Ply Gem Windows FAQ

Ply gem windows reviews warranty prices and costs

Find our Ply Gem windows FAQ below. Here we’ll look at all of the common questions we get about Plygem windows. If you have a question that isn’t answered we invite you to post a comment at the bottom to ask your question. We read all of the comments and will be happy to answer your question for everyone to see.

Who owns Ply Gem windows?

Ply Gem is owned by Cornerstone Building Brands. Cornerstone owns several brands in the building materials space making all sorts of products. You can find reviews of Ply Gem windows and their associated brands here.

What brands of windows does Ply Gem own?

Ply Gem makes many window brands including:

Ply Gem
Great Lakes
Simonton
Atrium
Silver Line
American Craftsman

They make fancy windows that are more expensive and cheap windows that are pretty basic along with everything in between.

Does Ply Gem make good windows?

Yes. Ply Gem makes both good and bad windows. They make dozens of window models under many different window brands. Some are significantly better than others. You’ll want to find individual window reviews to get more info before making a decision. The fact that a window is made by Ply Gem certainly does not mean it’s a good window.

Why does Ply Gem make so many window brands?

They do this for a few reasons. One is that they want to separate cheaper windows from nicer windows. There is a market for cheap vinyl windows, but if you make cheap windows under the same brand name as nicer windows it will tarnish the brand name of the nicer windows.

Another reason Ply Gem windows would make several brands would be that they sell the windows through different distribution channels. They sell Great Lakes windows through independent dealers and then they sell American Craftsman windows through Home Depot. They use different brands for windows sold through different channels to separate them in the market.

Does Ply Gem make cheap windows?

Yes. Ply Gem makes several window brands including some of the cheapest and lowest quality windows we’ve dealt with. Brands like American Craftsman and Silver Line windows are not the nicest windows in the world. If you’re considering these brands you might want to explore other options.

Does Ply Gem make expensive windows?

Yes. Ply Gem makes many different window brands. Some, like Great Lakes, are more expensive than many other options out there. They also make other brands that are cheaper like Silver Line or American Craftsman.

How much should Ply Gem windows cost?

The pricing for Ply Gem windows will vary a lot based on the options you pick, the nature of the installation and the commission the salesman wants to make. Pricing can be one of the most challenging aspects of buying new windows and we’re working on a new way to help make sense of it. For now, find more info on 2022 replacement window prices here.

How long does it take to get Ply Gem windows?

Ply Gem windows are usually custom made to order so there is a manufacturing time involved. Most companies are very backed up lately so windows are taking longer than usual. I’d expect to see Ply Gem windows in 10 weeks or so. That does not account for the time it takes to measure the windows and schedule the installation so the total time will be longer. You can find more info on how long it takes to get windows in 2022 here.

Why do people pick Ply Gem windows?

Because the salesman told them to. Most people don’t know much about widow brands before they shop for windows. Ply Gem is probably a company that people were not familiar with. So the customer bought them because of the salesman, why did the salesman pick them? There are a variety of reasons that window companies decide to push a certain model. Find more info on Ply Gem here.

Are Ply Gem windows energy efficient?

Yes, but not any more efficient than most other windows. Ply Gem uses the same basic types of glass, gas fills and other efficiency features to achieve very typical efficiency ratings.

Do you have a question about Ply Gem windows that was not answered? 

Post a comment below to let us know. We’ll add your question to the list so everyone has more info. If you think we’re wrong about anything post that too and we’ll be happy to address your concern.

You can also find detailed window reviews hererecommended window companies here and common window sales tactics here.

Happy window shopping!

Update: We now have more recommend LOCAL window companies than ever before.   Click here to see who we recommend in your town.  It's 100% free.  You'll thank me.  There is no better resource; you're going to love it.  See for yourself right here.  

2 thoughts on “Ply Gem Windows FAQ”

  1. We are considering buying PlyGem Select windows for our new construction.
    I don’t see this in your review.

    1. thewindowdog says:

      Hi Tom, expanded reviews of all Ply Gem models are coming soon. For now, factors I’d weigh are air infiltration rates and warranties. Both can be issues with new construction windows. Make sure everything is in writing.

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