Our approach to business remains the same throughout the years. We are dedicated to providing innovative products that exceed industry standards for quality, reliability, and performance. We use leading edge technologies and equipment in manufacturing, allowing us to exceed our customers' requirements for beautiful, strong and thermally efficient windows.

We offer an extensive line of replacement windows and accessories to fit any home, region or climate. All our products are built to last, and are backed by an on-going commitment to the people who buy them. Quality and commitment to excellence have been the cornerstones of our success. They will continue to serve as the foundations for our efforts in the future.

We have embarked on a Journey to World Class. What does this mean for you? Better products, better service, and a better supplier of quality custom windows and doors. Read on for a few excerpts from our Journey to World Class Guide.

Our Mission: What is a Mission? You think of a Mission as a statement of what we will do. We summarize our Mission in the following Mission Statement: "We will provide an environment to attract, nurture and retain outstanding people who have a passion for consistently delivering quality products and services that exceed our customers expectations."

Our Vision: Whereas a Mission Statement summarizes what we will do, a Vision Statement summarized what we will accomplish by doing what we do. Our Vision for Soft-Lite is: "To be the premier manufacturer of the highest quality custom made vinyl windows and suppliers of innovative support services designed to make our customers the leaders in the industry."

Our Values: Regardless of who we are or what job we are doing at Soft-Lite, we will share a common set of values. They are: Customer Focus, Personal Integrity, Respect for People, Accountability, Work Ethic, and Teamwork.

Lifetime Warranty? That's right, all of our residential windows come standard with a lifetime warranty. It can even be transferred if you move or sell your house.

Soft-Lite L.L.C. warrants that its vinyl windows and doors will be free from manufacturing or material defects for so long as such products remain in use at the home where originally installed and the original purchaser (or authorized transferee) owns and resides in such home. Our Lifetime Warranty is designed to protect your investment and our reputation. It guarantees that our windows will not rot, rust, warp, pit, corrode or blister, and that our vinyl colors will remain true for the life of your home. Our Lifetime Warranty is non-prorated and is fully transferable. We also warranty all moving parts and the hermetically insulated seal against defects in materials or workmanship. Finally, we offer an optional glass breakage rider for extra peace of mind. Our Lifetime Warranty shows that we stand behind our windows and the people who buy them.

At Soft-Lite we understand that some people like to color coordinate their new windows with their decorating palette. Because everyone's sense of beauty is different, we offer our custom color program. For a small fee we will match your color sample by sending that sample to our world class color supplier. The supplier will digitally scan and color match your sample and formulate your custom color coating. We would then send it back to your dealer of choice for your written approval of satisfaction before processing the approved color order into production.

At Soft-Lite we are very proud of our dedicated employees; that is why we look to fill positions of line leaders and managers from within the company. What better way to teach and promote advancement. We employ some of the very best and brightest people around in the industry; many of them have been with us for more than 20 years

Buyers Check List:

Most people buy replacement windows only once in their life. Because they require manufacturing lead time and installation, windows can be a complicated purchase that should involve careful review and consultation before a final decision is made. The two primary ingredients to a successful window purchase are the product itself and the professional installation of that product. Most homeowners simply trust their contractors to install the best window into their home. Sometimes this works — and sometimes it doesn’t. With the expanding use of the internet, homeowners like you are now able to invest “shopping time” into determining what the best window is for their needs. In fact, just over the past few years, we have noticed a significant increase at Soft-Lite in the technical aspect of inquiries we receive from homeowners just like you. We welcome every single inquiry. Meanwhile, here are
our suggestions for “un-biased” places to start your search for the best windows you can buy. Of course, we hope that your independent search brings you right back to Soft-Lite! We want to help you. Give us a call or send us a note!

Top Five Questions
To ask about the manufacturer of your windows:

1. How long have you been manufacturing these types of windows?
a. Soft-Lite has been manufacturing windows since 1934, and was one of the first window manufacturers in the country to manufacture vinyl windows, beginning in the 1950’s.

2. What does your warranty cover?
a. Our warranty covers any confirmed manufacturing defect. A replacement part will be furnished at no cost to you. Our warranty excludes labor and is transferable. See the
warranty for more details.

3. Are your products Gold-Label Certified by AAMA?
a. Absolutely. Look to the inside head of every Soft-Lite window for the Gold Label decal. See the link below for information from the source as to what this means.

4. Are your products tested by the NFRC and Energy Star compliant?
a. Yes. Built with low-emissivity glass, all of our products meet or exceed Energy Star requirements in all 50 states.

5. What awards and industry recognition has your company earned?
a. Every year since 1996 Soft-Lite has been placed on Window & Door’s Top 100 Manufacturers annual list, five-time Crystal Achievement Award, the Ohio Partnership for Excellence Award, Top 100 Companies to Watch, and other significant industry awards and recognition.
See your Soft-Lite Dealer or contact us directly for more information.

Top Five Questions
To ask about the window’s certified performance:

Top Five Questions
To ask about the design features of the window:
1. Are these windows AAMA Gold-Label Certified?
2. What are the results of the air infiltration test?
3. What are the results of the water infiltration test?
4. What is the design pressure rating of this window?
5. What is the overall U-factor of this window as measured by the NFRC?

1. Tell me what makes your sill design better than the others.
a. All of our double-hung models, for example, feature an engineered sloped sill that offers
more barriers and diversions to air and water infiltration than conventional, lower-performance
sills. There is a mechanical structural interlock that supplements the interlock at the
meeting rail to hold the lower sash tightly in place, even during high-stress wind loads in
excess of 190 miles per hour. A sill rail runs the length of the sill that is straddled by a soft
rubber gasket under compression when the window is locked to block air and water from
entering. Our sill dam is mortised directly into the jamb to assure no butt-joint leaks common
to older sills where sealant is the only barrier. Optional Comfort Foam™ can be used to
insulate the inside chambers of the sill for the ultimate energy efficiency.

2. Tell me about your weather-stripping and compression seals.
a. Our windows feature Triple-Fin weatherstrips that offer two or three times the barriers of
single or double-fin designs. Each fin is compounded with Microban®, a popular anti-microbial
treatment that fights the growth of mold and bacteria on the weather-stripping. Our closed-cell
neoprene compression seals work under the pressure of the locked window much like the
gaskets in refrigerators and freezers, to fight the transfer of energy in and out and to add yet
more barriers and diversions to the penetration of air and water into your home.

3. Does your window have mechanical interlocks and where are they?
a. All of our windows feature mechanical interlocks at the meeting rail between the lock rail and the keeper rail. There is another mechanical structural interlock built into our sill design on
some models.

4. How tight are the manufacturing tolerances on your window?
a. With our new Stürtz automated assembly lines, installed in late 2006, our overall
manufacturing tolerances are the best in the business at ± 1/32”.

5. How many options do I have available to me to customize your window?
a. Internal grids, V-groove glass, tempered, laminated, triple pane, different spacer systems, art glass, internal laminates, external colors; consult your Soft-Lite Dealer or contact Soft-Lite
directly for more information. Nobody Gives You More™.

Double-Pane Windows from Soft-Lite Provide Unparalleled Energy Efficiency

If you’re researching new double-pane windows for your home, you are likely to become very familiar with industry terms related to energy conservation. Terms such as “U-Factor,” “R-Value,” and “solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)” might make your eyes glaze over in some other context, but as a homeowner who wants to do everything possible to control utility costs, you will absolutely want to know what these terms mean – and how they affect your monthly heating or cooling bills.

You should start with the basics: double-pane windows from Soft-Lite incorporate two panes of glass, or “lites,” with one low-emissivity (Low-E) coating and feature either our metal PPG Intercept® spacer or our structural foam Super Spacer®. The space between the lites is filled with insulating argon or krypton gas. Our extremely precise manufacturing process ensures a perfect fit every time with our vinyl windows, regardless of make, model, or shape.

Now, what about the energy-efficient properties of our double-pane windows? They all achieve low U-Factor and SGHC ratings, and one of the highest R-Values in the industry. In fact, our standards for these measurements of energy efficiency routinely exceed government standards for such distinctions as ENERGY STAR® labeling. But what do they mean? Here is a brief overview of these three important energy efficiency measurements:

• U-Factor – the measure of non-solar heat transfer, or heat that escapes through the window during the winter. The lower the U-Factor, or U-Value, the better the window performs.
• SHGC – the measure of the amount of heat that enters the building through the glass during the warm months. In the North it is preferable to have a higher SHGC so passive light can come through; and in the South, the lower SHGC is more desirable.
• R-Value – the measure of the window’s insulating ability. The higher the R-Value, the better the window performs.

Depending on the operating style and glass package you choose, Soft-Lite offers double-pane windows with a U-Factor as low as 0.17, a SHGC as low as 0.20, and an R-Value as high as 6.66. Of course, our triple-pane windows provide even better energy-performance ratings.

Triple-pane windows from Soft-Lite provide unbeatable thermal performance

While our double-pane windows offer superb energy efficiency, our triple-pane products are even better! Triple-pane windows from Soft-Lite consist of three panes of glass, two low-emissivity (or Low-E) coatings, argon or krypton gas between the panes, and a choice of our metal PPG Intercept spacer or our structural foam Super Spacer. Soft-Lite’s top-of-the-line triple-pane windows achieve some of the best NFRC ratings in the industry.

It’s imperative to select a triple-glass system that’s tailored for your climate region. Our wide array of triple-glass configurations — which can include your choice of several spacers, inert gas options, and several different Low-E coatings — allows you to choose the option that’s just right for your home. This will ensure that you receive the full benefits of our triple-pane windows, including a more comfortable and draft-free home and lower energy costs.

Block Outside Noise by Soundproofing Your Home with Soft-Lite Windows

Some of the techniques used for soundproofing windows are the same as those used by Soft-Lite to manufacture the most energy-efficient windows in the industry. That’s because sound, like air, always takes the path of least resistance. A tight-fitting window frame manufactured to significantly reduce air infiltration will also deaden sound.

That said, there is a lot more to soundproofing windows than making sure there is a perfect fit for the frame. For example, no matter how well-made a home’s windows are, if the roof, walls, and doors are not equally well-made and insulated, noise pollution could be experienced inside as the window diverts sound to those areas of less resistance.

Here are a few other window-related factors that contribute to sound abatement:

• Number of panes – double-paned windows will help reduce the amount of noise allowed indoors better than single-paned windows, and triple-paned windows are even more effective.
• Laminated glass – the window’s sound transmission classification (STC) will be reduced if laminated glass is used, rather than standard glass
• Other energy-efficient features – high-quality weather stripping and airtight locks and latches can improve STC and reduce noise

Insulated Windows from Soft-Lite Minimize Air Infiltration and Save Energy

Soft-Lite insulated windows are an ideal way to save money on heating or cooling bills by minimizing the amount of energy-wasting air infiltration. Inferior windows allow air to seep through faulty seals. Even the glass panes themselves can contribute to higher cooling or heating costs, if they are not designed specifically to provide the kind of insulation your home requires for peak energy efficiency. Every window manufactured by Soft-Lite meets our own exacting requirements for energy efficiency, while far exceeding industry standards.

Soft-Lite manufactures a wide variety of ENERGY STAR® labeled insulated windows. These products achieve some of the best NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) ratings on the market for U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain — as well as excellent AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) ratings for air infiltration. With many different window lines and countless styles and colors available, we make something for everyone, regardless of aesthetic taste or budget. When it comes to energy efficiency, it doesn’t get any better than the Soft-Lite Elements® line, which is designed to achieve the absolute minimum air filtration ratings in the industry. The weather barriers on the Elements line include:

• Ultra-Smart® anti-microbial triple-fin weather strip
• Double- or triple-paned windows with argon or krypton gas fill
• Comfort Foam™ expanding polyurethane in the sash and frame extrusions
• Q-Lon® compression head gasket
• ILTIS™ lock and tilt hardware system
• K-Beam™ thermal reinforcement with Kevlar®
• Endura-Force™ balance system for simple lifting and lowering of sashes on double hungs
• And much, much more!

Valued-priced equivalents to these higher-end thermal barriers are available with every line of Soft-Lite insulated windows, which are all designed to prevent money-wasting air flow from forcing its way into your home. Soft-Lite windows are designed for durable, long-lasting beauty. Not only will you save a significant amount of money on cooling and heating costs; you will never need to purchase windows again. Contact a Soft-Lite dealer near you to learn more about our insulated windows, and be sure to inquire about our transferable, limited lifetime warranty.

Protect Your Home from High Winds and Severe Weather with Hurricane Windows from Soft-Lite

Hurricane windows are not only for states like Florida and Texas, where violent tropical weather wreaks havoc on homes year after year, or for mid-western states where tornadoes abound. High winds occur everywhere, and the windows on your home should be able to withstand them. Armor Impact Plus and Armor Max Plus impact windows from Soft-Lite are strong and durable enough for shoreline homes in hurricane zones, so you know that they will stand up to the occasionally high gusts and blustery thunderstorms experienced by most of the rest of the country.

Armor Max Plus hurricane windows manufactured by Soft-Lite pass every durability test thrown at them, including the Large Missile Impact Level “D” test. These windows can withstand sustained winds of 140 mph and gusts of up to 212 mph, and are Miami-Dade County-approved. Soft-Lite impact windows also provide additional protection against intrusion, with a nearly impenetrable PVB interlayer that prevents shattering. Soft-Lite’s commitment to making products that help protect the home is reflected in our status as the exclusive window partner of the National Crime Prevention Council.

Here are the features that help Soft-Lite hurricane windows stand apart from the competition:

• Stainless steel reinforced attachment points
• A rigid, tubular master window frame with fused corners
• A pair of heavy-duty cam sweep locks

Air Infiltration: Performance Specs

ELEMENTS WINDOWS allow only .01 CFM of air leakage per minute. They are:

• 23 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional WOOD residential double hung windows such as Pella, Marvin, Jeld-Wen, and Andersen from .12 CFM to .30 CFM.* For example, it would take 23 Elements windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just ONE of the industry average traditional wood residential double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional wood window is 220.8 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)
• 15 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional VINYL residential high performance double hung windows such as Alside, Simonton, and Champion from .11 CFM to .21 CFM.* For example, it would take 15 Elements windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just ONE of the industry average traditional vinyl residential high performance double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional vinyl window is 144 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)

IMPERIAL LS WINDOWS allow only .02 CFM of air leakage per minute. They are:

• over 11 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional WOOD residential double hung windows such as Pella, Marvin, Jeld-Wen, and Andersen from .12 CFM to .30 CFM.* For example, it would take 23 Imperial LS windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just TWO of the industry average traditional wood residential double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional wood window is 220.8 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)
• 7 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional VINYL residential high performance double hung windows such as Alside, Simonton, and Champion from .11 CFM to .21 CFM.* For example, it would take 15 Imperial LS windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just TWO of the industry average traditional vinyl residential high performance double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional vinyl window is 144 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)

BAINBRIDGE WINDOWS allow only .07 CFM of air leakage per minute. They are:

• over 3 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional WOOD residential double hung windows such as Pella, Marvin, Jeld-Wen, and Andersen from .12 CFM to .30 CFM.* For example, it would take more than 13 Bainbridge LE windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just FOUR of the industry average traditional wood residential double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional wood window is 220.8 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)
• over 2 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional VINYL residential high performance double hung windows such as Alside, Simonton, and Champion from .11 CFM to .21 CFM.* For example, it would take more than 8 Bainbridge LE windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just FOUR of the industry average traditional vinyl residential high performance double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional vinyl window is 144 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)

BARRINGTON WINDOWS allow only .07 CFM of air leakage per minute. They are:

• over 3 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional WOOD residential double hung windows such as Pella, Marvin, Jeld-Wen, and Andersen from .12 CFM to .30 CFM.* For example, it would take more than 13 Barrington windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just FOUR of the industry average traditional wood residential double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional wood window is 220.8 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)
• over 2 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional VINYL residential high performance double hung windows such as Alside, Simonton, and Champion from .11 CFM to .21 CFM.* For example, it would take more than 8 Barrington windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just FOUR of the industry average traditional vinyl residential high performance double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional vinyl window is 144 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)

PRO/CLASSIC WINDOWS allow only .07 CFM** of air leakage per minute. They are:

• over 3 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional WOOD residential double hung windows such as Pella, Marvin, Jeld-Wen, and Andersen from .12 CFM to .30 CFM.* For example, it would take more than 13 Pro/Classic windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just FOUR of the industry average traditional wood residential double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional wood window is 220.8 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)
• over 2 times more airtight than the industry average range of traditional VINYL residential high performance double hung windows such as Alside, Simonton, and Champion from .11 CFM to .21 CFM.* For example, it would take more than 8 Pro/Classic windows combined to leak the same amount of air as just FOUR of the industry average traditional vinyl residential high performance double hung windows. (Industry average of one traditional vinyl window is 144 oz. of air infiltration per minute.)