Simonton Daylight Max Reviews

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Simonton Daylight Max Series Information

The Simonton Daylight Max window (also called the 7300 series) is one of the company's narrow frame vinyl replacement window. This means lots of glass (larger viewing area) and less frame (lower energy efficiency numbers). As with all things in life, this is both the pro and con of the Daylight Max. This replacement window is typically sold through the big box stores such as Dixieline and Home Depot. While not a great vinyl window, the Daylight Max is rather well priced and does offer lots of viewing space. Scroll down to read all of our Simonton Daylight Max Windows reviews.

Overall Rating: Simonton Daylight Max Windows gets a 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 28 consumer reviews below.

My Take On This Window: While not a top tier vinyl window, the Simonton Daylight Max window is (often) rather well priced and does offer lots of viewing space. Definitely worth a look for consumers looking for generous viewing area who live in rather mild climates.
(Always Get 3 to 4 Local Price Quotes)

Dane - Site Editor - Original Publish Date - August 16, 2013
Page Last Update: January 7, 2026

Related Topics: Simonton Windows Reviews

Page Sections

• 7300 Window Series Introduction
• Simonton Daylight Max Specs
• Consumer Simonton Daylight Max Reviews
• 2019 And Earlier Homeonwer Reviews

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Also please consider filling out the free form on our site for 3 quality window price quotes — it’s how we afford to provide free consumer information. We’re not incentivized by ANY company and will help you with ANY questions you might have, and help you navigate ANY bids you receive. That’s our guarantee to you! Scroll down to read the Simonton Daylight Max reviews below.

Simonton Daylight Max Specs

The Simonton Daylight Max window or 7300 series is sold exclusively through Home Depot. The Daylight Max uses a more narrow frame, which provides more glass and viewing area. The windows comes standard with a ProSolar low-e and argon fills on a double strength glass. It comes in a number of color and hardware options. I'm not a huge fan of Simonton's hardware, it's a bit cheap looking, although I do think their upgraded options are nice.

Performance wise, the Daylight Max 7300 series offers better numbers than I was expecting (these are for the slider): 0.09 air leakage rating, 0.29 U-factor, .028 SHGC, and .54 visible transmittance. The frame doesn't feel quite as sturdy as I'd like, but there are always going to be downsides when you're maximizing glass area.

All in all, not a bad vinyl window for the price you can often get it at HD. I would caution consumers who hire the subs from HD. Some are undoubtedly good, but the company doesn't pay the installers very well and this is often reflected in the price. I would give the Simonton Daylight Max Series a 4 out of 5 stars rating.

Dane - Site Editor

Consumer Simonton Daylight Max Reviews

Below are our consumer reviews, questions and answers, project price quotes, homeowner accolades and/or window complaints, kudos, and more. If you have a question on this particular window or any other for that matter, drop us a line and we'll get back to you as soon as we're able.

Dane - Site Editor

Simonton Windows vs Anlin

Dane, I have a few estimates on 3 single hungs, 6 slider windows, and 1 small hexagon shaped. This is all in pricing and two will need tempered glass and 4 will have added sound insulation.
Simonton Daylight Max: $13.6K
>Milgard Trinsic: $15.8K
Anlin Del Mar E: $14.8K

( Anlin Del Mar Windows Reviews )

Leta - Homeowner - from 2024

[Site Editor's Answer]

Leta, I think the Anlin Del Mar is the best buy for the money. I would prefer that over either of the other options you have - definitely worth the upgrade cost over the Daylight Max.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2024

Simonton Daylight Max Reviews

Hi Dane, waiting on another Milgard Trinsic and Simonton Daylight Max quote. Was planning on getting Anlin quotes though several companies we have already met with are not fans of the brand.

Our hesitancy with the Gentek is that the company is about 1 hour+ drive away from us and concerned about any installation issues that might arise. Have read that Windows Universe had had installation and follow up issues

We're meeting with several additional companies next week. What is your opinion of Milgard Trinsic vs. Simonton Daylight Max?

Leta - Homeowner - from 2023

[Site Editor's Answer]

Leta, those are legitimate concerns to be sure. Those companies that are not fans of Anlin are probably not fans because that's their competition. I tend to think Anlin is the best west coast brand out there.

I like the Milgard Trinsic over the Simonton Daylight Max. Not by a huge amount - in fact I like the Simonton brand over Milgard. But I feel like the Trinsic does a good job of integrating style and performance. It isn't a world beater, but it's a nice unit.

( Milgard Windows Reviews )

Dane - Site Editor - from 2023

Replacement Window Guidance

Hi Dane, I need some help and wonder if you can guide me here. Could you please offer us some advise? I have 16 windows and 2 patio doors to replace - I have stucco and so I'm told I need a std z bar installation. Please look at the 3 quotes I got from the same local glass company - Milgard Trinsic, Anlin Panoromic and Simonton DayLight Max.

Given Milgard has changed it's warranty policy from lifetime to 10 yrs and has so many bad reviews, we were thinking of going with Anlin Panoromic - but today when I went to see the window, he did not get the thin contemporary block frame we requested, instead said that because it's z bar - only Catalina or Panoromic with the wide flange would work, so I'm a bit disappointed because those things capture quite a bit of dirt and are quite thick. Is it true that I can't get the thin block frame for z bar or is it because it costs more so his not willing to offer me that?

Also it seems that the Milgard quote has all the bells and whistles and his being lazy to give me a better features on the Anlin. I'm told that Anlin with the tempered or fire proof feature may run into the $21 000 quote.

We are also 3-4 homeowners that are clubbing to get business from him and I'm the one researching adn handling all this so I don't want to mess up and want to get the best product for the best pricing and warranty. He keeps telling me that I'm already pushing him to the limit and that it doesn't make sense for them to work with us if the money is so low - $16k.- it's almost like getting a used car!

What would you suggest I go with and do?

Milgard Trinsic $17,200
Simonton Daylight Max $15,800
Anlin $16,800

Mukta - Homeowner - from 2023

[Site Editor's Answer]

Mukta, I never did much work on stucco so I'm a little out of my comfort zone here, but my understanding is that you can either do z bar install or a simple retrofit. The Z bar allows you to have more glass area, but is bulky. If you don't like the look of it, it's hard to imagine paying $15K to not like how your home looks. That's no good. Have you had a chance to look at our Simonton Daylight Max Reviews yet - nice place to start.

With the retrofit approach the existing window frame is cut out and the new window is then inserted into the opening. This loses you some glass area, but for me is the cleaner look. I know that there are some issues with older stucco homes and the retrofit method. Without seeing the job in person, it's impossible for me to know. But this could be what they are saying, that its a risk to cut out the windows and insert directly back in. Did they say anything like this?

In order to answer the question of whether you can go with the standard retrofit, I would suggest continuing to collect bids for the purposes of asking the companies what installation method they suggest and why. Look at it as research that comes to your house for free to offer advise :)

Of the three options you mentioned, I like the Anlin brand the best, but it sounds like the rep didn't impress. Yes, tempered glass can be expensive. He should be able to itemize the bill for you.

Milgard gets lots of bad reviews more for crappy installation. If I had the Milgard Trinsic done by a company with really good reviews, I would sleep easy at night. I find it hard to believe that the Milgard warranty on the Trinsic is now 10 years. The labor warranty perhaps.

16 windows and 2 patio doors at $16K is actually a prett good price -- crazy right?

Dane - Site Editor - from 2023

7300 Series In The Desert

Dane, it has been a couple years since I last wrote you and I am still thinking about windows for my home but cannot seem to make a decision. I have a manufactured home in Arizona and the recent bid I received was for Simonton DaylightMax. Simonton seems to be a popular company here in Arizona. Since I have a manufactured home I would like a good window but do not wish to install more than what I need for the type of home I have. What are your thoughts about Simonton DaylightMax for a manufactured home in Arizona?

Judy - Homeowner - from 2022

[Website Editor Reply]

Judy, the Simonton Daylight Max is their entry level window -- a decent window to be sure and one that does let in plenty of light, but it does come at the expense of some energy efficiency numbers. Having said that, it's probably workable for a manufactured home -- I would say this -- maybe an upgraded glass package with the Daylight Max with a specific focus on a lower SHGC (which lets in light but not heat) would be the best call for your warm climate.

Dane - Website Editor - from 2022

Simonton Daylight Max 7300 Reviews vs Andersen 100

Hi Dane, I appreciate your help! Love your website. I found the best quotes at Home Depot and will not be using a home depot installer. my contractor will be installing these windows.

I live in Denver, Colorado. The replacement windows will be facing East and West with the 4 panel patio door sliders facing East. These are the two choices I am looking at. I did go to other window stores but they were all over $30K. I also wanted black inside and outside but I do not think I can get the black patio door painted black on the inside; so may just have to go with a wood color. The windows will be a combination of single and end-vent double slider windows, and one four panel patio door 175' x 84”.

Andersen 100 series with the A series 4 panel slider. They total quote came in at $23,930 for nine windows and a slider door. The big hitter was the 4 panel slider is $13,139. This would be all black interior and exterior. There is o 4 panel slide in 100 series.

Simonton Daylight Max $12,504 total with 4 panel Madeira slider for $5200. Would have to compromise on not getting a black panel interior door.

I saw in the brochure for Simonton Daylight Max plus but can find no information on it. If I go with the Simonton Daylight max which I am, leaning towards due to the price, what upgrades would you recommend to make it more energy efficient or is it adequate as is.

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you for your Simonton Daylight Max reviews!

Denise - Homeowner - from 2022

[Website Editor Reply]

Denise, this is a tricky one for me -- the Andersen is the better product and you get the black interior on the door for $6K more...that almost seems worth it, but I know $6K is a lot of money...

9 Simonton Daylight Max windows for $12,504 -- that's A LOT of money for 9 windows from Home Depot. I think the Simonton Daylight Max is a decent window...I'd say with good installation it should serve you well. I personally would rather have the Andersen 100 myself though -- I just think it's such a nice looking window. I'm not sure I know what to advice here...

Andersen 100 series with the A series 4 panel slider. They total quote came in at $23,930 for nine windows and a slider door. The big hitter was the 4 panel slider is $13,139. This would be all black interior and exterior. There is o 4 panel slide in 100 series. $23,930 total

Simonton Daylight Max $12,504 total with 4 panel Madeira slider for $5200. Would have to compromise on not getting a black panel interior door. $17,704 total.

Dane - Website Editor - from 2022

Simonton Daylight Max Window Price Quote

I came across your website recently as I was wanting to replace the 23 windows in my house. I have gotten multiple bids and compared options, and it's kind of overwhelming. I want laminated glass for maximum noise reduction, I want something that won't lose its seal after a year as all my aluminum windows consistently do, and I want something that won't let cold air in. I figured just replacing the glass isn't an option.

I live in north Texas, so heat is most people's worry, but I am cold-natured and spend as much or more on heating than air conditioning.

Every bid has consistently come in $20K to $30K for the more premium brands, so that's obviously the going rate. The back of my house faces south with little protection from sun, but I hate to lose that view and natural light. Ultimately, the best deal looked like either the Simonton Daylight Max (new to this area) or the Simonton 5500. The price came out the same with laminated glass.

The only other brand being offered in that lower $20K range is NT Window which seemed to offer no advantage to the Simonton. The Daylight Max seemed to offer a little less heat efficiency but let in more light and looked so much better. I have concerns about its being new to a more intense climate, although if it's just a minor heat efficiency issue I'm less worried. The 5500 I've read had horribly thick frames but was better with sound, having a better .06 laminated glass option (vs .03), and efficiency. I don't know what to do.

I'm ready to spring for the Daylight Max unless you have a better option.

Without moving up to a more costly product, do you have an alternate recommendation for windows and installers?

Adam - Homeowner - from 2022

[Website Editor Reply]

Adam, I can certainly give you my recommendations. As well, I think you should get in touch with Randy on www.replacement-windows.com — he knows Texas well and should be able to steer you in a better direction than I can. You can find him on the question forum boards…

Here are my Texas recommendations: [list redacted -- contact us for the list]

Dane - Website Editor - from 2022

Simonton Daylight Max vs Amerimax Craftsman Portrait

You have a great site! It has been very helpful to me. I am deciding between two companies: one that uses several different vendors and one that uses Simonton Daylight Max. Both have been highly recommended to me by neighbors and have great reviews on online sites for installation and long-term service. If I use the first company, I would get the Amerimax Craftsman Portrait series.

Right now the company is getting the best deals from Anlin and Amerimax; the Amerimax looks more attractive to me, and they say it is a better product that they can sell now for even less than Anlin. What is confusing me most is that each company has said the opposite about the seals/spacers, which is one of the main differences between the Amerimax and Simonton.

Company A (who I would get the Amerimax from) says a rubber spacer is much better that the seal has a lower failure rate, fogs less, and is much quieter. Company B (Simonton) says rubber spacers are bad and were invented only after the rebates were offered by the Obama Administration; because the Simonton Daylight Max has less vinyl than the Amerimax or other frames, he said, they didn't need to replace the stainless steel spacer with rubber in order to get their performance rating to the necessary level.

He said the rubber spacers are junky and iffy, and that the metal spacers have proven to work over twenty years. He said rubber is only good when you need a curved window that needs a flexible spacer. He argued also that the small difference in performance level between Simonton-with-metal and anything else with rubber is very small and nothing compared to the difference going from single to double-pane, so not worth worrying out.

The other supposed selling point of the Daylight Max is the thinner frame. But in looking at neighbors' windows, I think that would only make a difference in terms of light-in-the-house in a very narrow window. Otherwise, on a three foot wide or six foot wide window, I'm not sure if the difference is negligible or really matters. I am in Southern California. I would like some advice on these two issues. Thanks so much!!

Anna - Homeowner - from 2021

[Site Editor's Response]

Anna, I wouldn't get too hung up on the different spacers, or certainly I wouldn't make this the deciding factor when you are trying to decide who to go with. Most industry people will tell you that a non metallic spacer is going to provide better performance, although there are a number of factors, such as what material the core is made out of.

I think it's fair to say that the Amerimax Craftsman Portrait is a better window than the Simonton Daylight Max. The Daylight Max does have a thinner frame, although off hand I don't know how it compares with the Amerimax frame. I would go with the Anlin/Amerimax over the Simonton, but I would be sure to include that Simonton does make some higher end vinyl windows that are quite good, better than the Daylight Max.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2021

7300 Daylight Max vs Vantage Pointe

I am looking at 6200 Series Simonton slider with a vantage point clear view window by home depot or a 7300 Simonton daylight max slider and window by another window co. Which series is better is better?

Alice - Homeowner - from 2019

[Site Editor's Response]

Alice, the 6200 series is probably the better of the two, but not by a whole lot. Thanks for reading our Simonton Daylight Max reviews. The >Daylight max window uses a slightly narrower frame that will provide more viewing area, but will sacrifice a bit in terms of performance numbers. However, I'm not a big fan of HD installation as a general rule of thumb, I worry that the subcontractors won't do a great job and then it won't matter what window you bought.

If you do go with HD, make sure to speak with the installer and ask him for a quick rundown on how the install will go and see how thorough his answer. Ask this same question of the other installer and see how their answers compare.

I would say go with the better installer over the better window since these two are so close and made by the same company – basically they are both no frills mid range vinyl windows, one is marketed as a west coast model and the other is marketed as a HD exclusive model. The quality of the install should be the difference.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2019

Matt, I have to say that the Pacific Northwest stumps me a bit in terms of finding a good window. The Milgard Tuscany is a decent window as is the Daylight Max. The Pella 250 is probably somewhere in that region too, certainly no better the the Tuscany. I would say the Tuscany, followed closely by the Daylight Max. I've looked at the performance data at the Daylight max in an awning and casement and found them to be impressive. Worth considering.

Simonton Daylight Max Performance Data

The bids seem high on the face of it, but it is due to all that work on the siding and to the Bay window. But more bids will give you a better overall picture of the cost of the project.

If I was going to make a recommendation on a window I thought would be in your area, it would be the Simonton Reflections 5500 series or the Simonton Impressions 9800 series. Either of these would be a better window than the selections you have. But again the Daylight Max in the casement might be an option.

Ask your contractor if he has access to more Simonton options. Their premium windows with a glass upgrade are pretty solid, especially with a contractor who is used to working with the brand.

Tim - Site Editor - from 2018

Simonton Daylight Max STC Rating

The sales guy from Brothers found the Simonton Daylight Max STC rating of 33 /35 (w/ sound package / sound package w laminated). I'm concerned he made it up!

I think I may now consider interior window inserts for noise reduction as the more I read, the more it seems they provide better noise reduction for a much lower price. The only reason I can see to get new windows instead is if doing so will increase the sale price of my home.

Thank you again!

Lisa - Homeowner - from 2016

[Site Editor's Answer]

Lisa, I'm not sure you mentioned the salesman had the STC ratings of 33/35. That sounds about right and actually these are pretty decent numbers. You may want to consider the Daylight Max with this STC -- it's not an amazing STC rating, but for the price, it's pretty darn good and our Simonton Daylight Max reviews prove that in my opinion.

I agree that you could go with inserts and save some money. The only issue with the inserts is opening and closing the windows, which I'm not sure applies to you or not, but keep this in mind.

One company that I really like for inserts is Indow windows out of Portland Oregon. Give them a ring and see if they have a rep who services San Francisco, I would bet they do. Their website has some nice info in terms of how the inserts work and what they cost.

Tim - Site Editor - from 2016

Simonton Daylight Max vs. AMI 80 Series

Hi Dane, We have quotes from 2 companies and would like to get your suggestions in choosing the best value. Below are the quote for 25 windows, 1 sliding doors and 1 French door.

Quote 1: Milgard Styleline Series for $16,980 (all 25 windows single hung)

Quote 2: AMI 80 Series, for $16,653 (of the 25 windows:7 picture windows, 18 single hung windows)

Quote 3: Simonton Daylight Max for $ 18,414

Your opinion will be highly appreciated. Thank you and have a great day.

Yuliana - Homeowner - from 2018

[Website Editor Reply]

Yuliana, the Simonton window is the best of the three windows you have check out our Simonton Daylight Max Reviews for confirmation and window specs.

Here is a link to air infiltration numbers of the Daylight Max. In general, these numbers aren't bad. Not great numbers, but decent enough.

DaylightMax Air Water Structural Testing Data

I like Simonton windows, they are a good company and generally make a decent vinyl window.

If you upgraded to the Milgard Tuscany then I would have to give the nod to the Milgard option, although I'm not a huge fan of their pocket sill.

Dane - Website Editor - from 2018

Simonton Daylight Max 7300 Reviews

Hi Tim, we are trying to replace about 20-25 windows around the house. We are looking into getting vinyl windows. Wondering about your review on Simonton window series 7300 windows?

Replacing windows are not so cheap but also we want to use right windows for our house. Our house is in Sausalito, Ca.

Anne - Homeowner - from 2018

[Website Editor Reply]

Anne, the Simonton Daylight Max is not a bad window by any means. If I were buying this window, I would upgrade to the best glass package I could afford. In terms of air infiltration, the window is a bit all over the place so I would make sure you are buying a window with a sub .10 air infiltration rating. Here is a link to the Daylight 7300 Air Structural Data. The company makes a better window in the Impressions 9800 and the Reflections 5500 series, so that's something to consider. Simonton offers a nice warranty and is a strong company in general.

If you want some comparison quotes from different companies, try Anlin, Amerimax, and Milgard. They should have local companies around SF that carry these brands. I would say these four companies all make pretty solid vinyl windows that are all available throughout most regions of California.

Dane - Website Editor - from 2018

Simonton Daylight Max Reviews vs Anlin Panoramic

My small condo on the southern California coast has a total of 3 vinyl (casement) windows - a single pane, a double pane and a triple pane. (The center pane on the triple is fixed, does not open). Salt air does a job on the casement hardware, plus when the windows swing open they encroach on my (already small) patio space. So I want to change to sliders (XO and XOX) on the double and triple, respectively, and a single hung on the smaller single pane window. All panes are about 22”W x 54”H.

For the retrofits, I think I need to use narrower frame models, so as to maximize viewing area and not deviate from the look of the existing casement windows in the building. The HOA needs to approve this project, and they won’t want the windows to look too different from the exterior from what’s already there.

So far I have quotes from 4 contractors; 2 on Simonton Daylight Max, 1 on Anlin Panoramic, and 1 on Alside Montrose. I’ve eliminated the Alside Windows options for quality reasons. To do the job with Simontons was quoted at $3,365 and $2,175, respectively (big difference).

Anlin was quoted at $3,245. I want to get one more Anlin quote, which I am looking for now. But first of all, don’t you think these prices (even the lowest) are high for this small, 3 window job? I like the feel of the Anlin, but if I have to pay an extra $1,100 (about 50% more!) for the project to get Anlin, not sure it’s worth it. How much more should I be willing to pay for Anlin than Simonton in this case? We do plan to keep this condo for the foreseeable future.

Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Martin - Homeowner - from 2018

[Website Editor Reply]

Martin, I took another look at the numbers on the Simonton Daylight max window and was pretty impressed by the air infiltration .06 and U-factor .29 on the sliders. I'm curious about the price difference between the Simonton quotes. Was it through two different Home Depots? The Anlin Panoramic would be my pick of the bunch so far, although the lower Simonton quote is tough to ignore. I would be careful to properly vet the installers on this one since its so much lower.

In terms of cost, it's tough to say. These aren't three standard windows, the XO and XOX are more complex set ups -- some people might define your project as 6 windows.

You may want to throw a Milgard Tuscany quote in for no other reason than to see how it compares. If it's in that same price range, then you know the numbers are fair. I might take the lower Simonton quote back to the Anlin dealer and ask him to match it. (Or tell him that the price is more in line with what you were hoping to spend.) He probably won't match it, but I'll bet you will see something close to his lowest price point.

Dane - Website Editor - from 2018

Simonton Daylight Max vs. Anlin Del Mar

Hi Tim, I was found your website and reviews and I love it! I wanted to ask a question. I'm in the middle of a window replacement project and the two brands I have been looking at are the Simonton DaylightMax and Anlin Del Mar Series.

I know the U-value difference between the two are .29 and .26 which isn't much. I know the Anlin windows use a 3/8" and 1/8" glass where the Simonton is a 1/8" and 1/8". I also know the Anlin has a fancy ball-bearing roller to help with opening the windows. Other than that, I can't see any major difference.

I got a quote for each installed:

Simonton Daylight Max - 21 windows - $9550
Anlin Del Mar - 21 windows - $15,360

Is there any information between the two you could share that I can't find that could help me make a better informed decision. To me it looks like the Anlin has a little more bells and whistles but both are kind of in the same ballpark but I'm just not seeing justifying the price difference. I live in San Diego where the weather is relatively mild most of the year. I don't have to deal with extreme heat or cold for long periods of time.

Steve - Homeowner - from 2017

[Site Editor's Answer]

Steve, the Anlin is the better of the two windows for fit, tolerances, and air infiltration. However, I would be hard pressed to say you should spend $6K more on the Del Mar over the Daylight Max. San Diego is a pretty mild climate

Tim - Site Editor - from 2017

Daylight Max vs Anlin Del Mar Take 2

Good morning -- I happened upon your site and am wondering if you could give me an opinion on choosing between the Simonton Daylight Max and the Anlin Del Mar replacement windows? I live outside of Sacramento, CA; temperatures range from 28 degree lows in the winter to 112 highs in the summer. Thanks very much -

Robyn - Homeowner - from 2017

[Site Editor's Answer]

Robyn, both of these windows are decent, but the Daylight Max is not as good as the Anlin Del Mar window. The Daylight Max is more of an entry level/mid range vinyl window that uses a thinner frame with more glass area. (Our Simonton Daylight Max Reviews page will confirm this.) Go with the Del Mar option and you will be quite happy come year 8 and beyond.

Tim - Site Editor - from 2017

Simonton 7300 Daylightmax vs Anlin Panoramic

Hi, I'm looking at Anlin Panoramic retrofit Windows, for the 2.5 inch verses the 3.5 inch frame for bigger views. Are these as good as their Del Mar and Catalina series Windows?

Also comparing them to Milgard and Simonton 7300 Daylightmax series. How do any of these compare to Amerimax? What series do you recommend from Amerimax? Can't find a distributer/installer yet for Amerimax and the Anlin rep told me Amerimax is rumored to about to go out of business? Any info on this?

What do you recommend please? The Anlins and Simontons are about equally priced. Thanks so much.

Bob - Homeowner - from 2017

[Site Editor's Answer]

Bob, the Anlin Panoramic is a good vinyl window, but because they are maximizing the glass area, you will lose some performance and possibly some long term durability. Not much, but there is always a trade off in these decisions. The Del Mar and Catalina use a slightly stronger frame, but you lose out on the extended glass area. All of their windows are solid though so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I would put the Anlin windows on par with the Milgard Tuscany, although I might give the nod to the Anlin. I would definitely go with the Anlin over the Simonton 7300 Daylightmax series. I think Anlin makes the better window. Normally, I see bids on Anlin that are much more expensive than Simonton. Have you had a chance to check out our Simonton windows reviews? This is a great way to check out homeowners opinions that might help you in your quest.

Tim - Site Editor - from 2017

Simonton Daylight Max vs Milgard Tuscany

Good morning, my wood-sided 'ranch' house was built in the 80's and I have black aluminum framed windows. Some of the glass panes have become 'foggy'. Also, some of the frames don't glide smoothly anymore. My husband wants to have the windows replaced with the Milgard Tuscany retrofit windows. Is it better to use the retrofit windows or do a complete replacement although they are much more expensive? (I don't like how wide the frames are with retrofit windows -at least on the houses I've seen that have been 'retrofitted'. Thank you for your assistance.

Lynne - Homeowner - from 2016

[Site Editor's Response]

Lynne, this is certainly the trade off with retrofit windows, this loss of glass area. The full replacement windows can be expensive, especially depending on what material is on the outside of your home. A cheap option is to go with something like Indow windows, which are interior inserts, and are much cheaper than replacement windows. They aren't for everyone, but they are an option if you can find a dealer. Google "Indow windows in Texas" and see if anything comes up.

The other option if you want to keep the cost low and go retrofit is to find a more narrow frame. The downside here is the energy efficiency that the window will produce. A mid range product with a narrow frame is the Simonton Daylight Max and a high end vinyl window option is the Sunrise Restorations. The one nice option on the Sunrise is an interior laminate that looks very close to wood, but is actually a vinyl and doesn't require the same maintenance and care as wood.

Beyond this, I'm not quite sure what to tell you. Ultimately, you have to go with one or the other. I can't quite understand why the industry doesn't come up with a solution that makes it easier and cheaper to "swap" out windows, but they don't.

Tim - Site Editor - from 2016

Simonton 7300 Daylight Max

I am looking at 6200 Series Simonton slider with a vantage point clear view window by home depot or a 7300 Simonton daylight max slider and window by another window co. Which series is better is better?

Alice - Homeowner - from 2016

[Site Editor's Response]

Alice, the 6200 series is probably the better of the two, but not by a whole lot. The Daylight max window uses a slightly narrower frame that will provide more viewing area, but will sacrifice a bit in terms of performance numbers. However, I'm not a big fan of HD installation as a general rule of thumb, I worry that the subcontractors won't do a great job and then it won't matter what window you bought.

If you do go with HD, make sure to speak with the installer and ask him for a quick rundown on how the install will go and see how thorough his answer. Ask this same question of the other installer and see how their answers compare.

I would say go with the better installer over the better window since these two are so close and made by the same company – basically they are both no frills mid range vinyl windows, one is marketed as a west coast model and the other is marketed as a HD exclusive model. The quality of the install should be the difference.

Dane - Website Editor - from 2016

Simonton 7300 Reviews

We are in Valencia California and looking at vinyl windows. Our local well reviewed company has Simonton 7300 Daylight Max and I'd like your comparison thoughts between this and Milgard Tuscany series. We have a mixture of block frame and aluminum retrofit windows. Is there something else we should be looking at?

Colin - Homeowner - from 2015

[Site Editor's Response]

Hi there Colin, The Simonton 7300 Daylight Max is an okay to decent vinyl window, but I would say the Milgard Tuscany is a better and more durable window. There are some very solid vinyl window manufacturers in California that I would suggest you take a look at and see if there are any local companies that carry them. One is Milgard, which you already have a bid for. The other two that come to mind is Anlin and Amerimax, I would suggest their mid range vinyl options if you want to maximize your long term value.

Tim - Site Editor - from 2015

Simonton Daylight Max Reviews

Can you please give me your opinion of the Simonton 7300 Daylight Max Series dual paned, vinyl replacement window, with double lifetime warranty? I'm interested in heat, noise reductions and keeping the house warmer and without drafts in the winter. I live in Anaheim, CA. Thank you.

Marsha - Consumer - from 2015

[Site Editor's Response]

Marsha, the Simonton 7300 Daylight Daylight Max Series is going to be sold on the west coast - I see you are in Anaheim so this certainly makes sense. This window uses a narrow frame, which means better glass area and less energy efficiency. It comes standard wth ProSolar glass, which is a standard low-e1 and argon fill combo. It uses a stepped sill, which is a decent design feature and comes with a single lift rail. The double and single hung windows offer a tilt in feature for easier cleaning, which is nice.

It's pretty close in terms of number and features to the Simonton Madeira model. Overall, it's a decent window, but check the nfrc.org website for performance numbers and you are going to see it's certainly no world beater. Are there better windows out there? Probably. Since you are in California, I would also suggest getting a bid from an Anlin dealer, as well as an Amerimax and Milgard dealer. All quality vinyl window manufacturers and honestly probably all a step above Simonton.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2015

Opinion On Daylight Max

Please give your opinion on the Simonton Daylight Max. I live in San Diego, my window sill is 20 years old and rotted. Is retrofitting a viable option, with rebuilding the sill either with treated wood or wood encased aluminium? New construction is 3x the cost! Thank you, Jenna

Jenna - Homeowner - from 2018

[Site Editor's Response]

Honestly, you need to ask all three or four (in your case) contractors or companies who come out to give you a bid whether they recommend new construction or whether you can get away with a replacement or retrofit window. This gives you a nice broad set of professional perspectives that should provide a general consensus. It sounds like you are going to have to rebuild the sills anyway, which is where alot of the cost is going be anyway.Typically if your sills are rotten, there is going to be some water or rot to some of the other surrounding wood etc.

The question of new construction or retrofit will depend on what material is on the outside of the house, what steps are needed to removing the new construction windows that are up there now, etc. That's why I'm saying get a handful of opinions. You will also be AMAZED by the difference in price that the local companies will come up with.

In terms of windows, the Daylight Max is just okay in my opinion. You are in San Diego, so I would recommend the Milgard Tuscany Window, the Anlin Del Mar and the Amerimax, Amerimax Craftsman Portrait, and the Simonton 9800 Impressions. These are all good vinyl windows that should be available in your area and will fall into a mid range vinyl window price point.

Let me know what the contractors say about the project!

Dane - Site Editor - from 2018

Daylight Max vs Ply Gem Pro

I'm looking at the Ply Gem Pro series and the Simonton Daylight Max. Which would you recommend and why?

Gwen - Homeowner - from 2015

[Site Editor's Response]

Gwen, I would have to give the nod to the Ply Gem Pro. The Simonton Daylight Max uses a narrow frame to provide "max daylight," which will equate to more glass or viewing area, but at a cost of performance. The U-value and AI are going to be a bit lower on the Pro than the Daylight Max. The Ply Gem Pro is going to be a sturdier window in my opinion. By how much, that's up for debate, but if I were making the choice, this is what I'd go with.

Make sure you get good installation from a reputable local company. This is important to making sure that the window is properly placed and secured in the window and that it's going to provide the energy efficiency that you need from new windows. Finally, take a quick look at our Simonton Daylight Max reviews page for the energy efficiency numbers and opinons.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2015

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