When it comes to replacing the windows in your home, you want to make sure you choose a quality product that will stand the test of time. Two popular brands of replacement windows are ProVia and Simonton.
But how do you decide which is the better option for your needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of ProVia and Simonton windows to help you make an informed decision. We’ll look at factors like durability, energy efficiency, cost, warranties, styles, and more.
Read on to learn which of these two brands is the right fit for your next window replacement project.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | ProVia | Simonton |
| Frame Materials | Vinyl, fiberglass, wood | Vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum-clad |
| Energy Efficiency | Excellent, meets ENERGY STAR in all climates | Very good, most meet ENERGY STAR |
| Warranties | Lifetime limited on vinyl and fiberglass components | Lifetime limited on vinyl and fiberglass frames/sashes |
| Insulated Glass Warranty | Lifetime limited | 20 years limited |
| Vinyl Window Costs | $350 – $850 installed | $300 – $850 installed |
| Fiberglass Window Costs | $1,200+ installed | $1,000+ installed |
| Vinyl Window Styles | 15+ styles | 15+ styles |
| Maximum Glass Thickness | Triple pane | Triple pane |
| Gas Fill Options | Argon, krypton | Argon |
| Hardware Styles | Various finishes and colors | Various finishes and colors |
| Company Reputation | Excellent, A+ BBB rating | Very good, A+ BBB rating |
Overview of ProVia Windows
Founded in 1977, ProVia is a family-owned and operated manufacturer of doors and windows located in Sugarcreek, Ohio. They offer a full line of replacement windows made from vinyl, aluminum-clad, fiberglass, and wood. Some of the key features of ProVia windows include:
- Highly durable – ProVia windows are built to last using quality materials and construction methods. Their vinyl windows feature a multi-chambered frame and sash design that provides strength and insulation.
- Energy efficient – Many ProVia windows come with triple pane glass, argon gas filled glass spaces, and warm edge spacer technology to provide excellent thermal performance. Their best models can meet ENERGY STAR® requirements.
- Customizable – ProVia offers customers extensive choices when it comes to sizes, shapes, colors, hardware, and glass options. This allows their windows to fit the exact look you want.
- Good warranties – Most ProVia windows come with a lifetime limited warranty on glass, a 10 year warranty on workmanship, and a lifetime limited warranty on vinyl and composite frame/sash components.
Some of the most popular styles of ProVia windows include casements, double hung, sliding, awning, bay, and bow windows. They also offer patio doors.
Overview of Simonton Windows
Simonton Windows is also a well-known replacement window brand in the U.S. Founded in 1946, the company is headquartered in Parkersburg, West Virginia and makes vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum-clad windows. Here are some key features of Simonton windows:
- Durable construction – Simonton vinyl windows are built using premium raw materials and feature multi-chambered frame and sash profiles for strength. Their fiberglass models are highly impact resistant.
- Energy efficient options – Select styles of Simonton windows meet strict ENERGY STAR requirements. Technologies like triple pane glass and foam-filled frame cavities provide thermal efficiency.
- Wide product selection – The company offers many common window styles including single hung, double hung, casement, awning, sliding, bay, bow, garden, and more. Patio doors are also available.
- Decent warranties – Simonton provides a limited lifetime warranty on most vinyl and fiberglass window components and 10 years on aluminum-clad products. Insulated glass units have a 20 year warranty.
Some of Simonton’s most popular designs are the double hung and sliding windows, which work well for replacing existing windows in traditional homes.
Key Differences Between ProVia And Simonton Windows
Now that we’ve covered the basics about each brand, let’s do a detailed comparison of their pros and cons.
- Durability
Durability and longevity are two of the most important factors when selecting new windows. You want them to last! Here’s how ProVia and Simonton compare:
ProVia
ProVia vinyl windows are engineered for strength and rigidity.
They use premium virgin PVC along with inorganic fillers to create durable vinyl extrusions.
Their infusion process creates a strong chemical bond. Steel reinforcements add strength.
ProVia’s fiberglass models provide incredible impact resistance and dimensional stability.
Their fiberglass material is 8x stronger than vinyl.
Overall, ProVia windows are highly durable, especially their upper-end vinyl and fiberglass product lines. They should hold up well in all weather conditions.
Simonton
Simonton also uses quality vinyl formulations containing virgin plasticizers and impact modifiers. This makes their vinyl frames sturdy and able to withstand weathering. Precision-engineered fiberglass offers durability.
Overall, Simonton vinyl and fiberglass windows are durable products that should outlast their warranties. Their aluminum-clad options are also quite sturdy.
Winner: Draw
It’s hard to pick an outright winner here. Both ProVia and Simonton make vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum-clad windows designed for long-lasting performance and durability. In product testing, both brands show excellent resistance to impact damage, heat, cold, UV rays, humidity, and more. Your decision may come down to specific window styles.
- Energy Efficiency
With heating and cooling costs constantly rising, you’ll want replacement windows that help lower your energy bills. Energy performance is where modern windows really shine. Let’s see how ProVia and Simonton compare:
ProVia
ProVia uses top-tier technologies to maximize window energy efficiency, especially in their Evolve series. Features like triple pane glass, foam insulating bars, thermally optimized frame and sash materials, and double strength glass spacers result in excellent U-values as low as 0.20 and SHGC values down to 0.22.
Their triple pane models filled with argon and krypton gas meet strict ENERGY STAR qualifications in all climate zones. ProVia windows can keep homes comfortable year-round while saving on energy costs.
Simonton
Simonton also offers triple pane windows that achieve U-values around 0.20 to 0.28 and SHGC values from 0.18 to 0.30.
Technologies like high performance spacers, argon gas, and foam filled frames provide great thermal performance.
Many Simonton models meet or exceed ENERGY STAR standards.
Their Prism by Simonton Platinum series is their top energy saver line. Simonton makes it easy to find windows suited for your local climate that will resist heat and cold transfer.
Winner: ProVia
When it comes to maximizing energy efficiency, ProVia windows edge out Simonton. A higher percentage of ProVia’s window models meet stringent ENERGY STAR requirements. And their triple pane, krypton gas filled designs achieve U-values as low as 0.20, giving them the performance edge.
- Costs
Another major consideration is your budget for new windows. Replacement windows span a wide range of pricing. Let’s see how ProVia and Simonton compare on costs:
ProVia
ProVia’s vinyl replacement windows range from about $350 on the low end to $850+ on the high end. Their upper-tier, energy efficient Evolve series costs $700 – $1,100 per window installed.
Fiberglass model pricing starts around $1,200 per window installed and goes up from there. Wood windows are generally the most expensive at $1,500+.
Overall, ProVia offers exceptional quality at mid-range price points. Their vinyl models compete well on costs versus brands like Pella and Andersen.
Simonton
For vinyl windows, Simonton pricing runs $300 – $850 per window installed. The Prism series costs $700 – $1,100.
Fiberglass Simonton windows start around $1,000 per window installed. Aluminum-clad models fall in the $800 – $1,300 range.
Overall, Simonton offers very competitive pricing on vinyl and fiberglass windows. Even their upper-end designs provide value.
Winner: Draw
ProVia and Simonton windows are regularly priced within the same range for comparable styles and features. Both offer vinyl models to fit most budgets. Upcharges for triple pane designs and other premium features are similar between brands. It’s hard to pick a clear winner on cost.
- Warranties
When investing in replacement windows, you want reassurance that they are backed by strong warranties in case any problems occur. Let’s examine the warranties that come with ProVia and Simonton windows.
ProVia
On the warranty front, ProVia really delivers. They offer a lifetime limited warranty on vinyl and fiberglass components, including coloring, against defects. Insulated glass units have a lifetime limited warranty for seals, a 20 year limited warranty against defects, and a 10 year limited warranty on decorative glass.
The warranty on wood components is 10 years limited. ProVia provides a 10 year limited warranty on workmanship and hardware as well. Their policies are transferable when selling a home.
Simonton
For vinyl and fiberglass windows, Simonton offers a lifetime limited warranty on frames and sashes. Insulated glass units have a 20 year limited warranty for seals and defects.
The warranty period on aluminum-clad products is 10 years limited. Workmanship and hardware is covered for 10 years limited as well. Warranties are transferable.
Winner: ProVia
When it comes to warranties, ProVia offers outstanding lifetime limited protection, especially on their premium vinyl and fiberglass lines. The lifetime limited warranty on insulated glass is a key advantage over Simonton’s 20 year coverage. For peace of mind, ProVia is the winner.
- Styles and Customization
Homes come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important that replacement window brands offer diverse products that can work in any situation. Let’s compare the style offerings and customization options from ProVia and Simonton:
ProVia
One of ProVia’s strengths is the wide selection of styles and custom configurations they provide. For starters, they offer 15+ vinyl window styles encompassing single hungs, double hungs, sliders, casements, awnings, bays, bows, garden windows, and more. Their fiberglass line includes another 10 styles.
Nearly all windows can be ordered in custom sizes, including 1/8 inch increments, to fit existing openings perfectly. Interior and exterior color and hardware choices allow you to match your home’s aesthetics. Exceptional flexibility!
Simonton
Simonton also provides homeowners with a great range of options. Their vinyl windows come in over a dozen common styles like single hungs, double hungs, sliders, casements, awnings, bays, bows, and more. Their fiberglass line includes 6 main styles.
Sizing is also highly flexible – Simonton windows can be ordered to exact measurements needed. Color and hardware selections help match décor. Overall, lots of versatility.
Winner: Draw
When it comes to product selection and customization, ProVia and Simonton are closely matched. Both offer 15+ vinyl window designs that can be customized to fit any home. For most projects, either brand will have good style and size choices. It’s too close to pick a clear winner.
- Glass and Other Features
Let’s take a quick look at some of the available glass packages and other features that help ProVia and Simonton windows stand out:
ProVia
- Low-E, low-E2, low-E3, and triple pane low-E4 glass options
- Krypton or argon gas filled insulated glass
- Sound damping PVB interlayers
- Blue-tinted glass with natural light transmission
- Laminated glass for impact resistance
- Obscure, frosted, and rain glass choices
- Internal J-channel screens fit tighter
- Steel reinforcements for security
Simonton
- Low-E, low-E2, low-E3, and triple pane low-E4 glass
- Argon gas filled insulated glass
- Sound insulating glass options
- Blue-tinted glass protecting furnishings
- Laminated security glass
- Obscure and frosted glass available
- StrongSecure screen system
- Composite reinforcements
- Pre-drilled installation holes
Winner: Draw
As you can see, ProVia and Simonton both utilize advanced glass packages and design innovations like high performance spacers, gas fills, laminates, tints, and obscure glass. Energy efficiency, durability, sound insulation, security, and aesthetics are all well addressed. There’s no clear winner here either.
- Manufacturer Reputations
When comparing brands, it can be helpful to consider the companies’ reputations and history in the window industry:
ProVia
In business for over 45 years, ProVia has earned a reputation for outstanding quality, service, and warranties. They have an A+ BBB rating and numerous positive consumer reviews.
ProVia is praised for their helpful customer service, punctual delivery, and orderly installations. They are a reliable midwestern manufacturer.
Simonton
Simonton Windows has over 75 years in the industry. They have an A+ BBB rating and are generally regarded as a reputable brand making quality windows.
While not perfect, Simonton earns mostly positive feedback from homeowners for their products and services. They’ve built trust through generations.
Winner: Draw
Both ProVia and Simonton have strong reputations and long histories manufacturing windows. Online reviews indicate mostly satisfied customers and professional services from each company. It’s hard to pick a clear winner here either.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you’re still trying to choose between ProVia and Simonton for your next window replacement project, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Yes, ProVia is considered a very good brand of replacement windows. They offer attractive, energy efficient vinyl and fiberglass windows notable for quality construction and long warranties. Homeowners consistently praise the performance and durability of ProVia windows.
Simonton is also a reputable manufacturer of vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum windows. They engineer durable, insulating windows suitable for many climates. Most homeowners are satisfied with Simonton window quality and service. The brand is a reasonable choice for replacements.
The most common complaints about Simonton concern issues with condensation between glass panes, vinyl discoloration or warping, and screens or mechanisms needing repair. Their customer service team isn’t always the most responsive either. But overall, Simonton satisfaction rates are fairly good.
ProVia vinyl windows range from about $350 – $850 per window installed. More premium models like those in the Endure and Evolve series cost $700 – $1,100. Fiberglass ProVia windows start around $1,200 installed. Added customization increases costs. ProVia pricing is competitive for the quality.
The Bottom Line
When comparing ProVia and Simonton windows, it’s very close in most categories. Both companies engineer durable, energy efficient windows available in a wide range of styles.
Warranties are strong and feedback from homeowners is mostly positive for each brand.
In terms of performance, ProVia windows edge out Simonton slightly when it comes to maximum energy efficiency ratings. ProVia’s lifetime limited warranties are also a notch above for certain components.
But overall, either brand can be expected to deliver a quality product and installation.
The best approach may be to get quotes from dealers on your exact window project. This allows you to compare pricing and options for your home’s needs. Be sure to verify what glass packages and other features are included. And review warranty details closely.
With either ProVia or Simonton windows, you should end up with superior replacement windows that enhance your home for years to come.
Good luck with your project!
