Alliance Window Systems, also referred to as The American Window Alliance, is a network of independent small manufacturers all producing windows under the same brand name. Historically it’s been very difficult for small window manufacturers to offer a competitive solution. Larger window companies often have a substantial advantage.
This is an example of small companies teaming up to try to be more competitive. Is this a good strategy for small manufacturers? Let’s find out.
Note Alliance Window Systems is not the same company as the bankrupt Alliance Vinyl Windows or Alliance Window Co, all with similar names but different companies.
Why would you buy windows from Alliance Window Systems?
It’s important to remember that if you’re considering buying windows from a small manufacturer like this you’d want to be clear about why you think that’s a good choice. It’s inherently risky to work with a small manufacturer. Maybe there’s some reason you want to take that risk, but if there isn’t then I’d suggest working with a larger and more well established outfit.
That’s not because I don’t like Alliance Window Systems. It’s just because I’ve seen many small window manufacturers vanish. We’ve written many posts about many bankrupt companies. That’s a vary bad outcome for their customers.
I know the salesman will say they’ve been in business for so many years and his customers are all thrilled. That’s probably true, but it doesn’t make the risk go away. In my mind that’s not a good enough reason. You can certainly make your own choice.
Reviews of replacement windows from Alliance Window Systems
Hawthorne replacement windows
Belmont replacement windows
Replacement patio doors
It looks like the different manufacturers may be using different spacers to seal the glass. We found the manufacturer in Massachusetts showing a brochure with DuraSeal and the company in Chicago advertising InnovativeE.
Reviews of new construction windows from Alliance Window Systems
Windgate new construction windows
Windgate patio doors
We’ll also be looking at the costs of Alliance Window Systems windows and the warranty as well.
On the Alliance website they talk about being a national operation, but they only list operations in a handful of states in the midwest and northeast. They’re not franchises. Rather they’re independent companies all making windows under the same brand.
What about the Alliance Window Systems warranty?
This business model has been tried before with mixed results. The biggest problem in the past has been the warranty. Customers will sometimes get the impression that the warranty is backed by this whole system of 6 or 7 manufacturers but in reality that’s not always the case.
In the case of the Alliance Window Systems warranty, the warranty is only offered by the individual manufacturer who made your windows. That is listed in the written warranty. I’d say that’s not the best for the customer, but it does make sense for the business.
What’s the bottom line?
To be clear the windows from Alliance Window Systems are perfectly fine. I don’t think there’s anything horrible here. There’s just some risk in working with a small manufacturer. In my mind there would need to be a good reason to justify taking that risk.
How can you find a great window company?
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.
For example, my company will send you window prices without ever sending a salesperson to your house at all. The goal is to make this process easy and it can often be easier than you might expect.
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.
If you’re looking for info on Alliance Vinyl windows I have some bad news. It looks like they’ve headed off into the distance and they are permanently closed.
It is important to note that this is Alliance Vinyl Windows Co, not Alliance Window Systems. Alliance Window Systems a network of small window manufacturers. Similar name, different operation.
The picture above shows the google listing we found for Alliance Vinyl Windows. A call to their phone number went to a recording saying the number was out of service.
What happened?
Unfortunately this can be a risk when dealing with the small window manufacturers out there. I know the in-home salespeople can tell a convincing story but there’s a real risk in working with these little manufacturers and I think that risk is often under appreciated.
I think the salespeople can get away with selling some of these products because most customers aren’t familiar with window manufacturers. You probably don’t know who is a worthwhile manufacturer and who is a little too risky. That’s a lack of information that the salespeople will exploit.
We can help.
Does it matter if you bought windows from a company that is now bankrupt?
Yes. Hopefully your windows work just fine and you won’t have any problems down the road. Unfortunately you now have no warranty at all. Worse than that there’s no access to spare parts. That can be the most challenging part.
What about my warranty from Alliance Vinyl Windows?
Unfortunately it’s gone. If you find yourself in this boat I wouldn’t get too worried about it. There’s nothing you can do anyway so worrying won’t help.
Some repairs can still be made. For example if you have a window break or if you get a seal failure in an Alliance Vinyl Window Co window a third party company can likely fix it.
You’d be paying out of pocket for that repair but it can be done easily enough.
If you have a problem that requires new parts like a new lock, a new screen frame or a new vinyl frame or sash the repair will be more difficult, or impossible.
In that situation you’ll likely be buying a new window from a different manufacturer. That’ll be the only solution.
If you do find a company that can service windows from Alliance Vinyl Windows please post a comment here. I’m sure other readers will be looking for that same info.
How can you find a great window company?
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.
For example, my company will send you window prices without ever sending a salesperson to your house at all. The goal is to make this process easy and it can often be easier than you might expect.
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.
This is a deal that happened a little while back and at the request of some commenters who may be Renewal by Andersen salespeople we’ve posted it here.
We used to find it funny that the Renewal by Andersen salespeople would pick on vinyl windows while their company was producing thousands of them, but now they’ve sold these vinyl brands.
Why did Andersen sell these brands?
Maybe they took our advice that producing cheap vinyl windows didn’t help their sales pitch for more expensive options. Either way, below you’ll find the press release they issued back on August 28th.
Now that the American Craftsman and Silver Line window brands are owed by Ply-Gem windows we’ll see if there are any updates to the product lines. Ply Gem has a lot of experience producing vinyl windows so perhaps we’ll see some much needed upgrades.
Here’s their press release
BAYPORT, Minn., Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Andersen Corporation, America’s premier window and door manufacturer, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its hollow core vinyl window and patio door business, including the Silver Line and American Craftsman brands, to Ply Gem, a leading manufacturer of building products used in both new construction and home repair and remodeling across the United States and Canada.
Andersen has been leading the window and door industry for more than 115 years by creating different and better products and services and building brands people value and trust. In recent years, the company has achieved unprecedented growth, driven by its Andersen®, Renewal by Andersen® and specialty brands.
“This divestiture is part of Andersen’s broader strategy to sharpen our focus on our Andersen, Renewal by Andersen and specialty brands, continue to make the significant investments required to support our fast-growing, proprietary, Fibrex® engineered composite products, and deliver exceptional value to our customers for years to come,” said Andersen Corporation Chairman and CEO Jay Lund. “In addition, we believe the Silver Line and American Craftsman brands and the talented employees who have built these brands will have continued growth opportunities under Ply Gem’s stewardship.”
Ply Gem will acquire the four Silver Line manufacturing plants, associated distribution and support services for $190 million, which represents a 10X multiple of Silver Line’s trailing 12-month EBITDA through the second quarter of 2018. The more than 4,000 employees working in these locations and functions will transition to Ply Gem with the business.
“The Silver Line and American Craftsman brands are industry leading brands and have been trusted by customers and consumers for over 60 years and Ply Gem is excited to add them to our existing portfolio of quality window products,” said Gary E. Robinette, Ply Gem’s Chairman and CEO.
The transaction is expected to close by early in the fourth calendar quarter of 2018, subject to regulatory review and approval.
About Andersen Corporation
Headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota, Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries manufacture and market window and door products under the Andersen®, Renewal by Andersen®, Silver Line®, American Craftsman®, EMCO®, Weiland®, MQ™ and Heritage™ brands. Andersen, a privately held company, was founded in 1903 and employs more than 12,000 people with manufacturing sites in North America and Europe. Andersen has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2018 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. Visit us at andersencorporation.com
Other Andersen window posts you might find helpful:
Unfortunately another smaller window manufacturer has closed their doors for good. It looks like Vista Window Company is gone. Their voicemail says they closed due to unforeseen circumstances and their google listing says they’re closed for good. We always hate to see a company struggle. Unfortunately, I think it’s going to continue to get more difficult for smaller window companies to compete.
Vista Window Company closed their doors on January 14th 2019.
What happens with the Vista Windows Warranty?
We’ve reached out to Vista Window Company and asked about the status of any pending orders and if there is any process for warranty claims as I’m sure our readers will be asking.
Right now, I would guess that there is no warranty and owners of these windows may be out of luck. If we hear back with any info I’ll update this page right away.
What about pending orders for Vista Windows?
If you have an order pending for Vista windows I’d reach out to your contractor or dealer right away to make sure they can offer you something else. Most reputable contractors will have credit terms established with manufacturers so they likely haven’t actually paid for your windows. That means the contractor still has any deposit you’ve given them and you can (hopefully) order something else. If they tell you the deposit is spent you might want to check with an attorney as you’ll probably have a hard time getting that money back.
If you hear any info that is different than what we’re written here please let us know asap. You can post a comment or contact us privately. I’m sure many folks will have questions about the status of Vista Window Company so any info you have to share will be helpful.
What if I was about to order Vista Windows?
Consider yourself lucky! It’s time to order something else. I’d look towards larger manufacturers. You never know what the future may hold for any company, but there are plenty of large and we’ll established companies out there. There’s no need to take a gamble on a smaller player.
If/when we receive any new information on Vista Windows we’ll post it on this page so feel free to bookmark this page and check back for updates anytime.
When shopping for replacement windows, one of the majors factors that folks consider is the window warranty. The warranty coverage on your new windows is significant for many reasons, not the least of which is that you want some security in knowing that you will have long term support on a purchase of thousands of dollars. Like many things in the marketplace, window warranties are part real concern, and part sales and marketing. I like to break warranties down to two primary areas: Product Warranty and Installation/Workmanship Warranty.
Product Warranty:
The product warranty on a replacement window is exactly that. It is the length of time that a manufacturer will provide warranty coverage for manufacturer defects. Generally that will not include items such as damage from abuse, failure to maintain, etc. However, it does provide for replacement parts should anything fail due to a manufacturer defect. Common items include failed glass seals in an insulated glass unit, defective hardware, warpage, etc. Some manufacturers offer accidental glass breakage as part of their coverage as well. Most vinyl window manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, while wood windows generally have some variation of a 20/10 warranty, meaning 20 years on glass and 10 years on everything else including the wood.
Things to watch for:
Transferability is important if you are considering selling the home any time soon. This means that you will be able to transfer the product warranty to one or more future owners of the home. Proration is an often overlooked factor. “Prorated” means that while there is coverage for the entire warranty term, it goes down over time. This is similar to a car battery or roofing shingle, where you have 100% coverage for say the first 10 years, then the coverage starts dropping in increments where you are paying an increasing portion of that as time goes on. Ideally, a warranty that is fully transferrable and not prorated is best.
What product warranties typically do not cover:
Abuse, acts of God (ie: fires, storms, etc. that would be covered be homeowner’s insurance). Product warranties typically will not cover any labor needed to install the replacements parts. That falls on you as the homeowner, or on the installation company if they offer that service, whether it be paid or at no charge to you. The “fail to maintain” provision can be tricky on wood windows where condensation can damage or rot the wood before the 10 years and potentially be denied as a claim.
Workmanship/Labor/Installation Warranty:
The installation warranty on your replacement windows while important, can vary wildly from one dealer to the next. One company may offer one year on workmanship/installation, while the next offers lifetime, and a third still somewhere in between. The fact of the matter is that most installation related issues will manifest themselves visually within the first year or two after install, so something like a 5 or 10 year warranty is generally adequate. That said, many companies offer 20+ years all the way through lifetime. A lifetime workmanship warranty may sound great in marketing, but remember that the installation warranty is only as good as the company offering it. If all else is equal, certainly a longer term only benefits you as a consumer.
Things to watch for:
Service call/diagnosis charges, coverage to install the parts that are provided under the manufacturer’s warranty and for how long, a list of items that are included or excluded.
What installation warranties typically do not cover:
Installation warranties are intended to cover any poor or defective installation practices. Therefore common things that would be considered maintenance items like caulking, cleaning tracks and such which could hinder operation, etc., are typically not covered or the coverage is limited.
BOTTOM LINE:
Every window warranty is not created equal. “Lifetime warranty” whether on product or installation may not mean the same thing from one company to the next, so take a look at the details and make sure that you are getting the protection that you are expecting. Also keep in mind that those warranties are only as strong as the companies offering them. Company history and reputation are important tools to look at. Lastly, “Lifetime” does have a quantifiable definition in most states. Here in Wisconsin, “Lifetime” for warranty purposes is defined as 30 years. It is recommended that you determine how this is specifically defined in your own location.
Brandon Erdmann is the owner of HomeSealed Exteriors in Milwaukee, WI. He’s a window installation expert, a supporter of this site and an all around great guy. If you’re in the Milwaukee area and you’re thinking about new windows you should give Brandon a ring. You’ll be glad you did.
Here’s a little bit of terminology that is often misunderstood. What are the differences between single hung vs double hung windows? Here we’ll take a look at the basic definition and we’ll look at some of the other advantages and disadvantages including the cost, the operation, the screens, how they function and the typical price.
First things first! The basic definition:
Both single hung and double hung windows open up and down. The difference is that in a single hung window the bottom sash opens up and down, but the top does not move.
In a double hung window the bottom sash slides up and down AND the top sash also opens and closes.
Perhaps this picture will help:
Here is the difference between a single hung and a double hung window.
Well, that’s really up to you. One important thing to keep in mind is that a single hung window does not allow the top sash to tilt in for easy cleaning. That means the bottom will tilt in, but the top will not. Is that a big deal? Only you can decide.
Beyond that many people don’t open the top very often so the difference is not important to them. We open the top quite a bit in my house as the window dog is a redbone coonhound from the hills of West Virginia and he would go straight through a screen if he saw a varmint in the yard. For us it is very important that the top opens, but you may have different priorities.
What is the price difference between single hung vs double hung windows?
This is a question we get asked a lot. The difference typically isn’t huge, but it can add up. The two windows are essentially the same with the single hung having less hardware. The cost difference between the two will depend on the manufacturer, but it wouldn’t be uncommon to see a price difference of $20-$40 per window.
If you have 20 windows in your house that amount can add up. We’ll often suggest switching to single hung windows as a way to save a few bucks, but it really just depends on how you plan on using them.
We hope that helps, for more detailed info on the greatest replacement windows check out these reviews. If there is anything you’re looking for that you can’t find just post a comment or send us an email. We read every single one and we do our best to respond!
Folks ask us all the time if they should get replacement windows or new construction windows. Are the windows the builder uses when they build a new home really any better or worse than the replacement windows that are sold by companies all over town?
We’re going to get to the bottom of this great debate right here. Get ready!
Before you can understand which option is better for you, you’ll need to understand what the terms mean. Basically a new construction or new home window is designed to be installed before the siding or brick is installed on the exterior of the home. A replacement window is designed to be installed after the siding or brick is already on the home.
Take a look at this picture. Here you can see two Pella windows that I bought from Lowes. The two models are very similar, but one has a fin that goes around the perimeter. This is called a nail fin and it is the only real difference between replacement vs new construction windows.
This nail fin around the edge of the window is the only difference between replacement vs new construction windows.
That’s the only difference. Now, some people of varying degrees of honesty may tell you there are other differences beyond the nail fin (also called a nail flange). Let’s take a look at what someone might say.
New constriction windows are builder grade windows. They’re cheap and flimsy.
Manufacturers build new construction windows with builders in mind. Believe it or not they’re more focused on the builder who buys thousands of windows than you, the guy looking to install 15 new windows in your home.
They know that builders want windows fast and cheap so that’s what they make. Builders know that when you’re buying a new home you’re looking at the fancy tub and the shiny kitchen. The windows are often an afterthought so they don’t spend any more money than they need to.
Here’s one way to think about it. When you’re buying a new home you’re buying a whole lot of things all at once. You’re less focused on each individual thing. When you’re buying replacement windows you’r just buying windows. You’re focused on the windows and you’re trying to get the best products you can.
Manufacturers of both new construction and replacement windows know this very well and they prioritize quality and costs based on the typical customer for each product.
If you’re buying new construction windows and you’re looking for quality be careful. It’s easy to go wrong here.
New construction windows will give me more light than replacement windows.
This may be true, but it may not. You’ll need to have a good idea of how the windows will actually go in before you can make that determination. Remember, the only real difference is the nail flange. The window itself is the same.
Often times replacement windows are installed inside the existing wood window frame. This is called a pocket installation because the window is placed in a pocket in the old frame.
There is nothing wrong with this installation method. In fact all new vinyl windows have a 3.25″ jamb depth because they’re designed to be installed in a wood frame.
Could you get more glass area by removing the existing wood frame? Maybe, but maybe not. If you remove the wood frame a new wood frame would typically need to be installed. Sometimes this comes with the windows, sometimes the installer will build it on site, but it is typically part of the installation. Is the new wood frame any thicker or thinner than the old wood frame you removed?
I have no idea, it depends on your house and you’re installer, but the difference is probably not dramatic. This is often used as a sales tactic, but it typically doesn’t make any noticeable difference.
New construction windows form a better seal than replacement windows.
I would expect this idea is spread by folks who are more familiar with new construction window installations. When installing a new construction window it’s easy to see how it’s sealed. Typically the nail flange is fastened to the sheathing then there is a moisture barrier (like a house wrap) and flashing tape applied in a specific manor around the window. When done properly it looks solid and it’s easy to see that it’s done.
In a replacement window installation it’s harder to see because you’re relying on the seal of the existing frame behind the siding. There are literally millions of replacement windows installed each and every year with no epidemic of leaks so it’s safe to assume that if they’re installed properly there is no greater risk of a leak from a new construction or new home windows compared to replacement windows.
So, which one is better?
Like most things in the window business there isn’t necessarily an easy answer. In general new construction windows are cheaper and of lower quality than replacement windows, but there are nice new construction and cheap replacement windows. The best strategy we can suggest is to find some local experts to take a look at your home and make a few suggestions.
We know the window business can be difficult to navigate and we applaud you for taking the time to do your research before making a decision. We would suggest doing the same thing when calling local window companies. We’ve done some of the work for you. For starters you can find our list of the best local window companies right here.
The ThermaStar by Pella Series 10 window is a new construction vinyl window and it offers a great way to illustrate the differences between new construction and replacement windows.
It’s not a fantastic window, but it is widely available. This model is distributed at Lowes stores all over the place. We bought one at a store in Northern Virginia and you can probably find one at a store new you too.
We’ll get deep into the physical and philosophical differences between a new construction window and a replacement window in a future post. For now, here’s what we mean by new construction.
You can see the nail fin in this picture. The nail holes are circled in green.
If you can see past my poor artwork, the nail fin is the part that sticks out all the way around the perimeter of the window. This fin goes behind the siding or prick on your home. It’s easy to install a window like this when you’re building a home, harder when you’re remodeling an existing home.
You’ll also notice this is a single hung window. That means the bottom opens up and down, but the top is fixed. The top section does not move, it does not tilt in for easy cleaning, it doesn’t really do anything at all. That is common with new construction windows and it’s a way they keep the costs down.
What’s good about the ThermaStar by Pella Series 10?
Well, it’s not expensive and that’s good. We found a pretty good selection of sizes at our neighborhood Lowes store. I bought a smaller on for this example because I was going to put it in the trunk of my car. The size of this one is 23.5″ x 37.5″ and it cost me something like $115. It includes grids in between the panes of glass and a full screen. Bigger windows do cost a little more.
A window “expert” might tell you why they don’t like this window (I will too), but everyone will agree that it’s not expensive.
Ok, it’s inexpensive, what else is good about it?
Here’s one you may not have expected. It’s pretty energy efficient. This is the NFRC sticker from the window I bought.
These are the efficiency ratings for the ThermaStar by Pella Series 10 new construction window.
You can learn more about window efficiency ratings here, or you can take my word for it. These ratings are pretty solid. It has a decent U-Factor, good Solar Heat Gain Coefficient for the area and a reasonable Visible Transmittance rating. Overall, a solid performer, especially considering the price.
What’s not so good about the ThermaStar by Pella Series 10?
A cynic might say that everything is bad about a window like this, but I’m really trying to keep an open mind in dealing with products like this so I’ll be specific.
First, buying windows from stock sizes is risky. As you’d expect Lowes stocks a range of sizes, but they’re not likely to have every exact size you need. If you’re building a shed and you can cut the hole to match the window, but if you’re installing windows into an existing hole in y our house these might not fit right.
You can do your best to make them fit by modifying the opening, but you’re likely to end up with something that doesn’t look great or doesn’t seal as well as you might like. If you’re considering buying windows from Lowes you’re likely pretty handy, but the result might not be what you’re looking for.
Next, the finishing just doesn’t seem to be too great. As you can see in the picture here, the welds are HUGE.
Notice the giant weld in the corner of the ThermaStar by Pella Series 10 window.
The lack of attention to finishing touches like this is common on many inexpensive new construction windows. It is not specific to the ThermaStar by Pella Series 10 window. It is ugly and if you’re going to be living in this house for years to come details like this may be important to you.
Next, the screen is really flimsy. It comes with a half screen that is fixed in place. You may or may not prefer a screen that slides up and down, but this screen doesn’t move at it feels flimsy.
Here you can see the flimsy screen and the weep holes on this ThermaStar by Pella window.
We could go on and on about why this is a cheep screen, but we’ll spare yo the details. If you get these windows just be really careful with them.
In the above picture you’ll also see the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. It’s that rectangular hole in the bottom center of the picture. That is a channel for water to get out. It’s a bit of an older design, and they have the opportunity to get clogged or filled up with junk.
So what’s the bottom line?
Well, if you decide this morning that you want to install some new windows in the shed you’re building this afternoon these would be an easy and cheep way to get the project done.
If speed and price are your two driving factors you might want to go for it. If you’re looking for a great fit and great quality you can probably find a better value in a nicer custom made window without braking the bank.
For now, you can take a look through the rest of our window reviews here or if you have a great suggestion for a future Pella window review or window related article just post a comment right here.
Note: The Revere Berkshire windows have been discontinued. Revere has removed some features from the old Berkshire window and renamed it the Amherst Plus window. They have replaced the Berkshire window with the completely new and redesigned Berkshire Elite window. You can read our review on that new model here.
The Revere Berkshire windows were the most popular replacement window ever produced by Revere Building Products. They sold hundreds of thousands of Berkshire replacement windows over the years. The window combined many features found in more expensive products with the simple clean lines that Revere widows are known for.
Why was the Revere Berkshire window discontinued?
Time stops for no man (or replacement window). The Revere Berkshire windows just got a little long in the tooth. There have been some innovations in the replacement window business and Revere needed to keep up. Newer windows were using true sloped sills and non-metallic reinforcement. The newer replacement windows were achieving slightly better efficiency ratings including better air infiltration ratings. If Revere wanted to continue to offer a top tier replacement window option they needed to change.
What about the Revere Berkshire window warranty?
One of the benefits of working with a large company like Revere is that you can be pretty confident that they’re going to be around for the long haul. The fact that they retooled the Berkshire window to create the new Amherst Plus window is a great sign for past customers.
This means all of the equipment needed to product parts for the older Berkshire windows is still in the plant. Revere has set themselves up to be able to honor their warranty obligations for many years in the future with no problem at all. This is a great sign for past customers.
If you’ve been researching replacement windows for your home, you may have come across the Revere Amherst Plus series. IMPORTANT NOTE: This model has recently been rebranded as the Gentek Concord Plus window. The product is 100% the same. These vinyl replacement windows have been around for years, and they’re often promoted as an affordable, reliable option for homeowners who want decent energy efficiency without paying top-tier prices.
But are they really a good value in 2025? How much should you expect to pay? And how does the Amherst Plus stack up against other windows on the market?
Let’s take a deep dive into Revere Amherst Plus replacement windows—covering pricing, warranty details, energy performance, design options, and more—so you can decide if they’re the right fit for your home.
What Is the Revere Amherst Plus Window?
The Amherst Plus is a budget friendly vinyl replacement window made by Revere Building Products, a brand under the Associated Materials (AMI) umbrella. AMI also manufactures well-known brands like Alside and Gentek, which gives Amherst Plus a solid pedigree in the vinyl window world.
The goal of the Amherst Plus line is to offer affordable energy efficiency for homeowners who want a step up from entry-level products without moving into the premium price range.
In other words, these windows are designed for value-conscious homeowners—people who want reliability and a good warranty, but who don’t necessarily need every top-end feature.
Revere Amherst Plus Key Features
When you compare vinyl replacement windows, it’s important to look beyond just the price tag. The Amherst Plus includes several features that make it a solid choice for many homes:
Fusion-welded frame and sash for long-term durability
Double-pane insulated glass unit with optional Low-E coatings
Warm-edge spacer system to reduce condensation and improve efficiency
Multi-chambered frame design for added insulation
Tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning
Reinforced meeting rails for strength and security
While the construction quality is solid for a mid-range window, it’s not built to compete with top-tier models like Revere’s own higher end options like the Sovereign or Berkshire Elite series, which include more advanced glass packages and structural reinforcements.
Energy Efficiency and Performance Ratings
Energy performance is a big selling point for homeowners in 2025. The Amherst Plus includes options that allow you to customize efficiency depending on your budget and climate.
Here’s what to expect:
U-Factor: Around 0.29 – 0.32, depending on glass package
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Typically 0.28 – 0.32
Air Infiltration: Approximately 0.10 cfm/ft², which is average for this class
If you upgrade to Low-E glass with argon gas fill, you can expect a significant bump in insulation value, which may qualify for local or federal energy efficiency incentives, but this model will not qualify for the 2025 federal tax credits for energy efficient windows. You’ll need to look at other options to receive that credit.
For homeowners in colder climates, Revere also offers glass packages that meet ENERGY STAR® requirements in most U.S. regions.
Design and Style Options
Revere Amherst Plus windows are available in most common replacement window styles, including:
Double-hung windows (most popular)
Sliding windows
Casement and awning windows
Picture and fixed windows
Bay and bow configurations
Frame Colors and Finishes
You can choose from several standard exterior and interior color combinations. The standard white vinyl interior is the most common, but beige and light oak laminate finishes are available in some markets.
Custom exterior colors are limited compared to higher-end models, which is one area where the Amherst Plus shows its budget-friendly roots.
Hardware and Screen Options
The hardware on the Amherst Plus is functional and simple. You’ll find standard cam locks, tilt latches, and integral lift rails—all in color-matched finishes.
Screens are available in fiberglass or BetterVue® high-visibility mesh, which offers clearer views and better airflow. These are small upgrades that can improve your day-to-day experience.
Revere Amherst Plus Warranty
One of the most appealing aspects of the Amherst Plus is its limited lifetime warranty.
Revere offers a transferable warranty that covers:
Vinyl frames and sashes against manufacturing defects
Insulated glass units against seal failure
Hardware components for functional issues
The warranty also includes glass breakage coverage in some regions, depending on your dealer.
It’s important to note that labor is not always covered, so if you’re comparing companies, be sure to ask whether your installation warranty matches the manufacturer’s coverage.
For more details, you can review Revere’s warranty information directly on their official site. I linked the Alside warranty site here as they use the same warranty department.
Revere Amherst Plus Prices (2025 Estimates)
Pricing for replacement windows can vary significantly based on location, size, installation type, and upgrades—but here’s what you can generally expect in 2025:
Window Type
Installed Price (Approx.)
Double-Hung
$550 – $850
Slider
$600 – $900
Casement
$700 – $1,000
Picture
$400 – $700
Bay/Bow
$2,000 – $4,500
These prices assume standard professional installation and include Low-E/argon glass in most cases.
For comparison, premium windows like Alside Mezzo or Gentek Signature Elite often cost 10–20% more, while entry-level models from lesser-known brands might be slightly cheaper but with reduced warranty coverage and performance.
Solid warranty coverage from a trusted manufacturer
Easy to operate and clean
Good option for budget-conscious homeowners
👎 Cons
Limited color and design customization
Average air infiltration rating (not the tightest seal)
Not as quiet or strong as premium options
Some dealers use high-pressure sales tactics—compare quotes carefully
Revere Amherst Plus vs. Other Window Brands
When comparing Amherst Plus to similar models, you’ll find it lands in the mid-range of the vinyl window market.
Here’s how it stacks up:
Brand/Model
Price Range
Warranty
Notable Feature
Revere Amherst Plus
$550–$850
Lifetime limited
Strong value
Alside Mezzo
$650–$900
Lifetime transferable
Tighter air seal
Gentek Signature Elite
$700–$950
Lifetime transferable
Slightly higher energy ratings
Pella 250 Series
$800–$1,100
Limited lifetime
Brand recognition
Andersen 100 Series
$900–$1,200
10-year limited
Composite frame
As you can see, the Amherst Plus remains a competitive option for those looking for solid performance without overspending.
How to Get the Best Deal on Revere Windows
Here’s the truth: the best price doesn’t always come from the loudest salesperson.
Many national window companies use “today only” discounts or “manager specials” to pressure homeowners into signing contracts right away. Don’t fall for it.
Instead:
Get multiple written quotes from at least 2–3 local companies.
Compare the exact model names and glass packages.
Ask for a detailed installation warranty.
Avoid “neighborhood discounts” or offers that expire tonight.
We’ve written about these tactics before—check out our post on today-only window prices to see why patience pays off.
Is the Revere Amherst Plus Right for You?
If you’re planning a window replacement project in 2025, the Amherst Plus remains one of the best value windowsavailable for homeowners who want:
Reliable energy performance
A brand backed by a major U.S. manufacturer
Fair pricing from reputable local installers
It’s not a luxury window, but it’s dependable—and when installed properly, it can perform beautifully for decades.
If you want to compare Revere’s higher-end options, the Berkshire Elite and Sovereign lines might be worth exploring, especially if you want more style choices or enhanced insulation.
Final Thoughts
The Revere Amherst Plus continues to hold its place as a smart, mid-range vinyl replacement window in 2025.
It offers strong value, solid warranty coverage, and dependable performance for the price. Just remember: the best results always come from proper installation and working with a trustworthy company—not necessarily from the cheapest quote.
