Got quotes on Simonton 5300 and 5500. Which to choose?

[Ales]

I got a price quote for 7 Simonton 5300 and 5500 Reflection series windows. The price differance between the 2 is $65 for the total. Can anyone tell me what the differances are between the 2. Based on what I am reading on my specs, the only difference is 1 air latch (5300) vs 2 air latches (5500). And DP45 (5300) and DP25 (5500). These are the basic spec windows with no options besides a grill pattern.

These windows are argon filled, I’ve been hearing about fogging if the window cracks. Is this a problem? Would it be covered under warranty?

Thanks for all the help

[Bill]

Ales:

They are totally different windows; the 5500 has cleaner welds and a heavier frame and sash, for $65.00 the 5500 is well worth it.

Don’t be fooled by the higher DP rating on the standard 5300 Double Hung it has nothing to do with strength it has to do with drainage. The 5300 does not have a plug in the sill covering the balance channel the 5500 does. A DP-50 can be achieved on the 5500 Double Hung just by changing the solid plug to slotted without additional reinforcement. (on most sizes)

I know you probably don’t have any idea of what I’m talking about but my recommendation is to get the 5500 at a DP 25. I order all my 5500 windows in New Jersey DP-25 unless it is coastal.

You have a 20 year warranty on the glass covering failure. The presence of insulating gasses has no impact on IG failure

Bill