I’ve wondered about the installer vs. brand thing too. We went with a mid-range window, thinking it’d be fine, but honestly, the sealant started peeling after the first storm season. The installer blamed “settling,” but I’m not convinced. Is it really normal to have to touch up sealant every year? Feels like that’s more about who did the work than the window itself... unless some brands just hide mistakes better? I’d love to know if anyone’s had a high-end window survive a few years without this hassle.
- Had the same thing happen here—mid-range windows, decent reviews, but the caulking started coming loose after about 18 months. Installer also blamed “settling,” but my neighbor’s windows (different installer, same brand) never had that issue.
- From what I’ve seen, the sealant stuff is way more about who does the job than the window itself. My cousin got high-end PGTs and the install was sloppy—sealant peeled in a year. He had it redone by a different crew, no problems since.
- On the other hand, my folks have mid-level Simontons, installed ten years ago, and still look solid. They’ve never had to touch up anything, even after a couple hurricanes. Their installer was super picky though, spent forever making sure everything was perfect.
- I don’t think any brand really “hides” mistakes, but if the install is bad, even the best windows won’t save you from leaks or peeling. Some brands might have better quality control on the frames or glass, but sealant is just about how careful they are at install.
- Honestly, I’d focus more on finding someone with a good rep for installation than paying for the fanciest brand. The window itself matters, but not as much as the guy putting it in.
- Touching up every year sounds like something’s off. Maybe worth getting a second opinion if you can swing it... or at least watching the next storm season closely.
- Couldn’t agree more that install is everything. I’ve seen top-tier windows fail just because the crew rushed the sealant or skipped prep.
- One thing I always tell clients: don’t skimp on the backer rod or primer if your installer recommends it. It helps the caulk flex with the house, especially after a big storm.
- If you’re seeing yearly touch-ups, that’s not normal. Should get at least 5+ years out of a proper job unless your house is really shifting.
- I’ve had best luck with installers who take their time and actually care about cleanup. The detail work makes all the difference.
- Brand does matter for hardware and glass, but leaks are almost always about the install, not the window itself.
Brand does matter for hardware and glass, but leaks are almost always about the install, not the window itself.
This matches what I’ve seen too. I had a mid-range brand put in after Irma, but the crew spent forever prepping and sealing every edge. Zero leaks since—even through last year’s storms. My neighbor went high-end but rushed the job, and he’s patching caulk every spring. Prep and patience really do pay off.
I get the point about installation, but I’m not convinced the brand is irrelevant. My old vinyl windows were installed perfectly—still leaked under pressure. Swapped to a higher-spec glass and frame, same installer, and the difference was night and day. Sometimes material quality just sets the ceiling, no matter how careful the crew is.
I hear you on the material making a difference. I’ve seen jobs where we followed the book on install—level, square, flashed, all that—but the windows themselves just weren’t up to snuff. Sometimes it’s little stuff, like cheap seals or flexy frames. I remember a job after Irma where two houses had windows put in by my crew, same week, but one used those big-box “hurricane rated” vinyls and the other went with a pricier aluminum brand. First good gust and the vinyl ones whistled like a teapot. Aluminum stayed tight.
But then again, I’ve seen high-end brands fail too when the caulking or flashing got skipped. Makes me wonder, is there a sweet spot? Like, is it better to spend more on materials or just make sure you get someone who knows how to install them right? Or maybe both... Curious if anyone’s had luck with the mid-range brands holding up in real storms?
I’ve been through a couple storms with mid-range windows (Simonton, to be exact), and honestly, they did better than I expected. I did the install myself—took my time with the flashing and caulking, double-checked everything—and they held up through some nasty winds last year. My neighbor had pricier impact glass but rushed the install and ended up with leaks. Makes me think there’s no magic brand, it’s really about not cutting corners on the details. Still, I wouldn’t go bargain-basement either... those frames just feel flimsy in your hands.
This is actually kind of reassuring to read. I keep hearing that you have to spend a fortune or it’s pointless, but your point about careful installation makes a lot of sense. I’m still skeptical about mid-range holding up long term, though—like, do you notice any drafts or warping after a couple seasons? I’m not sure I trust my own DIY skills as much as you, but I agree, some of those cheap frames just feel like they’d snap if you looked at them wrong.