If you’re in the market for new windows, you may be considering JELD-WEN’s 2500 and 5500 series. Both offer quality vinyl construction, energy efficiency, and customization options.
But how do you choose between the two?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the JELD-WEN 2500 and 5500 windows to help you select the right ones for your home.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | JELD-WEN 2500 Series | JELD-WEN 5500 Series |
| Frame Construction | – 1-3/8″ vinyl frame thickness – Welded & sealed corners – Two-stage weather fin | – 1-3/4” reinforced vinyl – Fusion welded corners – Maximum weatherproofing |
| Glass Configuration | – 7/8” double pane – Argon gas filled – Low-E coatings | – 1″ triple glazing available – Argon gas filled – Advanced Low-E4 coatings |
| Performance Ratings | – 0.17 cfm air infiltration – 150 mph water resistance – DP35 wind load | – 0.06 cfm air infiltration – 210 mph water resistance – DP50 wind load |
| Operating Styles | – Single & double hung – Sliding – Picture windows | – Casement & awning – Combinations – More styles available |
| Warranty | JELD-WEN Limited Lifetime | JELD-WEN Limited Lifetime |
JELD-WEN 2500 And 5500 Windows: Comprehensive Comparison Guide
Investing in new windows can make a dramatic difference in your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and utility bills.
But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide what’s best for your needs and budget.
In this detailed guide, we’ll examine how two popular models from trusted manufacturer JELD-WEN – the 2500 and 5500 vinyl window series – compare across all the factors that matter most.
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an older property, read on for an in-depth analysis of performance, design, warranties, cost, and other key considerations to choose the right JELD-WEN windows for YOUR home.
Overview of 2500 and 5500 Series
JELD-WEN offers several vinyl window collections under model names like Auralast, Reliant, and Architectural. The 2500 and 5500 series specifically represent their more budget-friendly and premium window offerings. Here’s a quick overview before we dive into details:
- 2500 Series
JELD-WEN’s 2500 vinyl windows deliver quality construction, good energy efficiency, and reliable performance at mid-range price points. With standard double pane glass and argon gas fill, they provide significant efficiency upgrades over old single pane windows.
The versatile 2500 series works well for replacing windows in existing homes or filling opening on new home projects. They make a solid mid-priced option if you want better performance than builder basic windows without paying luxury prices.
- 5500 Series
The 5500 series sits at the top of JELD-WEN’s vinyl window lineup.
Built with premium materials and components, these windows provide superior insulation, weather protection, and cut energy costs.
Expect excellent air tightness, water resistance, and wind load capacity from the 5500 series.
The heavy-duty construction and advanced glass makes them ideal for oceanfront homes or extreme weather climates.
The 5500 line also offers one of the industry’s widest selections of operating styles and customization options.
In summary, the 2500 is JELD-WEN’s value-oriented vinyl window while the 5500 represents their state-of-the-art premium offering. Now let’s examine how they differ across the factors that matter most:
Frame Construction Comparison
A window’s frame forms the skeleton that impacts durability, weatherproofing, and overall home value. Here’s how the 2500 and 5500 frames stack up:
2500 Series Construction
- Frames are made from long-lasting, low-maintenance premium vinyl with insulating properties. Material thickness measures approximately 1-3/8 inches.
- Frame corners utilize a welded and sealed construction. The edges feature an extruded two-stage fin that acts as a drainage system to control water.
- Integral J-channel nailing fins around the perimeter allow for easy and secure installation.
- Rigid vinyl thermal reinforcement in the frame header increases structural integrity.
- Overall frame design provides good stability and insulation for the price point. Expected to last with proper maintenance.
5500 Series Construction
- Frames are built from JELD-WEN’s most heavy-duty, structurally reinforced vinyl with thickness up to 1-3/4 inches.
- Corners are fused together with proprietary TempShield technology for exceptional sealing. Improved corner seal retention maximizes weather protection.
- Integral J-channel nailing fins allow for simple installation like the 2500 series.
- Advanced frame design includes metal reinforcement, robust sash construction, and fully sealed internal chambers for maximum durability and efficiency.
- Significantly more heavy-duty than the 2500 series. Built for extreme weather climates and to minimize air leakage.
Verdict: The 5500 takes the win for its commercial grade frame construction and fusion welded corners. It forms an exceptionally tight seal to prevent energy loss while maintaining structural stability in all weather conditions over decades of use.
The 2500 series still provides good insulating properties thanks to multi-chamber vinyl extrusions. But the 5500’s premium materials and reinforced design make it the most rugged frame available from JELD-WEN.
Glass Configuration Comparison
The insulated glass unit (IGU) is another critical component that determines a window’s insulation, sound dampening, and durability. Let’s examine the glass construction of each series:
2500 Series Glass
- Comes equipped with 7/8” double pane insulated glass units.
- Dual-sealed with butyl and silicone for extra moisture protection and improved seal longevity.
- IGUs are argon gas filled for better thermal performance compared to air filled units. Argon gas has higher insulation properties.
- Features Low-E (low emissivity) metallic coatings on inner glass surfaces. This acts like a thermal mirror to block UV rays and prevent heat loss.
- Overall respectable thermal performance for the price range. Significant improvement over old single pane windows.
5500 Series Glass
- Equipped with thicker 1” insulated glass units for even better sound dampening and insulation.
- Also dual-sealed and argon gas filled like the 2500 series.
- Low-E coatings again included, but uses JELD-WEN’s advanced “Low-E4” design that boosts solar control and efficiency.
- Optional triple-glazing with inner plastic film provides ultimate thermal efficiency.
- Meets ENERGY STAR requirements in all climate regions with proper glass configuration.
Verdict: The 5500 models stand out for their ability to accommodate 1 inch glass and advanced triple glazing. This allows for superior insulation and sound dampening compared to the 2500’s max 7/8” glass thickness.
Together with advanced Low-E4 coatings, the 5500 series offers the highest performing glass units from JELD-WEN.
Performance Testing Comparison
Lab testing provides scientific data on critical factors like air and water infiltration, wind load resistance, structural integrity, and other metrics. Here is how the 2500 and 5500 series compare in third party performance evaluations:
2500 Series Testing
- Air infiltration – 2500 windows averaged 0.17 cfm or less. This equates to good airtightness and resistance to drafts.
- Water resistance – Passed testing equivalents of 150 mph wind-driven rain. Prevented water ingress well for the price tier.
- Wind load – Earned DP35 rating (Design Pressure). Can withstand equivalent wind forces of 193 mph.
- Other – Positive results in AAMA certified structural requirements, forced entry, warp, operational cycling, and other tests.
5500 Series Testing
- Air infiltration – Industry leading average of 0.06 cfm air leakage. 6X tighter than 2500 models.
- Water resistance – DP50 upgrade models blocked water at 210 mph wind equivalents. 33% better water protection over the 2500 series.
- Wind load – Up to DP50 rating available. Can withstand repetitive 257 mph wind forces.
- Other – Passed same procedural tests as 2500 series with even higher scores due to premium materials.
Verdict: The 5500 models outperformed the 2500 windows across all independent lab tests. This includes significantly better airtightness and water intrusion resistance. The 5500’s commercial-grade construction pays dividends across critical performance metrics.
Operating Styles Comparison
Operating styles refer to how the sash and glass components open, close, and function. More styles mean more design flexibility.
2500 Series Styles
- Primarily single-hung and double-hung windows featuring up and down tilting sashes. Also called vertical sliders.
- Horizontal sliding windows available. Sashes slide left and right.
- Fixed picture windows an option for non-opening installation.
- Limited to these few essential styles.
5500 Series Styles
- All styles offered in 2500 series, plus:
- Casement windows with side-hinged outward swinging sashes to open left or right.
- Awning windows with top-hinged outward swinging sashes.
- Bay and bow options.
- Combinations like double hung-casement.
- Significantly more versatility in operating styles.
Verdict: The 5500 series provides far more operating style choices for customized opening functionality. Casements, awnings, and combos expand design freedom.
Warranty Comparison
A strong manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind should any defects arise over the ownership period.
2500 Series Warranty
- Covered by JELD-WEN’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
- Warrants windows to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
- Includes industry-standard coverage of 20 years on glass components from original purchase date.
5500 Series Warranty
- Also backed by JELD-WEN’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
- Same coverage terms and duration as the 2500 series.
- Provides identical protection on materials, workmanship, and glass defects.
Verdict: Both the 2500 and 5500 series come with JELD-WEN’s Lifetime Limited Warranty. No difference in duration or coverage terms. You get complete assurance on materials and manufacturing of the windows.
Cost Comparison
The other major differentiator is how price and budget factor into the decision making process. Let’s examine cost considerations:
2500 Series Pricing
- As JELD-WEN’s “value” vinyl series, 2500 models are affordably priced in the mid-range window category.
- According to our research, supply costs range from approximately $250 – $350 per window.
- With professional installation factored in, total project investment ranges from $400 – $500 per window.
- Represents excellent value at 10-15% below the average vinyl replacement window cost.
5500 Series Pricing
- As premium windows with top-tier components, 5500 models sit at the higher end of the price spectrum.
- Supply only costs typically span $450 – $650 per window.
- For full installation, expect to invest $700 – $950 per window.
- The wide range allows customization with premium grids, glass, and hardware upgrades.
- Strong long-term investment for homes prioritizing performance over price.
Verdict: The 2500 series clearly provides the more budget friendly option. 5500 windows demand a significant premium. Weigh the benefits of thermal savings vs. total project cost for your specific situation.
Final Recommendation
So in summary, which is the better series – the JELD-WEN 2500 or 5500?
The 5500 windows are unmatched in heavy duty construction, lab performance, weather protection, and customization freedom. For extreme climates or luxurious homes where budget is no concern, these windows have no rival.
But for more value-driven homeowners, the 2500 series hits a sweet spot of good performance, durable components, and ENERGY STAR efficiency at friendly price points. No frills, but a satisfying mid-range vinyl window.
We recommend the 2500 series if:
- You want a cost-effective vinyl window around $500 installed.
- Don’t need ultra-premium performance for normal weather conditions.
- Planning to live in the home less than 10-15 years.
The 5500 series makes sense if:
- Your home demands exceptional insulation and weatherproofing.
- Noise reduction is a priority (airports, highways).
- You want maximum customization freedom.
- Willing to pay a premium for industry-leading quality that pays dividends long-term.
Either way, JELD-WEN vinyl windows bring meaningful upgrades over old drafty models. We hope this detailed comparison empowers you to choose the right window series to match needs and budget.
