Yeah, prep work definitely makes a difference. I just replaced mine last summer (went with Pella, actually), and the installer spent forever shimming and leveling each window. Took longer than expected, but zero drafts this winter... worth the extra hassle for sure.
I hear ya on the prep work, but honestly, I think a lot of it comes down to the installer rather than just the brand. My brother-in-law went with Simonton a couple years back, and he swears they're just as good as Pella—no drafts, no leaks, nothing. But then again, he spent ages researching installers and ended up paying a bit extra for someone who really knew their stuff.
Personally, I'm always skeptical when people rave about one brand over another. Feels like half the time it's just luck or good installation. I replaced two windows in my kitchen last spring (went with Andersen), and while they're decent enough, I still get a tiny draft on windy days. Pretty sure that's on me though—I went cheap on the installer and now I'm paying for it every winter... lesson learned, lol.
Anyway, Simonton or Pella, I'd say just make sure whoever you hire knows what they're doing. Seems like that's half the battle right there.
Totally agree about the installer being key. I've seen top-of-the-line windows perform horribly because the installer cut corners or didn't seal things properly. Honestly, most reputable brands—Simonton, Pella, Andersen, Marvin—are pretty comparable quality-wise these days. It mostly comes down to personal preference on style and budget.
One thing I'd add though: pay attention to warranty details. Even if the installer's great, sometimes you just get unlucky with a faulty window or seal failing prematurely. Had a client last year who went with Simonton and ended up with condensation issues inside the glass after only two winters. Luckily, Simonton honored their warranty without much hassle, but I've heard mixed stories about other brands dragging their feet.
Bottom line, don't stress too much over brand loyalty. Just find someone who knows how to properly flash and seal your windows, and you'll probably be good to go.
Good points about warranties and installation quality. I've been researching window replacements myself lately, and one thing I'm still unclear on is the real-world difference between vinyl and fiberglass frames. Some folks swear fiberglass holds up better long-term, especially in extreme climates, but others say vinyl's improved enough that it's not worth the extra cost. Curious if anyone here has firsthand experience comparing the two over several years...?
"Some folks swear fiberglass holds up better long-term, especially in extreme climates"
Yeah, I've heard similar things about fiberglass, especially for places with big temperature swings. But honestly, my parents put vinyl windows in their house about 8 years ago, and they've held up surprisingly well—even through some nasty winters. Might not be worth the extra cash...
Yeah, vinyl can definitely hold its own, especially if you go with a quality brand and proper installation. One thing to keep in mind, though—fiberglass typically expands and contracts less than vinyl, so it might maintain a tighter seal over the long haul. If you're really into energy efficiency and trying to minimize drafts, fiberglass could give you a slight edge in extreme climates. But honestly, for most people, the difference might be subtle enough that vinyl's value outweighs it. Just depends how picky you are about squeezing every bit of efficiency out of your home...
Simonton makes solid windows, no doubt, and I've installed plenty without complaints. Fiberglass does have that slight advantage with thermal stability, but honestly, unless you're living in the Arctic or obsessively measuring drafts with a feather, vinyl usually gets the job done just fine...and saves a few bucks too.
I've put in Simonton vinyl windows myself and they've held up pretty well overall—no real regrets. But I do wonder about fiberglass longevity. A buddy of mine installed Pella fiberglass about 10 years ago, and they still look practically new. Curious if anyone's had vinyl windows for 15-20 years or more...do they hold up as nicely long-term, or do they start showing their age sooner?
I've installed plenty of Simonton vinyl windows over the years, and honestly, most of them hold up pretty well long-term. I've seen some pushing 20 years that still look decent—maybe a bit faded or duller than when new, but nothing major. Fiberglass does have an edge in durability and appearance retention, though... especially if you're picky about aesthetics. But if budget matters, vinyl's still a solid choice. Either way, you're not likely to regret it—just depends how much you care about looks after a decade or two, haha.
I've had decent experiences with Simonton too, but honestly, I've seen a few vinyl windows warp slightly over time—especially on south-facing walls with lots of sun exposure. Fiberglass does seem to handle temperature swings better without distortion. Not saying vinyl isn't solid, just that fiberglass might save you some headaches if your house gets intense sunlight or extreme weather. Something to consider before pulling the trigger...