“Best” is a matter of opinion. I’ve installed Simonton… good window, but priced a little higher than PGT, which I find just as good, and has good customer service too.
Like Keith said, best is a matter of opinion. Most vinyl windows are good quality. Look for fusion welded frames, not mechanically fastened. Look for insulated glass units that have a 3/4 inch airspace in between the panes. Look for quality glass coatings; every company calls it something else but its all the same stuff really. Go for the LoE 366 or equivalent. Make sure there is argon gas in the units. Other gases are hardly more effective and cost way too much. Look for Titanium Dioxide in the vinyl, that keeps it from chalking and getting brittle with age. DON’T spend a thousand dollars per window, that’s a sure sign of being ripped off. On the other side of the coin I wouldn’t recommend off the shelf cheapies either.
There are other options, fiberglass, composite…all fine products but in my opinion not worth the huge jump in the price.
I’ve put in thousands of vinyl windows from many manufacturers and almost all of them have good product lines and bad product lines. Shop carefully and get at least 3 bids.
Andy
Both answers given are exactly correct, I don’t upsell anything to the customer, I want them to know what they are getting is what they what, I will let them know what feel would best fit there home. But as an installer for over 25 year and business owner, I explain that all window manufacture’s on the market have to go through the same testing and if they pass they (in my mind are about equal) glass wise. Now if there are different tinting and coatings and so many types of manufactures with different designs, I always le the customer know the Number 1 reason why some windows fail more than others is due to Installation. Windows can be beautiful with so many different designs but Installation is key.
The answer is really in your application, and what you are willing to sacrifice for the project.
There are wood windows, fiberglass windows, composite windows and vinyl.
If you are willing to sacrifice asthetics for a lower price and energy-efficiency, then vinyl is the way to go and Simonton makes a very good window.
If you are willing to pay a little more for zero maintenance and a nicer looking window than a plastic looking vinyl, then you should also be checking out fiberglass windows.
I’m not a fan of composite windows like Andersen’s Fibrex- they’re overpriced.
If the most important thing is aesthetics or features (like stained interiors or internal blinds or shades or custom grilles) and you are willing to pay more and maybe deal with a little maintenance down the road, then you would be considering a vinyl clad (Andersen) or aluminum clad (Pella) wood window.
Most importantly, take into account the value of your home. Windows can either diminish or increase your home’s “curb appeal” so don’t overbuy but don’t underbuy either. I find 5 to 6% a good rule of thumb. If your home is worth 300,000, then all your doors and windows should cost $15 to $20K. If it’s worth $800,000 then you can spend $35K to $45K on doors and windows.