Provia Aspect Windows Reviews

The Provia Aspect window model is designed to be a “mid-range” replacement window option. That can be a tricky term to define. Did Provia produce a good quality window product at an affordable price or a stripped down version of their nicer Provia Endure model? We’ll find out.

Provia Aspect windows reviews prices and warranty.

First, it’s important to note that the wholesale cost difference between a “mid-range” and a “high-end” replacement window is typically pretty small. We’re talking something like $20-$40 difference in cost per window for the contractor. That’s a little secret I’m not supposed to share with you.

I know the salesman might show you a much larger price difference. It might be as high as $100 or $200 per window. Why does the salesman do that? It usually has more to do with his commission than anything else. Those door to door sales people can be tricky. If you’re seeing a wide retail price disparity someone is messing with you.

What about the Provia Aspect features?

The Aspect model is a decent window model. It doesn’t come with many of the features that you can get from other manufactures at similar prices. Because of that I’d tend to say it’s not a great value.

For example, it uses the cheaper constant force or coil balance mechanisms vs the nicer type used in nicer window models. Provia calls the cheaper balance “roller-tilt” which is a cute name but it’s not the best mechanism out there.

They’ll offer other features like 3-1/4″ jamb depths, sunshield vinyl, dual vent latches and more. Those features are all 100% common and easily found on almost any window model. There’s nothing to write home about there.

Ultimately there’s not really anything special about this product.

What are the color options?

The Aspect window is very limited in terms of available colors. If fact right now it’s only available in white, beige or sandstone.

Provia Aspect colors, prices, cost and warranty information.

If you want any other colors or woodgrain interior options you’ll need to upgrade to the more expensive Provia Endure line.

What about Provia Aspect prices?

Retail prices for replacement windows can be all over the map. If you could find windows like this for $300 per window that would be a great deal, but prices like that seem to be long gone.

I do think it’s important to remember that the windows will be in the house for decades. Getting a nicer quality product, even at a slightly higher price, will likely be a good move. In a couple years you won’t remember the price but you will still have the windows.

The salesman told me about Super Spacer, is that a good thing?

Spacers in windows are a common part of the sales pitch. Provia windows come with a non-metallic spacer called Super Spacer. This is the same type they use in the doors and it’s a nice product.

Provia Aspect Super Spacer and pricing information.

The friendly door to door salesman will likely leave out the fact that most window companies will offer a non-metallic spacer. It’s not really a differentiator but it is a good product.

Is the Provia Aspect warranty any good?

The warranty on these windows is perfectly decent but not too remarkable. If you think you might rent your house one day you might want to look for a different manufacturer because their warranty is very limited for a rental.

For a house that you’ll be living in the warranty is better. It’s a lifetime warranty and it’s transferable when you sell the house. It’s only transferable if you transfer it within 30 days of selling the house but that’s not really a huge deal.

We do have a new post coming that will be reviewing the Provia window warranty in more detail so stay tuned for that.

So, what’s the bottom line?

I’d say this is definitely a window model that was designed to be cheap, but it’s not always sold at cheap prices. If you can find a nice low price it could be a fine deal, but Provia windows are often sold at higher prices. If you’re getting a quote in the $600+ per window range I’d say you can probably find a better value somewhere else.

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.

If we don’t know anyone local to you be sure to let us know who you find. I’m sure you’re not the only person looking.

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.

Harvey Tribute Windows Reviews

If you’re looking for Harvey Tribute windows reviews you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll be looking at this “top of the line” window model from Harvey to see if it’s worth the price.

One thing you’ll notice when looking at any “top of the line” window model is that the claims made by the salespeople can be pretty special. That’s often the case with the Tribute window as well and the claims are sometimes a little silly.

You’ll probably want to start by assuming there’s really not much special about this model.

How efficient are Harvey Tribute windows?

As you can see above, Harvey offers 4 main glass packages with this window model. That’s a pretty limited selection, but they are decent choices. The Harvey Tribute window is available with a higher SHCG package meaning it lets in more heat from the sun. This one is called Sungain HSHG.

The Tribute windows are also available with triple pane glass and with Krypton gas too. That’s called Thermalock 3X. Options like Krypton gas will be the most expensive options. When considering the price or the value you’d want to consider how much an option like that is actually doing for you. The answer might be not very much.

That means the windows can be pretty efficient, depending on how they’re ordered, but there’s nothing unique or special about the efficiency options available.

When it comes to air infiltration for the Harvey Tribute window they say it’s between 0.01 and 0.07 which is pretty typical for nicer windows. That is better than a lot of lower end windows, but it’s not unique to Harvey. I’d say there’s nothing special going on there.

How about the hardware and mechanisms in the Harvey Tribute window?

To their credit, Harvey does use upgraded hardware in this window model. It’ll come with the block and tackle balance mechanisms that we often recommend. This is an area where many manufacturers will cut corners but Harvey is using the nicer hardware type.

What about the Harvey Tribute warranty?

The warranty for Harvey windows is not as great as the warranties you’ll see from other companies. You get a 20 year warranty on the glass, which is a long time, but not as long as other companies offer.

It’s important to realize you get no labor warranty from Harvey and they don’t cover the installation at all. Usually only smaller installers are offering most Harvey window lines. You’ll want to decide how comfortable you are that the installer will come back if you have a problem a month or a year after the windows are installed.

Having no labor warranty means that even if the windows failed and the failure was covered by the warranty you still might be paying someone else to fix the problem. That’s sub-optimal as they say.

What’s the bottom line?

The Harvey Tribute window is a decent model, but there’s not much that’s too remarkable about it. You’ll often see higher retail prices for a model like this. That will often mean it’s not a great value.

The efficiency options are pretty limited. The color options are pretty standard and the warranty leaves a little to be desired.

Harvey bought the Soft-Lite window brand a while back. I’ve thought their idea was to use the Soft-Lite brand as the higher end model and the Harvey brand as the more middle of the road product line.

If that’s the case, they’re doing ok. In my opinion the Harvey Tribute window is probably not the best value around, but certainly not the worst either.

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.

If we don’t know anyone local to you be sure to let us know who you find. I’m sure you’re not the only person looking.

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.

Preservation Window Complaints – Is something wrong?

Preservation windows were designed by very savvy marketing folks. They’re intended to be sold by some of the highest priced replacement window companies in the country. They’re produced by one of the largest replacement window manufacturers in the country too. So why might you find Preservation window complaints online? The answer is pretty simple, mostly.

The cause is similar to some of the other manufacturers we’ve discussed. A common thread in Preservation window complaints has to do with the pricing. The sales tactics used by some of the door to door type salespeople can leave a lot to be desired.

This product line was developed by Associated Materials with the specific intention of being sold through the highest priced dealers around. Typically they’ll only offer them through one dealer in each city. Limited distribution is usually not great for customers but it might have an upside or two. Now if you’re a window dealer and you’re trying to sell products for a premium price this could be a good thing. If you’re buying windows it might not be so great.

A window contractor selling high priced windows will have his work cut out for him. He’ll typically need to tell some fancy stories. He’ll also often be a little tricky with the pricing to get people to buy. This isn’t unique to the window industry or to Preservation windows. It’s just a fact.

When you give customers tricky pricing and sales claims you’re likely to make some people unhappy. That’ll lead to Preservation window complaints.

Preservation windows complaints, price, warranty and cost.

Are Preservation windows good enough to justify the price?

This one is a little tricky as each individual dealer or contractor will set the retail pricing. It’s always possible that someone could offer a fair deal but you’ll usually see higher prices than might be warranted.

In general Preservation windows do use some higher end components. They’ll have things like upgraded balance mechanisms and non-metallic spacers in the insulated glass units. You might hear about fiberglass reinforcement or a sloped sill. Unfortunately for them it’s perfectly possible to find the same type of higher end components in most cost effective windows. As an example, my company tends to offer a much better value for very similar products. So, I know it can be done.

You can find more information on Preservation windows including info on the price, warranty and cost on our Preservation window review post right here.

Are Preservation windows good quality windows?

Sure, they’re perfectly nice but really not that remarkable. For example, according to the manufacturers data a Preservation double hung window has an air infiltration rate of 0.10 which is around 2.5x higher than another popular model made by the same parent company that my company offers.

They’ll also use thicker frames that block a little more light than other models. For some people this is a big deal, others don’t care too much.

The brochures, iPad demos and all marketing information for Preservation really are top notch. They do a great job of presenting the products and trying to justify the prices. In my mind they’re often not the best value around. They’re not a product I would buy for my house but different people make different choices.

Are Preservation window dealers all bad?

Defininltey not. I’ve known several of them over the years. There are perfectly nice companies offering Preservation windows. There are also not so great companies using the limited distribution of this product line to charge a premium price. For example there’s one Preservation window dealer in the Pacific Northwest that I’d suggest staying away from based on his interaction with my company over the years but that’s a story for another day.

So, how should I decide who to work with?

The window business is challenging, that’s for sure. Every company says they’re the best and they all say that everyone else is horrible. It can feel difficult to navigate, but luckily it’s really not that hard.

I always suggest starting with a company with a good reputation and a solid track record. Then listed to what they have to suggest. Ask any questions about it, ask about options both more expensive and less expensive. When you feel like they’re offering a reasonable value that fits your needs you should buy it.

It is not a good idea to fall in love with a window brand before yo’ve found someone to install them. That said, you can find the best window reviews on the internet right here.

To try to help in that regard we’ve compiled a list of great companies all over the country. We may not know anyone in your neighborhood yet but it doesn’t’ hurt to ask. You can find our list of the best replacement window companies right here.

The Best Window Company in Cincinnati – Window Universe

If you’re looking for the best replacement windows in Cincinnati you’re in luck!  My company, Window Universe, serves the entire Cincinnati area offering some of the best replacement windows around and sliding patio doors in town.

If you’re looking for the easiest possible way to get great quality products and service I would be happy to personally help you with your order. As our company has grown I can’t help everyone with ever order anymore, but I always reserve time to work with the readers of this site.  I love staying in touch with folks and hearing directly from you about your project.  If you request information through the form on this page I will personally respond to help out.

Replacement windows Cincinnati, OH

How does this work?

Great question.  First of all, we’re not a typical window company.  The biggest difference you’ll see is that we don’t send salespeople driving all over town trying to “close deals”.   You don’t see in-home salespeople for encyclopedias anymore, and you don’t see too many still selling vacuums or knives either.  As the great Bob Dylan used to say, “times, they are a changin”.  We’re the future of replacement windows, not the past.

widow dog replacement windows
Here’s the window dog hard at work with us. He has to earn his kibble around here!

Everyone orders everything online now and windows are no different.  To get a quote and a free copy of our window price list just fill out the form at the bottom of this page.  I’ll get back to you with additional information and pricing.  From there we can make revisions and get your order moving along.

You don’t need to measure anything and you don’t need to deal with a salesperson sitting on your couch.  Our goal was to make this as easy as possible and I know you’ll enjoy it.

Who measures and installs the windows?

Another great question.  All of our projects in Cincinnati are professionally measured and installed by the manufacturer’s installation service.  This means that the window manufacturer will take the exact measurements and then handle the installation as well.  It’s a great way to make sure you get a quality result.

Which windows do you offer?

We offer a range of options in Cincinnati in an effort to provide a great option for most people.  We’ll have options with U-Factors as low as 0.18, Air Infiltration rates as low as 0.01, STC ratings as high as 34.  I could go on and on.  The point is we probably have the right option for you.

When you request your quote below feel free to give me some info as to what you’re looking for or what you’re comparing to.  It’s ok if you just want a decent option at a decent price.  Frankly, that’s what most people are looking for.  You don’t need to be a window expert, I have that covered.

Still have questions?

The easiest thing to do is to fill out the form below and get your free copy of our price list.  That way you’ll be able to see what is involved.  If you have questions just email me back and ask me.  It’s really easy.  Ultimately we’re not the right fit for everyone.  If I don’t think your project is right for us I’ll be happy to tell you.  My goal is to create happy customers, not to close deals.

Why doesn’t every company send out copies of their price list?

Ha, your guess is as good as mine.  I can only assume that if a company was proud of the value they offered they’d be happy to share their pricing. If they’re not so proud they may be a little reluctant.  If you’d like to see a copy of our pricing just fill out the form below and I’ll personally email you back with a suggestion or two and some detailed pricing info.  It’s the easiest way to order new windows.

Cheers!

Dan “TheWindowDog” Schweihs


Itemized Price List Request Form

What happens next?

You’ll receive an email with the following info:

Window brochures and product details

Efficiency ratings and tax credit information

Itemized window price list

Showroom address and hours

Project pictures and customer feedback

Much more

If you’re considering a window project you’ll want this information.

The Best Window Company in Kansas City – Window Universe

If you’re looking for the best replacement window company in the Kansas City area you’re in luck! My company, Window Universe, serves the entire Kansas City area offering some of the best replacement windows around.

Online prices for replacement windows in Kansas City. It’s Easy.

This is the easiest possible way to get energy efficient windows for your home.

  • Prices by email
  • No measuring required
  • Showroom available
  • No spam, no phone calls, no hassles

The Window Universe system explained

How does this work?

We’re not a typical window company. We don’t send salespeople driving all over town trying to “close deals”. Does anyone really want a commission based window salesman sitting on their couch? I know I don’t.

widow dog replacement windows
Here’s the window dog hard at work with us. He has to earn his kibble around here!

Everyone orders everything online now and windows are no different. To get a quote and a free copy of our window price list just fill out the form at the bottom of this page. We’ll get back to you with additional information and pricing.  From there we can answer questions, make revisions and get your order moving along.

You don’t need to measure anything and you don’t need to deal with a salesperson sitting on your couch. Our goal is to make this as easy as possible.

What do our customers have to say?

Here’s an example:

Who installs the windows?

All of our replacement window projects in Kansas City are professionally measured and installed by the manufacturer’s installation service. This means that the window manufacturer will take the exact measurements and then handle the installation as well. It’s the best to make sure you get a quality result.

Replacement window installation available in Kansas City.

Which windows do you offer?

We offer a range of replacement windows in Kansas City in an effort to provide a great solution for most people. We’ll have options with U-Factors as low as 0.18, Air Infiltration rates as low as 0.01, STC ratings as high as 34.  We have a window option for just about everyone.

When you request your quote below feel free to give us some info as to what you’re looking for or what you’re comparing to. It’s ok if you just want a decent option at a decent price. Frankly, that’s what most people are looking for.  

Still have questions?

The easiest thing to do is to fill out the form below to get your free copy of our price list. That way you’ll be able to see what is involved. If you have questions just reply to our email and ask. It’s really easy.

Why doesn’t every company send out copies of their price list?

Your guess is as good as ours.  I can only assume that if a company was proud of the value they offered they’d be happy to share their pricing. If they’re not so proud they may be a little reluctant.  

If you’d like to see a copy of our price list just fill out the form below and we’ll send an email with a suggestion or two and detailed pricing info. It’s the easiest way to order new windows.

Step 1: We’ll email you our price list

No spam, no phone calls, no hassles.



Itemized Price List Request Form

What happens next?

You’ll receive an email with the following info:

Window brochures and product details

Efficiency ratings and tax credit information

Itemized window price list

Showroom address and hours

Project pictures and customer feedback

Much more

If you’re considering a window project you’ll want this information.

Renewal by Andersen Complaints – What’s going on?

If you’ve been shopping for replacement windows you may have come across Renewal by Andersen. Their ads can be all over the place and everyone has heard of the Andersen windows brand. You may have also come across Renewal by Andersen complaints and that’s not too usual.

There are a few reasons any larger window company will have occasional complaints. We’re written about Alside window complaints and Simonton window complaints before. Some of the factors discussed there definitely apply to Andersen too.

You will find that Renewal by Andersen complaints are often a little different for a couple reasons.

renewal by andersen complaints and warranty and prices

First, they’re very expensive and very tricky with the pricing

When you read feedback from folks who have received a quote for Renewal by Andersen windows a very common thread will be that they used very tricky pricing strategies. They often will use an iPad that will show you a price.

The first price will be very high. If you buy it they’ll gladly take your money. If you don’t they flip the iPad around, work some magic, then flip it back with a lower price.

Don’t buy that and the iPad will keep flipping around and the price will keep going down. It’s like magic.

Of course it’s not 1970 so basically no products are sold like this anymore except for home improvement products. It’s weird and it makes people unhappy.

Don’t believe me? Check out comments on the Renewal by Andersen review page we wrote a while back. The comments there, especially the comments from Renewal by Andersen salespeople and people who have received quotes, are my absolute favorite part of the site.

Does tricky pricing mean the windows are bad?

Not necessarily, but it might be a warning sign. I should say I think the Renewal by Andersen windows are perfectly nice products. There’s nothing inherently wrong with them and they look beautiful.

Notice, the issue that most commonly causes Renewal by Andersen complaints is not the products or the installation. It’s the sales process. If this sales process makes people unhappy you would have to wonder why they do it. That’s the question.

renewal by andersen complaints and reviews and warranty

Why would a company use a sales process that makes customers unhappy?

Of course they don’t tell me why they do things so all I can do is make an educated guess. I think it’s because they know many people wouldn’t buy the windows if they were clear about the prices.

It seems to me that the only reason a company would use a sales process like that is because they know that without it people wouldn’t buy. Then you’d think, why wouldn’t people buy if the pricing was more clear? The only answer I can think of is that they’re not a very good deal. People are smart. People don’t buy bad deals. Unless they’re really talked into it.

So, the fact that they seem to use this sales strategy all over the country tells me that they know they don’t offer a very good value. They need to show you some crazy price like $100k for new windows so you can flip out, then they can lower the price to $70k and then the super special price of $50k seems a lot more reasonable.

If they had started at $50k you would have thought that was ridiculous and then they’d have nowhere to go, they’d loose the sale and their commission salesperson would be going hungry that night.

Should you buy Renewal by Andersen windows?

That’s totally up to you of course. I tend to think they’re pretty overpriced for what you get but different people value all sorts of things differently. I think they’d only make sense in a very fancy house.

Even then I tend to think I’d pick real wood windows over imitation wood windows for a very fancy house. So, they take a certain level of house fanciness. Fancy enough to justify windows that might cost $2,000 each, but not too fancy for imitation wood.

Obviously lots of people buy them and if lots of people weren’t happy they’d probably change their strategy so there’s no reason to think there’s any issue with the products themselves. The sales process seems to be the biggest problem most people have. If you can stomach that you’ll probably get perfectly fine windows.

Other Andersen window posts you might find helpful:

So, how should I decide who to work with?

The window business is challenging, that’s for sure. Every company says they’re the best and they all say that everyone else is horrible. It can feel difficult to navigate, but luckily it’s really not that hard.

I always suggest starting with a company with a good reputation and a solid track record. Then listed to what they have to suggest. Ask any questions about it, ask about options both more expensive and less expensive. When you feel like they’re offering a reasonable value that fits your needs you should buy it.

To try to help in that regard we’ve compiled a list of great companies all over the country. We may not know anyone in your neighborhood yet but it doesn’t’ hurt to ask. You can find our list of the best replacement window companies right here.

Other posts you might find interesting: