.If you have confidence in your installer I'd say go for it.

  • 13 years ago

    Plygem is not the worst choice by any means, particularly if you are fine with a slightly above average product. I don't know if I would be however if I was spending 20 to 30 g's. the Plygem premium WAS the Great Lakes grand view. It was a great window for its time, 20 years ago. Since then, the latest and greatest products and options have passed it and left it in the dust in my opinion. The Delmans were the former owners of Great Lakes and took pride in the product. When they sold to Plygem, the level of innovation and quality have suffered since. Delmans then started sunrise which in my opinion is what the Great Lakes/ Plygem would be today if the bean counters had not gotten to it.
    Is this installer contracting under the lowes umbrella, or is this a side job? I have to say, that is a big red flag in my book either way. Premium installers require premium pay, and that is not happening in that situation.
    What is the quantity and options on the windows? Hard to comment on price without that. Pictures would be great.

    This post was edited by Karateguy on Tue, May 21, 13 at 7:45

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  • 13 years ago

    Agree, its maybe an average window with high air leakage number. Spend your money wisely and invest some more for quality that you will be happy with for many years. The allure of " a great price" has burned more customers than i care to count.

  • 13 years ago

    The Premium series is more than maybe an average window.

  • 13 years ago

    I beg to differ Todd, ive used the so called premium series in a condo complex and my installers mentioned they were flimsy and poory built, yes, they were the premium series.

  • 13 years ago

    Thanks, everyone. When we proceed with this project, we are planning on going with HomeSealed (Okna Composite).

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