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Simonton Window Reviews
Browse Simonton windows reviews from consumers, homeowners and contractors and find out how well they stack up to other replacement window companies. For additional information, explore more on Simonton windows prices.
Simonton 5050 or the Vinylmax Edison
How does Simonton 5050 compare with Vinylmax Edison? I am so confused about comparisons and feeling overwhelmed.
Marbel - Homeowner - from 2017
Editor's Reply
Marbel, the Vinylmax Edison is the better window. No question about it. It is a very solid mid range vinyl window.
Steve - Site Editor - from 2017
Mary's Response
Tommy, the contractor who uses Simonton for most installs is willing to install the Vinylmax Edison but said we should consider that Vinylmax is small company that may go out of business and then we would have no warranty or replacements parts. Do you agree?
Marbel - Homeowner - from 2017
Editor's Reply
Marbel, I certainly understand the concern that they are a smaller manufacturer, but they do make a better window (with the Edison compared to the Simonton 5050). In term of whether or not they will close up shop and you will be left hanging in the wind, I would point out that the company has been in business since 1982, which is not forever, but it's long enough that they have a track record. With the great recession some years back, we saw a number of window manufacturers go the way of the Dodo and consumers got burned for sure. Vinylmax weathered that economic downturn and I would say they are not at great risk for closing anytime soon.
Steve - Site Editor - from 2017
Simonton vs. Wallside
I have three Wallside Windows placed in my Michigan home. I paid about $4,000 for two double hung windows and a bow window. It was last winter when I noticed ice building up on the inside of my bow window, so I immediately got in touch with customer services who tried to convince me that it was normal. Eventually after a number of calls they agreed to replace the glass panes inside the bow window, hopefully this has fixed the problem. The double hungs I got from them aren't much better and I find when I wash my windows from the outside, the water leaks inside. The thing is that my other windows are all Simonton 5500s and I have never had a problem with them. Had I known I would have stuck with the Simontons, they are a better window and I believe that anyone who asks me now, I will tell them to go with the Simontons instead.
Keith - Homeowner - from 2012
Simonton and HiMark
We have both Simonton and HiMark in our showroom, and you can easily compare the Simonton's 5500 against the HiMark's 800 and see just how different they are here. The 5500 is definitely good with a solid build that is great for almost any home. HiMark 800 stands in a whole other category. It's most definitely a premium, and the build is nice with its good looking design. Windows can be pricey, but you should get the best you can afford so that it lasts with fewer issues. This makes the money spent worth it.
Gerald - Window Dealer - 2012
Simonton vs Vytex
I'm trying to do a bunch of research on windows for my home and the contractor we are considering mentioned two brands; the Heritage from Vytex and the 5500 from Simonton. I was wondering how these compared to one another? Thanks.
Tim - Consumer - 2012
Consumer Rating: NA
[Contractor Response]
I wouldn't go with the Vytex Heritage, but I would definitely consider their Fortis window, which is their upgraded top-of-the-line model. The 5500 from Simonton is nice also, but doesn't compare with the Fortis, although I might put it slightly above the Heritage model. You may want to keep searching for additional brands - Sunrise and Okna are two that come to mind, especially if you are on the East coast, which it sounds like you are.
Matt - Installer - 2012
Contractor Rating: 7 out of 10
Simonton vs Thermal Industries
I am currently dealing with a sales man who I think is working for Thermal Industries because he is trying to push me towards the 530 Series. I know they also do Simonton, so I got a quote on both. The estimates are to change my double casement windows with a large single slider. The Thermal Industries prices are $600 for each window or $1,150 if I want to change the casement to a double hung option. The Simontons were $700 per window and $1,340 for two double hungs. I am not sure which one is the right choice. Does anyone have any advice on these window companies?
Darren - Homeowner - 2011
[Contractor Reply]
Why don't you consider a Simonton an upgrade? Personally I find the Thermal Industries windows aren't the best quality, while the Simontons are on the higher end of the scale.
Conrad - Contractor - from 2011
Simonton v Marvin
I have an old Maryland home that is in need of some window replacements that will fit into the old Colonial style of the home. This house is about 60 or so years old and we need 13 double hung windows with basic white color. I would also like these windows to provide a tax rebate. We had a local, trusted contractor check out our house and give an estimate, but it was only for Simontons since that's what he works with exclusively. We were referred to a rep from Marvins by a friend and they suggested Infinity with fiberglass frames. I'm pretty confident that both companies would be fine with the install. I couldn't find any reviews on Simontons from Consumer Reports, so I'm still unsure. I'm aware that a good install is vital to having good windows. The Simonton's Reflections 5500 would cost about $7,500 and Marvin Infinity would be $12,228. Does this difference mean a different quality? If we have to pay more for a better quality, then we're okay with that. We plan to stay there for a while, so if the money is well spent we'll do it.
Lucy - Past Customer - 2010
[Response]
Consumer Reports aren't an accurate depiction of what's out there since they only have stuff from box stores, so don't bother with it. That being said, Simontons are a good choice but not great. They're offered in my own warehouse, but they're not my absolute go to. You'll get a decent performing window and some good service, but they don't stand out much from the crowd. Marvin Infinity, on the other hand, is much better. I am a fan of this window and its design. I would pick the fiberglass over the vinyl though, since it's more durable and holds up well in extreme temperature changes. Saying whether or not the price for any of these is worth it can be a tricky thing to do. If you plan on going there for a while, then that can be around $400 per year difference. Since you're doing so many windows, that's hardly anything after some time.
Bradley - Installer - 2010
See more Marvin windows reviews.
Casements
I'm a fan of Simonton personally. The downside to 5050, though, is that they don't have a casement option. If you need casements, then you have to choose something else. I can suggest Reflections 5500 and Prism Platinum. Marvins are fine if your concerned with smaller glass as they offer thinner framing. You'll always get a thicker frame with vinyl casements in double hung. Take care to check your windows in person in order to be sure before buying.
Stewart - Installer - 2010
The Reflections 5500 And Prism Platinum
You can find some really nice windows from Simonton, particularly their Reflections 5500 or the Prism Platinum. There are only a few small differnces between each model, mainly cosmetic so you could go with either and get a similar performance. I personally prefer Prism Plantinum. It offers features like Super Spacer as well as glass that's double strength. If you live south, then I would suggest getting ETC's Super 366. This has a lower solar heat increase. For those in located more north, solar gain is something you're going to want, so opt for ETC's Super Solar.
Jeremy - Installer - 2010
Simonton And Home Depot
You can get the 6500 at Home Depot, but they do the install with no exception. I think I would prefer to choose my installer instead and choose between Prism Platinum and Reflections 5500. Each is pretty similar and have performance stats that are close. Prism offers a Super Spacer as well as glass that's double strength by standard. You can also get these with 5500 as an upgrade. If you decide to go with Home Depot, be sure of what you plan on getting. Their sales reps aren't very knowledgeable, so you won't get much help from them while they're just try pushing the most expensive windows on you.
Leonard - Installer - 2010
The Simonton 5050 and Ideal 4500
I've been looking at Ideal's 4500 Series for my New Jersey home. There are 22 windows, so I'd be paying quite a bit to get them replaced. I would really like to get a good deal, both on quality and price.
Faith - Past Customer - 2010
[Contractors Reply]
You get window on a budget with Ideal. It's certainly not the worst out there, but there is Simonton 5050 out there for a similar price. You should also consider Soflite's Imperia Pro and Classic. Softlite's Brainbridge could even work, though it's an entry level quality. It's better in comparison to Ideal though, and you would be fine if you have a tight budget. Just don't get Ideal.
Ethan - Installer - NJ - 2010
Magic vs Simonton
What do you you think of Magic Windows? My neighbors have them and one thing I noticed is that they are hard to open and shut. The weatherstripping seems too thick, but perhaps that's because they are energy efficient? I have no idea. I want a good window that will last and have good functionality. I'm also looking at Simonton.
Cris - Homeowner - from 2010
[Contractor Response]
I worked for a company that sold quite a few of their windows and this is my overall impression of Magic Window Innovations -- good window but not great -- this is assuming a good install. We would get quite a few service calls on them because they have to be put in differently than other replacement windows. They use what they call Parallex hardware, which I felt had some issue. Well made, but functinonality wise it left something to be desired, especially the how the screens worked. I work in Minnesota so energy efficiency is important and I would say there are better options out there for the money. I think Simonton makes a better window, especially their Gold and Platinum Prism models. They have better points of contact, corner welds and extrusion thickness. The Simonton also uses a sloped sill instead of the pocket sill and a better warranty. For the price, I think Simonton is a good value.
John - Installer - from 2010
Ply Gems v Simontons
Our home is in the crazy weather state that is Oklahoma. So, we need windows that will stand up to the sudden and severe changes in the weather. I've been considering the Simonton, Reliabilt and Plygem's Premium Series. What will be good for our severe weather but easy on my wallet?
Vernon - Installer - 2010
[Contractors Reply]
PlyGem and the Simonton windows are good ones to go with. I know more about PlyGems, so I kind of prefer those ones more, but I still think you'd do well with them. The pricing is pretty similar, so choosing one or the other should work out. Just get a decent installer and you're good to go.
Howie - Installer - 2010
Second Review Of Simonton and HiMark
HiMark has a better appearance than Simonton, both in terms of visual and design. If you're not a fan of HiMark though, then another good premium option is Marvin Ultimate. Imperial LS is pretty great too, but HiMark and Okna rank higher than that.
Jim - Installer - 2010
Simonton and Vinylmax
I'm a fan of Vinylmax Easton but I think it's comparable to Simonton's 5500. Easton does have an option for triple pane, though, and that's great for lowering noise. They're also not known by many compared to other brands. They are among the few family run businesses out there, and my experience with them has been really good so far. If you knew how Simontons was a while back before the corporate takeover, it was a lot like how Easton is now. Simonton's customer service has had issues since then, while Easton's is much better.
Gary - Installer - 2010
The Prism Platinum v Jeld Wen Vinyl
I've been thinking about getting Simonton's Prism Platinum or the Jeld-Wen low end vinyl option. I could really use some input before I decide. Both have tons the same features that I'm looking for like low-e, warranty and they'll both get me tax credit. Price isn't really an issue, just the quality.
Mindy - Past Customer - 2009
[Contractors Reply]
Simonton's Prisms has a nice strong frame and they can last pretty long with less trouble. You'll have to pay a bit more than you might like though, especially in comparison to Jeld Wens prices. If you're not worried about price, though, then Simontons are your best bet.
Carl - Installer - Texas - 2009
Simonton and Okna
Okna's 800 series stands as a top notch window, it's definitely near the top of the list. They have great numbers for their double pane windows with U-value at .25, the AI at .01 and the DP is 60. Those numbers basically beat plenty of the competition. Simonton is definitely not as good as that, though they have nice customer service ratings. Simonton as a whole is pretty solid. It's just that they aren't that special, while Okna has features and other aspects that put it above it in class.
Jack - Industry Expert - 2009
See more Okna windows reviews.
The Reflections Series
It might seem like there are plenty of options out there for the Simonton brand, but they're actually pretty basic. There are three types of windows, with three different levels within each of those. Reflections are offered as 5050, the 5300, or the 5500. With Prism you get Bronze, the Ultra Gold and Platinum options. They also have a Generations line, though that is the private label line. The 5050 and the Bronze levels are cheaper with a thin frame and are rather basic. All the windows are good, of course, but the upper lines are obviously better and last longer.
Patrick - Installer - 2009
Prism's 6500 Series
I've had Prism's Platinum 6500 windows in my house for about a year now. They've made the house a little less drafty and helped lower our energy bill. Most of them are casements, and we've really liked the crank mechanism. It runs smooth and the hardware is pretty nice, although nothing fancy. I like how they look too. Their only downside was the white exterior, which we've grown used to over time.
Diane - Past Customer - 2008
Simonton v American Jewel
I currently sell Simonton's, but I previously worked with windows from American Jewel. Back in the 80's, American Jewel offered some good windows with heavy frames. Since then, however, their design has changed and it's made them weaker with a lousy build. You'd do better with BF Rich now, which is priced the same. In my opinion though, I would get a Simonton. I'm not saying this because I'm trying to sell them. I sell Simonton because I think they are really good. I'm especially a fan of their 5500, the 9800 and their Prism Platinum. The window quality is higher, their company is dependable and customer services are good. I'm not being told to say these things or to sell them since I'm independently selling them. I strive to make my customers happy, which means giving them a good window. I would not give them American Jewel.
Brian - Window Dealer - 2008