If you’re looking for Crown windows reviews you’re probably in Michigan as they claim to be “The Michigan Window”. In fact they talk quite a bit about being the Michigan replacement window on their website. Are they offering a good deal? Let’s find out.
Before we get too far into this review I should note that my company does offer windows in Detroit and Grand Rapids. We don’t offer Crown windows so one might say we’re a competitor. If you’d like an easy online quote from my company we’d be happy to help. We can send a quote by email with no pushy salesman. Welcome to the future.
In looking at their website a few things jump out. First they say they manufacture and install the windows. They also say they’ve been in business since 1955. These sound like great reasons to work with them. They might also be downsides. In my experience the small local manufacturers who produce and install their own windows are some of the more expensive options around. I also write a lot about the risks of small manufacturers and those same risks would apply to Crown Windows.
The next thing we notice in working on the Crown windows reviews is that they make a lot of qualitative statements without much info to back it up. Here’s one example:
As you can see they say they “stop air infiltration”, but without an actual rating it’s impossible to know if they’re doing better than any other window. If you’re considering Crown Windows my advice is to ask them for the specific rating for the window you’d be getting. Generally speaking an air infiltration rating under 0.10 is pretty decent and under 0.05 is better. If the air infiltration rating is over 0.10 it’s not so great after all.
Here’s another example:
You can see they say their special foam offers exceptional resistance to thermal transfer but we don’t really have any information about what that means. If you’re considering these windows ask for the U-Factor to understand how these windows will compare with other options. To be Energy Star rated in the northern climate zone the U-Factor needs to be under 0.30 and there are other ratings, like the SHGC, that will also be important to consider.
What else to consider with Crown Windows reviews?
There are several other selling points they use that may sound fancy but aren’t really unique. These features will be offered by many companies. Features like Super Spacer, or high-performance vinyl are very widely available and aren’t really unique to Crown at all.
If the salesman goes on and on about how they offer these super special features I’d discount most of what he has to say. These are fine features but really not very special at all.
Are Crown windows the same as Earthwise windows?
Yes. Crown is a manufacturer that makes windows under the Earthwise brand.
We’ve written about Earthwise before. As you can see in the comments on that page, some of the Earthwise salespeople don’t always agree with my assessments. That can be common. At the end of the day I don’t think it’s a great program.
What’s the bottom line?
Crown windows are perfectly fine, but there’s nothing about them that is particularly remarkable. The risks of working with a small window manufacturer are substantial. I’m not aware of any reason to take the gamble. The features they offer are perfectly nice but not unique.
If the salesman hasn’t explained why you should take the gamble of working with a small window manufacturer I’d suggest looking elsewhere. You can get the same replacement window features and many more elsewhere.
How can you find a great window company?
When shopping for windows I do always suggest finding a great installation company before you fall in love with any particular window model. There are plenty of great window options out there but not as many local companies that are great to work with.
To know which companies to avoid you can find common window sales tactics here. That’s become one of the most popular sections on the site.
Remember, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies in Michigan and beyond right here. There’s no need to work with a company that gives you the run-around or makes the process difficult. There are plenty of fish in the sea as they say. The best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies here.
Here you can find detailed Cascade windows reviews. Cascade is a window manufacturer in the west and southwest. They have facilities in Washington, Oregon, Utah and Arizona. You’ll find their dealers primarily located in the same areas.
In 2020 Cascade windows purchased the assets of Amerimax windows which had manufacturing facilities in Loveland, CO and Woodland, CA. This acquisition gave Cascade coverage in a wide swath of the western US.
The Cascade window options we’ll be looking at include:
Cascade Windows Reviews
WinPro Windows Reviews
Folding Windows
Multi-Slide Doors
Corner Doors
Folding Doors
Swing Doors
Patio Doors
What about the Cascade Windows warranty?
The warranty for these windows is pretty solid. It’s a lifetime warranty, but it does have some limitations to be aware of. For example, they don’t cover corrosion if the windows are within 2 miles of saltwater. For folks in Seattle that may be pretty important.
They also don’t cover glass breakage and only cover stress cracks in the glass for 60 days after the windows are installed. I could see that being a problem for some folks.
How can you find a great window company?
When shopping for windows I do always suggest finding a great installation company before you fall in love with any particular window model. There are plenty of great window options out there but not as many local companies that are great to work with.
To find our recommended window companies all over the country check this section. If we know someone in your neck of the woods they’ll be listed there and they’ll be happy to help.
For example, my company will send you window prices without ever sending a salesperson to your house at all. The goal is to make this process easy and it can often be easier than you might expect.
Remember, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies in your area right here. There’s no need to work with a company that gives you the run-around or makes the process difficult. There are plenty of fish in the sea as they say. The best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies.
If you’ve ended up on this page, you’ve probably run across Alliance Window Systems. They don’t have the name recognition of Andersen or Pella, but they show up again and again in local dealer quotes.
After twenty years around window sales, installation, and manufacturer reps, I’ve seen what happens when marketing claims meet real-world homes. Alliance lands somewhere between “underrated workhorse” and “buyer-beware small manufacturer.”
Here’s the full picture so you can decide if they’re the right fit for your house.
Alliance Windows Quick Summary (2026)
Manufacturer: Alliance Window Systems – part of the American Window Alliance
Product Lines: Hawthorne (flagship), Belmont (premium), plus regional new-construction models
Price Range: $700 – $1,050 installed per window (typical)
Warranty: Limited lifetime – coverage varies by regional manufacturer
Best For: Homeowners wanting mid-tier vinyl performance and local service
Watch Out For: Small-manufacturer risk – warranty and parts support depend on the local factory
Alliance isn’t one giant corporation. It’s a co-op of regional manufacturers that build windows under shared specifications from the American Window Alliance. Your windows are made by the Alliance member closest to you.
That setup offers shorter lead times and a “buy local” story — but it also means warranty and service quality can differ from state to state. A homeowner in Michigan and one in Georgia could own “Alliance Hawthorne” windows built by two different factories. The salesman may tell you this isn’t a problem, but it could be.
Alliance Window Product Lines
Hawthorne Series – The Flagship
The Hawthorne line is Alliance’s bread-and-butter double-hung replacement window. It checks the usual boxes: fusion-welded frames, dual weather seals, Low-E glass, argon gas fill, and a lifetime limited warranty.
Think of it as a solid middle-class vinyl window — practical, efficient, and widely available.
Belmont Series – The Upgrade
The Belmont series adds heavier reinforcement, optional foam fills, and triple-pane glass. It’s built for harsher climates and homeowners who plan to stay put.
You’ll see lower (better) U-factors and a broader color palette, but you’ll also pay a bit more.
Regional New-Construction Lines
Products like Prairie or WindowPro target builders, not replacement projects. They use slimmer frames, fewer color options, and builder-grade hardware. In my experience lower end new construction windows are something to avoid.
For remodeling projects, Hawthorne or Belmont remain the smart picks.
Reviews of replacement windows from Alliance Window Systems
Hawthorne replacement windows
Belmont replacement windows
Replacement patio doors
It looks like the different manufacturers may be using different spacers to seal the glass. We found the manufacturer in Massachusetts showing a brochure with DuraSeal and the company in Chicago advertising InnovativeE.
Energy Performance and Efficiency
Alliance windows can meet or beat Energy Star standards if you choose the right glass package. Typical numbers:
Glass Type
U-Factor ↓ is Better
SHGC
Notes
Double-pane Low-E / argon
≈ 0.29 – 0.30
0.27 – 0.30
Standard package
Triple-pane Low-E / argon
≈ 0.22 – 0.25
0.20 – 0.24
Cold climate upgrade
Air infiltration ratings around 0.10 – 0.15 CFM are respectable for this price tier. Just remember — the installer’s foam seal and caulking matter as much as the glass.
This business model has been tried before with mixed results. The biggest problem in the past has been the warranty. Customers will sometimes get the impression that the warranty is backed by this whole system of 6 or 7 manufacturers but in reality that’s not always the case.
In the case of the Alliance Window Systems warranty, the warranty is only offered by the individual manufacturer who made your windows. That is listed in the written warranty. I’d say that’s not the best for the customer, but it does make sense for the business.
Warranty and Support
Alliance promotes a limited lifetime warranty for the original homeowner, covering frames, sashes, hardware, and IGU seal failures. But each Alliance manufacturing member administers its own warranty.
What to check before you buy:
Is labor included for service calls or materials only?
Can the warranty transfer if you sell the home?
Who handles claims — your dealer or the factory?
If your local Alliance member ever closes, you’ll depend on another member’s goodwill for future service.
That’s the biggest variable in the whole equation.
Alliance windows generally earn 3½ to 4 stars out of 5 across review platforms.
Common positives:
Noticeable comfort and energy bill improvement.
Clean appearance and easy operation.
Appreciation for buying from local dealers.
Common negatives:
Seal failures within 5 – 8 years on some units.
Warranty response time depends on region.
Fewer design options than big brands like Pella.
Like any vinyl window, performance comes down to installation quality and dealer support.
On the Alliance website they talk about being a national operation, but they only list operations in a handful of states in the midwest and northeast. They’re not franchises. Rather they’re independent companies all making windows under the same brand.
Note Alliance Window Systems is not the same company as the bankrupt Alliance Vinyl Windows or Alliance Window Co, all with similar names but different companies.
Alliance Windows vs Other Popular Brands (2026 Comparison)
Brand
Price Range (Installed)
Energy Efficiency
Warranty
Overall Value
Best For
Alliance
$$
Very Good
Lifetime (limited)
Good
Homeowners wanting mid-tier vinyl performance and local service
Andersen
$$$$
Excellent
20 yrs glass / 10 yrs components
Very Good
Design and brand-prestige buyers
Pella
$$$
Very Good
Limited Lifetime
Good
Style-focused projects
Gentek
$$ – $$$
Excellent
Transferable Lifetime
Excellent
Warranty stability and corporate backing
Soft-Lite
$$$
Excellent
Transferable Lifetime
Excellent
Performance and tight air seals
VinylMax
$$
Good – Very Good
Limited Lifetime
Good
Regional value seekers
Window World
$
Fair
Limited
Fair
Budget and rental properties
Caption: Alliance Window Systems compared with Gentek, Andersen, Pella, Soft-Lite, VinylMax, and Window World for 2026 homeowners.
Alliance vs Andersen
Andersen’s Fibrex and wood-clad windows are a different animal.
They cost two to three times as much but offer superior fit, finish, and resale appeal.
Alliance wins on price; Andersen wins on design and longevity.
Pella vs Alliance
Pella sells style and branding.
If you want wood interiors or architectural detail, Pella is worth it.
For basic vinyl replacements, Alliance delivers similar energy performance for less.
Alliance vs Gentek
Gentek is one of the most underrated names in the industry.
Backed by Associated Materials, they have the corporate stability that Alliance lacks. If long-term warranty security matters most, Gentek wins.
If you want to buy local and save a bit, Alliance can still be a fair choice.
Alliance vs Soft-Lite
Soft-Lite outperforms Alliance on air leakage and thermal ratings but costs more.
If you’re chasing maximum efficiency, go Soft-Lite; for everyday value, Alliance works.
Vinylmax vs Alliance
Both target value-driven buyers.
Vinylmax has more unified manufacturing; Alliance leans on local factories.
Service will depend entirely on your dealer.
Alliance vs Window World
Window World is about price first, everything else second.
If budget rules, Window World wins.
If you care about materials and fit, Alliance is the better buy.
Pricing and Value
Expect to see quotes like:
Hawthorne: $700 – $950 installed
Belmont: $850 – $1,050 installed
New construction: $500 – $650 installed
Upgrades — triple-pane glass, foam fills, custom colors — add $100 – $200 per window. That puts Alliance in the upper-middle of the vinyl market — cheaper than Andersen or Pella, but a step up from builder grade.
Alliance’s decentralized model is its strength and its Achilles’ heel. Every factory is independent. If one goes under, customers lose their warranty and access to matching parts. I’ve watched dozens of respected small manufacturers disappear over the years, leaving homeowners with no recourse.
That’s why I often recommend choosing a window from a large, financially stable company like Gentek if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term. It’s not about build quality — Alliance windows themselves are fine — it’s about the odds that someone will still answer the phone in 15 years.
Installation Matters More Than Brand
Even the best window can fail if installed poorly. Look for dealers who detail their installation steps: foam insulation, flashing, shimming, and sealant. Avoid “today only” discounts and quotes without scope details.
Are investing in a forever home and want corporate backing.
Final Verdict – Are Alliance Windows Worth It in 2026?
Yes — Alliance Windows offer solid value for the price, provided you understand what you’re buying. The Hawthorne and Belmont lines are dependable vinyl windows that perform well when installed properly. Just go in with open eyes about the small-manufacturer risk and make sure you’re working with a dealer that will stand behind the installation.
If you want rock-solid long-term security, brands like Gentek or Soft-Lite are safer bets. If you want a good, locally made window at a reasonable price, Alliance can still be a smart choice.
Alliance Windows FAQs (2026)
Q: Are Alliance windows good quality? Yes. They’re mid-tier vinyl windows built to Energy Star standards. They don’t compete with premium fiberglass or composite lines, but they offer strong value for the price.
Q: Who makes Alliance windows? They’re produced by regional members of the American Window Alliance co-op, each manufacturing locally under shared specs.
Q: How much do Alliance windows cost installed? Most homeowners pay $700–$1,050 per window installed depending on series, size, and options.
Q: What’s the biggest downside of Alliance windows? Warranty and parts support depend on which regional factory made them. If that factory closes, coverage can be limited.
Q: What are some alternatives to Alliance windows? Gentek and Soft-Lite for long-term security, VinylMax for regional value, or Andersen/Pella for design and brand prestige.
Why would you buy windows from Alliance Window Systems?
It’s important to remember that if you’re considering buying windows from a small manufacturer like this you’d want to be clear about why you think that’s a good choice. It’s inherently risky to work with a small manufacturer. Maybe there’s some reason you want to take that risk, but if there isn’t then I’d suggest working with a larger and more well established outfit.
That’s not because I don’t like Alliance Window Systems. It’s just because I’ve seen many small window manufacturers vanish. We’ve written many posts about many bankrupt companies. That’s a vary bad outcome for their customers.
I know the salesman will say they’ve been in business for so many years and his customers are all thrilled. That’s probably true, but it doesn’t make the risk go away. In my mind that’s not a good enough reason. You can certainly make your own choice.
Find the Best Window Companies Near You
Ready to compare quotes from reliable installers? Visit our Best Replacement Window Companies page for trusted local pros who actually stand behind their work — no gimmicks, no “today only” discounts.
What Do You Think?
We work hard to keep every review on The Window Dog accurate and up to date. If you’ve owned or installed Alliance windows, share your experience in the comments. And if you spot anything we missed or got wrong, please let us know — our goal is to be the most trustworthy source for honest window information online.
If you’re looking for info on Alliance Vinyl windows I have some bad news. It looks like they’ve headed off into the distance and they are permanently closed.
It is important to note that this is Alliance Vinyl Windows Co, not Alliance Window Systems. Alliance Window Systems a network of small window manufacturers. Similar name, different operation.
The picture above shows the google listing we found for Alliance Vinyl Windows. A call to their phone number went to a recording saying the number was out of service.
What happened?
Unfortunately this can be a risk when dealing with the small window manufacturers out there. I know the in-home salespeople can tell a convincing story but there’s a real risk in working with these little manufacturers and I think that risk is often under appreciated.
I think the salespeople can get away with selling some of these products because most customers aren’t familiar with window manufacturers. You probably don’t know who is a worthwhile manufacturer and who is a little too risky. That’s a lack of information that the salespeople will exploit.
We can help.
Does it matter if you bought windows from a company that is now bankrupt?
Yes. Hopefully your windows work just fine and you won’t have any problems down the road. Unfortunately you now have no warranty at all. Worse than that there’s no access to spare parts. That can be the most challenging part.
What about my warranty from Alliance Vinyl Windows?
Unfortunately it’s gone. If you find yourself in this boat I wouldn’t get too worried about it. There’s nothing you can do anyway so worrying won’t help.
Some repairs can still be made. For example if you have a window break or if you get a seal failure in an Alliance Vinyl Window Co window a third party company can likely fix it.
You’d be paying out of pocket for that repair but it can be done easily enough.
If you have a problem that requires new parts like a new lock, a new screen frame or a new vinyl frame or sash the repair will be more difficult, or impossible.
In that situation you’ll likely be buying a new window from a different manufacturer. That’ll be the only solution.
If you do find a company that can service windows from Alliance Vinyl Windows please post a comment here. I’m sure other readers will be looking for that same info.
How can you find a great window company?
When shopping for windows I do always suggest finding a great installation company before you fall in love with any particular window model. There are plenty of great window options out there but not as many local companies that are great to work with.
To find our recommended window companies all over the country check this section. If we know someone in your neck of the woods they’ll be listed there and they’ll be happy to help.
For example, my company will send you window prices without ever sending a salesperson to your house at all. The goal is to make this process easy and it can often be easier than you might expect.
Remember, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies in your area right here. There’s no need to work with a company that gives you the run-around or makes the process difficult. There are plenty of fish in the sea as they say. The best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies.
If you’re looking to buy new replacement windows in 2022 you’ll want to understand the current state of the market and the industry. Things are different than they’ve ever been before. We can help make sense of it.
It’s been an interesting few years for everyone. We’ve seen product shortages, pricing changes, labor issues and more. Here at TheWindowDog we have unique exposure to the industry nationwide. We’ll be happy to help you navigate the process of picking, ordering and installing the best new windows for your home.
Selecting the best residential replacement windows
2022 replacement window buying guide
Remember, our replacement window information comes from our 15+ years of industry experience. In addition we have a nationwide network of window installers, contractors and industry leading window manufacturers. That’s why we say there’s no better source of replacement window information on the entire internet!
What should I do next?
When shopping for windows I do always suggest finding a great installation company before you fall in love with any particular window model. There are plenty of great window options out there but not as many local companies that are great to work with.
To find our recommended window companies all over the country check this section. If we know someone in your neck of the woods they’ll be listed there and they’ll be happy to help.
Remember, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies in your area right here. There’s no need to work with a company that gives you the run-around or makes the process difficult. There are plenty of fish in the sea as they say. The best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies.
