Category: Window FAQs

Provia windows and doors are made in Sugar Creek, OH. They started out as a door company called Precision Door and changed their name to ProVia when they added more products like windows, siding and other options.

Provia windows are vinyl windows. Vinyl is the most popular material for windows because it is durable, efficient and cost effective.

The windows are fine, but not particularly remarkable. Historically Provia was a door company and they’re still widely known for their hinged doors. The Provia windows have never been a huge part of their business and in my opinion there are better options. You can find Provia window reviews here.

Yes, the Provia window warranty is pretty good. They offer a lifetime warranty on the windows and they are a company known for providing good quality products.

Provia windows are sold through a network of dealers around the country. If you’re a contractor or builder you can buy Provia windows wholesale. If you are a homeowner you’ll need to order them through a dealer.

The costs of Provia windows will vary quite a bit depending on the local dealer that is quoting them for you. They can be over priced in many situations which is not great for the end user. To find an alternative you can get an online window quote here with no pushy salesman.

Comfortech is a brand name that Provia uses for energy efficient packages. There are several different Comfortech packages and the prices and efficiency will vary dramatically.

Window World buys windows from multiple manufacturers and calls them all ComfortWorld windows. It can be hard or impossible to tell what windows you’ll actually be getting. AMI and Mi windows have both made windows for Window World among other manufacturers. Be sure to ask your salesperson what product he’s suggesting so you know what you’re actually getting. See our Window World reviews here for more info.

The windows can be fine depending on what options they’re offering to you. Window World is known for being a low priced option so you usually get low quality results. The real risk with Window World can be the installation. They are known for paying below market rates to installers which means they typically don’t get the best quality sub-contractors. You can usually find a similar value from a company offering a better value. See replacement window reviews here.

Yes. The warranty on Window World windows is better than most. Readers of our site have written in with problems accessing the Window World warranty which can mean it might not work as well as promised. If you’ve had an experience dealing with Window World on a warranty claim please post about your experience below.

You can only order Window World windows though the local franchise dealer. If they guy operates a great business then you’re in good shape, but if the local franchisee is not so great then you’re out of luck. In general I think there are better options out there.

I don’t recommend it. Window World is known for being the low cost option. That means they’re typically the low quality option too. If you’re buying windows for a lower end rental house or a flip project they might make sense. Otherwise I would suggest looking for a nicer option. Do you ever buy the absolute cheapest thing for you house? Why start with windows? Find the best option for replacement windows here.

They’re about average. In my experience the Window World salespeople usually don’t know much about the products. They also offer only the most basic options. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable person with higher end options Window World is probably not the best option for you.

Historically Window World has been very focused on being cheap. That means they need to cut out costs that most window companies include. Window World is known for paying below market for installers. Imagine if you got fired and your boss tried to replace you for half the pay. He might be able to fill your chair but wouldn’t get the same quality person. That’s what Window World deals with when trying to be super cheap.

In my opinion Window World is generally not a very good value compared to other options in the market.

The prices for Window World windows will vary based on the city and the products they’re offering at the time. In the past Window World would advertise windows from $189 installed, but they were known for increasing the price when the salesman got to your house. The final price would be much higher and they’ve dropped that $189 advertising campaign.

Each local franchise is independently owned. Some franchisees will own several locations all over the country so the owner of your local store my not live in your town or even your state. The overall Window World company is owned by Tammy Whitworth. The company was founded by the father of Tammy’s husband Todd. Todd past away at 40 years old in 2010.

Yes, all windows offered by Window World are custom made to fit the individual openings. This is how most replacement window companies operate so it’s not unique to Window World.

Comfort World is a private label window program owned by Window World. Window World does not make any windows, but they buy windows from manufacturers and sell them under their own brand, Comfort World.

No. Sometimes their salespeople act like they make windows, but they do not. Window World buys windows from several manufacturers and then resells them under their own Comfort World brand name.

That seems to be their standard sales process. We can only assume it’s because they know the windows are very expensive and not a great value. They need to get you to sign up right away or they think you’ll never call them back. See the comments from readers of the site here to find more info about the Renewal sales process.

The windows are fine, but they’re known for being very expensive. The prices will be higher than most other options and the quality is similar. That means they’re not always the best value in the market.

The most common complaints we see about Renewal by Andersen are about the sales process. They’re known for a very old school sales process that involves a very high price and then substantial discounts if you buy today. People don’t seem to appreciate this old school strategy. Find Renewal by Andersen complaints here.

It’s ok, but not the best you’ll see out there. The current warranty covers the frames and sashes for 20 years which is shorter than the lifetime warranty you see from many window companies. Find more Renewal by Andersen info here.

A lot. We’ve seen many comments from readers with very high prices. It seems common to see prices over $2000 per window for Renewal by Andersen windows. The prices do get lower the more times you say no. If you’re thinking abbot buying these windows you should say no many times until the salesman leaves your house. That’s the only way to know how low they’ll go.

They are very expensive relative and there are many more affordable options. The only real value we see in the Renewal by Andersen windows is the look. They can have a very nice look, but there many other great looking products that can be a better value. Find Renewal by Andersen reviews here.

Renewal by Andersen windows are sold through a network of franchise dealers. There will typically only be one dealer in each town so they don’t ever compete with each other on price. That’s one reason these windows are so expensive and typically not the best value around.

That’s relative, but these are very pricy windows. Renewal by Andersen tend to be some of the most expensive windows in the market and they’re not exceptional windows. The efficiency of these windows is very typical. The only real advantage is the look. If the look is worth the cost then they’re a good value for you.

That’s up to you but they’re generally not a product we would recommend. These windows are very expensive relative to the value they provide. If you were my buddy asking my advice I would not recommend this product. Find more info on Renewal by Andersen here. The comments from readers of the site are very informative.

American Craftsman windows are made by Ply Gem. Ply Gem is a nationwide window manufacturer who makes many window brands. American Craftsman is one of the lower end brands, not known to offer top quality. American Craftsman had previously been owned by Andersen windows and the brand was later sold to Ply Gem.

Not really. These are some of the lowest end windows in the market today. The prices are very low which can make them attractive to certain buyers. They are often available at Home Depot stores in stock sizes. Find American Craftsman window reviews here.

American Craftsman windows is owned by Ply Gem. Ply Gem is a nationwide window manufacturer who makes many window brands. American Craftsman is one of the lower end brands, not known to offer top quality. American Craftsman had previously been owned by Andersen windows and the brand was later sold to Ply Gem.

No. American Craftsman windows are some of the lowest priced and lowest quality windows in the market. If you’re putting windows in an unheated shed they may work great, but this is not a product line that we would suggest for a nicer property. Find the best replacement window reviews here.

Not really. These windows are available only with very basic options and features. They will be on the lower end of the market and not as efficient as other window options. There are better choices out there.

No. These windows are pretty low end and won’t be the same quality as other options. There are many other products in the market that will provide a much better result.

No. Andersen did own American Craftsman windows in the past but they sold the brand to Ply Gem. Andersen now focused on wood and composite windows after selling their lower end vinyl window brands.

Yes. American Craftsman is a store brand for Home Depot and the windows are only available in Home Depot stores.

If you’re thinking of buying American Craftsman windows you should probably look for other options. These are not the best windows around. If you’re absolutely set on American Craftsman the only place to buy them is Home Depot.

Yes. The first step is to order the new sash from American Craftsman or from Home Depot. Once you have the replacement sash it is very easy to install. You can get installation instructions or guidance from Home Depot.

Alpine windows is owned by Associated Materials, Inc which is based in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. They’re a US company with operations all over the US and Canada. Find Alpine window reviews here.

Alpine windows are primarily available in the western region of the US including Alaska and Hawaii. Alpine windows are not available east of the Rockies, but other models from Associated Materials are available in the eastern region.

Yes, all Alpine windows are custom made for each order. When ordering you need to specify the exact size and configuration for each custom made window.

Alpine windows are sold through a network of dealers. If you’re a contractor or builder you can order windows directly from Alpine. If you’re a homeowner looking for new windows you’ll need to find a dealer. You can also order Alpine windows online here.

Alpine windows are of decent quality. They are a lower end option than the many nicer models that are available from the same parent company. Alpine makes many new construction products that are generally of lower quality than replacement vinyl windows. Find window reviews and information here.

SolarTherm is the brand name used by Alpine for their window models. There are many SolarTherm packages including Elite, ThermD, Plus, TG2 and more. Each of these packages will come with different prices and different efficiency ratings that will dramatically impact the performance. Be sure to understand what you’re ordering as the efficiency package makes a big difference.

Yes. The Alpine window warranty is better than most. You get a lifetime warranty on the windows, insulated glass and it includes labor coverage as well. Find Alpine window reviews here.

Alpine windows can be ordered through a network of dealers or they can be ordered online here. The online ordering process has become very popular as many customers don’t like the idea of having a window salesman sitting in their living room.

No. Alside and Alpine are both owned by the same parent company. Associated Materials, Inc owns both Alside and Alpine and many other brands like Revere, Preservation and more.

Maybe. Alpine windows are available in a wide range of configurations. They make upgraded products that can be very nice. They also make lower end options that are not very nice. If you have questions about the features or options post a comment below and we’ll answer it here for everyone.

Alpine windows are available in a wide range of configurations with a wide range of prices. The best way to find out what Alpine windows will cost for your project is to get the pricing online. You can do that here.

A foggy window is an indication of a seal failure. That means moisture has gotten in-between the panes of glass. This is a permanent failure and the glass unit cannot be repaired. Alpine windows come with a lifetime warranty that covers seal failures. If you were to have a seal failure it would be covered by the warranty and replaced for free.

Alside windows are produced in 5 US manufacturing plants. They are in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Kinston, NC, Cedar Rapids, IA, Yuma, AZ and Fife, WA.

All Alside windows are custom made for each customer. There is no inventory of finished windows. You must submit the exact dimensions and features required when you place your custom window order.

Alside is owned by Associated Materials, Inc located in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. They produce windows, siding and metal products and have manufacturing and distribution operations all over the US and Canada.

Alside makes a wide range of windows with many custom configurations. Some are lower end options and some are nicer or higher end options. There are competitors who will say Alside windows are mid-range or builder grade, but that’s not based in reality.

Most Alside windows come with a lifetime warranty that covers the window structure and the insulated glass unit. Some options will also come with a lifetime labor warranty or glass breakage warranty.

Alside windows are all custom made so they can be ordered in a wide range of configurations. There are very efficient options like triple pane glass and foam filled frames. There are also less efficient options that are less expensive. As a larger manufacturer they’ll offer more options than most companies.

Alside sells their windows through dealers all over the US. If you are a contractor or remodeling company you can setup a wholesale account to purchase windows from Alside. If you are a homeowner looking to purchase Alside windows you can order through a dealer.

The pricing for custom made windows will vary based on exactly what you’re ordering. Sometimes window companies can make the pricing confusion but it doesn’t need to be.

Alside Mezzo windows are custom made and available with a wide range of features or options. You can order Mezzo windows with nicer features or with lower cost features so the end result depends on how the windows were configured. Overall Alside Mezzo windows can be a very solid choice.

Climatech is a marketing name for the glass packages offered in Alside windows. There are many Climatech packages including ClimaTech PriME, Elite, ThermD, Plus, S3, TG2 and more. These packages are all different. They have different prices and different efficiency ratings. Your dealer should be able to explain the options so you can pick the best choice. If they’re not able to do you that you should find a different dealer or contact us for more info.

Not really. The Sheffield is an older design with thick bulky frames and higher air infiltration rates. This was a great window model 20 years ago but the industry has moved on.

No. Preservation and Alside are brands that are both owned by Associated Materials, Inc along with several other window brands. Preservation is intended to be the high end option which usually just means it comes with a high price.

No. Revere and Alside are brands that are both owned by Associated Materials, Inc along with several other window brands. Preservation is intended to be the high end option which usually just means it comes with a high price.

No. Gentek and Alside are brands that are both owned by Associated Materials, Inc along with several other window brands. Preservation is intended to be the high end option which usually just means it comes with a high price.

Yes. You can buy Alside windows online from Window Universe in many cities across the country. This has completely changed the window industry and eliminated the need for a pushy in-home salesman.

That can be a completed question. Alside windows can be a good choice, but they are sometimes installed by some questionable installers. This can cause problems with the windows and can negatively impact the final result. If you’re considering Alside windows be sure to find a top quality installer.

Alside windows can be custom made in lower end configurations to lower the overall cost. Since the windows are custom made many features are options and can be removed in an effort to reduce the price. Be sure to understand what the advantages of each feature are so you can decide if you want to include it or not. We can help with questions about available features for Alside windows.

No. Alside Ultramaxx windows are a very old design that is outdated. It was a great model back in 2000 but those days are long gone. Alside now makes newer models that will perform better than the older Ultramaxx window.

No. If an Alside window is installed properly it should not leak water. All windows have air infiltration ratings and they should not let in more air than the rating suggests. If you have Alside windows that are leaking your first call should be to the company you bought them from.

Alside windows can be ordered through a national network of dealers or they can be ordered online. The online process is newer and has become very popular with homeowners who don’t love the idea of a window salesperson sitting in their living room.

Alside Revelation is a private label window offered by one company in several markets. In our experience this is not a good value. A similar or identical product can be purchased for less when ordered online. There’s no need to pay the inflated prices offered by in-home salespeople.

Yes, Alside makes a window model called 8000 series. This model is usually sold with different brand names by different dealers around the country. It’s often sold at highly inflated prices. The Alside 8000 series window model is a decent product but it is usually not a good value do to the higher than average prices.

Yes. Alside windows are made with virgin vinyl. There is scrap material that results from custom window manufacturing and that material is sold for recycling into other products. This scrap material is typically turned into products that don’t need the same structural integrity as a vinyl window.

Alside windows are all custom made so they can be ordered with foam in the frames or without that option. To decide if that option makes sense for you look at the efficiency ratings with or without foam in the frames. That option usually only makes a difference in the U-Factor of 0.01 or so. That means it’s usually more sales pitch than a useful feature.

Yes. Almost nobody still makes windows that are not fusion welded so this is a pretty silly sales pitch. There are still window salesmen out there making a big deal about welded windows. If someone told you that you should buy his windows because they’re fully welded you should probably look for another company to work with.

No. Alside is a wholesale manufacturer so they don’t have specials or sales. Sometimes window salespeople will make up specials or sales to try to pressure you into making a quick decision. If a company tells you the price is expiring soon they are trying to manipulate you. You should look for someone else to work with.

Alside windows are available in a wide range of configurations with a range of prices. The in-home salespeople can make it very difficult to get accurate prices. The best way to get Alside window prices is to get a quote online with no in-home salesman. This online process has been growing very quickly and is very effective.

The Alside 6100 patio door was the top of the line patio door that Alside offered for many years. Customers loved it, installers loved it, it was a good sliding patio door.

The Alside 6400 door is a newer model that is now very popular. The price is basically the same, but the 6400 model is available in an 8′ tall door as a standard size. You can also get the 6100 door in an 8′ height but that would be a custom size for that model and it would cost a fair bit more to do that.

The 6400 door is also available in a french style sliding door and it’s available with interior blinds which are popular options. I’d say the quality is about the same between the two models and my company primarily offers the 6400 now since it’s the newer design.

Yes. Window Universe is the largest online retailer of Alside windows and you can order these windows with or without installation.