I'll try to keep it simple. We recieved two comparable quotes between two local companies for Soft-Lite Elements vs Okna 800. We have a large number of windows (sliding windows, picture windows, and sliders). There are (3) quotes (one per group) from each vendor since we divided up the qty and replacement type into different groups. The Soft-Lite pricing is generally $800 - $1200 higher per grouping.
There is a considerable price difference in the grouping of large picture windows. Soft-Lite pricing is ~$7000 more. The vendor said those windows require impact resistant glass or triple tempered vs the tempered glass in the Okna. They said that is required by the manufacturer for the warranty.
(3) picture windows: 48”w x 80”h
(2) sliding doors: 96”w x 80”h.
(6) picture windows: 48”w x 96”h
*All picture windows start at floor
Can someone explain?
Otherwise, which window is the better choice? Or, is there another recommended vendor that we should look at based on quality, etc.
Okna 800 or Soft-Lite Elements
- Windows on Washington
- Posts: 4868
- Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
- Contact:
Re: Okna 800 or Soft-Lite Elements
In that comparison, the one that is better is the one that is more cost effective assuming that both companies are quality installers and vendors.
The windows that are at the floor will have to be tempered given their size. Not sure why they would say they require impact glass. There is no code on that (unless you are in a hurricane zone) as it pertains to proximity to the floor and size.
The windows that are at the floor will have to be tempered given their size. Not sure why they would say they require impact glass. There is no code on that (unless you are in a hurricane zone) as it pertains to proximity to the floor and size.
- HomeSealed
- Posts: 2760
- Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2010 6:14 pm
- Location: Milwaukee, Madison, Northern IL
- Contact:
Re: Okna 800 or Soft-Lite Elements
+1. Tempered glass is required by code, nothing more, nothing less.
On product, those are two of the top performing products on the market. Sounds like an easy choice provided that the less expensive option is a reputable company offering a good installation.
On product, those are two of the top performing products on the market. Sounds like an easy choice provided that the less expensive option is a reputable company offering a good installation.
Re: Okna 800 or Soft-Lite Elements
I spoke with the local Soft-Lite dealer. Their comment was the size of the picture windows required triple strength tempered glass.
Based on the comments, we'll move forward with Okna.
Based on the comments, we'll move forward with Okna.
- Windows on Washington
- Posts: 4868
- Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
- Contact:
Re: Okna 800 or Soft-Lite Elements
Can't go wrong with either but the smoke and mirrors about the tempered glass gives me a bit of a weird feeling about the Soft-Lite guy.
800-399-4623