I don't think anyone has suggested Simonton is a horrible window. If you purchase the Reflections 5500 or the Impressions 9800 you will be getting a good solid product with middle of the road performance numbers. There may be a decent window from Plygem but I don't know the line well enough to make a recommendation.

thank you for your feedback.....am I being unrealistic about what I would like to spend on each window? Also.....ply gem offers an option to fill hollow spaces with a foam filler.....simonton does not offer this option.....does it make a difference if I have hollow spaces filled with foam to make window more energy efficient? Thanks

+1

Nothing Horrible about the Simonton window at all. Once you get into the upper end lines it tends to run a bit bulky and you could argue that the fit and finish aren't as nice as some of the other windows out there but I would never use the adjective of horrible.

Foam filling, and its impact, depends on the extrusion, design, and realized U-Factor improvement. Some windows it makes no difference, others and make a great difference. Just depends on the window.

You budget is a bit light if you ask me. The question I always tell folks is would you rather spend a bit more now for a great window and not have to re-do this project of go cheap now and spend again?

You are dealing with that very issue right now in your current windows.

The Euphoria of a "great deal" has long since worn off when you are stuck re-doing the work.

Thank you very much......if I were to go with simonton or ply gem......which window would you recommend? Or just bite the bullet and purchase the hi mark windows ? Are hi mark that much better when it comes down to it? Thanks again

I have seen both simonton and plygem, the okna is a much better window in my opinion.

I did a lot of research. One of the most important performance numbers to look at is the air infiltration rating ( the lower the better).

The simonton is a .17 ( high)

The okna 800 is a .01 which is the lowest you can get. Thats a very large difference.

The Ufactor will also be better on the okna as will the structural rating.

The simonton is very bulky whereas the okna is more narrow and a much sleaker look plus as i said, is a much higher structural rating.

The simonton 5500 is a step above the plygem from what i have seen.

Ok......thank you ......everyone has made up my mind for me.....I'm going to purchase the hi mark windows

Just wanted to give everyone an update and to see what everyone thinks about the price I received for himark windows. I received a price of $2800 for the 800 series for 10 windows. That's just a purchase price. LowE....foam filled frames and argon gas. Should I stay with the 800 series or get a price for the 500 also? Thanks