Soft-Lite Imperial LS double hung Soft-Lite

Overall quality: 4
Locks: 3
Balance System: 4
Warranty: 4
Window Grade: 3.8

Klavisha

September 29th 2007 at 11:00:48 AM

Window Comments

Would like to update my previous review - the Soft-lite Imperial LS is an attractive window, though I do not like the somewhat "sloppy" diagonal corner welds on the sashes. But you don't notice it unless you are looking closely. The fiberglass screens are more reflective than our old aluminum ones and block the view more in strong sunlight. IBut I like that they can be raised to the top sash level and will stay in place, allowing the top sash to be lowered for air flow. Soft-lite does not offer outside-the-glass simulated divided lites that look real, as I saw on a Pella wood window - would have liked that option. The locks on several of my windows are a little difficult to open/close, not sure if that is a Soft-lite, installation, or "user" flaw. The windows themselves open and close easily. As this is a new installation I cannot yet comment on energy efficiency.

Overall quality: 4
Locks: 3
Balance System: 3
Warranty: 4
Window Grade: 3.5
Install Grade: 4.0

Klavisha

September 29th 2007 at 10:20:16 AM

Window Comments

I am mostly pleased with the windows, but cannot assess them accurately using the given rating system, as I have no experience with other brands.

Install Comments

Installed by Chesapeake Thermal of MD

First, no hard sell - the company owner showed us various options but did not try to sell us anything we did not ask for. He appeared knowledgeable about his products and installation. The company was very responsive to our questions both before and after installation, getting back to us quickly when we had questions and to fix a couple of windows with loose weatherstripping. Installation was done by the owner's 2 brothers and one assistant - no subcontractors. Price - we did get the "discount if you order within the next couple of weeks, to beat the rush Fall season when everyone wants new windows." Companies, stop that nonsense! But all in all we were happy and would consider this company again.

Price Information

For 19 double-hungs, all plain white (no external colors or laminates), no grids, no fancy glass, all double glazed; and one bay with casement sides - $10,550.

Overall quality: 5
Locks: 5
Balance System: 5
Warranty: 5
Window Grade: 5.0
Install Grade: 5.0

Arthur

May 1st 2008 at 09:00:53 PM

Window Comments

I had more than a dozen Imperial LS windows installed several months ago, and I love them. These replaced original windows to the home (about 70 years old) so of course I noticed a tremendous difference in my heating as well as the overall noise level. I have the low profile locks, which work very well, and keep the window panes snug together. During the cold months, my boiled would normally cycle constantly to keep up with the heat loss through my old windows. Now the boiler comes on once in the morning and once at night, so I know I am going to save a ton in heating (enough to pay for the windows, probably not for a long time :)! ). They are so easy to open, look great inside and out, I cannot feel any draft around the window and the glass is incredibly insulated. The selling point s for these are the spacers, minimal use of metal, nice sliding mechanism and solid welds. I have the pane dividers, which are between the panes of glass, and they look great since they are not flat, but 2 dimensional. So overall I am very pleased with them. After going to a building convention last month and seeing all the top brand windows, I realized how well built these are and that I really got the best window I could for the money.

Install Comments

Installed by Alumabilt of MA

This guy was incredible. He removed all of the old aluminum storms, did a great job wrapping the exterior, and then left the place spotless after the install.

Price Information

These were between 500-600/window. That is steep, but to me it was well worth it. They make the house look so nice on the outside (the exterior frame is fantastic), and with the low E coating and gas fill, keep the house warm and VERY quiet, letting tons of light in to keep the house nice and bright. Awesome.