Month: May 2024

Now Offering the Best Replacement Windows (almost) Nationwide!

Way back in the fall of 2015 we started testing a program offering quotes for the best replacement windows by email with no in-home salesperson. It was a wild idea.

Customers could get prices, ask questions and then have their windows professionally measured and installed with no pushy salesperson in their living room. Everyone thought we were crazy and it’s been a HUGE success!

Now we’re offering replacement windows with and without professional installation in dozens of cities across the country. Thanks to our fantastic readers this program has been a runaway success. As a result, we’ve expanded to 37 markets. We’ve even added the upgraded Gentek product line in many markets in addition to Alside, Revere and others.

Order Alside and Gentek windows online and other brands too.
Here’s the window dog hard at work with the team at a home and garden show. He has to earn his kibble around here!

This is the easiest possible way to order replacement windows

First, we’re offering a wide range of replacement windows from the best manufacturers. Our most popular options have been the Gentek Signature Elite and the Alside Mezzo and there are many others to choose from. We’re also offering all styles of windows including double hung windows, casement windows, bay windows, garden windows, sliding patio doors and much more.

Next we’re offering top quality installation with a local project manager and top quality installation crews to make sure everything is done right. You can also install the windows yourself if you’d prefer.

Best of all, if you’re in an area covered by this program, we can get you a complete itemized quote for your project by email without you ever inviting a salesperson into your home.

That’s right, you could spend several evenings inviting salespeople into your home to give you their sales pitch, walk you through their predetermined “price drops” and try to close the deal with their 50% off today only special after calling the manager for a special deal 3 times. Or, you could exchange a few emails with our industry experts to get your project moving along quickly and easily. This really is the future.

So who is Window Universe?

Order Alside, Gentek, Revere windows online from Window Universe.

Window Universe is the company we founded many years ago. We’ve grown from one small business operating out of an apartment to a multimillion-dollar business offering windows in 37 states with more on the way.

How does this all work?

It’s pretty simple, which is why I love it. When you’re ready to get a quote by email for your replacement window project just fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you with more info by email right away.

We don’t need the sizes of the windows to get you a quote. This seems unusual to some folks, but we just don’t need to measure the windows to give you a quote in most cases. It’s just not necessary for the vast majority of projects. We will have the windows professionally measured before the manufacturing begins so they’ll fit just right, but it’s not needed at this point.

The basic info we’ll need is:

  1. How many windows you want to replace?
  2. How do you want them to open
  3. What color window frames do you want

That’s it, just the basics.

If there is anything about your project that you think is unusual just note it and we’ll address it when we get back to you. The whole process is really easy.

The best way to order replacement windows.

What have our customers been saying about this program?

 Here’s one example:

If you don’t want to DIY your replacement windows but pride yourself in being an informed consumer, Window Universe is the way to go! After sitting for hours listening to people tell me why their windows were the best, I couldn’t figure out why the window packages I was being presented with were so expensive ($10 – 12k for 7 slider windows)…

We are so pleased with the windows, the installer, and the process… Window Universe has created a great way to inform yourself as a consumer and be able to get real numbers. No games, gimmicks or “guess what your price is going to be if you buy it today!”

I rarely write reviews for products/services, but I was so impressed with the process, price and product, I told Dan that I would be happy to endorse them!

–Excerpt of an Angie’s List review from Andrea in Seattle, WA

Here’s another example

Every aspect of this window experience was excellent. They didn’t give a sales pitch, but instead provided links to specific information about all different types/brands of windows with ratings and specifications, so I was able to make an informed decision. 

He then provided a very detailed quote so I knew exactly what I was paying for, and was able to add or remove options and see the price impact of these changes. The accountant in me loved this approach.  Once we agreed to the window specs, I was given a final price and the measuring was scheduled. 

The gentlemen who came to measure the windows arrived when scheduled and was quick and efficient.  The windows were promptly ordered and once the windows were ready, the installation was scheduled.  The installation crew arrived on time and got right to work.  They put down tarps on my carpets since the install was on the 2nd floor and it was wet and snowy outside.  They installed the windows in a few hours and cleaned up afterwards.

–Excerpt of an Angie’s List review from Lisa in Philadelphia, PA

Here’s a bit more feedback from Austin in Dallas.  You get the idea.

Everyone loves it.

Double hung and casement windows from Window Universe.

Why are the prices for replacement windows so great?

Great question. Window Universe is a completely different kind of window company. We’re able to offer top quality products and expert level service at a very low price because we don’t spend our money on things you don’t care about.

Most traditional window companies spend tons and tons of money on sales and marketing. It’s not unusual for a company to spend 30%-40% of their total sales dollars on things that you don’t care about like sales commissions, marketing and advertising. We don’t do that. Paying people to walk around neighborhoods knocking on doors is expensive, so are tv commercials and billboards.

Another company may be able to get to a similar price by offering cheap windows or by using cheap subcontractors. That’s a low price, but it’s not a great value.

A typical company offering the replacement windows and service that we offer would charge $10k for a project while we would charge $7k or less. It’s a great deal because our business model is more efficient.

Best quality replacement windows with prices online and quotes by email.

I have more questions about replacement windows

Great! I love it when folks ask great questions. I’ve been emailing with many people about this program since we launched. I’ve noted most of the questions we get and put the answers all in one place for you.

On our FAQ page you’ll find answers to all sorts of questions like:

  • Will the price change after the windows are measured?
  • Who does the installation?
  • What is the warranty on these windows?
  • Are these the right windows for my climate?

How do I get a quote for replacement windows online?

That’s the easiest part. When you’re ready to get a detailed itemized quote for your project just fill out the form below (or click the city nearest to you to see the local website) and we’ll send you back an email just as quickly as we can.

If you don’t know the answer to any of the questions or if you’re not sure about something just make a note of it and send in the form as complete as you can. It’s ok if you don’t know all of the terms for these things. We know everyone isn’t an expert when it comes to replacement windows.

The cutest window reps at the face painting booth

What if I don’t know the window terms?

Don’t worry about it. If you’re unsure about something just take your best guess and let us know you’re not quite sure. We can always revise the proposal later.

The first quote we send is intended to be a starting point. Our customers revise their quotes an average of 4 times before placing an order. This is just a starting point and we can make unlimited revisions until we have the order just right.

You can also reply to our initial email with pictures, dimensions or anything else you’d like to show us.

What areas are included in this program?

Here is the list of states and cities where we are currently offering replacement windows and doors. We’ll surely be adding more soon so if your state isn’t on the list check back often.

Select the area closest to you to learn more

Don’t see the area you’re looking for? try this section.

If you’re within about an hour of any of these cities and you’re ready to finally get those new replacement windows just fill out the form right here. We will get back to you asap and we will NEVER share your information with anyone.

Have more questions?  Don’t be shy, just ask!

To see if we can help with your project just fill out this form and you’ll receive an email with the next steps and additional info right away.

 

 

 

Get your completely FREE project quote by email.  

Alside Fusion Windows Review

The Alside Fusion windows are the newest offering from Alside. We were one of the first sites to get our hands on a sample of this new product. We’re thankful for the opportunity to write one of the first reviews of the Alside Fusion window. As The Window Dog continues to grow we’re always amazed by the recognition we’re seeing inside the industry. Anyway, back to the review…

Why does the Alside Fusion window exist?

This model replaces the older Centurion and Geneva products which were certainly ready to be put out to pasture. Some might say that this product update is long overdue, but it is a welcome addition to the Alside windows line.

It’s important to remember that this product is intended to be a lower-end offering. It’s not nearly as nice as the Alside Mezzo model that is much nicer. The Alside Fusion model was not designed to be a top quality product and it accomplishes the goal. Any “low-end” replacement window is designed and built for the extremely price sensitive shopper. It’s important to keep that in mind when deciding whether or not this is the right window for you.

Alside Fusion double hung replacement windows
Here’s a pretty picture of the Alside Fusion window.

This product was designed for a house flipper, a landlord

With that in mind it’s a decent window, but certainly not the best replacement window on the market.

It’s clear that Alside didn’t spend a significant amount of energy engineering a new product from the ground up. They basically retooled the now discontinued Alside Excalibur window to cut some cost out of it and rebrand it as a new, cheaper product.

The Alside Excalibur had been the most popular replacement window in the company’s lineup for many years, with millions of units installed across the country every year. That means Alside knew they would need to continue producing that model for warranty work for many years to come. Since they were going to be making these windows anyway they might as well make them share parts with the newer Fusion mode. That was a smart idea.

There are only a handful of changes in this new Alside Fusion product. I would guess the need to produce warranty parts for Excalibur windows was the reason for that.

Changes include:

  • Switching from double strength to single strength glass
  • Switching from heavy duty screen frames to lighter roll formed frame
  • Removing balance covers

Basically if you took an older Alside Excalibur window and installed thinner glass, a cheaper screen and removed the balance covers you’d have a NEW Alside Fusion window. Genius.

Does this mean it’s a bad product?

Absolutely not, but it certainly isn’t a great product either. The design is old and the ratings aren’t stellar. Remember, it’s not designed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. It’s designed to be a price point product and that’s exactly what it is.

Alside Fusion Replacement Windows

So what’s the price of an Alside Fusion window?

As with everything in the replacement window business the retail pricing is determined by the company that will be installing them. Your mileage may vary, but here’s how we would expect the pricing to work.

The actual wholesale cost difference between a window like the Alside Fusion and a nicer product like the Alside Mezzo window is likely only going to be around $20-30. You’re likely going to see a much greater price difference when you actually get quotes. It’s likely that many replacement window companies will try to use the two different models to up sell the Mezzo window and increase their margins. I’d expect that you’ll see retail price differences in the neighborhood of $50 to $100 or even more.

Post a comment below to let us know what sort of retail prices you’ve seen for Alside Fusion windows.

Why you should never buy Alside Fusion windows

In this section we’re typically writing about what a competing salesperson might say about these windows. In this case I might agree with that salesperson.

Overall these window are just not great. They’re a low end option with low end features. The long and short of it is that you’ll be happier paying just a little more for the nicer models.

If you really just need the absolute basics this is probably a better cheap option than you’ll find from other manufacturers, but don’t be cheap. You’re going to have the windows for decades, get something decent.

What about the Alside Fusion window warranty?

The new Fusion window is covered by a pretty comprehensive warranty as are all of the Alside replacement windows. Remember, when assessing the value of a warranty that a large and well established company like Alside is very likely to be around for the long haul.

Alside Fusion Window Warranty

Some of the smaller window manufacturers like Gorell and others that have gone out of business in recent years leaving their customers with no warranty at all. That’s why we suggest working with a larger manufacturer like Alside.

The Alside Fusion windows come with a lifetime warranty. It covers the frames, the glass, even the seal between the panes of glass.

It does not cover labor for more than 1 year so you’ll want to watch out for that.

If the house is a rental there are other limitations as well. We company get questions about exactly what is covered by the warranty. Your best bet is to just read the warranty itself to see what is covered and what is not.

If you have Alside Fusion windows and you’d like to file a warranty claim you can do that through the Alside website here.

What colors are available for Fusion windows?

Remember, this is a low end window so it only offers low end options. The Fusion windows are only available in white or beige.

Alside Fusion available colors.

If you’re looking for other color options you’ll need to look at the nicer window models, including several from Alside.

Do Alside Fusion windows qualify for federal tax credits?

No. These windows don’t allow for triple pane glass and as a result there is no efficiency package that would qualify for tax credits. If you’re looking for a window that can meet that criteria you’ll want to check out the Alside Mezzo or 8000 Series windows.

What are the 3 common mistakes people make?

The first mistake people make when considering these windows is focusing too much on the price.

We know the price is important, but the windows will be in the house for decades. Buying a cheap window like this is a mistake in my opinion. You’ll have these windows long after you’ve forgotten the price and you’ll be dealing with problems.

The second mistake is buying directly from an installer

Reputable window companies won’t be offering a low-end model like this for an important reason. They don’t want to deal with the problems you’re going to have.

We’d guess the only person selling these windows will be a handyman type or someone who is not a real window specialist. If someone is suggesting these windows you’re getting bad advice, but you’re also potentially getting bad service.

I know your window guy could be a friendly guy who you might not mind having a beer with. The problem is a small outfit like that could well be gone in 5 years and you’ll still have those windows. You’ll be much better off buying from an actual business that is more likely to be around for the long haul.

Find our recommendations for great window companies here.

The third mistake is not focusing on efficiency

These windows are not very energy efficient. The air infiltration rates are high and the glass package options are limited. Efficiency is more important today than it was 10 years ago and it will be more important 10 years from now than it is today. Our advice is to get a better window.

So what’s the verdict?

Basically the Alside Fusion product is designed to be a low cost option. It’s a fine product for a house flipper or a landlord, but that’s about all it’s good for. If you’re living in the house and planning to be around for a while we think you can get a much better bang for your much with an upgraded product.

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 companies listed there will be able to offer higher quality options, often at very similar prices. There’s really no need to deal with a low end product like this and any company suggesting it is probably not a company you want to work with. Find the listings for the best window companies in the country right here.

Alside Mezzo Windows Review

Alside Mezzo windows are designed to be a middle of the road option and they accomplish that goal. In fact, Mezzo means medium in Italian so it seems they were shooting for the middle when designing the Mezzo model.

This newly designed window addresses many of the shortcomings of the (now discontinued) Alside Excalibur window.

Disclaimer: We do occasioanlly offer Alside windows and other higher end windows (almost) nationwide either 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.

Alside Mezzo double hung windows with slim frames

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.

Alside mezzo window reviews
Notice the slim frame of the Alside Mezzo windows.

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.

alside mezzo windows reviews
Alside Mezzo windows come with a heavy duty screen standard.

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.

The basics of the Mezzo window are very good. They cover the windows for as long as you own and live in the house. The warranty covers seal failures (the most common warranty issue) along with the frames, the hardware, etc.

If you have Alside Mezzo windows and you’d like to file a warranty claim you can do that here. They’ll want basic info about your windows and your house. in my experience they handle the warranty process pretty well. If you have any trouble with your warranty or the warranty process post a comment below.

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.

best replacement windows of 2015

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.

alside mezzo windows reviews and cost
Note the slim frame and the new contemporary locks of the Alside Mezzo windows.

We do hear from readers who have received quotes for quite a bit more. It may surprise you to learn there are companies out there charging pretty ridiculous prices for windows. One easy way to make sure you’re getting a reasonable quote is to talk with our recommended companies. You can also get a window quote review here.

Why you should never buy Alside Mezzo windows?

You’ll find there is always a competitor who will tell you why another other than what he’s selling is horrible. This is true no matter what window mode you’re considering. Here we’ll look a what the competitor will probably say (and why he’s wrong).

First, they may say Alside windows are “builder grade” or “contractor grade” or anything else along those lines. You should know this terminology is completely made up. It’s just fake. Anyone who uses terms like this is just messing with you.

Next, they may say that Mezzo windows use fuzzy pads to achieve good air infiltration rates. This is also nonsense. The Mezzo windows do achieve good air infiltration rates and that’s because they provide a good seal.

Competitors used to use air infiltration rates to justify their high prices and that’s changed a little bit as more and more windows offer better ratings. If you’re hearing this story you’re hearing from a salesperson who is desperate to make his commission.

Finally, you might hear that the Alside window frames are too thin or aren’t strong enough. This is also not really based in reality. Slim frames are generally a feature as they can allow for more glass area than a similar window with a thicker frame.

The guy selling the windows with thick frames needs to tell you something so he’ll usually talk about strength. Remember, you could take all of the windows out of your house and it wouldn’t fall over. The windows aren’t holding up the house.

They need to be strong enough to make sure the windows perform well and they’re tested to meet certain window and rain ratings. The windows all meet or exceed all common ratings so there’s no need to worry about strength, it’s just a distraction.

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.

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.