Month: January 2022

Crown Windows Reviews

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:

crown windows air infiltration

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:

crown windows foam filled frames

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.

crown windows earthwise reviews

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.

Cascade Windows Reviews

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.

Alliance Window Systems Reviews

Alliance Window Systems, also referred to as The American Window Alliance, is a network of independent small manufacturers all producing windows under the same brand name. Historically it’s been very difficult for small window manufacturers to offer a competitive solution. Larger window companies often have a substantial advantage.

This is an example of small companies teaming up to try to be more competitive. Is this a good strategy for small manufacturers? Let’s find out.

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.

Belmont windows reviews made by Alliance Window Systems

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.

Reviews of replacement windows from Alliance Window Systems

  • Hawthorne replacement windows
  • Belmont replacement windows
  • Replacement patio doors
Alliance Window Systems use the duracell spacer system in Mass.
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.

Reviews of new construction windows from Alliance Window Systems

  • Windgate new construction windows
  • Windgate patio doors

We’ll also be looking at the costs of Alliance Window Systems windows and the warranty as well.

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.

Alliance window systems locations.

What about the Alliance Window Systems warranty?

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.

Alliance Window Systems warranty

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.

What’s the bottom line?

To be clear the windows from Alliance Window Systems are perfectly fine. I don’t think there’s anything horrible here. There’s just some risk in working with a small manufacturer. In my mind there would need to be a good reason to justify taking that risk.

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.

Alliance Vinyl Windows Out of Business

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.

Window Replacement Cost in 2022

How much does window replacement cost in 2022? Let’s find out!

As you’re shopping for windows you’ll find different companies will charge widely varying prices. It can be harder than ever to get real information on window prices without suffering through hours of very unpleasant sales presentations. Nobody wants to do that. We can help.

The first step to understanding window replacement cost is to understand a few basics about the replacement window industry.

What are the main factors that determine window replacement cost?

First, windows are made of different materials

The window frame material will definitely impact the price. You’ll find vinyl windows, fiberglass windows, wood windows and composite windows like Fibrex among others. The different window materials will have different costs and we’ll explore those differences below.

It would be a mistake to compare the cost of a vinyl window with the cost of a fiberglass window as fiberglass windows will almost always cost more (and fiberglass windows are often less efficient).

Second, windows are available with many options.

Once you’ve decided which window material is right for you there will still be a wide range of prices available. Sometimes people think more expensive windows are better than less expensive windows, but that’s not always the case.

Almost all windows are custom made so they can ordered in a wide range of configurations. It’s easy to see your nosy neighbor saying they bought vinyl windows from Alside for $700 per window and then a salesman gives you a quote for $1000. That doesn’t mean the $1000 guy is ripping you off, although he might be. It could mean they’re quoting different options.

For example, a black vinyl window will cost a bit more than a white vinyl window. These are important factors to consider.

Third, some companies just charge way too much.

This can be a tricky business to navigate. Many companies will routinely employ very well trained salespeople who are specifically trained to separate you from your hard earned money. Years ago I worked for a larger national window manufacturer where I dealt with these pushy contractors every day.

Window companies like that can be horrible to deal with and you’ll want to avoid them at all costs. We can help with that too. Check this section for our recommended window companies all over the country. That’s the easiest way to avoid the runaround.

Tell me about the replacement window cost already!

Ha, ok here we go.

Vinyl windows will tend to cost $500 to $1000

Of course that will depend on the configuration and then the installation will likely be in the $250 rage for a total installed cost of $750 to $1250.

That’s still a pretty wide range and the final cost will depend on a few factors. Like I mentioned above adding a black exterior to a vinyl window can add $200 – $300 per window.

Other options like grids, upgraded glass, triple pane glass will impact the price. In addition curved windows will almost always cost more than rectangular windows and some installations can be trickier than others.

You’ll definitely find companies out there charging $1500 or $2000 per window but those numbers are pretty high. If you’re getting prices like that you might want to get anther quote to compare.

Remember, a company that knows they’re offering great pricing will be happy to talk about the pricing with you. If they insist on sending a salesperson to your house who insists on spending 60 or 90 minutes on his sales pitch you should probably look somewhere else. Don’t forget, our recommended local companies are here.

Fiberglass windows will often cost $1500 to $2000 or more

The fiberglass window salesmen will be ready and willing to explain why you should pay this extra cost but it’s usually not the best deal around. They’ll make all sorts of claims about expansion and contraction, strength of the frames and much more.

In my experience none of this is based in reality. See common window sales tactics here. The one advantage to fiberglass windows is that they can look very pretty.

The salesman tends to forget that they’re often less energy efficient and sometimes have shorter warranties than vinyl windows too. If the look is the most important factor for you and you’re willing to pay the premium they may be a good option, otherwise they’re probably not.

Wood windows are also often in the $1500 to $2000 range

Often times people ask for wood windows simply because their old windows were wood. For most people wood isn’t the best window material so I’d definitely suggest talking to the company about the available options.

While we see many people initially ask for wood windows, we see a much smaller percentage actually order wood windows. When you compare the options wood windows just don’t make a whole lot of sense in most cases.

We do see wood windows in very old and historic properties and they can look beautiful in those situations.

Most people are more concerned about efficiency and longevity and wood windows don’t tend to compare very well in those areas.

Composite window replacement cost will often be $2000 or more

In my humble opinion composite windows tend to be the worst value of the bunch. They’re sort of an imitation wood, but they cost as much or more than a real wood window and they’re often less energy efficient than a much more reasonably priced vinyl window.

The sales tactics used by the composite window salespeople can be some of the worst out there as well.

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 2022 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.

Replacement Windows in 2022

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.

Topics we’ll be covering here include:

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.

You can also find the best replacement window reviews on the entire internet. You can also find info on the most common window sales tactics here. That’s always been 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 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.