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.
