With so many competing brands on the market, selecting the best replacement windows for your home can feel overwhelming. Every manufacturer promises top quality, but not all of them can deliver. How do you know how SoftLite windows and other brands hold up against one another?

New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. provides replacement windows and other home improvement services for customers throughout northern New Jersey. Here, we offer a guide for window comparisons to help you select the best for your home.

Thermal Performance

When choosing which replacement window to buy, it’s important to consider its thermal performance. High-efficiency windows will reduce the amount of temperature transfer between your home and the outdoors, helping you save on energy bills. A few national organizations use scientific methods to test window efficiency. Their ratings are proof of a window’s performance. Top ratings include:

• American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association Gold Label
• ENERGY STAR®
• National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)

When comparing window brands, look for windows with all three ratings. These will be the highest-performing windows on the market.

SoftLite has consistently received some of the best NFRC ratings in the industry and an annual Sustained Excellence award from ENERGY STAR® since 2016. When you buy SoftLite windows, you invest in performance you can rely on.

Home Protection

Energy efficiency isn’t the only kind of performance to prioritize. You also want windows capable of protecting your home against pests, weather, and unwanted intrusion. Quality protection is important to your security and your peace of mind.

SoftLite windows are made with ultra-strong locks, making them difficult to break into. The locks are concealed for extra security, and the frames are reinforced. In addition, the triple-layer, impact-resistant glass is capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds. Not only can this feature protect you from a break-in, but it also keeps your home safe from flying debris in a severe storm.

Some SoftLite windows go a step further with metal or Kevlar® reinforcements, making the windows five times tougher than steel. If you are concerned about home security, these window lines will provide you with the peace of mind to sleep comfortably.

Ease of Maintenance

Replacement windows are a significant investment. You want long-lasting performance but don’t want longevity to come at the cost of high-effort maintenance. Here are some features to look for when evaluating a window’s durability and ease of care:

• Vinyl frames: Vinyl frames are easy to wipe clean and less susceptible to mold and moisture damage. They also require no special care after installation, unlike wood.
• Constant-force coil-spring balancers: These balancers eliminate the need for readjustments; ensuring your window will always operate as easily as when it was brand-new.
• Fusion welding: This manufacturing technique uses robotic equipment to ensure a tight, consistent seal. Fusion-welded windows last longer with less warping.
• Metal-free spacers: Insulating glass with metal-free spacers will combat condensation most effectively, preventing moisture buildup between the panes.

SoftLite windows are constructed using all these features, ensuring their long-lasting performance. This promise comes backed by a lifetime warranty. By trusting SoftLite, you can avoid expensive repairs and replacements with the assurance of long-lasting, peak performance.

Styles and Customizability

Though function is important, the form also matters. Windows should complement and elevate the look of a home. You also want to personalize your windows to suit your unique space.

SoftLite manufactures several types of windows, from single and double hung to specialty styles like bay and bow windows. Size is fully customizable, and their picture window lines even include unique shapes. A range of grid options are available to add an extra decorative element. In addition, the Sure-Coat™ custom color-matching system makes it easy to select the perfect frame color for your home.

Price Point

Finally, the last – but certainly not least – feature to consider is the price point.

In many cases, you get what you pay for. Cheap windows are often cheaply built with poor performance and zero longevity. In a few years, you’ll be paying for yet another replacement when the window starts to warp or its components fail. Even if not, high energy bills may eventually outweigh your savings from buying a cheap window product.

Though investing in high-quality window products may seem expensive at the moment, they are often the most cost-effective options in the long term. SoftLite is one of the best-priced brands for its quality. While not as cheap as some competitors, its products are better quality – ultimately saving you money.

Purchase SoftLite Windows at New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc.

If you have more questions about comparing window brands, reach out to New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. We have 20 years of experience and knowledge in the industry. We also provide SoftLite window products and installation for our customers in northern New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more or request a quote on your window replacement project.