When it’s time to replace the windows in your home, you want to choose replacements that will stand the test of time. Simonton and Viwinco are two popular brands of replacement windows to consider.
But which is the better option for your home improvement project?
This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of Simonton and Viwinco windows to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Simonton | Viwinco |
| Frame & Sash | Vinyl, fiberglass on some units | Vinyl |
| Glass Options | Double or triple pane, Cardinal Glass coatings | Double or triple pane, PPG Glass coatings |
| Weatherstripping | Silicone-injected foam | Santoprene seal |
| Styles | Wide selection including specialty shapes | Wide selection |
| Customization | PerfectFit system, 1/8″ increments | 1/4″ increments |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited on vinyl and parts, 20 years on glass | Lifetime limited on vinyl and parts, 20 years on glass |
| Average Cost | $300 – $800 installed | $250 – $850 installed |
| Service Reputation | More established support network | Smaller company but responsive |
| Maximum Efficiency | Very high with triple pane SunPro Extreme glass | High with triple pane options |
Overview of Simonton Windows
Simonton Windows is a well-known national brand that has been manufacturing replacement windows since 1946. They offer a full line of vinyl window products for both new construction and remodeling projects. Here are some key things to know about Simonton windows:
- Manufacturer: Simonton Windows is owned and manufactured by Fortune Brands Home & Security, a leading home products company.
- Window lines: Simonton offers three main lines – ProFinish, Advantage and Prism. The ProFinish line is their premium series while Advantage is their mid-range.
- Materials: Simonton windows are primarily made from vinyl, but some lines also offer fiberglass. Their vinyl is thick and durable for better insulation.
- Efficiency: Most Simonton windows meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® requirements. Some models have three panes of glass and argon gas to increase efficiency.
- Warranty: Simonton offers a lifetime limited warranty on most window components including the frame, sash, hardware and seals. The glass has a 20-year warranty.
- Cost: Simonton is generally an affordable to mid-range brand. Expect to pay $300 – $800 on average per window installed.
Overview of Viwinco Windows
Viwinco is also a vinyl replacement window brand that services nationwide. Here are the main things to know about Viwinco:
- Manufacturer: Viwinco is owned and manufactured by DW Windows, Inc based in Utah. They’ve been making windows since 1969.
- Window lines: Viwinco offers three collections – the Cambridge Series, the Edgemont Series and the Prominence Series. The Cambridge line is the most affordable.
- Materials: Like Simonton, Viwinco uses premium vinyl and has some fiberglass lines. Their vinyl is heavy-duty and impact-resistant.
- Efficiency: Most Viwinco models meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements. Triple pane glass and argon gas improve efficiency on some lines.
- Warranty: Viwinco provides a lifetime limited warranty on the vinyl and component parts. The glass warranty is 20 years.
- Cost: Viwinco is competitively priced with units ranging from $250 – $850 installed on average. Prominence line is higher-end.
Key Differences Between Simonton And Viwinco Windows
Now that we’ve overviewed the brands, let’s compare the pros and cons of each for key factors:
- Window Frame & Sash Materials
Both Simonton and Viwinco use premium vinyl frames and sashes. This high-quality vinyl resists warping, sagging and the damages of weather and time. It provides good insulation value for energy efficiency.
Simonton offers fiberglass on some window lines, which is lighter but similar durability to vinyl. For most climates, the vinyl and fiberglass materials from both brands will perform well.
Winner: Draw – both offer durable frame and sash materials.
- Glass Options & Coatings
The type of glass used is important for insulation, durability and noise reduction.
Both brands offer double pane glass on entry-level models and triple pane on higher end.
Three panes with argon gas provides the best insulation. For glass coatings, Simonton uses Cardinal Glass and Viwinco uses PPG Glass.
Both provide standard Low-E coatings to reduce heat transfer and reflective coatings for increased insulation. Upgrades like triple pane and Cardinal’s SunPro Extreme glass are available from Simonton for improved efficiency and durability.
Overall, most models from both brands have good quality glass.
Winner: Simonton – offers triple pane glass and SunPro Extreme as upgrades for better efficiency and protection.
- Weatherstripping & Seals
Proper weatherstripping and seals keep the elements out year round. Simonton uses silicone-injected foam weatherstripping around the sashes. Viwinco uses a Santoprene weatherstrip seal.
Both brands have double-barrier locking systems on their sashes to create a tight air seal when closed. Reviews indicate the weatherstripping holds up well over time on both brands with Simonton perhaps having a slight edge.
Winner: Simonton – silicone-injected foam may have slightly better insulating properties.
- Window Styles & Customization
Style preference is subjective but variety is important. Both brands offer all the main styles – single & double hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay and bow.
Simonton has a few more specialty shapes like circle top windows. In terms of customization, Simonton uses the “PerfectFit” system to allow custom sizing down to 1/8th inch. Viwinco has 1/4″ increments of custom sizing.
For aesthetics, Viwinco offers eye-catching divided lite options and woodgrain interior finishes. Overall, both have good style selection and customization capabilities.
Winner: Draw – both have style variety and custom sizing at a similar level.
- Warranties
The warranty coverage provides peace of mind on your investment. As mentioned earlier, both companies offer lifetime limited warranties on most vinyl and component parts, and 20-year warranties on the glass units.
This is fairly standard coverage for replacement windows. Reviews don’t indicate widespread issues with either brand failing prematurely. In the event a part does fail, Viwinco may have slightly faster turnaround times on sending replacement parts but this can vary. Overall, both offer reassuring lifetime warranties.
Winner: Draw – both have excellent lifetime limited warranties.
- Pricing & Value
Both offer good value in their price ranges. As Viwinco is the more budget-friendly brand, their prices range from about $250 to $850 installed per window depending on features. Simonton prices tend to run from $300 to $800 installed.
Viwinco has cheaper entry points but Simonton likely has greater maximum potential efficiency due to upgrades like the triple pane SunPro glass. Both brands are viable mid-range options that add value through boosted efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Winner: Draw – both offer solid mid-range value at similar price points.
- Customer Service Reputation
Good customer service is important if any issues arise with the windows. Both brands get positive reviews overall for customer service. Simonton has more established processes with their larger size – they have an A+ BBB rating and use Certified Simonton Contractors for installs.
Viwinco gets good reviews for the helpfulness of their smaller staff but response times may be faster with Simonton’s larger footprint. No major red flags for either company.
Winner: Simonton – larger size allows strong nationwide support network.
- Visual Appeal
A final consideration is how attractive the finished windows look on your home.
Both Simonton and Viwinco make vinyl windows designed to closely replicate the aesthetics of wood windows.
Viwinco offers some unique divided lite grids and woodgrain textures for added visual interest.
Simonton probably has a larger variety of grid options.
Overall, both will provide an attractive end product to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Winner: Draw – both make attractive vinyl windows mimicking wood’s look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Simonton is considered one of the best national window brands. They have over 75 years of manufacturing experience and use quality materials. Their windows have good warranties and efficiency ratings.
Simonton Windows is owned and manufactured by Fortune Brands Home & Security. Their parent company gives Simonton a strong manufacturing capability.
With proper care and maintenance, Simonton windows can last 30 years or longer. Their lifetime limited warranty on vinyl and component parts demonstrates the durability expected.
Viwinco Edgemont is Viwinco’s mid-range series while Cambridge is their budget series. Edgemont has higher quality vinyl and hardware, more glass coatings, and better efficiency ratings. Cambridge uses standard vinyl and basic double pane glass to meet a lower price point.
In terms of quality and durability, Simonton and Viwinco are comparable brands. Simonton windows may have a slight edge in terms of maximum efficiency achieved through upgrades like triple pane SunPro Extreme glass. Viwinco is likely the better choice if on a tighter budget. Overall both offer solid mid-range windows. The best brand for you depends on your budget and specific feature needs.
Final Thoughts
The key differences come down to the upgraded glass options from Simonton, which allow for greater maximum efficiency.
However, Viwinco offers strong performance at a lower starting price point. Both are quality mid-range vinyl window brands that will enhance your home.
