>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
Simonton 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.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2015
Additional Resources: Ply Gem Windows Prices