Alside sliding patio doors can be a solid option. They offer a range of models from higher quality to lower priced. Here we’ll look at all of the Alside patio door models so you can see which models are great and which will leave something to be desired.
Fun fact: people call sliding doors doorwalls in Wisconsin. It’s true, and they think it’s normal.
Most of the options are referred to by model numbers but some will also have names like Alside Promenade. Find the complete list below and click on any of them to see the reviews and find more info.
This is the Alside 6400 door which is also called Alside Promenade.
We’ll also look at other topics relating to Alside sliding patio doors including:
Which Alside sliding doors have internal blinds – including warranty info
What is the best Alside sliding door model
What is the Alside sliding door warranty
Alside sliding door complaints
Alside sliding door prices and costs
If you have more questions about Alside sliding doors or if you think we’re off base about anything please post a comment and we’ll get back to you.
There is a lot of info out there and we see window salespeople with incorrect or inaccurate information all the time. As a result the process of buying new windows and doors can be challenging to navigate and we’re always happy to make it as easy as we can.
Other posts relating to Alside windows and doors that you might find helpful:
If you’re looking for Crown windows reviews you’re probably in Michigan as they claim to be “The Michigan Window”. In fact they talk quite a bit about being the Michigan replacement window on their website. Are they offering a good deal? Let’s find out.
Before we get too far into this review I should note that my company does offer windows in Detroit and Grand Rapids. We don’t offer Crown windows so one might say we’re a competitor. If you’d like an easy online quote from my company we’d be happy to help. We can send a quote by email with no pushy salesman. Welcome to the future.
In looking at their website a few things jump out. First they say they manufacture and install the windows. They also say they’ve been in business since 1955. These sound like great reasons to work with them. They might also be downsides. In my experience the small local manufacturers who produce and install their own windows are some of the more expensive options around. I also write a lot about the risks of small manufacturers and those same risks would apply to Crown Windows.
The next thing we notice in working on the Crown windows reviews is that they make a lot of qualitative statements without much info to back it up. Here’s one example:
As you can see they say they “stop air infiltration”, but without an actual rating it’s impossible to know if they’re doing better than any other window. If you’re considering Crown Windows my advice is to ask them for the specific rating for the window you’d be getting. Generally speaking an air infiltration rating under 0.10 is pretty decent and under 0.05 is better. If the air infiltration rating is over 0.10 it’s not so great after all.
Here’s another example:
You can see they say their special foam offers exceptional resistance to thermal transfer but we don’t really have any information about what that means. If you’re considering these windows ask for the U-Factor to understand how these windows will compare with other options. To be Energy Star rated in the northern climate zone the U-Factor needs to be under 0.30 and there are other ratings, like the SHGC, that will also be important to consider.
What else to consider with Crown Windows reviews?
There are several other selling points they use that may sound fancy but aren’t really unique. These features will be offered by many companies. Features like Super Spacer, or high-performance vinyl are very widely available and aren’t really unique to Crown at all.
If the salesman goes on and on about how they offer these super special features I’d discount most of what he has to say. These are fine features but really not very special at all.
Are Crown windows the same as Earthwise windows?
Yes. Crown is a manufacturer that makes windows under the Earthwise brand.
We’ve written about Earthwise before. As you can see in the comments on that page, some of the Earthwise salespeople don’t always agree with my assessments. That can be common. At the end of the day I don’t think it’s a great program.
What’s the bottom line?
Crown windows are perfectly fine, but there’s nothing about them that is particularly remarkable. The risks of working with a small window manufacturer are substantial. I’m not aware of any reason to take the gamble. The features they offer are perfectly nice but not unique.
If the salesman hasn’t explained why you should take the gamble of working with a small window manufacturer I’d suggest looking elsewhere. You can get the same replacement window features and many more elsewhere.
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 know which companies to avoid you can find common window sales tactics here. That’s become one of the most popular sections on the site.
Remember, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies in 2023 in Michigan and beyond 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 here.
Here you can find detailed Cascade windows reviews. Cascade is a window manufacturer in the west and southwest. They have facilities in Washington, Oregon, Utah and Arizona. You’ll find their dealers primarily located in the same areas.
In 2020 Cascade windows purchased the assets of Amerimax windows which had manufacturing facilities in Loveland, CO and Woodland, CA. This acquisition gave Cascade coverage in a wide swath of the western US.
The Cascade window options we’ll be looking at include:
Cascade Windows Reviews
WinPro Windows Reviews
Folding Windows
Multi-Slide Doors
Corner Doors
Folding Doors
Swing Doors
Patio Doors
What about the Cascade Windows warranty?
The warranty for these windows is pretty solid. It’s a lifetime warranty, but it does have some limitations to be aware of. For example, they don’t cover corrosion if the windows are within 2 miles of saltwater. For folks in Seattle that may be pretty important.
They also don’t cover glass breakage and only cover stress cracks in the glass for 60 days after the windows are installed. I could see that being a problem for some folks.
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 2023 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.
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.
