Month: April 2023

Alside Mezzo windows are designed to be a middle of the road option and they accomplish that goal. This newly designed window addresses many of the shortcomings of the previous model, the Alside Excalibur.

Disclaimer: We recently started offering Alside windows and other higher end windows (almost) nationwide for you to install yourself or with professional installation. We do it all with no in-home salespeople. Details here. 

While the Alside Mezzo windows use a newer design than many of their competitors, Alside has been around for quite a while. They’re a large US manufacturer. They have 5 US window manufacturing plants and their products are very widely distributed.

Advantages to Alside Mezzo windows

• Slim frames to maximize light
• Low air infiltration rates for a tight seal
• Many color options available
• Lifetime warranty backed by large manufacturer
• Can qualify for federal tax credit

As you can see in the picture below, the Alside Mezzo windows have a slim frame to maximize the glass area. This is a factor we’ve repeatedly mentioned in our replacement window reviews. This is an important factor that is often overlooked by consumers.

In comparison, many other replacement windows will use thicker frames. This means the thicker window will provide less glass area in the same opening. That is something that is very important to many window shoppers.

The Alside Mezzo window is designed to be the workhorse of their replacement window line. It will likely become the most popular window they offer.

What are the Mezzo color options?

Like just about all vinyl replacement windows the Alside Mezzo window is custom made. As a result, the range of available options is pretty substantial.

They currently offer 13 exterior colors and 9 interior color options.

All combinations of interior and exterior colors are not available. It’s also important to note that far fewer colors are available in the west coast Mezzo model. You’ll want to talk to your salesperson about the options before you fall in love with an option that doesn’t exist.

They’ve recently added a black exterior option as that has become increasingly popular. The exterior color options do come with an additional cost and they look beautiful.

High quality screens

Alside has always offered a very high quality screen standard with their windows and they’ve continued that with the Mezzo. As you can see below, the screen is made of heavy duty extruded aluminum. In addition, the spline is on the inside to keep it out of the sun. The result is a screen that is more durable and better looking than most.

How about energy efficiency?

The Alside Mezzo window can produce pretty solid ratings for a double hung window. They are in line with other recently designed double pane windows and a solid step above previous generation products. For example, the Alside Mezzo window can meet or exceed the Energy Star guidelines. They can do this  in all regions of the country with double pane glass.

As time has gone on these windows are still available to meet or exceed current energy star most efficient guidelines.

Do Mezzo windows qualify for federal tax credits?

Yes, they can. In order to qualify you’ll need to order windows with the Climatech PriME glass package. While the capitalization they use is ridiculous these packages are very efficient and will qualify for tax credits in most cases.

The PriME packages will be triple pane glass packages and they’re some of the most efficient options on the market. We commonly recommend these packages. We’ve written about the advantages of double pane vs triple pane glass here.

Alside Mezzo windows warranty

Newer vinyl replacement windows tend to come with pretty solid warranties and the Alside Mezzo windows are no exception. The Mezzo lifetime warranty is pretty robust and it is transferable to the next owner.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you get a written installation warranty from whoever is installing the windows. Alside, like almost all manufacturers, covers the windows and manufacturing defects. This means they DO NOT cover the installations unless ordered through the manufacturers installation program.

If you’re interested in ordering the Mezzo windows online we can help you with that here. We’ll send prices and info by email with no pushy in-home salesman.

Alside Mezzo windows cost

The retail price of Alside Mezzo windows depends on the company that is selling them. Alside distributes these windows through an extremely large network of independent dealers. They will each set their own retail pricing.  Typical costs for windows like this would be in the range of $600-8000 depending on the options and colors chosen. Typical installation for Alside Mezzo windows would run in the range of $200-300.

Some companies do try to charge quite a bit more for these products so remember to shop around if you’re unsure. There is really no reason to pay more than $1500-2000 for a typical vinyl replacement window. For example a basic white custom made double hung window with professional installation can typically be found for around $900-1200.

Problems with the Alside Mezzo windows?

One problem we see is the continued use of the constant force or coil balance system. This is in line with the workhorse nature of this product as it’s not designed to be the very top of the line (mezzo means middle in Italian). The constant force balances are a less expensive option so they do contribute to the competitiveness of the pricing. At the end of the day it’s not the option we would typically pick.

It’s clear they were not trying to make a top of the line product when designing the Mezzo window. That’s ok because many people want a product that is good, but not too expensive. The Mezzo window can fit that bill.

In addition, Alside has had a reputation for questionable quality control at times. Some of this talk is driven by competitors or those companies that offer competing products, but some of it is real. Alside tells us they have invested in new manufacturing equipment for the new Alside Mezzo windows so only time will tell if these past issues have been corrected.

What’s the biggest problem?

The biggest problem with Alside windows is the fact that they sell them through any “contractor” who wants to sell them. Other manufacturers are more discriminating, only selling to reputable and well established companies. Alside windows are sold by almost anyone which means the friendly guy offering these windows might not really know what he’s doing.

We see customers having problems with Mezzo windows that aren’t really window problems at all. They’re installation problems, and sometimes the customer doesn’t even know it.

If you’re considering buying windows from a handyman or a jack of all trades type of operation you might want to reconsider. Buying windows from a company that specializes in windows will be a much better solution.

Luckily, we have a listing of our recommended window companies all over the country right here.

Other posts relating to Alside windows and doors that you might find helpful:

• Can you buy Alside windows online?
• Alside sliding patio door reviews
• Alside Ultramaxx and Sheffield windows reviews
• Climatech glass packages and efficiency options explained
• Alside windows FAQ
• Alside windows complaints
• Recommended contractors or installers

Disclosure: Our company has never offered Alside windows in the past. With the release of the Mezzo window we now occasionally offer this Alside product under a new program we have recently started. We also offer upgraded products that will be a better value in most cases.

Find detailed reviews on more Alside window options here.

Remember, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies in your area right here.

As we get started on our Marvin Infinity reviews it’s important to keep in mind that this is a fiberglass replacement window.  It’s a bit of a different animal than either vinyl replacement windows or wood windows.  Fiberglass windows are designed to replicate the look of a wood window with increased durability.

While we’ll be writing another post soon on the advantages and disadvantages of different types of window construction it’s important to note that many wood replacement windows offer warranties as good or better than what you’ll get with a fiberglass product.  With fiberglass replacement windows you’re paying a premium over the cost of a vinyl window to get the look of wood.  It would be worthwhile to compare the cost difference between fiberglass and real wood.   The price difference is often very small.

Back to the Marvin Infinity review.  First of all this a great looking window.  It looks very solid, comes in a wide range of colors and offers a substantial amount of style options.

As you can see in the above picture the Marvin Infinity window does a great job of looking like a traditional wood window.

Marvin Infinity windows are often ordered with simulated divided lites or SDL grids.  This means the grids are on the outside of the glass which is consistent with the look of a wood window.

You can see the joint between the grid and the sash frame is pretty tight and very clean looking.  If you get up this close to it, you can tell that it is a separate piece, but nobody is going to go around you house inspecting things like this.  If they are you probably don’t want to invite them over anyway!

Notice the hardware in the picture below.  There are MANY options and they have a very nice classic look.

One last design element to point out is the lack of typical tilt-latches.  As you can see in this picture, the Marvin Infinity window skips the typical told latches for a very clean and elegant look.

How about efficiency?

The NFRC ratings for the Marvin Infinity window are pretty solid, but not particularly spectacular.  This makes sense as the product was clearly designed to be pretty rather than the most efficient window on the block.

You can see in this NFRC sticker showing the Marvin Infinity U-Factor that the ratings for this window are solid, but not remarkable.  You’re paying a premium to get this fiberglass window vs a vinyl window, but you’re not getting any real improvement in efficiency.

There are MANY options that affect the ratings so this certainly isn’t the only option, but the Marvin Infinity window will only ever be average in terms of efficiency ratings.  It will never be a top performer no matter how you order it.

In addition you do get a pretty high air infiltration rating with this window.  That means it does not provide a particularly great seal in windy conditions.  This is more of a concern for some folks than others, but if you’re in a relatively high wind area or if you’re particularly concerned about a tight seal, the Infinity window might not be for you.

Marvin Infinity Warranty?

Unfortunately the Marvin Infinity warranty leaves much to be desired.  They say it has a “lifetime” warranty, but it sure does have a lot of limitations and exclusions.

Breakdown of the Infinity window warranty:

• Insulated glass seal – 20 years NOT lifetime
• Accidental glass breakage – NOT COVERED
• Ultrex fiberglass – Lifetime until transferred, then 10 years
• Ultrex fiberglass finish – 10 years NOT lifetime
• Non-glass components (screens, hardware etc)- 10 years NOT lifetime

See the Marvin Infinity warranty on Marvin’s website or download the Marvin Infinity warranty here.

As you can see the Marvin Infinity warranty isn’t nearly as thorough as you might expect for a window sold at this price point.

How about the Marvin Infinity window cost?

The cost for Marvin Infinity windows can vary dramatically.  There are MANY options that have a huge impact on the price so it’s difficult to even give a range.  For example a basic double hung window without installation might start at about $500 and a fancy window with several expensive options could easily top $1000.

If you’ve decided to go with the Marvin Infinity windows the easiest way to get a great price is to shop around.  Find out who are the Marvin Infinity dealers in your area and get quotes for the same products.  There will likely not be too many local dealers as Marvin limits the distribution to avoid price shopping, but you can always call someone out of town too.  A reputable company should be able to send you a quote and a little shopping can go a long way to lowering the price.

To sum up this Marvin Infinity windows review I’d say it’s important to remember that these windows are pretty, but they command a premium price and they offer a very limited warranty.

You’re paying more for this product than you would be for a vinyl window.  That doesn’t mean this product is any better, but it sure does look nice.

You may be better off with a wood window with a longer warranty than this fiberglass product.  You’re paying the premium for the looks rather than for the efficiency and the look is still that of a simulated wood window.  A real wood window would look even better and based on the warranty it should last longer as well.

Take a look through several more reviews on wood, fiberglass, composite and vinyl replacement windows here.

What if I have more questions about Marvin Infinity or Essential windows?

We can help!  Find our Marvin Essential windows FAQ page here.  If you don’t see the answer to your question post a comment and we’ll answer your question for everyone to see.

Looking for any additional information on Marvin windows that you’re not finding here?  Post a comment and let us know.  We’ll be glad to help out!

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here. 

The Okna 500 Series aka the Insul-Tec is the most popular model from Okna Windows.  It is certainly a next generation product that provides some features not found on older designs.  The Okna 500 is available in a range of options that allow for very solid energy efficiency ratings.  This model is built with a relatively slim frame which allows for good visible transmittance numbers as well.

It’s important to remember that certain features that may be on a sample window are options so you should be sure they are included if you want them.  Examples of these options are the auto-lock (shown above) and the foam insulated frames (shown below)

Two standard features that are certainly part of the next generation design are the fully welded sloped sill which drains water to the outside rather than through the frame and the mortised sill dam which provides for a very tight seal.  Okna windows consistently offer excellent ratings and these features contribute to that result.

One aspect of this design that we’re not huge fans of is the exterior of the frame.  The design has a lot of details and shape which is supposed to look fancy, but we just find it busy.  It fits with the look of some homes, but not all and at the end of the day we’d prefer a window blend in with the home rather than standout.

What should an Okna 500 cost?

I used to have a range of price estimates for Okna 500 windows with installation listed here and I discovered that I was frustrating about as many readers as I was helping.  A friend of mine is an Okna dealer in Milwaukee and after learning more about his business I understood why.  There can be a lot of variation in the final price due to a number of factors.  Your best bet is to find a great local company and talk through the options with them.

You can be sure that a basic Okna 500 window installation should be substantially less than the $1,200 to $1,500 per window prices that we sometimes see folks post about.  This is a nice mid-range window that should work well for many people.

Remember, there are MANY factors that contribute to the overall cost of your project.  I would encourage you not to get a price in your head before you call a local company.  The best strategy is to get a few quotes from reputable local companies and see how they compare.  Some companies may try to charge more than others, so if you’re not comfortable with a quote you’ve received just get another quote.

Here’s a post I wrote on understanding window pricing. This is a fine window, but there are lots of fine windows out there.  Don’t feel like you need to work with a company just to get a certain product.

If you’re unsure about the window prices that you’ve received just post a comment and we’ll do our best to help you sort through it.

What’s the bottom line?

Overall the 500 Series windows from Okna are an updated design with solid performance numbers and a legion of devoted fans.  The model is the most popular product from Okna Windows and we can see why.

Other than the basic concerns about Okna Windows as a manufacturer the product performs well compared with most of it’s peers.  When comparing this model to options from other manufacturers make sure you’re comparing relatively new designs.  Older designs from generally well regarded companies (like Simonton for example) just don’t compare.

Find additional reviews on more Okna window models along with several competing options here.

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here. 

Here we’ll take a look at Soft-Lite Elements windows.  We were recently asked to write this review by one of our loyal readers are we’re happy to help.  When looking at Soft-Lite Elements windows you’ll quickly learn that they are billed as the “most energy efficient windows” produced in North America.  While they are awfully energy efficient when paired with the most expensive glass options, that level of efficiency is probably overkill for most folks.

Since they make the efficiency a cornerstone of the pitch for the Soft-Lite Elements let’s start there.  When the Elements window is ordered with the Solar Ultimate Glass the ratings are very low.

They advertise these windows with a U-Factor of 0.16 which is pretty darn good.  The trick is that lower isn’t always better when it comes to efficiency ratings.  For example, a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.21 is pretty low.  That’s great if you live in a climate that is dominated by high sun, but it’s not so good if you live in a colder area.  In colder regions you want to take advantage of the sun and this option would block out too much.

Perhaps more importantly the visible transmittance rating (VT rating) is pretty low with this option.  A rating of 0.37 means that the window will look dark.  It would be smart to look at a sample window with this glass option before purchasing to make sure you’re comfortable with how it will look.

Of course you probably wouldn’t pick this glass option unless it made sense for your home and in your climate.  The important takeaway here is that the claim of “the most efficient window” isn’t really relevant unless you’re going for bragging rights.  It is much more effective to pick a window and a glass option that is right for your home and your climate.

What about the look of the Solf-Lite Elements windows?

In our opinion when some windows try to be “high end” they end up working  a little too hard.  For example, the exterior of the frame of the window is full of curly designs that can look a little busy.

Some folks like all of these lines and the salesperson will probably tell you all about how this gives it the look of a wood window, but in our mind it’s a little much.  We like windows that look like they were always part of the home rather that one that tries too hard to stand out.

This is certainly a style factor and you might like a different look than we do, but consider that a window that looks fancy when sitting on your kitchen table might look a little too busy when installed in your home.

Another style feature on the inside of the Soft-lite Elements window gives it a very clean look.  The Elements window does not have the traditional tilt latches.  The tilt latches are incorporated into the locks which keeps the interior of the window looking clean and uncluttered.

In the past we have seen folks who struggled with how to tilt in their windows when they have this hardware.  It’s not exactly intuitive, but it works well enough.

The salesperson talked a lot about air infiltration.  Is it that special?

Air infiltration ratings are a big part of the pitch for the higher end Soft-Lite windows.  Their ratings are good, but they’re not unmatched.  For example, the published rating for a Soft-Lite Elements window is 0.01.  While there are several reasons this rating is a little deceptive (reasons described in our post on air infiltration ratings), there are other windows out there that achieve the same or very similar ratings.  We know every manufacturer wants to do their best to accentuate their strengths, but in our mind Soft-Lite goes a little too far with this pitch.

How about the warranty for Soft-Lite Elements Windows?

As is the case with all quality replacement windows they come with a “lifetime warranty”.  As always you need to really read the warranty to see what is actually covered.  In this case there are several important limitations:

• Soft-Lite does not cover labor to fix a warranty problem
• Soft-Lite does not cover shipping of replacement parts
• Soft-Lite offers 2 versions of their window warranty, one with glass breakage coverage and one without.  Make sure you know which one you’d be getting.

These limitations aren’t necessarily deal breakers they are more limited than what you’ll find from several other manufacturers.

What’s the bottom line?

To sum things up, the Soft-Lite Elements windows are a nice option.  They can be configured to have great ratings, but the marketing claims tend to push the envelope a little too far.  Realistically they’re pretty darn similar to the ratings offered by many other windows.   It’s important to remember that unless you’re planning on living in the home another 50 years you may not realize any savings with a 0.01 difference in any particular rating.

If you’re looking for a “high end” option, you like the local dealer and you’re comfortable with the pricing, this is a fine option.  Just don’t let anyone make you think you have to spend $800 per window to get good quality.  You have several other options to achieve similar ratings so be sure to shop around if your not comfortable.  At $400-$500 for a typical double hung window this is a fine option.  Much more than that and you’ll be better served to keep looking.

Due to the way Soft-Lite windows are typically marketed you may be able to find a better value in the Soft-Lite Imperial LS window which is very similar.  There isn’t much reason to pay any more for one than the other.

Update: While this ThermaStar by Pella window review was originally written several years ago it’s been updated in 2021 as we continue to work to provide the best replacement window information on the entire internet in 2021 and beyond.  See info towards the bottom of this post for the most recommended window companies in 2021.  Be sure to post a comment or send us a message with any questions!

Today in the top secret WindowDog lair we have captured a ThermaStar by Pella Series 20 replacement window.  You can find these sitting on the shelves at Lowes stores all over the country.  We captured this one at a store in Maryland and the same line appears to be in all Lowes stores east of the rockies.

These windows are cheap and that’s the point.  This one cost us about $125 and it includes low-e glass and a full screen.  That sounds like the best price you’ll find for replacement windows.

Is it worth the cost?

There are a few distinct drawbacks to buying stock replacement windows from a big box store like Lowes and this window will illustrates them well.

First, as you can see on the label, this window has a nominal size of 24×38, and an actual frame size of 23.5″x37.5″.  If the holes in your house happen to be just that size then you’re in good shape.  If not, you’re going to get creative.  You can rip down some lumber and fill an opening by an inch or two to make a stock window fit, but you’re not going to have the prettiest results.

The biggest drawback is the most obvious.  They just won’t fit right.  You can get cheap custom sized windows from distributors that will still be flimsy, but at least they’ll fit right.

Why are these so cheap?

Here’s a good example, look at this screen.  As you can see in the picture below it has a roll-formed frame, the spline is on the outside, the corner keys are exposed, and on and on and on.

If you install this window and never touch that screen for the rest of your life it might hold up.  If you try to remove it, or open it, or stare at it for too long it’s going to bend.  I’m not sure if I have the words to describe how flimsy it feels in your hands.

Next, let’s look at the quality control.  This is a picture of the meeting rail.  You can see the big black scratch that came with this window along with the big thick welds.

This was a brand new window and while things do get dirty it’s hard to imagine how it got that scratch.  It may have come from the shelves at Lowes, but it was under the plastic wrapping.  More likely it came from the Pella plant.  It will probably come clean with some soft scrub, but it’s a chore I’d rather not deal with.

As an aside: Soft Scrub will clean anything off of a vinyl window.  It’s amazing.

Here is a quick look at the night latches that can limit how far the windows open.  This mechanism looks similar to many others out there.  I sometimes prefer the type without the button as this seems like it may be a failure point in the future, but it works ok for now.

How about the warranty on the Pella ThermaStar 20 windows from Lowes?

As you’d probably expect the warranties on stock windows from box stores like Lowes aren’t the same what you’d find on nicer windows.  In this case you only get 2-years of labor coverage to fix a manufacturing issue and the non-glass components are only covered for 10 years if you don’t live in the home.  Many folks might use these windows in a rental property so that is a factor to consider.  If you get the fancy blinds between the glass you’ll only get a 5 year warranty.  That’s an expensive option to only last 5 years.

You can download the entire ThermaStar by Pella windows warranty right here.

What’s the bottom line?

Well, the price was about $125, the quality is questionable, the sizes are limited and the warranty is pretty weak.  As you might expect this one isn’t a great buy.

If you’re looking to install windows yourself post a comment and we’ll try to direct you to a local distributor that can help you with custom made windows.  For something like $25-$50 more per window you can get a MUCH nicer custom made window.

For now you might want to take a look through our detailed replacement window reviews to get a better idea of your options.  You’ll be glad you shopped around.

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here.