When looking at Jantek windows reviews you’ll find they’re a little different than many other companies. They manufacture and install American Classic vinyl windows in New Jersey, Philadelphia and the surrounding area. They’ll tell you that their offering is better than others because they make the windows. Does that really make their offering better? Let’s find out.
Before we get too far into this review I should note that my company does offer windows in Philadelphia and parts of New Jersey. We don’t offer Jantek 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.
I would be confident the Jantek windows salesperson will tell you that you should buy from him because they make their own windows. That’s a pretty common sales pitch that we hear in almost every city.
You’ll see some variation of this pitch from Crown windows in Michigan, Thompson Creek windows in DC / Baltimore, Stanek Windows in NE Ohio, Champion does it in several cities and there are many more.
What they don’t tell you is that this is usually not a great thing for the customer. A company who makes their own windows will then only have one thing they’re allowed to sell you. What if that thing isn’t the best option for your scenario? They’ll try to sell it to you anyway because they don’t offer many options.
Most window companies are not tied to any one manufacturer so they can offer a range of choices. This allows them to find a solution that makes the best sense for your specific scenario won’t have that option. They need to sell you Jantek American Classic windows whether they’re the best option for you or not.
What about the features of the Jentek American Classic windows?
You’ll find the features of the Jantek American Classic windows are pretty common among most nicer window manufacturers. Things like fusion welded frames and non-metallic spacers are very common these days. There’s really nothing unique about them.
I did notice they they use a pocket sill design, also sometimes called a capture sill. This is an older design that you don’t see on too many newer windows. It’s a design that allows water to drain through the sill of the window and out of the house. The downside of this system is that it usually leads to higher air infiltration ratings meaning air can also get back up the drainage channels. That makes the windows less efficient than windows using other designs.
Overall the features of the Jantek American Classic windows are perfectly fine, but there’s nothing unique or particularly about them.
Jantek windows reviews, what’s the risk?
One risk you’ll be taking on if you order Jantek windows is that the smaller manufacturer’s can vanish leaving all of their customers with no warranty. I know you might think that won’t happen, but it does happen all the time.
In my years in this industry I’ve seen something like 10 or more of these small manufacturers just close their doors one day. That leaves thousands of customers without access to parts or any warranty service. It happens.
Why take the gamble on a small window manufacturer. If there was something fantastically unique about them maybe it would be worth taking the risk. If there’s nothing you’ve seen about them that is super special I’d suggest finding a larger manufacturer.
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.
It would be much more helpful if you actually review the quality, performance and overall value of the product. We all know that buying from a major manufacturer is always safer, but maybe not always better, but always significantly more expensive. Their costs are so high due to non-product related materials/build quality paying salespeople commission/salaries (Jantek has no sales team), marketing/advertising (Jantek does do much advertising) and many other business overhead costs – all which inflates the cost of the product, not necessarily always a better product.
I have a 12 Double-Hung Dual Pane Window Renewal By Anderson and Pella quote for $31,000 and $26,000 respectively. Jantek came in at $11,000 for a great quality Triple-Pane window, better warranty. Unlike Pella, but like Anderson, they also do their own installation. Makes you think if $20,000 more for 12 replacement windows is worth it – not in my book.
Hi Harry, you’re absolutely right that companies like Renewal by Andersen and Pella generally won’t be the lowest priced options.
But, you’re comparing two totally different things. Jantek is selling vinyl windows while those other brands are generally selling other types. Those other types are more expensive and aren’t necessarily better so it makes sene to focus on vinyl windows.
You absolutely can find high quality vinyl windows from larger and well established manufacturers in the same price range as your Jantek quote.
What’s your zip code? I’ll be happy to make a recommendation or two if I know of a good option in your area.