Viwinco Windows FAQ

Find our Viwinco windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Viwinco windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Where are Viwinco windows made?

Morgantown, PA. Viwinco windows are custom made in PA where the have a manufacturing facility and a glass facility.

Who owns Viwinco windows?

David J Barnes. David is the owner and president of Viwinco windows.

Is the Viwinco window warranty any good?

Yes. Viwinco windows come with a lifetime warranty. That’s a pretty common type of warranty in the window business. The devil is sometimes in the details. The warranty from Viwinco covers the windows, including the insulated glass unit for as long as the purchaser owns and lives in the house. The warranty can be transferred one time and when transferred it becomes a 20 year warranty. There is 1 year of labor coverage.

The biggest risk in this warranty is that Viwinco could go away. They are a relatively small manufacturer and if they were to go away you would likely have no warranty at all.

Are Viwinco windows any good?

They’re decent. The features you get in a window from Viwinco are pretty typical. There’s nothing that we’ve seen that is particularly unique about them. The risk in buying windows from a small manufacturer like Viwinco is that they could close up shop one day with very little notice and then there would be no access to service or replacement parts. In our opinion the risk of working with smaller manufacturers like this is often undervalued by the customer.

Are Viwinco windows energy efficient?

Yes. Viwinco windows offers the same basic types of efficiency options that you’ll see from many manufacturers. The windows can easily be Energy Star certified and they’re about as efficient as most any other window.

Are Viwinco windows durable?

Yes. Viwinco windows are vinyl and vinyl windows are generally very durable. Vinyl is the most popular material compared to other options like fiberglass, composite or aluminum. Vinyl is more popular because it is durable, energy efficient and cost effective.

How long does it take to get Viwinco windows?

Viwinco windows are custom made so it will take some time for the windows to come in. In 2022 many window manufacturers are backed up with greater demand than usual. We would expect you’ll be able to see Viwinco windows in 2-3 months. Be sure to ask your salesperson about current timing if that is an issue for you. You should also ask what happens if the expected timeline is not met. Sometimes window salespeople will make claims that are not realistic in order to get a contract signed.

How much should Viwinco windows cost?

Pricing for custom made windows like Viwinco windows will vary a lot based on the options you pick, the nature of your installation and the commission that the salesman wants to make. I would expect you’ll see Viwinco windows in the $700-$1000 per window range including installation.

What colors are available for Viwinco windows?

Viwinco windows are available in a very limited color palette. You can get the window frame in white, tan or clay. Then exterior colors can be added in black or bronze. Keep in mind the black or bronze colors will add a decent amount to the cost.

Does Viwinco make windows for CertainTeed?

No. Many years ago Viwinco did make windows for CertainTeed. Viwinco stopped making CertainTeed windows quite a while ago. CertainTeed windows are now made by Mi windows, also in PA.

Do you have a question about Viwinco windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Additional posts that you might enjoy:

Happy window shopping!

Wincore Windows FAQ

Find our Wincore windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Wincore windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Who started Wincore windows?

The founders of Wincore Window Company are Rick Barton, Russ Tracewell, John Davis, Mike Davis, Randall Holden, Dave Jagdmann, Eddie Jett, Glenn Shive, Paul Dotson, Rob Mayhew and Cindy Dotson. Find more info about Wincore here.

How long has Wincore windows been in business?

Since 2007. Wincore windows was started by a group of former Simonton window executives in West Virginia and has since opened a second manufacturing plant in Georgia.

Where are Wincore windows made?

Wincore now operates 2 manufacturing plants. Their newer plant is in Swainsboro, GA and their original plant in Parkersburg, WV.

Does Wincore make windows for Sears?

Yes. Wincore window company is the manufacturer who makes vinyl windows for Sears Home Services.

Are Wincore windows any good?

Wincore windows are perfectly fine, but not particularly remarkable. Wincore now makes 6 different double hung models including 1 model that is impact rated for hurricane areas and 1 that is a high performance model that is not impact rated. Find Wincore window reviews here.

Is the Wincore window warranty any good?

Maybe. The Wincore warranty looks fine, but they use one term that is a little suspect. When they define the term of the “lifetime” warranty they say the product is guaranteed for the life of the product. Many other lifetime warranties will say they’re good for as long as the purchaser owns and lives in the home. Those are two different things. Suspiciously they don’t define what the expected life of the product is.

Why do they do this? I don’t know for sure, but it feels like it’s leaving the door open to say that the life of the product has expired if you have a problem a long time down the road. Warranties are typically written or reviewed by lawyers and lawyers like to define things. The fact that the term of the warranty is basically undefined here is suspicious to me. I’d be leery of this unless you had a warranty term spelled out in writing from the manufacturer, not from some local dealer or salesman.

How much should Wincore windows cost?

The pricing for Wincore windows will vary a lot. For example, Sears Home Services has carried these windows and they’re known for offering some of the highest prices around. Other contractors or installers might offer much better deals. We’d expect to see Wincore windows going for $700-$1000 per window including installation. The final cost will depend on a number of factors including the commission that the salesman wants to make. This is why many customers have gone to ordering other brands of windows online with no in-home salespeople.

How long does it take to get Wincore windows?

Wincore windows are custom made so it will take some time for your order to arrive. We would expect to see an order in 2-3 months but the exact lead time will vary based on many factors. You should talk to your salesperson about how long your order is expected to take. You should also ask what happens if that expected timing is not met as window salesmen are known to make unrealistic promises just to get an order.

What is the best window Wincore makes?

The nicest window that Wincore makes is the 7700 series. The 5400 series is also a popular option. For an impact rated window the popular choice would be the Wincore 8800 series model from Wincore.

Are Wincore windows energy efficient?

Yes. Wincore offers the same types of energy efficiency options that you can get from most window manufacturers. There isn’t anything particularly special about the efficiency of Wincore windows. If the salesman tells you they’re the “most efficient” or that they’re far superior to other options he’s just being a window salesman.

Do you have a question about Wincore windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!

Vytex Windows FAQ

Find our Vytex windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Vytex windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Where are Vytex windows made?

Vytex is a smaller window manufacturer located in Laurel, MD between Baltimore and Washington, DC.

What are Vytex windows made of?

Vinyl. Vytex windows are vinyl windows with basically the same set of available options and features that you can get from most window manufacturers.

Are Vytex windows good?

Vytex windows are perfectly fine, but not particularly remarkable. They are a very small manufacturer and generally not one that we would recommend. We have sold Vytex windows from time to time when a particular situation called for it, but they’re not our recommended option.

Should you buy Vytex windows?

I wouldn’t. There’s nothing particularly wrong with the windows but there is a lot more risk in working with these small manufacturers than people realize. If there was something fantastic about them it might make sense to take the gamble, but there isn’t so Vytex is not a product we would recommend.

Are Vytex windows energy efficient?

Yes. Vytex offers a range of efficiency options so you can get windows from Vytex with similar efficiency ratings to the options you can get from many other window manufacturers.

How much should Vytex windows cost?

The pricing for Vytex windows will vary quite a lot based on the options you pick, the nature of the installation and the commission that the salesman wants to make. There was one larger retail company that had pushed Vytex windows for years charging very high prices. This is not really great for the end user. I would expect to see Vytex windows priced in the range of $700-$1000 per window including installation. You can find more info on the costs of replacement windows in 2022 here.

How long does it take to make Vytex windows?

Vytex windows are custom made so they’ll take some time to be produced and installed. The exact timing can vary quite a lot based on the current demand at the time and the options you ordered. I would expect to see these windows available in 2-3 months. You should check with the salesman on the current lead-time so you know what to expect. You can find more info on how long it takes to get new windows in 2022 here.

What is the best Vytex windows?

The Potomac HP model is the most expensive model but that doesn’t mean it’s the best. The downsides to this model are the thicker frame that can block more like, the cheaper constant force balances compared to upgraded options you’ll see from other companies and the small size of the manufacturer. Find other replacement window options here.

Why do companies sell Vytex windows?

Companies local to the DC and Baltimore area will sell these windows for a variety of reasons. One common reason was that Vytex offered a service to their dealers where they would handle the installation while pretending to be employees of the dealer or contractor. Once I was at their plant and overheard a woman calling customers to schedule measurement or installation appointments pretending she was from a local retail window company. From what I’ve heard they no longer offer this service but we have not confirmed that.

Is the Vytex window warranty any good?

Yes. The warranty for Vytex windows is pretty decent. It’s a lifetime warranty like you’ll see from most vinyl window manufacturers. They only cover labor for one year and if the warranty is transferred to the next owner it gets a little more limited. Overall it’s a decent warranty. The risk comes from the small size of their company. If they were to go away a few years after you purchase your windows you will likely have no warranty at all. That’s why we generally recommend working with larger window manufacturers.

Do you have a question about Vytex windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!

Thermal Industries FAQ

Find our Thermal Industries windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Thermal Industries windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Who owns Thermal Industries?

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.

Are Thermal Industries windows any good?

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.

Did Thermal Industries invent insulated windows?

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.

Is Thermal Industries owned by Atrium windows?

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.

Did Thermal Industries go out of 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.

What should you do if you have a warranty issue with 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.

Do you have a question about Thermal Industries windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!

Starmark Windows FAQ

Find our Starmark windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Starmark windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Who makes Starmark windows?

Starmark windows are made by Okna windows out of Pennsylvania. I assume they make them under a separate brand name because it’s a different sort of product. The composite Starmark windows are a bit of a different animal from the vinyl Okna windows.

What are Starmark windows made of?

Starmark windows are made of a composite material. They call it a proprietary composite blend. It’s a soldi material. that you can see below. The result is a solid frame and sash rather than the hollow frames you see from vinyl windows.

Are Starmark windows better than vinyl windows?

Composite windows are more expensive than vinyl windows, but I wouldn’t say they’re better. The real advantage to composite windows is that they can look very nice. They look more like wood windows and for some people that’s worth the additional cost. For other people, the price of vinyl windows is more attractive, especially considering the warranty and efficiency are about the same.

Are Starmark windows energy efficient?

Yes, Starmark windows are energy efficient. As you can see from the picture above they are available with triple pane glass. You’ll find similar efficiency packages in both vinyl and composite Starmark windows which yield similar efficiency ratings.

Are Starmark windows better than Okna vinyl windows?

No. Better is relative when it comes to windows. Starmark composite windows are a solid composite material vs the typical vinyl construction of Okna branded windows. To decide which one is better for you the first step is to define what better means. The Starmark windows do look more like wood windows. If that is critical for you then Starmark might be a good option. If you don’t want to pay the premium price for that different look then you’ll likely be better off with vinyl windows.

How long does it take Starmark windows?

Starmark windows are custom made so they will take some time to come in. The exact time will demand on the options you order and the demand from other customers at the time. You should talk to your salesperson about the expected timing. We would typically expect to see projects completed in 2-3 months but it can take longer. Find more info on how long it takes to get new windows in 2022 here.

How much should Starmark windows cost?

Starmark windows will defininltey be more expensive than many other options. The exact pricing will depend on the options you pick, the nature of the installation and the company or salesperson selling them. I’d expect to see Starmark windows for $1500-$2000 per window installed. You can find more info on how much windows should cost in 2022 here.

Are Starmark windows durable?

Yes. The Starmark windows come with a lifetime warranty. The risk is that the warranty is backed by Okna which is a smaller manufacturer. There has been a lot of consolidation in the window business over the last few years. It wouldn’t surprise us to see Okna windows purchased by a larger company in the future which might be good for the Starmark window warranty as it would add more financial strength.

Why do people pick Starmark windows?

Typically the people who will pick Starmark windows will do so for the look. People who want the look of a wood window and are worried about the maintenance of a wood window might appreciate the composite material. It’s generally been my opinion that a real wood window is better than an imitation wood window, but everyone certainly agree with me on that. Find more replacement window reviews here.

Do you have a question about Starmark windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!

Stanek Windows FAQ

Find our Stanek windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Kensington HPP windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Who owns Stanek windows?

Stanek windows is owned by Great Day Improvements. Great Day has been in the sunroom business for many years. They purchased Stanek windows to get into the replacement window business. Since then they’ve purchased Apex Energy Solutions and Universal Windows Direct. These companies are all known for using some of the old fashioned high-pressure sales tactics that we talk about on the site frequently.

Did Stanek windows get sold?

Yes. Stanek windows was purchased by Great Day Improvements.

Are Stanek windows good?

They’re average. Stanek was a smaller manufacturer based in the Cleveland area when they were purchased by Great Day Improvements. Since then the brand is available in more locations, but they’re still a relatively small window manufacturer. In our opinion you’ll typically get a better result from a larger manufacturing company.

Are Stanek windows overpriced?

Historically Stanek windows have been priced on the high end of the spectrum and we haven’t seen anything about the windows that makes them any nicer than many other options. The Stanek windows are often sold by companies that sell sunrooms so they’re a bit of a side product for those salespeople. In our opinion you can find better solutions.

Are Stanek windows energy efficient?

Yes, but not any more efficient than windows you’ll find from any number of other manufacturers. There’s nothing particularly unique about the efficiency of Stanek windows.

Should you buy Stanek windows?

I probably wouldn’t. There are so many other options out there that it just doesn’t make sense to buy Stanek windows.

Where are Stanek windows made?

Stanek windows are made in Macedonia, OH and are distributed in the surrounding area.

How long does it take to get Stanek windows?

Stanek windows are custom made so there is a lead-time involved. I would expect you could see your windows in 10 weeks or so. Demand will vary throughout the year. If the timing is important to you ask you salesperson about the current timing. It’s also a good idea to ask them what happens if things don’t happen on time as salesmen are known for telling customers what they want to hear in order to get a contact signed.

How much should Stanek windows cost?

The pricing of Stanek windows will vary a lot based on the options you pick, the nature of the installation and the sales commission. In-home salespeople often have a lot of discretion when it comes to pricing which is not great for the customer. That’s why more people have been ordering windows online to avoid the in-home salespeople altogether.

Does Stanek windows own Apex windows?

No. Both Stanek and Apex are owned by Great Day Improvements.

Does Stanek windows own Universal Windows?

No. Both Stanek and Universal Windows are owned by Great Day Improvements.

Do you have a question about Stanek windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!

Silver Line Windows FAQ

Find our Silver Line windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Kensington HPP windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Who makes Silver Line windows?

Silver Line windows is one of many brands owned by Ply Gem. Ply Gem makes many popular window brands including Simonton, Great Lakes, Atrium, American Craftsman and more. Silver Line is positioned as one of the lower end lines and we would recommend looking for a nicer option.

Are Silver Line windows any good?

No. Silver Line windows are made to be cheap. In order to be priced lower and to avoid stealing market share from the other Ply Gem brands they make sure the Silver Line windows are not very nice. If you’re considering Silver Line windows we would suggest that you consider something else.

Are Silver Line windows too cheap?

Yes. Silver Line windows are very basic, bottom of the line products. These are not windows we would recommend. Ply Gem, the owner of Silver Line, makes other window brands that are much nicer. You can find more and better window options here.

Where can you buy Silver Line windows?

Home Depot. Silver Line windows are sold in Home Depot stores. Box stores tend to sell cheap windows that don’t compare very well to nicer options. Box stores are also not great at installing windows. Buying Silver Line windows from Home Depot would not be recommended.

Did Andersen sell Silver Line windows?

Yes. In the past Andersen sold quite a few vinyl windows through the Silver Line and American Craftsman brands. Andersen sold these brands to Ply Gem and they are still the owner of Silver Line windows.

Does Ply Gem make better windows than Silver Line?

Yes. Ply Gem makes several brands that are much nicer than Silverline. For example, you could consider Simonton or Great Lakes windows. Both of these brands are also made by Ply Gem but they are much nicer than Silver Line.

Are Silver Line windows better than Simonton?

No. Simonton windows will generally be nicer products than Silver Line windows. Simonton and Silver Line are owned by the same parent company and they deliberately make cheap windows under the Silver Line brand.

Are Sliver Line windows better than Great Lakes windows?

No. Great Lakes and Silver Line are both produced by Ply Gem. The intentionally make the Great Lakes window brand a more premium brand and the Silver Line brand a more price focused and cheaper brand. Silver Line windows are not as nice.

Are Silver Line windows energy efficient?

Not really. Silver Line is a low end brand that only offers low end options. You can get a more efficient option from a nicer manufacturer. We would defininltey suggest looking at other options as the Silver Line windows are not very nice.

Why aren’t Silver Line windows good windows?

It’s just branding. Ply Gem, the parent company of Silver Line, also makes several other window lines. Some are higher end, some are sold on box stores, some are new construction focused, etc. Silver Line windows are designed to be cheap and they are not very nice.

Do you have a question about Silver Line windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!

Sears Windows FAQ

Find our Sears windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Kensington HPP windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Who makes windows for Sears?

Windows sold by Sears are made by Wincore. We have heard of salespeople from Sears telling people that they make their own windows, but that’s not the case. These windows are perfectly fine, but not particularly remarkable and tend to be over priced in our opinion.

Are Sears windows a good deal?

Usually they are not a good deal. Sears Home Services traditionally sells products at very high prices. They use the old fashioned business model for remodeling sales and they use the Sears name to try to justify higher than average prices. Since Sears went bankrupt we would expect to see the value of the Sears name severely diminished in the eyes of most customers. Sears Home Services continues to exist long after the Sears stores are gone and I have no idea why.

Are Sears windows overpriced?

Yes. Sears windows have been sold at very high prices for many years and it really doesn’t make any sense. There’s no reason at all to pay more for these windows than you would for comparable windows from any other company.

Didn’t Sears go bankrupt?

Yes. Sears went bankrupt and closed the Sears retail stores, but Sears Home Services continues to exist as a separate company.

Is the Sears window warranty any good?

Due to the fact that the Sears stores are now gone and the Sears brand name doesn’t carry nearly as much value as it once did I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sears Home Services vanish one day. I just don’t think the business makes any sense. If the Sears Home Services company were to go away then the warranty would be questionable at best.

Should you buy windows from Sears?

No. I would defininltey not recommend buying windows from Sears. In my experience the Sears in-home salespeople charge high prices for average products and they are just not a great deal. You can find better window options here.

Does Sears have good windows?

The windows themselves are perfectly fine. The main downside is the price. The windows from Sears are very expensive relative to the quality. The windows are made by Wincore which is a smaller window manufacturer. That’s also a risky bet as the small window manufacturers can go out of business quickly leaving all of their customers with no warranty or access to parts. I would not recommend buying windows from Sears.

Are Sears windows better than others?

No. The windows offered by Sears are pretty typical. You can find the same or similar options from other dealers, typically at better prices.

How much should Sears windows cost?

Pricing for windows from Sears will vary a lot depending on options you pick and the installation. I would expect you’ll see prices in the $1000 to $1500 per window range. You can find more info on replacement window prices in 2022 here.

How long does it take to get windows from Sears?

All windows sold by Sears are custom made so they will take some time to arrive. I would expect you’ll see the windows in 2-3 months after placing the order. If the timing is important you should talk to your sales person about it. I would also ask what happens if the windows take longer than expected because salesmen will sometimes say anything to get an order. Find more info about how long it takes to get windows in 2022 here.

Is Sears Home Services still in business?

For now. Since the Sears stores have gone bankrupt it wouldn’t surprise me if we see the Sears Home Services business either close or get bought out in the coming years. Who knows what the future will hold but for now Sears Home Services does continue to exist.

Do you have a question about Sears windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!

Polaris Windows FAQ

Find our Polaris windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Polaris windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Are Polaris windows any good?

Yes. Polaris makes decent windows. The challenge is that they’re not very widely distributed so the dealer in your town may not be the best and you may not have the option to work with someone else.

If the dealer in your town is not so great there’s no need to deal with them. There are plenty of fish in the sea and plenty of other great window options.

Are Polaris windows too expensive?

Sometimes. Polaris windows are often sold by commission based in-home salespeople who will determine the final cost. If you feel like the quote you received for Polaris windows is too expensive you should get another quote or two to compare. Find info on 2022 window prices here.

Are Polaris windows energy efficient?

Yes, but not more efficient than many other options. Polaris makes fine windows with a handful of efficiency options. If you pick one of the more efficient packages you should get an efficient result. If you’re looking for other option to compare you can find detailed window reviews here.

What are Polaris windows made of?

Vinyl. Polaris windows are vinyl windows. Vinyl is the most popular material for residential windows in the US because it is durable, energy efficient and cost effective.

Is the Polaris window warranty any good?

It is better than many other window warranties. Polaris offers a lifetime warranty on their windows like most companies. The coverage on the insulated glass unit is 30 years and the warranty on the internal blinds is only 10 years. There is also no glass breakage or labor coverage so it’s not as strong of a warranty as you might find elsewhere.

Should you buy Polaris windows?

I probably wouldn’t, but they’ll probably provide a fine result. The biggest risk with Polaris windows is just the small nature of their business. Many small manufacturers have gone out of business since we’ve started this site and almost all of those customers were left with no warranty or access to replacement parts. That’s not good.

There has been a lot of consolidation in the window manufacturing business over the last several years. It wouldn’t surprise me if Polaris was purchased by a larger manufacturer and that would probably be a good sign for the longevity of the business.

Are Polaris windows too cheap?

Not usually. Polaris windows are often sold by in-home salespeople which is a very expensive business model. The sales and marketing costs will drive up the price of the project. Very few products are still sold by in-home salesmen but windows remain one of them. As long as that is the case the overall cost will be higher than would be necessary if the products were sold online.

How long does it take to get Polaris windows?

Polaris windows are custom made so it can take some time for them to be ready to install. We’d expect to see Polaris windows manufactured in 12 weeks or so. This does not include time needed for measuring and time to schedule the installation. The overall project will take longer. You can find more info about how long it takes to get windows in 2022 here.

How much should Polaris windows cost?

Pricing for Polaris windows will vary quite a lot depending on the options you pick, the nature of the installation and the commission that the salesman wants to make. Unfortunately, vinyl windows are often sold by commission based in-home salesmen with quite a lot of discretion over he final price. The higher the price the higher the commission. That’s one reason people are starting to order windows online without in-home salesmen.

Where are Polaris windows manufactured?

Polaris windows are made in two manufacturing plants in the Youngstown, OH area. These windows are distributed to 38 states.

Other posts about Polaris windows that you might find helpful:

Do you have a question about Polaris windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!

Ply Gem Windows FAQ

Find our Ply Gem windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Plygem windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Who owns Ply Gem windows?

Ply Gem is owned by Cornerstone Building Brands. Cornerstone owns several brands in the building materials space making all sorts of products. You can find reviews of Ply Gem windows and their associated brands here.

What brands of windows does Ply Gem own?

Ply Gem makes many window brands including:

Ply Gem
Great Lakes
Simonton
Atrium
Silver Line
American Craftsman

They make fancy windows that are more expensive and cheap windows that are pretty basic along with everything in between.

Does Ply Gem make good windows?

Yes. Ply Gem makes both good and bad windows. They make dozens of window models under many different window brands. Some are significantly better than others. You’ll want to find individual window reviews to get more info before making a decision. The fact that a window is made by Ply Gem certainly does not mean it’s a good window.

Why does Ply Gem make so many window brands?

They do this for a few reasons. One is that they want to separate cheaper windows from nicer windows. There is a market for cheap vinyl windows, but if you make cheap windows under the same brand name as nicer windows it will tarnish the brand name of the nicer windows.

Another reason Ply Gem windows would make several brands would be that they sell the windows through different distribution channels. They sell Great Lakes windows through independent dealers and then they sell American Craftsman windows through Home Depot. They use different brands for windows sold through different channels to separate them in the market.

Does Ply Gem make cheap windows?

Yes. Ply Gem makes several window brands including some of the cheapest and lowest quality windows we’ve dealt with. Brands like American Craftsman and Silver Line windows are not the nicest windows in the world. If you’re considering these brands you might want to explore other options.

Does Ply Gem make expensive windows?

Yes. Ply Gem makes many different window brands. Some, like Great Lakes, are more expensive than many other options out there. They also make other brands that are cheaper like Silver Line or American Craftsman.

How much should Ply Gem windows cost?

The pricing for Ply Gem windows will vary a lot based on the options you pick, the nature of the installation and the commission the salesman wants to make. Pricing can be one of the most challenging aspects of buying new windows and we’re working on a new way to help make sense of it. For now, find more info on 2022 replacement window prices here.

How long does it take to get Ply Gem windows?

Ply Gem windows are usually custom made to order so there is a manufacturing time involved. Most companies are very backed up lately so windows are taking longer than usual. I’d expect to see Ply Gem windows in 10 weeks or so. That does not account for the time it takes to measure the windows and schedule the installation so the total time will be longer. You can find more info on how long it takes to get windows in 2022 here.

Why do people pick Ply Gem windows?

Because the salesman told them to. Most people don’t know much about widow brands before they shop for windows. Ply Gem is probably a company that people were not familiar with. So the customer bought them because of the salesman, why did the salesman pick them? There are a variety of reasons that window companies decide to push a certain model. Find more info on Ply Gem here.

Are Ply Gem windows energy efficient?

Yes, but not any more efficient than most other windows. Ply Gem uses the same basic types of glass, gas fills and other efficiency features to achieve very typical efficiency ratings.

Do you have a question about Ply Gem windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!