Update: This post contains some info about Kensington Windows and Kensington HPP which are 2 companies that sound very similar, but are not legally related. If you’re shopping for new windows or are looking for service for windows that were installed since 2013 this is not the right page for you. You can find our page about Kensington HPP that started in 2014 here.
Below is the post I wrote back in 2014 with some updates about the difference between the 2 companies. For the most up to date info use the link above.
Kensington windows are produced in western Pennsylvania. They produce 3 main lines of vinyl replacement windows that are available for sale in the surrounding area.
The name Kensington has been around since the 1970’s, but they filed bankruptcy in 2008. This left all of their past customers with no warranty which can turn into a real problem. You can find more info about that situation here.
After the bankruptcy, the company was purchased by Serious Energy in 2009 and reopened. After a few years Serious wanted to get out of the business and the company was sold again to a group of longtime Kensington managers in 2013. They are a relatively small manufacturer with only one 100,000 sqft manufacturing facility in Vandegrift, PA.
None of this means that Kensington isn’t capable of producing fine products, but it is worth considering as you’re purchasing products with a very long warranty. The folks who bought windows called Kensington in 2008, before the bankruptcy, thought they were getting a product with a lifetime warranty and they’re now out of luck.
We’ll be posting detailed reviews on the following new Kensington HPP models:
- Quantum2
- Huntington
- Kingston – 300 Series
If you’re considering Kensington windows for your home you may want to get quotes from some other local window companies as well. There are a whole range of options out there to choose from. You can find detailed reviews on many other popular window options here.
Remember, while the names are similar the Kensington HPP or Kensington High Performance Products windows that you can buy today are not produced by the older company called Kensington Windows the went out of business in 2008. The names are similar, but they not the same companies.
Any idea when the 300 series review will be ready?
I appreciate your reviews. Very helpful when trying to sift through all the marketing and pricing of different vendors.
To be honest, Kensington windows are pretty low on the priority list. They’re a really small outfit, especially after their bankruptcy several years ago. If it were my house I would probably look for a more well established company. We certainly will get to the Kensington windows reviews, but it won’t be in the next few weeks.
Glad to hear you’ve found the site to be helpful. Good luck with your project and be sure to let us know how it goes!
Its been almost 2 years from this comment. How long does it take to review these windows?
Apparently at least 2 years ;). Kensington hasn’t been too high on the priority list. What did you like or not like about them?
I talked with a rep from this company about 2 months ago and the prices I was getting was in line with the replacement windows Home Depot was selling. I’m new to the window world and don’t have much to go on for comparison an research, so I thought your site would provide needed information. Thats when I saw someone else ask about the review about 2 years ago. The specs on these windows I was provided made these windows seem pretty good, but I don’t know what a “pretty good” window should cost. I have a house that I bought to live in and fix up and resell, but I don’t want to overspend on it, but I really believe in using quality materials. In my research, I found the history on the company and its a shame they wouldn’t honor their previous warranties and stand behind their name based on principle. On the one hand, if they go out of business again, that wouldn’t affect me if I resell this house. On the other hand, I could pay $40 more and get cheap replacement windows installed ($179) and not care too much either about what happens in the future. Right now I would like to spend about $150/window. Will that get me a decent window? If this company sold a window in that price range, are they good enough where it wouldn’t matter about their past? Thanks
You were getting windows for $150 each from Kensington? If so that’s a pretty silly low price. It couldn’t have included installation. Are you going to install them yourself?
The price didn’t include installation. I was going to do it myself. I have been in the building trades for 18 years and I have installed windows before. What is the normal price of their “low end” model? Does it compare with the cheap Andersons (I think thats the brand) that HD caries in their store? (I do have a 20% off coupon for HD, and I was thinking of just getting theirs) Is there another brand you would recommend in that price range? Or is the Kensington that much better that I should get them at that price?
The new Kingston is ready and is an awesome value priced window. Feel free to contact me anytime.
We are locally owned and operated manufacturing top quality replacent windows.
Thanks for reaching out James. We just sent you an email and we’ll be glad to take a look at your new products. I’m sure our readers will be interested to see the new windows!
Just received an estimate from a local window installer in business for 25 years. He has been dealing with Kingston windows for three and highly recommends them.
The price seems good for 24 windows and one 6″ sliding door installed. The Kingston window seems well designed and manufactured (full foam filled sash and frame) but I am concerned about the stability of the manufacturing company (especially since bankruptcy) and the performance of the warranty.
Do you have any updates from additional research on the Kingston windows?
Another option is going with another local big name window company using the MI brand but their cost without sliding door is 3k more than current offer.
Hard to make a commitment when spending 10k!
Thanks for your great research.
Tony
I just spoke with Kensington regarding a complete window replacement, I was told that they have been in business forever and their installers have all been there a minimum of 10 years and many 20 years. Now I’m reading about all of the bankruptcies, business sales, and consumers who are screwed out of their warranties. Quite honestly it looks like a great product but I’m afraid to hand over $10,000 for my job. I was told that they are a great family business, my research is proving otherwise. The story that I got was that dad owned it until 4 years ago and now the son runs it, that sure doesn’t sound like the info that I’m seeing. At this moment I’m confused, I liked the product. Hearing about brown spots in the film, warranties voided, and now the appearance of misinformation, I’m leary.
We had a meeting with someone from Kensington a few weeks ago and we’ll be posting updated product reviews and new videos as soon as we get them completed. The company has had financial trouble in the past, but they tell us things are moving along fine now.
Any update on this?
Window Depot Customer Service Adviser A, Sep 4, 10:03 AM
Mr. Redenbaugh,,The warranty you are mentioning is through the product manufacturer. Just to clarify warranty coverage on your windows allow us to elaborate. At the time of purchase, there are essentially two parts of warranty coverage, product & service. Product Warranties: Flow directly from the manufacturer of the product installed in your home. (Kensington Windows)Installation/Service: Warranties are pledged, and are the responsibility of the independent business location that was/is selling products as a licensed distributor of Window Depot products. Window Depot is essentially a product distributor similar to a local hardware store. For example, if a consumer purchased a Window at Home Depot….the warranty would be through the Window Manufacturer as opposed to being through Home Depot. The same concept applies to ALL window distributors….the warranty is through the manufacturer not the distributor. Kensington should still honor any warranty obligations. Are you saying they went through a 2008 bankruptcy and now are claiming they are not liable for the warranty?
Sincerely,Window Depot
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Duaneredenbaugh, Aug 24, 8:26 AM
I was not notified of the 2008 bankruptcy
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Duaneredenbaugh, Aug 24, 8:25 AM
The company was bankrupt 2008 and you no longer honor the lifetime warranty except glass. Thanks for customer support.
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Window Depot Customer Service Adviser A, Aug 23, 2:47 PM
Mr. Redenbaugh,
please continue to follow up with Kensington. We are only able to direct you to the product manufacturer for manufacturer related parts.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Regards,
Window Depot
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Duaneredenbaugh, Aug 22, 1:08 AM
I contacted Kensington, they have not responded.
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Window Depot Customer Service Adviser A, Jun 24, 2:19 PM
Mr. Redenbaugh,
Good News….your service request was submitted Kensington Windows. Kensington is the manufacturer of your windows.
Their contact info is as follows:
1136 Industrial Park Road
Vandergrift, PA 15690
Ph: 866-318-6628
W: https://kensingtonhpp.com
Please contact Kensington directly to order your new part.
Regards,
Window Depot
VISIBLE BROWN SPOTS on 7 of 10 WINDOWS. I DIDN’T RECOMMEND FROM THIS AT ALL. They blame the economy.
Did they cover replacements? It seems almost forgivable if they had a bad batch as long as they cover the replacement. 7 out of 10 is a it crazy though…
I work here at Kensington hpp. Please feel free to email any and all questions and please call ask for Mike valasick he will probably make that good for u
Wow, just got a quote from an independent contractor that was very reasonable for what appeared to be high quality windows. He made it sound like there is no down side to these windows because of the LIFETIME WARRANTY. I am so glad I didn’t sign the papers yesterday. I specifically asked about the window clouding up like the old ones I have now. He told me no need to worry if that ever happened they’d be covered for repair or replacement. Sure did like the window, but I will look for a similar one from a reliable company.
All windows have that chance of clouding. Windows are in extreme weather. You can get the replacement glass. It’s not necessary the window company
I have 3-4 double hung windows and a large picture window that has mold in between the panes of glass. The tag says Serious Energy Inc. Vandergrift PA 6-14-12.
Do you know if they (or who) will still honor the warranty?
Unfortunately I think you’re probably out of luck. Serious went out of business a while back and I don’t think anyone is going to honor the warranty. The folks at the new Kensington HPP are very sensitive about being associated with the old Kensington or with Serious. You could try calling them, but I don’t think you’ll make much progress. If you learn anything new be sure to post it as I think there are many other people in the same boat.
Up date to my 3-7-18 post. I made contact with Kensington HPP. Melissa in the CSR dept was excellent to deal with. They are standing behind The Serious brand window. She was even able to pull up the original purchase order. Which was from the previous home owner. Very happy with them.
Hey great news. Thanks for writing, I’m sure other people will be happy to hear that!
It should be noted that the current Kensington HPP Company couldnt honor most warranties due to fact that during the first bankruptcy, some of the assets (Dies & extrusions) were disposed/liquidated, this does not allow for the newly emerged Kensington HPP to provide an IGU (insulated glass unit) with a vinyl sash frame . However, If there is a label with order no. on window, that will be very helpful, to get replacement sash or Glass unit only . That is the reason why some “Kensington products,” especially prior to 2009 are not able to be covered by warranty, but KHPP can in many cases provide the IGU and servicing tech may install in existing vinyl sash frame. As Clair noted above, We at Kensington HPP are glad to assist in any we can, to provide service to All our current and past customers.
Hi Anthony, thanks for taking the time to write. I’m sure plenty of readers will appreciate your help.
Just got a quote for replacements and they are the Kensington windows the contractor uses. Any new updates in the current situation and brand? I’m afraid to put thousands of dollars in and have issues even years down the line with the quality. Other company is same price for 3 less windows.
First why are we mot engaged truthful on the glass issue. 99% of glass is outsourced most glass in replacement windows are from Cardinal or Gardian glass. I’m a khpp dealer and I have replaced glass that was installed by Sears. They use to sell Kensington windows under Sears name. If they have issues and the frames are out dated there is not much they can do. They will replace the ig glass that fits just fine. Just a word of advise as everyone is talking about khpp as a company that won’t stand by the warranties, that’s is incorrect. Or them being sold. Well if you seriously search window companies the vast majority have been sold some multiple times. We have some wonderful people running khpp now. You would be pleased with the windows. Check out heat mirror one of the best invention of the 20th century by Popular Science. Great rating all around.
I had a Kensington representative, Levi, call me today. We set up a day and time for somebody to come and give us a bid on 15 windows and 1 sliding or French door. I don’t understand who this sales representative works for. He said they work with Cat Exteriors and the window is made by Anline.
What is the name of the current Kensington company so I can access the proper website.
I live in San Antonio. Why do I need a representative from Kensington to sell me Anline windows from Cat Exteriors. Shouldn’t I contact Cat Exteriors directly and avoid the middleman?
I tried to call Levi back and for some reason his number was not showing up on my cell phone under recent calls. How can I find his phone number and the actual company he is working for?
What makes you think it was a Kensington representative who called you? If they work for a company called Cat Exteriors and they’re selling Anlin windows it doesn’t seem like Kensington would be involved at all. You can find info on Anlin windows here on the site. If you’re not sure about anything relating to the project you should ask the person who is trying to sell you something. If you’re not comfortable with the answer you should not buy anything from them.