Replacing wood to vinyl....

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maddog202067
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Replacing wood to vinyl....

#1 Post by maddog202067 »

These boards have provided me a wealth of info and I want to start off by saying Ty. Here is my question.. Right now I'm leaning towards simonton but not quite sure what model to purchase. I live in the Raleigh NC area and found a place that carries both simonton and ply gem. Can u guys list in order from good to best on the models for both ply and simonton? Thanks in advance. I kinda like the azzure model because of the more glass vs frame.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

The Asure is an adaptation of the 5050 which was Simonton's entry level window.

You are right to like the look of it when it comes to the vastly improved glass size as compared to the upper levels in Simonton's product inventory. It is appreciably slimmer.

That being said, it does not have near the strength in the frame that the other models do and has been referred to as a bit flimsy by other folks that deal with it on a daily basis.

I will wait for HomeSealed to comment on the PlyGem given his familiarity with that line of windows.

I think you are on the right track though.

Sunrise and Soft-Lite both have very slim lined options as well.

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HomeSealed
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#3 Post by HomeSealed »

The Plygem Pro and Premium series were formally known as the Great Lakes Grandview 4000 and 5000. Both are essentially the same with different levels of bells and whistles, although my preference in that line is the Premium series with its sash reinforcement. The air infiltration rating of .19 leaves a little bit to be desired and it's u-values are middle-of-the-road in comparison to some others. Overall, it is decent and probably in the same category as the Simonton option, although my own personal preference would be the Sunrise or Softlite as WoW mentioned. If you do choose one of the first two mentioned, I'd opt for the sash reinforcement as well as a composite spacer (or stainless at minimum).

maddog202067
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#4 Post by maddog202067 »

So out of the simonton reflection series would u recommend the 5500 5300 or the 5050 series?

randy
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#5 Post by randy »

5500 is better than the 5300 or the 5050, and by a wide margin.

TheWindowNerd
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#6 Post by TheWindowNerd »

I agree with Randy about the 5500.

anthony

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HomeSealed
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#7 Post by HomeSealed »

Agreed.

maddog202067
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#8 Post by maddog202067 »

Should i request the installer to use non expansion foam installation. and should i go with the superspacer, if so how much extra per window is it?

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HomeSealed
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#9 Post by HomeSealed »

Price depends what the dealer wants to sell it at... I prefer both the low expansion foam and the super spacer option.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#10 Post by Windows on Washington »

I second that...

Image

maddog202067
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#11 Post by maddog202067 »

2- 20"x73 3/4
1-48"x73 3/4
1-32"x45 3/4
5/8 grids low-e and argon gas
1/2 screens
Add foam price separately

I have your pricing for the Simonton 5500 windows.
With your size changes and adding an 1 window.
5/8 flat grids, low e with argon, 1/2 screen, double hung
replacement exact size. Pretax 1080.00. if you would want delivered add 35.00
for foam wrap around windows add 8.00 each

this price does not include install. should i opt for the foam wrap and is this a good price? The guy told me that by using the expansion foam it could negate my warranty. is that true?

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HomeSealed
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#12 Post by HomeSealed »

Sounds like a very good price. Skip the foam wrap and use the expanding foam. Just make sure that it is LOW expansion foam. You can actually buy the pro guns now at the box stores for around $50. It would be a wise investment. :D

maddog202067
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#13 Post by maddog202067 »

the guy selling us the windows advised that by using the low expansion foam it can negate the window warranty. is this true? what are the major negatives if i dont use the expansion foam? what are the positives if i do use it?

TheWindowNerd
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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#14 Post by TheWindowNerd »

Is this the how to clinic?
There is no Mfg today that will void a warranty for the proper use(read the label on the can) of low expansion foam.
Low expansion foam will do at least three things:
insulate
air seal
water seal( if closed cell)
anchor

theWindowNerd

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Re: Replacing wood to vinyl....

#15 Post by randy »

Anthony is right, and the guy selling the windows is wrong. But if he doesn't know better than what he said, he's probably not the guy you want using foam around the windows either.

The major negative of not using foam is air leakage and possibly water infiltration - depending on how they seal the perimeter. Foam isn't absolutely necessary in every installation, but it's no doubt the best way to go.

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