Replacing old, inefficient windows can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance, comfort, and energy efficiency. Two excellent vinyl window options to consider are the Simonton 5500 and 6500 series.
But how do you decide between these two highly rated product lines?
In this detailed guide, we’ll overview the Simonton 5500 and 6500 windows and highlight the key differences in performance, features, and cost.
Whether you want a quality mid-range window or top-end performance, this comparison will help you choose the right Simonton series for your home improvement project.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Simonton 5500 | Simonton 6500 |
| Glass | Double pane, Intercept® spacer | Triple pane, Supercept® spacer |
| Frame | Composite reinforcement | Steel reinforcement |
| Weatherstripping | Fin seal | Triplefin |
| DP Rating | 35-60 | 50-70 |
| Noise Reduction | Standard glass | Advanced technology |
Overview of the Simonton 5500 Series
The Simonton 5500 series sits in the middle of the company’s window line-up. These well-built vinyl windows are perfect if you want better performance than builder grade products without paying top dollar.
Construction and Design
Simonton 5500 windows feature durable, low-maintenance vinyl frames reinforced with rigid composite material.
The composite adds strength while ensuring the frames won’t sag or warp over time.
For enhanced thermal performance, the windows have double pane insulated glass units.
An advanced Intercept® warm edge spacer helps minimize condensation for clarity and improved efficiency.
Fin seal weatherstripping further maximizes air tightness. 5500 series windows are available in several neutral exterior vinyl colors to match most homes, including white, tan, driftwood, and brick red.
Double hung and single hung windows come with a balance system designed for smooth, easy, and quiet sash movement. The 5500 line also provides casement, awning, sliding, picture, bay, bow, garden window, and more style options.
Performance & Ratings
In independent testing, Simonton 5500 products achieve excellent ratings for structural integrity, wind load resistance, water tightness, air infiltration, and forced entry protection.
Key performance specs include:
- Double pane insulated glass units with Intercept® warm edge spacer technology
- DP ratings from 35-60 for air infiltration resistance
- Extensive AAMA certified testing for durability and performance
- ENERGY STAR certified for thermal efficiency in northern climate zones
Costs
The Simonton 5500 series hits a nice sweet spot between price and performance. Depending on size, style, and options, expect to pay around $300-$600 per window installed.
The upfront investment in the 5500 line pays dividends through lower heating and cooling costs and reduced maintenance compared to older or builder grade windows. Contact a Simonton dealer for a free quote.
Overview of the Simonton 6500 Series
For maximum efficiency, noise reduction, and top-end performance, step up to the premium Simonton 6500 series.
Construction and Design
The 6500 line truly defines “premium windows”.
The vinyl frames have rigid steel reinforcements for incredible strength and stability.
Triple pane insulated glass units with Supercept® spacers provide first-rate thermal insulation and sound dampening.
Simonton’s Triplefin weatherstripping ensures excellent air tightness as well.
Noise reduction technology utilizing advanced glazing materials significantly limits outside noise penetration.
The 6500 series offers all the standard operating styles plus custom shapes to match any home’s architecture and layout.
Performance & Ratings
With triple glazing, steel construction, and advanced engineering, the 6500 series delivers exceptional ratings from testing facilities:
- Triple pane insulated glass for maximum efficiency
- DP ratings from 50-70 for superior air tightness
- Reduce outside noise by up to 50%
- ENERGY STAR certified in all climate zones
Costs
Due to the top-tier materials and construction, Simonton 6500 windows sit at the high end of the vinyl window price spectrum. Expect to invest $450-$800 per window installed.
The extra cost brings you unmatched thermal performance, soundproofing, and longevity. And the energy savings can recoup much of the higher investment over time.
Key Differences Between Simonton 5500 And 6500 Series Windows
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each series, let’s do a side-by-side comparison of their differences:
Glass
- Simonton 5500: Double pane glass
- Simonton 6500: Triple pane glass
Frame
- Simonton 5500: Composite reinforcement
- Simonton 6500: Steel reinforcement
Weatherstripping
- Simonton 5500: Fin seal
- Simonton 6500: Triplefin
DP Rating
- Simonton 5500: 35-60
- Simonton 6500: 50-70
Noise Reduction
- Simonton 5500: Standard glass
- Simonton 6500: Advanced technology
Cost
- Simonton 5500: $$
- Simonton 6500: $$$
In summary, the 6500 series offers triple pane glass, steel reinforcement, superior weatherstripping and DP ratings, advanced noise reducing features, and overall better performance. You’ll pay around 50% more compared to the highly rated 5500 line.
Pros and Cons of Simonton 5500 Series Windows
Let’s now dive into a more detailed examination of the advantages and disadvantages of the Simonton 5500 line:
Simonton 5500 Pros:
- More affordable price point than premium windows
- Double pane construction still offers excellent efficiency
- Many style choices like double hung, casement, sliding, custom shapes
- Composite reinforcement prevents frame sagging
- Balance systems on double hung windows for smooth, easy operation
- Positive reviews for overall quality and value
Potential Simonton 5500 Cons:
- Not as energy efficient or quiet as triple pane windows
- Limited exterior color options
- Hardware is prone to tarnishing over time
- Higher U-Factors than leading triple pane windows
- No built-in noise reducing features
While the 5500 series lacks some of the top-tier features of pricier windows, it still delivers fantastic overall performance, quality, and lifetime value. The 5500 line is perfect if you want to upgrade from builder grade without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons of Simonton 6500 Series Windows
Next, let’s examine the key advantages and potential drawbacks of the premium Simonton 6500 series:
Simonton 6500 Pros:
- Triple pane construction offers superior insulation
- Steel reinforcement increases frame strength and durability
- Exceptional air tightness with DP ratings from 50-70
- Reduces outside noise up to 50%
- More color and hardware options than 5500 series
- Lifetime limited warranty provides peace of mind
- Positive reviews for extreme durability and efficiency
Potential Simonton 6500 Cons:
- Premium price point around 50% higher than 5500 series
- Heavier weight requires professional installation
- Triple pane may be overkill depending on climate and usage
- Condensation and fogging possible with triple pane glass
In general, the ultra-premium 6500 series makes sense for homeowners wanting the absolute best in thermal efficiency, noise reduction, and lifetime performance. You pay more upfront but benefit through lower energy costs and reduced maintenance.
Recap!
To recap, the main differences between the Simonton 5500 vs 6500 vinyl window lines are:
- Glass: Double pane (5500) versus triple pane (6500)
- Frame: Composite (5500) versus steel (6500) reinforcement
- Weatherstripping: Fin seal (5500) versus Triplefin (6500)
- DP rating: 35-60 (5500) versus 50-70 (6500)
- Noise reduction: Standard glass (5500) versus advanced technology (6500)
- Cost: $300-$600 (5500) versus $450-$800 (6500) per window installed
In short, the upgrades in the 6500 series allow for noticeably better thermal performance, soundproofing, and durability. You pay about 50% more compared to the already excellent 5500 line from Simonton.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let’s wrap up this comparison guide with answers to some frequently asked questions:
The main differences are the 6500 series has triple pane glass, steel reinforcement, better weatherstripping and air tightness ratings, and advanced noise reduction, while the 5500 series is double pane with composite frames.
Yes, Simonton 5500 windows are highly rated for overall quality and performance. They make a great mid-range choice over builder grade windows but lack some benefits of premium triple pane products.
The Simonton 6500 is the company’s top-end window series. They utilize triple glazing, steel reinforcement, superior weatherstripping, and noise reduction technology for maximum efficiency and durability.
Simonton 5500 windows have a Design Pressure (DP) rating ranging from 35 to 60. The higher the DP, the better the air tightness or resistance to air infiltration.
Final Thoughts
So which Simonton series reigns supreme?
While the 6500 line takes the title for maximum efficiency and features, the answer still depends on your specific needs and budget.
The Simonton 5500 series gives you stellar thermal performance, quality, and lifetime value at a more affordable upfront cost. The double pane construction significantly outperforms older or builder grade windows.
The Simonton 6500 series is the clear choice if energy efficiency, noise reduction, and top-tier quality are your highest priorities. You pay a premium but benefit from triple glazing, incredible air tightness, and the longest lifespan.
Consult with window installation pros to determine the best series for your home. Provide details on your budget, climate, efficiency goals, and overall needs. This ensures you select the ideal windows for maximum comfort and energy savings.
Both Simonton series provide excellent ROI through boosted home value, lower energy costs, and reduced exterior noise. With proper installation, they’ll deliver comfort and performance for decades to come.
