First timer needs help!

Hello all,

I have recently begun the search for replacement windows and I can tell you it's worse than buying a car!

I live outside of Philly and have 30 double hung windows to replace (plus an entry door, patio door and 2 storm/screen doors). My window choices are limited in that my color choices are not common (black exteriors, tan/almond interiors). After some research and lurking on these boards I discovered Softlite.

I visited the softlite website and am interested in either the imperial or elements. While their website lists a few contractors, I could only find one near me, and he only deals with elements.

My question is can someone recommend or tell me how to find some other contractors who deal in softlite so I can get additional bids?

Thanks so much for your help.

Kathy

Have you tried calling the factory and asking for a few names? You ca also go to their website and enter your zip code in the dealer locator feature. I would think there are many Softlite Dealers near Philly.

Soft-Lite is a great window choice as are any of the other commonly recommend premium vinyls (Gorell, Okna, Sunrise).

Most of them can paint the exterior black and use the Tan window extrusion to have the tan interior.

A regular poster by the name of "anthony" services the Philadelphia area and is probably your greatest resource in that area. He carries all the top brands and is an extremely honorable and fair person.

You can find him here: http://www.vinyl-replacement-windows.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5082

Thank you. I have already contacted Anthony through these boards.

Just wondering, though. Is a black painted vinyl a bad choice maintenance wise (i.e., fading)? I don't want to have to repaint in 5 years. While I like the look, I would settle for white if that were the case.

SoftLite offers PVC Bond or Foil Laminate both are warrantied against fading peeling flaking for ten years
PVC Bond can be touched up
PVC Bond is slightly more expensive than Foil
I prefer Beige color option
It is more affordable too
Expand your search area you may find the connection you desire

When you say black, I think you are referring to Bronze.

PVC Bond is offered in black
Foil Laminate is offered in Antique Bronze
Foil Laminate has a stippled or striated finish
SoftLite Bainbridge is offered in solid color brown
Imperial is available in Soft White and Beige solid color

Okna, Sunrise, Gorell, and Softlite are all great choices that should be available in your area. Any of them will offer exterior in black or bronze, that way you are not restricted to just one brand if you can't find another dealer. Most markets will have one dealer of each product, so it is likely that you have one Elements dealer, and one Imperial LS dealer in your area. It should be pretty easy to contact Softlite and ask who the LS dealer is, but I'd check on the other options as well.... particularly Anthony. Awesome guy and he offers the best products out there.

You can do a standard black exterior PVC bond on beige interior with the Imp LS.
You can not do foil laminate on beige interior Imp LS.
The PVC bond has a ten discolor warranty.
Sunrise does not have anything in the Vanguard line that is that dark.
Okna 800 does not offer an almond interior.
" 400 does offer beige interior with dark bronze exterior in PVC bond, as far as my dealer info shows, though I would want to confirm.

You can probably get the 500 in the Beige/Black combo too.

Thanks for update on beige and foil laminate not being available at SL
I wonder why?
Tin Man offered lots of choices
white white and of course white
Maybe black capping on a white window would be an effective solution

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I already have black capping on white windows. Was looking for something different.

I will check out OKNA.

Thanks again.

As per the specs, Soft_lite is the best choice.