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Soft-Lite Windows Reviews
Learn more about these products with our Soft-Lite windows reviews and opinions shared by past customers as well as experts. See what they have to say about their available window lines and the popularity. Click for Soft-Lite windows prices and costs.
Please note, this website is in no way affiliated with Soft-Lite Windows.
The Imperial LS and Gorell 5300
I'm in need of some input for the windows I'm considering. I'm thinking about getting one of three windows. There's the Softlite's Imperial LS, Gorell's 5100 or 5300. I would get double glass, argon fill and low-e coating with all of them. So, which one is better? I'm still not sure what I'd be paying for them, so advice about quality and the differences would be great.
Zeke - Past Customer - 2010
[Contractors Reply]
Gorell and SoftLite have some decent windows, and those models would be good either way. I would take into consideration the installers who will be doing the work that determines just how well your windows perform. If they both have similar skills, then it comes down to price. Just pick the one you feel is the best deal then, or go with your gut. You'll be satisfied with both.
Lyle - Past Customer - 2010
Comparison Of Bainbridge and The Pro
The Pro has some qualities that I really like. The double strength of the glass is nice while they also don't use metal for the Super Spacer. I like the traditional design, but I also like Bainbridge's round edge look because it's different. Both windows have a foam filling, but the Soft-Lite Bainbridge window uses this foam insert as well while Classic and the Pro have injections instead. It's pretty close to being the exact same window though, with similar framing features and such.
Marty - Installer - 2010
The Imperial LS, HiMark Or Oknas
Going with HiMark or the Okna windows is a wise choice since these are among the better quality windows. Simonton can't compare to HiMarks design for appearance and looks. But, if you don't want HiMark, then Marvin Ultimate is the close second. You can't go wrong with Imperial LS's either, but they aren't the best out there still.
August - Installer - 2010
Imperial Pro or LS Model
You'll see comparisons being made between Softlite's Imperial Pro as well as the LS, though it's strange that people do so. They have more differences than people realize. The Pro is okay, but the LS is better in terms of overall performance. Sure, they have some numbers that are close, but LS is higher quality and will perform better over time. There was a job recently where I installed both windows on a house in different areas. It was a good move to save money because the Imperial Pro works pretty well for the garage so there's no need to put LS there. They've been using someone else for the extruding manufacturing so now that has more issues. The calibration on the machines can be off and then the window's width gets screwed up. I would choose LS to avoid those issues.
Ricky - Installer - 2010
Soft-Lite Elements and the Sunrise Vanguard
I'm having trouble deciding on both my windows and the installer. I need 13 windows, that much I know, and I've come down to three choices. There's Vanguard Sunrise at $8233 (good warranty), Softlite Elements at $7446 and Simonton Generations at $6908. I also got a quote for Vytex Heritage at $8590 but they don't seem promising thanks to the problematic warranty with tons of exclusions. I'm fully aware of the importance of a competent installer, but I'm not sure what to go with now. They have different installation methods with different ways of sealing up air gaps. Sunrise's installer told me that good measurements mean no gaps and adding anything would just distort the frame. Meanwhile, Softlite's installer uses a foam/fiberglass kind of insulation while Vytex's guy sprays something non-expanding.
Kyle - Past Customer - 2010
SoftLite and Sunrise Elements Comparison
Soft-Lite and the Sunrise Elements are both good choices. Before you purchase your windows, make sure that the extrusions and the framing are what you want. Some will fit into a groove, but I like having some extra space where I can spray foam insulation for a tight fit. You can use foam rolls as well when it's a little loose to seal everything up and have better insulation. I like to go that extra step to ensure that I have plenty of barriers up between me and the outside elements. Getting your window properly sealed, insulated and fit is vital to having issue free years to come. Discuss these details with your installer and see how they would proceed during the install because everyone has their own way of doing the seals and installation.
Mark - Installer - 2010
Shopping Soft-Lite's Elements and Marvin's Infinity
My house isn't significantly old since it was done in 1998. Our builder put in double hung windows and we've experienced some really bad drafts as well as condensation and frosting during the cold seasons. There was even some mold right inside our glass just last year. We live in Michigan, so the summers are pretty hot while the winters get really cold. I'm in desperate need of new windows but I'm short on money. We plan on doing the upstairs and downstairs separately, starting with our upstairs windows. We're going to sell this house within the next few years so the windows don't have to be remarkable, just average. It needs to look fine and hold up for a little while. I have been considering SoftLite's Elements with vinyl windows or Marvin's Infinity with fiberglass. They're pretty close in costs, so I'm not sure. Softlite's numbers are better, but it seems like that quality diminishes soon after you get them. On the other hand, the metal spacer in the Marvins concerns me since I don't want to deal with more condensation and this might cause it.
Kendra - Past Customer - 2010
[Contractors Reply]
It's true that Infinity is good, but I would say that Softlite's Elements is significantly better. If you get vinyl, then you don't have to worry about it expanding or contracting like another window might. Since your windows aren't going to be big, I doubt you'll encounter anything like that with the vinyl. Vinyl also lasts pretty long. From my own personal experience, I've seen windows that were installed about 10 years ago and they've been in great shape with no AI issues.
Monson - Installer - 2010
Soft-Lite Window Review
I'm quickly growing tired of searching for new windows. I need 16 replaced and now I've finally narrowed down my options to Okna's 500 Insul-Tec line and the Softlite line called Imperial LS. Any advice on what works best?
Ryan - Past Customer - 2012
[Contractors Reply]
Either is great. They both tend to last for quite a while, so you'd be getting your money's worth. Ask your installer for their input. If you trust the installer, then they can do a good install with the window they prefer. That way, they'll work best with fewer problems.
Ron - Installer - 2012
[2nd Reply]
Either would be a great choice. Softlite is a good choice since they have good customer service and options available. Their Edgetech, the Super Spacer is nice. Reglazing is pretty easy with them too, so you can always make changes. Okna is promising as well since they're reliable and built well. Ask the installer and pick from there.
Maxwell - Installer - 2012
Soft-Lite, Pella Or Andersen
People view the HiMark, Sunrise, Polaris, and the Softlite brands as elite somehow among other brands. I'm not too sure if this is a good indication of their quality, particularly in comparison to brands like Andersen, Marvin and Pella. I suppose, though, that this is varied from one dealer to the next, along with what level of customer service you get. I've mostly worked with the dealer who sells Sunrise exclusively. They've been pretty easy to work with over the years and have been around some time.
Mick - Installer - 2012