Soft-Lite Imperial LS double hung by Soft-Lite Reviews
Klavisha
September 29th, 2007 10:20 am
Window Comments
I am mostly pleased with the windows, but cannot assess them accurately using the given rating system, as I have no experience with other brands.
Install Comments
Installed by Chesapeake Thermal of MD
First, no hard sell - the company owner showed us various options but did not try to sell us anything we did not ask for. He appeared knowledgeable about his products and installation. The company was very responsive to our questions both before and after installation, getting back to us quickly when we had questions and to fix a couple of windows with loose weatherstripping. Installation was done by the owner's 2 brothers and one assistant - no subcontractors. Price - we did get the "discount if you order within the next couple of weeks, to beat the rush Fall season when everyone wants new windows." Companies, stop that nonsense! But all in all we were happy and would consider this company again.
Price Information
For 19 double-hungs, all plain white (no external colors or laminates), no grids, no fancy glass, all double glazed; and one bay with casement sides - $10,550.
Klavisha
September 29th, 2007 11:00 am
Window Comments
Would like to update my previous review - the Soft-lite Imperial LS is an attractive window, though I do not like the somewhat "sloppy" diagonal corner welds on the sashes. But you don't notice it unless you are looking closely. The fiberglass screens are more reflective than our old aluminum ones and block the view more in strong sunlight. IBut I like that they can be raised to the top sash level and will stay in place, allowing the top sash to be lowered for air flow. Soft-lite does not offer outside-the-glass simulated divided lites that look real, as I saw on a Pella wood window - would have liked that option. The locks on several of my windows are a little difficult to open/close, not sure if that is a Soft-lite, installation, or "user" flaw. The windows themselves open and close easily. As this is a new installation I cannot yet comment on energy efficiency.
Arthur
May 1st, 2008 9:00 pm
Window Comments
I had more than a dozen Imperial LS windows installed several months ago, and I love them. These replaced original windows to the home (about 70 years old) so of course I noticed a tremendous difference in my heating as well as the overall noise level. I have the low profile locks, which work very well, and keep the window panes snug together. During the cold months, my boiled would normally cycle constantly to keep up with the heat loss through my old windows. Now the boiler comes on once in the morning and once at night, so I know I am going to save a ton in heating (enough to pay for the windows, probably not for a long time :)! ). They are so easy to open, look great inside and out, I cannot feel any draft around the window and the glass is incredibly insulated. The selling point s for these are the spacers, minimal use of metal, nice sliding mechanism and solid welds. I have the pane dividers, which are between the panes of glass, and they look great since they are not flat, but 2 dimensional. So overall I am very pleased with them. After going to a building convention last month and seeing all the top brand windows, I realized how well built these are and that I really got the best window I could for the money.
Install Comments
Installed by Alumabilt of MA
This guy was incredible. He removed all of the old aluminum storms, did a great job wrapping the exterior, and then left the place spotless after the install.
Price Information
These were between 500-600/window. That is steep, but to me it was well worth it. They make the house look so nice on the outside (the exterior frame is fantastic), and with the low E coating and gas fill, keep the house warm and VERY quiet, letting tons of light in to keep the house nice and bright. Awesome.
Dan Chappell
June 24th, 2009 2:36 pm
Window Comments
We had Soft-Lite windows installed in Jan '09. When a walk through was finally performed, it was discovered that only one widow would raise more than a few inches. A couple of visits from the installer and one from the factory only resulted in confirming the windows were "unacceptable". To date no repair attempts have been made and neither the installation company or Soft-Lite are returning communications. On the plus side, the house does not feel as chilly as before, so insulation factor does appear to be better. We have noticed no savings in utility costs, but with rate changes it has been difficult to confirm one way or the other.
Install Comments
Installed by Advance Roofing and Windows of DC
There was property damage during installation and we were asked to submit recipts for replacement items. We were never reimbursed. Installers left glass shards on the back deck, windows were installed without caulking around the outsides (large gaps directly into the outside walls still exist). No repairs have been attempted, the issue was just "passed off" to Soft-Lite, who also did nothing but confirm there was an issue.
Price Information
Pricing was consistent with other home owners in our neighborhood that had windows replaced.
Jim R
July 14th, 2009 1:15 pm
Window Comments
Nice design, easy to open and operate. Not 'thick' and bulky like some other windows. Looks great from outside and inside. You can be sured that they were made well.
Install Comments
Installed by Castle Windows of NJ
Frendly and courtious. Came on time and finished when they said they will finish. 31 windows in 1 day!
Price Information
16,500 for 31 windows, including 2 large picture windows, 3 basement sliders and the balance double hung. All windows had grills on top and bottom sash (except the basement windows). Included wrapping with white metal the exterior frames and big sitting window frame. Also build basement window frames and cover.
Mike
September 1st, 2010 1:31 pm
Window Comments
Windows were installed in March 2010.Had problems with condensation not long after they were installed on the outside of windows, so you can not see out of them. Would not recommend these windows.
Install Comments
Installed by Weather Pro of WI
Did a great job installing and taking away old ones. They were very nice and friendly.
lswan
November 30th, 2010 9:17 am
Window Comments
My windows were installed 8/08. Noticed a lot of leaking. Apparently there was missing weather-stripping that was added by the installer. One year later, still having drafting at sash & now sash lock has popped out by itself & cannot be depressed back into window. I am quite unhappy with these windows, feeling they are sub-standard. Installer is coming back again today.
Install Comments
Installed by Arrowhead Windows and Doors of MN
Have been responsive to attempting to fix the problems.
Jeff
May 24th, 2011 1:54 pm
Window Comments
We had SIX triple pane, 1 inch width, Super spacer, Low E and Argon gas installed a month ago. We also ordered the premium window screening material so it is less noticeable. These windows are really nice and operate smoothly. The sash corner welds were all uniform in their clean up and one thing we have noticed is the lack of air movement inside any of the rooms. All these windows face due west with no windbreaks. (Our large tree was destroyed by high winds in a storm) The one thing that stands out also is how much quieter it is inside. The road noise is almost imperceptible. We love these windows and are planning on having the rest of our remaining older windows replaced with these next year. We compared these heavily to Simonton Impressions and felt that they were better appearance wise and superior in Air Infiltration AND U rating as well.
Install Comments
Installed by Windows Plus of OH
The installer was very meticulous in making sure that the windows were squared up and true and fitting correctly. He did a wonderful job insulating all around the windows and filled the gaps with low expandable foam. He went the extra mile in making sure the trim was perfect and he cleaned up after himself. Would highly recommend this company.
Price Information
We bought our windows at the installed price of $480 per window after some hard negotiating with this particula window company. We had pitted them against another local dealer that we were looking at Simonton Impressions with same window specs and brought up the subject of price differential. Glad we did. We got what we wanted at a good price.
Hootie
January 24th, 2012 12:10 pm
Window Comments
I had both double pane Argon Low E and triple pane Krypton installed on various sides of the house. All were metal full screen installs. Windows work flawlessly. Triple pane is slightly darker and but much more efficient. Made a huge difference on the west and southern (sun) exposures. Look great! triple pane is much heavier window, but unnoticable once installed. I also had 2 casements installed with fiberglass screens.
Install Comments
Installed by Cornerstone Home Improvement of MO
Very patient, responsive and polite. Attention to detail was a priority and they made sure they cleaned up and got everything right. They continue to follow-up, but I have had no problems
Price Information
Triple pane Krypton was more expensive but necesssary for my application. Very competitive against Simonton and PlyGem. The windows are by far the best value around here. I only wish I would have installed them in 2010 for the better tax credit.