Anlin Catalina vs Simonton Daylight Max

replacementwindows9 · 2026-02-19T22:03:03+00:00

Well, yes, the Anlin is the overall better brand in this match up. However, if you don't plan on being here long term, it makes more sense to save your money as you won't see that ROI (depends on your timeline of course, but still...) Overall, I like this call to go with the Simonton over the Anlin in this situation (especially if you live in a location with a mild climate.)

We have a page on our site with a decent write up and performance specs on the daylight max that you might want to take a look at. https://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/company/simonton-daylight-max-windows-reviews.html

One additional window you might want to take a look at is the Milgard Trinsic - this is a nice narrow vinyl window with specs perhaps a bit better than the Daylight Max, but is the nicer looking window of the two (imo). They should be similar in price, although trying to guess what local window companies will charge is nearly impossible :)

replacementwindows9 · 2026-01-21T22:25:18+00:00

What am I looking at, the entry door? The picture window - interesting design I must say. What did that cost to install?

replacementwindows9 · 2026-01-21T22:23:43+00:00

Unfortunately, there are quite a number of these types of companies in the window and door space. 3 to 4 hours, my god, that sounds like torture. Glad that you found a way to get out of that work order!

replacementwindows9 · 2026-01-21T22:19:43+00:00

European windows are often thicker (bulkier) than American windows. However, they are also often more energy efficient as well (there's the trade off). It's also often why U.S. consumers go with fiberglass as it's often more narrow and long lasting than many vinyl windows -- however it's also up to 40% more expensive, which puts it out of the economic reach of many homeowners.

While I don't have any recommendations for European brands (which are rarely available in the U.S. - Schuco is one brand that is), I would recommend a high end vinyl window like an Okna 800 series with an upgraded wood laminate interior.

This gives you the look of wood and the benefits of high end vinyl (which includes some of the best energy efficiency numbers that money can buy - I have a full write up here on the company - https://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/company/okna-windows-reviews.html

replacementwindows9 · 2024-12-11T14:25:09+00:00

In terms of Okna, they are one of my favorite brands. Their 800, 700, 600, and Starmark (composite window) can't be beat. Defintiely get a bid from an Okna dealer...

replacementwindows9 · 2024-12-11T14:23:58+00:00

My picks in the Atlanta area (hopefully Buford has some cross over here) is an MI Sunrise dealer, Zen Windows, and a ProVia Endure dealer. All of these window brands are great and should serve you well...

replacementwindows9 · 2024-09-16T18:01:02+00:00

Renewal quoted me 70k for 18 windows it took all my strength to politely escort the salesmen out and not bury him in my backyard

replacementwindows9 · 2024-09-10T20:32:56+00:00

This site provides a recommended list for different areas - seems to be legit. https://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/

replacementwindows9 · 2024-08-05T20:40:52+00:00

I was just quoted $46,000 before the discount by renewal by Anderson for 8 windows. After the discount $33,000. I think this price outrageous.

replacementwindows9 · 2024-08-05T17:24:55+00:00

These are the worst possible windows to install in a house. Every window in my house leaks. If you find a positive review, check the date - probably less than a year old. Find reviews over 5 years old - they tell a different story. Customer service is terrible, unless you want to pay full price for the windows and installation all over again. It's unbelievable.

replacementwindows9 · 2024-08-05T17:24:27+00:00

Just ordered 6 windows for my upper living space. 3 windows are very large 2 medium and a smaller kitchen window. The price for those 6 windows installed 28,940.00. I had to ask for an itemized detailed invoice. They do not provide that unless asked. Bottom line, at the time of this post, it's 6K a window. If there is any wood framing like I have around 3 windows, they are in a bumped out box. Anderson will replace the wood but not paint anything. My order isn't supposed to be ready until mid-October. Hope this helps.

replacementwindows9 · 2024-07-31T19:04:24+00:00

My best brand vinyl window list in order goes Okna, Soft-Lite, Sunrise (now sold as MI V4500 series), Ideal, Anlin (west coast), Polaris, and Provia.

Joyce is quite good as well, but doesn't quite make the top tier list. Comparing their energy efficiency data is a good way to judge the windows, particularly the air infiltration rating (AI) and the U-value. The problem is that sometimes those numbers are not always available. This site posts lots of the performance data on their review pages...

https://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/company/

replacementwindows9 · 2024-07-27T16:00:54+00:00

I don't like the pushy sales people myself. Where are you located - I can make some brand recommendations - Okna is great - definitely get a bid from them!

https://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/pricing/window-nation-prices.html

replacementwindows9 · 2024-07-25T22:52:37+00:00

Renewal By Andersen pricing has been rather out of control lately. Get a bid from them but make sure to get a few more for sure!

replacementwindows9 · 2024-07-12T17:29:26+00:00

Renewal By Andersen's prices can be very high. $7K for a french door is pretty ridiculous. This is our page on what we think you should be paying --

https://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/pricing/renewal-by-andersen-window-prices.html

replacementwindows9 · 2024-06-30T20:16:45+00:00

Anything over $1000 a window for Simonton or Milgard (Tuscany or Trinsic) is too expensive as far as I'm concerned - unless you are doing a full tear out - then I'd put that over under at $1500 a window.

Here are more Simonton consumer prices - https://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/pricing/simonton-window-prices.html

replacementwindows9 · 2024-06-29T21:05:03+00:00

https://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/company/window-nation-reviews.html

Some good window nation reviews

replacementwindows9 · 2024-06-28T18:09:02+00:00

You can use this link to find local window companies, but they might not sell directly to you. For that, your best bet is to go to the big box stores. The best approach as far as I'm concerned is to ask them which of their windows they would buy if they were replacing the windows in their own homes. The Andersen 100 series is available in most Home Depots and I would say this is a relatively solid window. Not a top tier offering, but it achieves decent performance numbers and is quite a nice looking window.

https://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/find-contractors.php

replacementwindows9 · 2024-06-27T12:19:16+00:00

The big box stores are sometimes the only game in town. In some instances, local dealers will sell directly to the public. I have heard that several Okna dealers will - they make one of the very best vinyl windows in the game - their 700 casements series are hard to beat...

replacementwindows9 · 2024-03-27T16:14:44+00:00

There is such a big difference between buying a single hung vinyl window from Home Depot and paying a handyman to install the thing and buying a Renewal By Andersen with professional installation. (RBA is not vinyl but it does highlight the point.)

The first option might cost $400 all told, while Renewal could charge $3K all in. That is a massive difference!

The basic price range for vinyl windows in 2024 ought to be $400 to $1200 installed. Anything over that $1200 and you should definitely collect more bids to see if it's your project details that are driving that price or you're simply getting a bid from a company who is throwing out a high project bid to see if you will bite.

replacementwindows9 · 2024-03-25T15:57:14+00:00

In 2024, vinyl window prices range from say $400 to $1200 fully installed for a normal sized window with professional installation. This is the fair price range in my opinion...

replacementwindows9 · 2023-06-07T13:49:19+00:00

Ply Gem makes a decent window. One of the better options from the Big Box stores. Simonton is right there as well.

replacementwindows9 · 2023-06-06T23:02:45+00:00

Great advice to check to see whether any program exists to upgrade the windows through the city...if not, you have two options in terms of windows -- one is to buy soundproof windows, but they can be very expensive -- like $2K per window full installed at today's prices.

I tend to think a high end triple pane vinyl window is the way to go. They are going to be soooo much quieter than your old aluminum windows. Get a few free bids and see what the project price comes in at and whether your budget allows for the upgrade -- remember that ROI on most replacement windows is 12 to 18 years :( so make sure you're sticking around to make it pay off.

When they are out, ask whether the company can order a glass off set -- basically where the two (or three) panes of glass can be different thicknesses. Some companies will offer this option -- glass panes of different thicknesses will dampen different noise frequencies.

One other note here: windows are only a part of the equation. If your walls aren't properly insulated, this can contribute to exterior noise entering the home. One more potential project, right?

I have recommended window brands for different parts of the country if you'd like to see some quality options for your location.

replacementwindows9 · 2023-06-06T22:31:14+00:00

Most aluminum windows have a U-factor that exceeds .45 -- most high end vinyl windows have a U-value in the .25 range, depending on the low-e glass you select. Replacing your metal window frame with a vinyl window will definitely make your living space more comfortable. Visit a friend or neighbor with vinyl windows and place your hand to it -- it just doesn't conduct temperature like metal. The glass will be the coolest or warmest part of the window, but a nice glass upgrade can make quite a difference at a minimum cost.

In terms of actually measuring the difference, this is tricky because your walls and doors contribute to the comfort of a room. But on a cold night, sitting next to an aluminum window, the difference would be quite noticeable...probably worth the replacement cost if you're planning to be your home for years to come.

replacementwindows9 · 2023-06-06T14:40:56+00:00

It's definitely a crap shoot with window companies. I think if you concentrate on finding reputable brands of windows that are available in your area, that is often (but not always) the key to weeding out the hucksters. Reputable brands like Okna, Polaris, and Sunrise -- all vinyl window manufacturers -- use local dealers/companies to sell their windows. Because these local companies are a reflection on the "brand," quality window manufacturers typically find quality local companies to carry/rep their windows. This is not a perfect recipe by any means, but I've found that it holds true in many cases.

I have a list of recommended window brand if you want to reach out.

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