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.
Update: While this Revere Amherst Plus 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!
The Revere Amherst Plus windows are one of the newer replacement window options from Revere Building Products. The Amherst Plus windows occupy the lower end of the replacement window offering and they use a slightly old fashioned design.
First off, it’s completely ok to consider a lower end window option. Maybe you’re moving soon, or renting the house, or you’re just a little on the cheap side. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that and I can tell you I’ve been accused of being a little cheap myself. As I’m sure you already know, when you’re going for a lower priced option you’re going to be making sacrifices. It’s important to be clear on what those sacrifices are and how much you’re saving in return. That’s the only way to know if you’re making the best move.
As you’ll see the actual wholesale cost difference between the Amherst Plus and the much nicer Berkshire Elite offering is pretty small. If you’re thinking about Revere replacement windows you may get the best bang for your buck with the Berkshire Elite.
Basically the Revere Amherst Plus is a striped down version of the older Revere Berkshire window. This window was the workhorse of the Revere window line for many years. As the industry progressed it started to look a little dated. Revere needed to upgrade that model in order to stay competitive. To create the new Amherst Plus model they stripped out several features of the older Berkshire window and gave this new offering a fancy new name.
What are the differences?
Basically if you took the old Revere Berkshire window and removed the balance covers, installed a flimsier screen and switched to the cheaper constant force or coil balances and installed single strength glass you’d have an a “new” Amherst Plus window.
Does this mean it’s a bad product?
Nope, but it does mean you don’t get a lot of bang for your buck.
What does the Revere Amherst Plus window cost?
Now for the important part. The actual wholesale cost difference between the Revere Amherst Plus windows and the nicer Revere Berkshire Elite windows is only around $10 per window. That means for just a couple bucks more you can get upgraded balances, double strength glass, better air infiltration ratings, heavier screen frames, etc.
Of course this doesn’t mean that your local contractor will be charging only $10 more for the nicer window. They might be padding their profits a little and showing you a $50 difference in price. Just offer them less and you’ll probably get it.
Only you can decide how cheap you want to be with your new windows. If you’re selling the home or renting it out and you really don’t care about the windows then maybe these are the right products for you. If you’re going to be living in the house for any length of time I would really suggest the nicer product as long as you can get it at a reasonable cost.
Note: If you’re really looking for Revere Amherst windows reviews in 2021 you’re getting bad window advice. The Revere Amherst windows have been discontinued for a number of reasons. One of which is that they weren’t very nice windows. If you’ve met a contractor that is suggesting them you should probably find another contractor who knows more about windows.
Revere Amherst windows are the bottom of the Revere window line. They were designed to be an inexpensive replacement window used for remodeling projects. While they succeeded in being inexpensive, they are not a very great option.
Here is a cutaway view of the Revere Amherst window.
The biggest drawback to the Revere Amherst windows is the method of construction. Instead of welded corners which are found on just about all windows these days the older Revere Amherst windows still use mechanically fastened or screwed together frames.
This means the frame is able to twist and flex more than a newer welded window. It also opens the door to leaks as the corners of the window are not necessarily weather tight.
What’s good about the Revere Amherst windows?
While I may be sounding a little negative there are a few highlights when looking at the Revere Amherst option. First, they use the upgraded block and tackle balance mechanism found in other Revere replacement windows. The balance mechanism is the part that allows the window to open and close and this type is better than the inexpensive “constant force” or coil balances used in many other windows.
They also feature standard metal reinforcement in the sashes which is something that competitors often charge extra for. This reinforcement is placed at the bottom of the top sash and the top of the bottom sash (at the middle of the window) which is the weakest point. They reinforce the structure to help these windows stand up to the wind and rain.
How about the Revere windows warranty?
Another good point is that the Amherst windows are covered by the same warranty as all Revere windows. This is a pretty strong warranty and it’s backed up by Revere’s parent company, Associated Materials, Inc. This means you not only get a good strong warranty, but you also get one that will likely stand the test of time.
How about the cost of the Amherst windows?
This is where they lose me. Based on the info I was given the wholesale cost difference between the Revere Amherst windows and the much nicer Revere Berkshire Elite windows is only about $15 per window. If you’re considering new windows for your home and you’re not willing to spring for an extra $15 to get the much nicer Berkshire Elite windows then you just might be beyond help.
At the end of the day the Revere Amherst window was designed to be a cheap option. It’s cheap alright, but not cheap enough to justify all of the sacrifices.
Update: While this Revere Berkshire Elite 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!
If you’re considering Revere Berkshire Elite windows we sure hope you’ll appreciate this review. The Revere window line is distributed through a network of professional installers across the country. They are available on the east and west coast with specific products for each market. Our Revere Berkshire Elite windows reviews will go through the features, warranty, cost, and drawbacks of this popular new model.
The Revere Berkshire Elite windows are a new model that replaced the older Revere Berkshire window. While this new model shares a similar name it is an entirely new window. This new model addresses many of the shortcomings that were present in the older Revere Berkshire windows.
A common misconception in the window business has to do with the parent company of Revere Building Products. Several years ago Revere was bought by Associated Materials Inc. They’re a holding company that owns several large building products manufacturers. They own Alpine windows on the west coast, Gentek windows in Canada, Alside windows in the US and Preservation windows also available across the US.
Revere windows fill a unique spot in the stable of products produced by AMI. They’re available all across the US, but mostly through large window installation companies rather than distribution centers that sell windows to any contractor with a pickup truck. Revere does this to ensure that only established companies offer their products. This helps them keep their warranty costs down as the windows are typically installed well.
Our favorite feature when it comes to the new Revere Berkshire Elite windows is the large glass area. This is a common theme in our reviews because it directly relates to how you’re going to enjoy the new windows. Revere Berkshire Elite windows allow for a very large glass area while still maintaining great efficiency ratings. This is a combination that many other manufactures have not been able to accomplish.
Notice the large glass area of the Revere Berkshire Elite window
Notice the dramatic effect of the larger glass area. Many replacement windows use these thick frames that dramatically reduce the amount of light (not heat) that enters the home.
The Berkshire Elite window is designed to be a high end window. It’s available in 9 exterior colors and 9 interior finishes. This is a pretty extensive selection for a replacement window. While most folks pick white or beige windows the finish options for nice vinyl windows are much more beautiful than they used to be.
A major advantage to the Revere Berkshire Elite windows is the upgraded balance mechanism that they use. The block and tackle balance system in these windows is tested to last 2.5 times longer than the less expensive constant force or coil balances that are used in many replacement windows. Revere is certainly not the only company to use these nicer balances, Okna, Sunrise, Thompson Creek and Stanek windows also use these high end balances. Many other manufactures such as Alside, Soft Lite and Simonton still use the older and less expensive coil option.
Here are the drawbacks of the coil or constant force balances as listed in a promotional piece produced by Associated Materials. Remember this is a parent company of Alside, of of the largest companies offering the less expensive coil option:
It’s pretty clear which type the nicer windows out there use. The Revere Berkshire Elite only use the block and tackle balance system.
There are two more great new features relating to the sill at the bottom. The sill is a true sloped sill which means it does not use weep holes to drain water. This is the way most new windows are designed, but many older design still drain water through the frames.
The welded sloped sill drains water to the exterior.
What about the screens?
One similarity the Revere Berkshire Elite windows share with the Alside Mezzo windows is the high quality screen. They both share a heavy duty extruded screen frame that resists bending and twisting. It’s a heavy duty product that is warrantied for as long as you own your home.
Most other companies offer a flimsy roll formed screen as their standard product with a heavy duty screen as an option. With Revere you get the nice screen every time. It may sound like a small feature, but it goes to show you how seriously they take the quality of their products.
What about the efficiency?
The Revere Berkshire Elite windows can have great efficiency ratings depending on how they are ordered. They are available with many types of glass coatings, spacer systems and gas fills that all affect the ratings. For example the Revere Berkshire Elite window can easily meet or exceed the 2015 Energy Star guidelines for all regions of the country with double pane glass. Most of the other window designs require triple pane glass options to hit these levels.
UPDATE: Triple pane glass is now available in the Revere Berkshire Elite window and it’s become a very popular option. They offer several triple pane glass packages in this model with SHGC ratings as low as 0.17 and U-Factors as low as 0.21. If you’re considering this window model, triple pane glass is an option you may want to consider.
How much do Berkshire Elite windows cost?
The cost of these windows can vary widely based on the options you select, the complexity of the installation and the company offering them. Basic white double hung windows typically run in the $500-$700 per window range including installation. Some companies will charge more and some less so make sure you’re comfortable that you’re getting a fair price before moving forward with your replacement window project.
You will find that Revere windows will likely be available from a small number of companies in your area. This is the case with many nicer windows. If you don’t like the company offer them or if you’re not comfortable for any reason just move on. There are plenty of great windows out there so if you can’t find something you like when it comes to these just pick another brand.
How about the Revere Berkshire Elite window warranty?
The warranty on these windows is pretty strong, but generally similar to warranties offered by many high end window manufactures. For example the window frames and hardware are covered for as long as you own your home. They cover the seal in the insulated glass and even the screens as well. Be aware that a glass breakage warranty is available, but it is not standard so the company doing the installation will need to include it. If you don’t have that in writing you probably don’t have it so it’s worth double checking.
What are the drawbacks of the Berkshire Elite windows?
The limited distribution can be a drawback of the Revere windows. If the company that offers them in your area is great then you’re in great shape, if not you’re out of luck. Don’t sweat that too much. If you don’t like the local company for any reason just find another product. There are plenty of great windows out there.
Here we’ve compiled our old reviews for discontinued Alside window models including:
Alside Excalibur
Sheffield
Ultramaxx
Centurion
Geneva
These models are gone but not forgotten. If you have any of these windows in your house you may be interested in the Alside window warranty and you can find info on that on our Alside windows page along with reviews of models that are still available.
If you’re looking for an Alside window that you can’t find listed anywhere it may be a private label window created for a specific contractor. Post a comment about it and we’ll be happy to help you make sense of it.
Now on to the old reviews.
Alside Excalibur window review
The Alside Excalibur window was the most popular window produced by Alside for many years. Millions of these windows have been installed all across the country. The Alside Excalibur window is slated to be discontinued in 2014 and replaced by the newer Alside Mezzo window.
The Alside Excalibur window has been a popular option because it meets the needs of most homeowners at an affordable price. This window came with standard features that we’re available options on competing models.
Standard features on Alside Excalibur windows:
Double strength glass
Heavy duty screen frame
Steel reinforced sashes
DP50 rated for strength
Sloped sill
Despite the list of standard features, the Excalibur window was often criticized online. This had a lot to do with the fact that it was sold by Window World under the Comfort Word 4000 brand at very low prices. This made the competition offering similar products at higher prices uncomfortable.
Not all criticism of the Alside Excalibur was unfounded. The design was a little past its prime and several elements were due for an upgrade. In addition the manufacturing tolerances weren’t as tight as they could have been which led to inconsistent quality.
What about the Alside warranty?
The warranty from Alside was always pretty solid and that was certainly the case with the Excalibur windows. The warranty covers the glass seal, the windows and the hardware for as long as the original purchaser lives in the home and it is transferable when the house is sold.
Alside Sheffield Reviews
Here we’ll be taking a look at the Alside Sheffield windows. The Sheffield windows used to sit near the top of the Alside window line. Very similar products are sold under various brand names including Alside Ultramaxx and Comfort World 6000 series. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better window than the Alside Excalibur or the Alside Mezzo (their other common offerings), but it does mean it will likely cost more.
In comparison to the newest window in the Alside line, the Alside Mezzo window (which we reviewed recently), the Sheffield doesn’t compare very well except in a few specific situations. For example, the Alside Sheffield window is available with triple pane glass while the Mezzo window was not when initially launched. The Mezzo window now has this feature available so that leaves one less reason to buy the Sheffield model. Obviously this only matter to you if you’re a triple pane kind of person.
Another point of differentiation is the fact that the Sheffield window has a few extra pieces of weather stripping. This sounds good and the salesperson might tell a great story, but if you compare the air infiltration ratings you’ll see the Mezzo is typically better. This tells you the extra weather stripping on the Alside Sheffield isn’t doing you much good. It provides the salesperson a nice story to tell, but it doesn’t do much else.
The biggest drawback in my mind is that the Alside Sheffield window uses a much thicker frame which reduces the glass area considerably. If you’re looking at samples in person take a look at the thick frame, especially the sill, and decide if that’s what you want in your home.
Alside Sheffield vs Ultramaxx
The Alside Sheffield and the Alside Ultramaxx share the same frame and ALMOST all of the same parts. There are only 2 two differences between these 2 products. One is the type of sill. The Sheffield uses a sloped sill that allows water to run off and the Ultramaxx uses a pocket sill that drains water out through weep holes in the frame. There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems.
The Alside Sheffield and Ultramaxx models are almost exactly the same product.
The second difference between the Sheffield vs the Ultramaxx is the lift rail on the sash. The Sheffield has a lift rail at the very top and at the very bottom. The Ultramaxx adds another in the middle of the window. Having trouble visualizing what I’m saying in this section? Don’t sweat it, these two windows are essentially the exact same product with different names.
To sum up the Alside Sheffield review I’ll say if you’re getting triple pane glass it’s a fine option. If you’re not this window does’t really make sense and you’ll be better off saving a few bucks with the Alside Mezzo.
Alside Ultramaxx Reviews
For our Alside Ultramaxx window review we’ll compare the Ultramaxx to the other Alside window products. The Ultramaxx windows sit near the top of the Alside window line. Very similar products are sold under various brand names including Alside Sheffield and Comfort World 6000 series. When we say they sit near the top of the line that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better product than anything else, but it does tend to cost more than some other products out there.
When comparing and reviewing Alside windows, the Alside Mezzo window (which we reviewed recently) stacks up pretty well. The Ultramaxx doesn’t compare very well except in a few specific situations. For example, the Alside Ultramaxx window is available with triple pane glass while the Mezzo window was not available with this option when initially launched. The Mezzo model does now offer this option so there’s one less reason to pick the Alside Ultramaxx window.. Obviously this only matter to you if you’re interested in triple pane glass.
Another difference is in the weatherstripping that the Ultramaxx window comes with. This sounds good and the salesperson might tell a great story to go with it, but if you compare the air infiltration ratings you’ll see the Mezzo is typically better. This tells you the extra weather stripping on the Alside Ultramaxx isn’t doing you much good.
One important factor to consider is that the Alside Ultramaxx window uses a substantially thicker frame which reduces the glass area considerably. If you’re looking at samples in person take a look at the thickness of the frame, especially the sill at the bottom. Only you can decide if that’s what you want in your home, but it will reduce the visible glass area and reduce the visible transmittance rating.
Alside Ultramaxx vs Alside Sheffield
The Alside Ultramaxx and the Alside Sheffield share the same frame and ALMOST all of the same parts. There are only 2 two differences between these 2 products. One is the type of sill. The Ultramaxx uses a Pocket sill that allows water to run down through the frame and the Sheffield uses a sloped sill that lets water run down and out. There are advocates for both designs, but at the end of the day they’re pretty similar. Even the Sheffield here doesn’t use a true sloped sill, but perhaps that’s a discussion for another day.
Alside Geneva Windows Reviews
The Alside Geneva window is a bit of a strange bird. It’s a hybrid unit that has welded sashes and a mechanically fastened frame. This is a bit of an unusual design. In fact, we’re not aware of another window still on the market that is built like this.
The pitch for the Alside Geneva window was that the mechanically fastened frame allows it to be more easily installed in old out of square openings while the welded sashes provided the strength needed.
Here’s a glamor shot of the Alside Geneva windows.
In reality it’s just an old design that is on it’s way to the glue factory. The Geneva window, along with the Alside Centurion window are being discontinued and replaced with the Alside Fusion window.
This is a worthwhile change as the Geneva window was long past its prime. These older windows have still been sold recently with a rather large following in Boston for reasons that can’t really be explained. Regardless, the end of the Geneva window won’t disappoint too many people.
