New Simonton 5500’s

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stevet
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New Simonton 5500’s

#1 Post by stevet »

I live in the Chicagoland area and just had 13 new DH Simonton 5500’s installed in my 2-story home last week. We were replacing 15 year old cheap contractor grade double pane windows. I went with the double pane, super-spacer, argon, etc. It was fairly cold last week (below zero at times) and was very impressed on how much warmer they kept the upstairs. The inside windows were still cool to the touch, but I expected this with double panes.

My biggest disappointment with the Simonton windows is their lack of quality control. I have two windows that have super-spacer debris between the panes and one window that looks like they ground too much out of the “shadow weld” leaving a hole. I’m confident that Simonton will take care of these problems but part of me wonders if the cosmetic issues could be a sign of larger quality control issues. Does anyone else have a similar experience?

Because of the cosmetic issues I cleaned every window, inside and out, looking for defects. I am very pleased to say the tilt-in sashes are awesome and I can now clean all of my windows in about 2 hours!

Thanks to everyone on this board for their insight and sharing experiences! It really helped me make my decision.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

Every factory lets some slip through the cracks. Usually coincides with break time or Friday closing time.

Thankfully, all of the defects that you have noted can be swapped by popping sashes out and in. No tools required.

MisterBill
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#3 Post by MisterBill »

Stevet,

I live in northwest suburban Chicago too and am looking for contractors who deal in Simonton. Is there a quick way to do a search this way, either on this site or by Googling? I have been frustrated in both efforts so far.

Skydawggy
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#4 Post by Skydawggy »

MisterBill wrote:Stevet,

I live in northwest suburban Chicago too and am looking for contractors who deal in Simonton. Is there a quick way to do a search this way, either on this site or by Googling? I have been frustrated in both efforts so far.
You could just hit the "request a quote" button for Windows4U one of the pro posters on this site. I have no doubt you would be very satisfied with him.

stevet
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#5 Post by stevet »

There is no good way I found to find all Simonton dealers in the Chicagoland area. I can give you the name of mine if you would like. His prices were aggressive and the installers are pretty good.

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Delaware Mike
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#6 Post by Delaware Mike »

I've done a ton of non-metal spacers over the last few years (Super Spacer and TPS). What I've found is that way too many IG's have some type of black debris trapped between them. I'd guess that about 1 out of every 15-20. Most consumers would never really inspect them the way that I do, but that number is not acceptable. It's still the way to go as far as I'm concerned, but what the heck is going on with America's work force and management?

jackiec
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#7 Post by jackiec »

I have been looking at the Simonton 5500 and am trying to figure what the ideal glass package is for DH double and triple pane windows with grids in the Boston area. As for spacers, am I correct in going with super spacers in double pane and Intercept for triple pane? I get lost when it comes to which glass is best and are all the glass options available in double strength glass?

TheWindowNerd
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#8 Post by TheWindowNerd »

It might help if you go to www.simonton.com and print out the various glass packages.
If you go to print the energy tax credit info you only need the first 3 pages.

Bill
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#9 Post by Bill »

Jackiec:

The two glass packages I would recommend are listed below. If you go triple glazed I would use their triple pane package w/ argon gas due to the excessive cost of krypton, it’s not worth the extra money to get to U factor of .20. Simonton only uses Super Spacer w/ their triple pane glass.

WOW had mentioned grid alignment issues with Super Spacer. I have seen it but I have found it to be rare and Simonton will replace the sash if there is a problem.


36" (O) X 54" (O) 5500 Reflections White Double Hung; Rough Opening Size; BOX; Colonial All White Sculptured (2V1H); 1'' IGU Thickness; HiPro Glass Package AR; Super Spacer; Low E Softcoat (Prosolar); Argon Gas; Triple Glazed; Double Strength (1/8"); Half Screen Fiberglass Extruded Screen Mold; 00 No Reinforcement; Two Air Latches; Two White; Logo Lock; Sill Extender; Glass Warranty (UI=90"); DP:25; Test Number=60739.02; U-Factor:.24; SHGC:.20; Unit qualifies for ENERGY STAR region(s): Northern, North Central, South Central, Southern


36" (O) X 54" (O) 5500 Reflections White Double Hung; Rough Opening Size; BOX; Colonial All White Flat (2V1H); 1'' IGU Thickness; Super Spacer; Low E 366; Argon Gas; Double Glazed; Double Strength (1/8"); Half Screen Fiberglass Extruded Screen Mold; 00 No Reinforcement; Two Air Latches; Two White; Logo Lock; Sill Extender; Glass Warranty (UI=90"); DP:25; Test Number=60739.02; U-Factor:.30; SHGC:.18; Unit qualifies for ENERGY STAR region(s): Northern, North Central, South Central, Southern

I hope this helps
Bill

Will91
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#10 Post by Will91 »

Bill:

I thought SuperSpacer was and option with regular double pane. I was told special shapes only come with superspacer so planned on having superspacer for the rest of the windows as well - for uniformity of appearance.

Bill
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#11 Post by Bill »

Jakiec had wrote

“am I correct in going with super spacers in double pane and Intercept for triple pane?"


I was letting the poster know that Simonton does not produce a triple pane glass system with Intercept.

Super Spacer is available as an option for the double pane glass, the second option I posted above is double pane with Super Spacer that meets the energy tax rebate program.

Bill

jackiec
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#12 Post by jackiec »

Bill,
What is the typical installed price for your ideally listed windows above? Assume the job is a minimum of 10 dh windows.

TheWindowNerd
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#13 Post by TheWindowNerd »

Pricing on the board is tricky, not looked upon kindly.
500-600

stevet
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#14 Post by stevet »

Just a data point. I was able to find Simonton windows for a bit less than you quoted, but I also had a ton of additional work done so I'm sure helped my contractor be more aggressive. Speaking from a homeowner's perspective, now is an AWESOME time to do home improvement projects. Contractors were MUCH more responsive and prices are very aggressive. Just remember to not let price be your only guide make sure to check references and go out and look at the contractors other work in your area.

Good luck!

kingfish38
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Re: New Simonton 5500’s

#15 Post by kingfish38 »

I too am from the Boston area and looking to make some energy improvements. As for windows, it seems the best in our area is the Simonton. Now I have to find a good enough contractor to guarantee their installation.

Have you had any luck with a contractor and quotes? Can you please let me know how your install goes?

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