If you’re looking for Ideal windows reviews, we’ve got them. Ideal is a vinyl window manufacturer based in New Jersey and offering windows in the surrounding area. Ideal has been in business for a very long time. Does that mean the windows are any good? Let’s find out.
Ideal windows reviews
Here we’ll be looking at several models from Ideal windows. They are:
- UltraTite
- DuraWeld
- The Professional
- Perfect Fit
What is the Ideal Windows warranty?
Ideal says the offer a “lifetime warranty”, but it will have some substantial exclusions. That’s the case with every vinyl window manufacturer so they’re not particularly unique. We do often see comments on the site from people who are frustrated with warranty service from almost every manufacturer years after purchase. It’s a good idea to understand what is covered by your Ideal windows warranty so you’re not supposed later.
The vinyl window frames are covered for as long as you own the house, that’s pretty good. The hardware and moving parts are also covered for life except if you’re in a coastal area. Then it’s only 5 years.
And, they define coastal area as land within 1 mile of land affected by tides. That can be a pretty wide area. For example, I lived within a mile of the Potomac river when we started our company. DC doesn’t seem like a coastal area, but the river had tides. That’s something to beware of.
The insulated glass is covered for only 20 years which is worse that you’ll get from some manufacturers and they only cover the insulated glass unit meaning you’ll need to pay out of pocket for labor to install a replacement glass unit.
Overall the warranty is decent but certainly not the best out there.
What are the Ideal window options?
The options offered for these windows are pretty limited as Ideal is a pretty small manufacturer. For example they only offer a couple colors and a couple efficiency packages. That might not be a huge issue for you, but if you have any specific colors or efficiency packages in mind you may find their choices don’t fit your needs.
One feature they offer that is pretty nice is the dryer vent built into a basement window.
I know it may sound like a small thing, but people ask for this option all the time and many manufacturers don’t offer it.
Should I buy Ideal windows?
I probably wouldn’t. Regular readers of this site know that I tend to recommend avoiding small manufacturers like this. I’m sure they’re fine people who do good work, but it’s just risky in a way that’s not necessary.
We see comments from people who bought windows from small manufacturers who have gone out of business all the time. These folks are posting on the site trying to find warranty parts or asking how to get service for their windows. The answer is they’re just plain out of luck.
That’s an unfortunate position to be in. I think people routinely undervalue the risk associated with these small manufacturers. If there was something just fantastic about the products maybe it would be worth taking the risk, but there ins’t. I wouldn’t take the gamble.
If you think I’m wrong about anything or if you have any questions feel free to post a comment people and we’ll do our best to get back to you.
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 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.
Must Read Content:
Find the best window company in your town
Replacement window reviews by manufacturer
Quote & order windows by email with no pushy salesman
This might be the future of replacement windows!