Month: February 2022

Thermal was owned by Atrium windows. Atrium is known to be a low cost producer, often of new construction windows. Thermal Industries invented insulated windows long ago, but they’ve had management struggles and as of 202o they’re out of business.

Not really. The windows were fine, but the company has faced challenges over the years and they are now out of business. Keep in mind there is another small manufacturer called Thermal that is based in Oklahoma. These two businesses are not the same even though they have very similar names.

That’s their story, but it’s not very relevant to customers in this day and age. The company called Thermal Industries faces several challenges over the years. They were acquired by Atrium windows at some point but they still went out of business during Covid.

Interestingly the website is now full of google ads. Rather that just shutting off the website it appears they’re still trying to make a nickel from google ads which is something you don’t see every day.

Yes. Thermal Industries was owned by Atrium before they went out of business. There are other companies with similar names. There’s a Thermal windows in Oklahoma and an American Thermal in Chicago. These are separate companies with similar names. The original company called Thermal Industries is no longer in business.

Yes. If you have Thermal Industries windows you’re in a tough spot. There will likely be no warranty support or access to spare parts. Thermal Industries was owned by Atrium which is owned by Ply Gem which is owned by Cornerstone Brands. Over the last few years there has been a lot of consolidation in the window business. Many brands that were once independent are now related. It appears the relationship with Atrium and Ply Gem didn’t help to save Thermal Industries.

You should contract Atrium and let us know how it goes. Thermal Industries is now out of business but they were owned by Atrium. It’s possible that Atrium windows will still be able to provide replacement parts. If you attempt this please post a comment to let us know how it goes. I’m sure you won’t be the only person in this situation so other readers will be looking for the same info.

In my experience Harvey windows are pretty average. The Harvey window line is widely distributed in the Northeast and they are very popular among smaller contractors. We see Harvey window complaints on our site which could mean there are some quality issues or it could just be a few squeaky wheels. I haven’t seen anything about Harvey windows that would put them in the nicer tier of vinyl window options.

Harvey windows are mostly custom made to order so the windows will take several weeks to be produced. All window manufacturers were backed up during covid which extended the lead times for Harvey windows, but that should subside over time. Typically it will take 4-6 weeks for a custom window order to arrive and you can find more info about how long it takes to get windows in 2022 here.

Pricing for custom windows will vary quite a lot depending on the options you pick and the company you are buying the windows from. Basic Harvey windows will likely be in the range of $600-$900 per window installed. Prices can easily go higher if you were to pick some of the more expensive options or if there is something more complicated about your particular installation. You can find more info about window prices in 2022 here.

I probably wouldn’t. Harvey makes perfectly fine windows, but there’s nothing particularly remarkable about them. When buying new windows it’s wise to remember that they will be in the house for decades. You’ll want to get a good quality window as you’ll be dealing with it for a very long time. Find more info on other window manufacturers here.

Yes. Harvey purchased Soft-Lite windows in late 2016. Harvey is a window manufacturer that makes mid0range windows and Soft-Lite bills themselves as a higher end manufacturer.

The warranty on Harvey windows is ok, but certainly not the best we’ve seen. Harvey offers a lifetime warranty on the frames and sashes, 20 years on the insulated glass unit and there is no glass breakage or labor coverage. If the warranty is important to you I would suggest looking for a company that offers a stronger warranty on their windows.

Yes. Harvey offers a wide range of energy efficiency options so you can order the windows in any configuration that you’d like. The Harvey windows are available in lower cost configurations that are less efficient and higher cost configurations that will be more efficient.

The best way to compare the options is to look at the cost vs the efficiency ratings. You’ll be able to see how different efficiency options impact the efficiency ratings which will help to make a decision. Your contractor or installer should also be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of different options.

Harvey windows are most popular in New England and the Northeast. When I worked in Boston long ago I was surprised at how popular Harvey windows are available in that area. You will see people who are unhappy with Harvey windows and they’re a mid-range window option. If you’re considering Harvey windows for your house you might want to also explore a higher end option so you can understand the differences. New windows will be in your house for decades so quality is important.

Usually you’ll see smaller contractors selling Harvey windows. The small contractors will like Harvey because the distribution locations are all over the place, the lead times are short and their inside sales staff can be very helpful. These are all great for the contractor, but they don’t matter too much to the end user. If you’re considering installing Harvey windows in your house it probably doesn’t matter if the inside sales staff is friendly.

Usually you’ll see larger window dealers offering other brands because you can find a higher quality product elsewhere.

Installers do tend to like Harvey windows. Customers are sometimes perfectly happy with the windows as well, but we do see people who are unhappy with Harvey windows. In my opinion there are nicer options out there. If you’re considering Harvey windows I would suggest exploring your options before you commit to that product line.

Associated Materials or AMI makes windows in 5 US manufacturing plants. They are located in Kinston, NC, Cuyahoga Falls, Oh, Cedar Rapids, IA, Fife, WA and Yuma, AZ. The windows from AMI are distributed all over the US and Canada.

Associated Materials or AMI makes several popular window brands including Alside, Revere, Gentek, Preservation, Alpine and more. The windows are custom made with many available options.

Associated Materials makes a wide range of options from cheaper windows that aren’t the nicest in the world to more expensive windows that are top performers.

No. Associated Materials owns Alside along with several other popular window brands.

Associated Materials is owned by a private equity group called Strategic Value Partners, LLC. They are a private equity investment group. In the past Associated Materials had been owned by US Steel and was publicly traded at one point. They have been a private company for many years at this point.

Associated Materials makes a wide range of options from cheaper windows that aren’t the nicest in the world to more expensive windows that are top performers.

Associated Materials makes many window brands and models. The best windows made by AMI are the Gentek Signature Elite, Revere Berkshire Elite and Preservation Reserve models. It is possible that your specific project could have requirements that would lead to another model being a better choice. Those models listed above are the best option in most cases.

Yes. The warranty from Associated Materials is pretty good. Most models come with a lifetime warranty. Some models will come with a glass breakage warranty and some include labor coverage as well.

The nicer windows from Associated Materials can be a good value. The lower end models are not as nice and that is the case with all manufacturers. Since the windows are all custom made there are many available options and configurations. Your dealer should be able to make a recommendation and explain the available options. Note, all dealers will not be able to sell all brands and models offered by AMI.

The timing for all replacement window manufacturing has been extended over the last year or so. Windows from AMI are also on a longer lead time than usual. For most popular models and styles a manufacturing time of 6-8 weeks is typical right now. Keep in mind that some options like exterior colors or custom sized patio doors can take much longer.

Since the windows from AMI are all custom made there are a wide range of available prices. You can order more basic windows at a lower cost and nicer windows at a higher cost. Usually the nicer windows will cost $700-$1000 per window including installation. Find more info on 2022 window prices here.

AMI or Associated Materials is a wholesale manufacturer. In order to buy windows from them you need to be a contractor or builder. If you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade your windows you’ll want to order them through a dealer. There are many dealers of AMI windows across the country.

Yes. You can order windows from AMI through Window Universe in most cities across the country. The windows can be ordered with or without professional installation. Find more info about this online ordering program here.

Window Universe offers windows made in several different US manufacturing plants. All windows offered by Window Universe are custom made and they’re also made in the USA.

Window Universe is owned by Dan Schweihs and Bianca Medrano. The company was started in 2008 in Alexandria, VA and now offers windows all over the country through in person and online sales channels.

Yes, Window Universe is the easiest way to order new windows and they’ve been in the replacement window business for many years.

Yes, Window Universe offers a lifetime warranty on the windows they sell.

Absolutely. Window Universe offers windows with online quotes and no pushy salesmen. Most window companies will refuse to tell you how much windows cost until they send a salesman to your house. That is not the way Window Universe operates. The online sales model has grown significantly over the years.

Yes. Window Universe is a leading online window dealer who makes the process of ordering new windows absolutely as easy as possible. Find more info on the process to order windows online here.

In my experience Window Universe is one of the best options in the country for replacement windows. They use an easy online quoting and ordering process. You can email with one of their window experts to get any info you need and you can buy windows on your own schedule with no pushy salesman. Find more info on the process to order windows online here.

Yes. Window Universe offers windows from large window manufacturers with a wide range of features and options. The pricing is typically better than you’ll see from traditional window companies since you’re not paying sales commissions or marketing costs.

Window Universe offers custom made windows so there are many available options and configurations. The pricing will vary based on the options you pick. You can get all of their pricing info online which makes comparing options easy. Find more info on the online window pricing here.