If you’re in the market for new windows, you’ve probably come across two popular brands – Simonton and DaylightMax. Both offer high-quality vinyl replacement windows, but there are some key differences between the Simonton 6200 and DaylightMax lines.
We’ll compare the pros, cons, features, and prices of these two brands to help you determine which is the better investment for your home.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Simonton 6200 | DaylightMax |
| Frame Material | Premium vinyl | Premium vinyl |
| Exterior Coating | SuperCapSR | Duraseal |
| Glass Type | Double pane insulated | Double pane insulated |
| Glass Options | Low-E, tinted, laminated | Low-E, tinted, laminated, heat-reflective, noise reduction |
| Energy Efficiency | ENERGY STAR certified | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Operating Styles | Single-hung, double-hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay, bow, architectural | Single-hung, double-hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay, bow, architectural |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited on frame, 10 years on glass | Lifetime limited on frame, 20 years on glass |
| Price | Mid-range | 10-25% premium over Simonton |
Key Takeaways:
- Both Simonton 6200 and DaylightMax offer premium vinyl framed windows with similar styles and excellent energy efficiency.
- DaylightMax windows come with upgraded glass options like noise reduction and heat-reflective glass. They perform better in extreme climates.
- Simonton 6200 windows are more affordably priced, while DaylightMax commands a 10-25% premium.
- Warranties are strong for both brands, with DaylightMax at 20 years on glass and Simonton at 10 years.
- For best value, Simonton 6200 is hard to beat. For maximum glass performance, DaylightMax is a leading option.
- With proper installation, both window lines can provide 20+ years of durable, energy efficient performance.
Overview of Simonton 6200 Windows
Simonton Windows is one of the largest manufacturers of windows and doors in the United States. The company’s 6200 series is its mid-range line of vinyl replacement windows. Here’s an overview of the key features:
- Frames – The window frames are made from premium vinyl with an insulating foam core. This provides strength, durability, and energy efficiency. Simonton uses SuperCapSR exterior coating to protect the frames from weathering.
- Glass – 6200 windows come standard with double pane insulating glass with Intercept warm edge spacer technology. The glass helps improve energy efficiency.
- Styles – Many operating styles are available including single-hung, sliding, casement, awning, and architectural styles. There are also multiple grid options to match your home’s aesthetics.
- Performance – 6200 windows are ENERGY STAR certified in all 50 states. They provide protection from UV rays, noise reduction, and improved insulation.
- Warranty – This line comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the frames and components, and a 10-year warranty on the glass units.
Overall, the Simonton 6200 series is a solid mid-range vinyl window designed for durability, energy savings, and custom styling options.
Overview of DaylightMax Windows
DaylightMax is the flagship vinyl window brand from Atrium Windows & Doors, which is also one of the country’s largest manufacturers. Here are some key features of DaylightMax windows:
- Frames – The frames are made from top-grade UPVC vinyl with foam insulation. DaylightMax uses its proprietary Duraseal coating technology to protect the frames.
- Glass – These windows come with double pane insulated glass with warm edge spacer as standard. There are options for adding specialty glasses like low-E and laminated security glass.
- Styles – Many operating styles and custom grid patterns are available. Styles include single-hung, double-hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay, and bow.
- Performance – DaylightMax windows are certified ENERGY STAR qualified in all climate zones. They provide excellent UV protection, noise reduction, and insulation.
- Warranty – This brand comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the window frames and components. There is also a 20-year glass breakage warranty.
The DaylightMax series offers premium quality vinyl windows with lots of high-performance options. They are very competitively priced as well.
Comparing Key Features and Performance
Now that we’ve provided an overview of both window product lines, let’s do a side-by-side comparison of some of the most important features and specs.
Frames and Materials
- Both use premium vinyl frames with a reinforced hollow core. This provides strength, insulation, and durability.
- Simonton uses SuperCapSR exterior coating, while DaylightMax uses Duraseal. Both protect against weathering and fading.
- Overall construction quality is excellent for both brands. Many homeowners report 20+ years of performance from these vinyl windows.
Glass Options
- Standard glass for both is double pane insulated glass with warm edge spacer. This offers improved insulation over single pane.
- Low-E coating, tinted, laminated, and obscure glass are available upgrades for both window lines.
- DaylightMax offers a few more specialty glass options like heat-reflective and noise-reduction glass.
Energy Efficiency
- All Simonton 6200 and DaylightMax models meet strict ENERGY STAR requirements.
- Insulated glass, thermally optimized frames, and weatherstripping improve energy performance.
- Both brands offer U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients that exceed the ENERGY STAR guidelines.
- DaylightMax windows may have a slight performance edge in extreme climates.
Styles and Customization
- Operating styles available are nearly identical – single and double-hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay, bow, and architectural shapes.
- Both allow for unlimited custom grid patterns to match your home’s look.
Warranties
- The Simonton 6200 warranty provides lifetime limited coverage on the frames and 10 years on the glass units.
- DaylightMax offers a lifetime limited warranty on the vinyl frames and 20 years on the glass.
- Coverage and service is excellent from both manufacturers.
Pricing
- Both offer very competitively priced vinyl replacement windows.
- Exact pricing can vary based on your location, window size, and options chosen.
- However, you can generally expect to pay 10-25% more for DaylightMax windows over comparable Simonton models.
When it comes to the frame quality, glass options, energy efficiency, and warranties – both of these popular vinyl window brands perform exceptionally well. DaylightMax windows do have a slight edge in terms of glass technology, specialty options, and extreme climate performance. This comes at a 10-25% premium over comparable Simonton models though.
Main Pros and Cons of Each Brand
To summarize further, here is a high-level overview of the main pros and cons of both Simonton and DaylightMax windows:
Simonton 6200 Pros
- Very affordable pricing for a mid-range vinyl window
- Solid overall construction quality and durability
- Meets strict ENERGY STAR requirements for all climate zones
- Wide range of operating styles and custom grid options
- Industry leading lifetime limited warranty on frames
Simonton 6200 Cons
- Glass technology not quite as advanced as some brands
- Specialty glass options more limited compared to premium brands
- Energy performance also not up to premium window levels
DaylightMax Pros
- Excellent overall construction quality using premium vinyl
- Leading glass technology provides added insulation and solar control
- Specialty glass options like laminated and noise reduction glass
- Better performance for extreme hot or cold climates
- Best-in-class 20-year warranty on glass units
DaylightMax Cons
- Come at a 10-25% price premium over Simonton
- Limited lifetime warranties aren’t quite as comprehensive
- Some specialty glass upgrades can get pricey
So in summary – Simonton 6200 is an excellent value mid-range vinyl replacement window. DaylightMax offers upgraded glass technology and extreme weather performance at a premium price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Simonton is one of the largest and most recognized window manufacturers in the United States. Their windows are routinely rated among the best vinyl replacement windows for durability, energy efficiency, and value. Within their product lineup, the mid-range 6200 series offers an excellent combination of quality, features, and affordable pricing.
Yes, Simonton makes very high quality windows that can last for decades when properly installed and maintained. They use premium vinyl frames and components that test extremely well for weather resistance, structural integrity, and insulation. While not the most premium brand available, Simonton windows offer an outstanding balance of quality and value.
Yes, all Simonton 6200 windows meet strict ENERGY STAR requirements for energy efficiency in all climate zones of the US. This means they exceed minimum standards for insulating glass units, proper weatherstripping, and frame construction that reduces heat/cold transfer. ENERGY STAR certification is an assurance that Simonton windows will provide meaningful energy savings.
Yes, Simonton 6200 windows provide effective UV protection through the use of advanced glass technology. The standard double pane insulated glass units filter out over 75% of damaging ultraviolet light that can fade furniture and flooring. For maximum protection from UV rays, an upgrade to laminated glass can block up to 99% of UV light transmission.
In Conclusion
When shopping for high-quality and affordable vinyl replacement widows for your home, both Simonton and DaylightMax represent excellent options backed by trusted American manufacturers. The Simonton 6200 series offers outstanding value for money.
DaylightMax provides upgraded glass performance and technology at a slight premium. Carefully compare the features, warranties, and pricing to determine the right brand for your specific needs and climate conditions.
With proper professional installation, either of these vinyl window lines can provide decades of hassle-free performance and energy savings in your home.