Northeast Building Products is a Philadelphia based manufacturer or replacement windows. They have been in business for over 35 years and they are recently expanding outside of the Northeast. In our experience windows from Northeast Building Products can be sold by some old fashioned high-pressure sales type companies which makes the experience less than ideal.
There are three main window lines offered by Northeast Building Products and we’ll be offering detailed reviews of all of them. They are:
- Crusader Windows
- TrustGard Windows
- Camelot Windows
There are a few unique features to the windows from Northeast Building Products. For example, the Crusader windows use a unique spacer that they call Sashlite. This Sashlite spacer is built into the sash. They tout this as an advantage, but it will have a real impact on service down the road. At some point Northeast will discontinue or change the window design and all of their past customers will have a very hard time getting a broken window repaired.
If service down the road is a potential weakness there must be a strength that makes this Sashlite spacer system worthwhile right? If there is we haven’t heard of it. That’s the trick. The ratings of Crusader windows are typical and not exceptional.
Another very significant drawback to windows from Northeast Building Products is their very weak warranty. We’ll have a complete post outlining the weaknesses soon, but for starters the vinyl frames are only covered for 10 years, glass breakage is not included, and labor is also NOT included.
What if I have more questions about Northeast Building Products windows?
We can help! Find our Northeast Building Products windows FAQ page here. If you don’t see the answer to your question post a comment and we’ll answer your question for everyone to see.
Looking for any additional information on windows from Northeast Building Products that you’re not finding here? Post a comment and let us know. We’ll be glad to help out!
If you’re considering replacement windows for your home it might be best to look elsewhere. To get started you can find the best replacement window reviews online right here.
(Editors note: Sadly it looks like the link that this reader posted is no longer valid. It appears the warranty page has been removed or moved by Northeast Building Products)
I have found your information on this website and in the Youtube videos to be generally useful, though you might want to know that the information about the Northeast windows warranty is incorrect. You can find the complete warranty statement here: The webpage says that Northeast provides a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser of their vinyl window, and a ten year warranty to the subsequent owner that is gradually reduced for the second owner starting in year 11+. This warranty is comparable to others in the business and assures the original owner that the windows are warranted against failure for their lifetime, not counting the labor involved in replacement.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for adding that Dan. We’ll review and get it updated.
I studied physics in college and their are two advantages to having a vinyl spacer vs a metal spacer.
1. Vinyl is not a good conductor where metal is. So metal spacers increase energy costs because it will conduct your inside temp out and vice versa.
2. Vinyl is flexible and allows for expansion and contraction, unlike metal, which is very rigid. A metal spacer window is more likely to have condensation or seal failure because the spacer will not flex with the glass when it needs to from temperature changes. Vinyl will flex with the glass. Meaning no condensation or seal failure.
Just my two cents. Hope it helps.
Which type of vinyl spacer are you talking about? Most companies use either a metal or a foam spacer to achieve the best results.
Conductivity depends on the metal being used – or should I say – degree of conductivity: For example, Aluminum is the worst (transfers heat/cold quickly, relies heavily on desiccant – beer can) Tin/steel common with the Intercept Spacer (Much better than Aluminum, also allows for a bedding of desiccant to be applied/adhered, but still fairly conductive) Stainless Steel, most common with Cardinal Glass (The best in metallic spacers, and as a rule stainless steel is a lousy conductor – think SS cookware, it requires copper on the bottoms to be effective). Seal failures can be caused by many issues, many of which have nothing to do with the type of spacer. Vinyl as a window substrate moves around (expansion/contraction), so the argument is that non-metallic is better because it has some give. I would argue that, any high quality IGU with either an intercept or Cardinal IGU w/SS spacer(s) will perform very well without fear of seal failure – even in vinyl. Let’s not forget that glass doesn’t move around, so we’d want to pair it with other components that are equally as stable – this why fiberglass windows have been the least likely to blow seals – fiberglass = stable. Your major brands using Cardinal IGU’s don’t typically have seal failure problems [these days] like they once did, because of advancements in manufacturing as well as the science/R&D that goes into it. If one insists on going non-metallic, choose the Duralite “warm edge spacer”, it’s probably the most high-tech of non-metallic spacers.
I just don’t buy the idea that a fiberglass window is less likely to have a seal failure than a well made vinyl window. Do you think a cardinal IGU in a vinyl window is more likely to fail then a Cardinal IGU in a fiberglass window? If so, ask Cardinal for something to demonstrate that. If it exists I’d love to see it. If not, then it’s just a sales pitch. Surely Cardinal would know.
Please re-read, we are on the same page here. [From my post above] “so the argument is that non-metallic is better because it has some give. I would argue that, any high quality IGU with either an intercept or Cardinal IGU w/SS spacer(s) will perform very well without fear of seal failure – even in vinyl.”
I’d point out though that mid-range or lower grade vinyl will be the most susceptible to failure, because they may require [or be] subject to improper use/force because the unit has gone out of tolerance. Poor quality vinyl, lack of stabilization in the extrusion, or inadequate quality control will be your major contributors to difficult operation – requiring force. If one prefers vinyl, stick with the premium vinyl manufacturers!! 🙂
I’m not anti-vinyl at all, that being said, Ultrex products paired with Cardinal IG, have an extraordinary track record for not having seal failures. The belief is the combination of both a stable substrate, an a stable IGU. I’m not trying to promote “You know who” here over anything else, just using this as an example in this case (My bread is buttered elsewhere). I will suggest to any prospective buyer to stick with brands that are using Cardinal products, they are best.
If I come across that info you asked about, I’ll pass it along – If I can get it
Sounds good. I still don’t buy the idea that one type of window has a different seal failure rate than another. If that was true they’d be spreading the facts as far as they could. The fact that they never have anything quantifiable tells me it doesn’t exist.
It’s virgin viynl built right into the sash. Yeah metal isn’t good because it’s ridgid and leads to seal failure or condensation. Foam probably compresses over time and causes the same thing.
I’m not so sure about that. I remember a company that did the same thing with the glass units as part of the sash and they went out of business due to failures. How long have you been making that option and what do you do when you need to replace a unit in a picture window?
Is there any update to your opinion of vinyl windows from Northeast Building? or their warranty?
I see the comments above are from over 12 months ago.
I am looking for double and single casements and one company we have asked to quote supplies/installs these windows.
Is there only one range for casement or do they do them in all 3?
Crusader Windows
TrustGard Windows
Camelot Windows
This supplier/installer seem to use the name Camelot on their web page – are they superior than the other two. I will be going to their showroom to look at the windows before I invite them round but they have quoted me based on sizes and pictures so far and seem a little high unless their windows are more than mid range quality.
We are also looking at someone who installs OKNA but have no quote from them yet.
Update – it appears from a second look at the web site that the casements are Crusader – I am assuming this would be the bottom level of the range?
I’m not a huge fan of their products. Mostly because the smaller manufacturers are just a risky bet that you don’t need to make. Just last week one of them went out of business leaving all of their customers with no warranty at all. Why chance it?
Have you checked our section on the best local window companies? You may find we have a great recommendation in your area that can help out.
Thank you, I’m in new Jersey and you don’t seem to have any recommendations for my area – but looking at your reviews and readers comments has been very helpful.
Glad you enjoyed the site. If you’re within an hour or so of Philadelphia I can help through this program.
Power home remodeling has a great window with a true lifetime warranty in Jersey.
Ha, and a reputation for sales tactics that you might want to avoid. I’d prepare for an adventure if you’re going to call them. Is there anything great about that window? When the rep from Northeast Building Products was trying to get us to carry it I couldn’t figure out why I would.
I had power Home Remodeling come in and give me a quote. They Quoted me $11,000 to replace 15 window in my house. Now im very observant when it comes to who and why i spend my money and always pay attention to what products a contractor is using and what they are charging me for. And guess what???? Power Home Remodeling uses Northeast Building Products window and doors. Now I went to a local window contractor and got a quote from them. I asked what manufacturer they use for their windows and they said Northeast Building Products. But here is the difference. Power Home Remodeling was charging me $699 per window installed. My local contractor charged me $250 per window installed. So i ended up paying $3700 instead of $11,000 for the same window. Now its been 4 years and none of the windows have failed. I had to make a minor sash adjustment due to settlement to stop 2 windows from slowly lowering, but that is it. I believe Northeast Window Products is a decent product and I definitely got my money’s worth.
Power Home Remodeling uses Northeast Building Products windows and doors. I got a quote from them and it was outrageous compared to my local contractor for the same window. Dont fall for big names.
They’ve had a reputation for outrageous for a very long time. Some companies give the whole industry a bad name.
Around 5 year’s ago my wife and I had the front of our home re-bricked. The contractor who did the job went with Northeast Windows to purchase the necassary window’s for the job. Two double hung and a bow.
Well since then we have had to replace both sash’s in each double hung EVERY YEAR due to SEAL FAILURE. And as of this year, all three panel’s in the bow window have failed as well. Along with the two double hung’s. And I have to do the re-ordering, the pick up of the new window’s at Northeast, the removal of the window’s that have failed, the installation of the replacement’s and the disposal of the failed unit’s. And now I even have to take picture’s of the failed window’s and send them to Northeast before they will even attempt to help me replace their bad window’s which are under warranty.
It almost seems as though I am forever now forced to work for them installing the replacement window’s to the replacement window’s that I have to re-order annually from Northeast Window’s due to the FACT that the window’s they sell are trash. As well as the warranty on them.
I feel that they should at least have the courtesy to deliver the window replacement’s to me. WTF!
Sorry to hear about your trouble. How many times do you think you’ve replaced the same glass? Anything could fail, but it seems unusual to have so much trouble.
Their Crusader window is pretty good and tbeir other windows are nor so good. Trustgard is maybe average i suppose but nothing close to the higher end vinyl such as okna, majestic by Ideal, soft lite, or sunrise.
Camelot is NOT a window, its their doors . their patio doors and entry doors are very good. They are constructed very well opposed to the junk at home depot or lowes. Northeast do make a nice door.
We are in the same boat as the person above. Replaced entire home’s windows 5 years ago and have window seals failing every year. I am so disappointed with this huge purchase.
SAME PROBLEMS THAT I ENCOUNTERED.
North East Windows are terrible!! I live in a Philly row home (corner house) that I bought 4 years ago. The seller had the house for a few years and did some updates to the windows. He had used North East Windows – Crusader and the quality of the windows were visibly poor. Seals were breaking and the glass was clouding. You can feel the cold air just coming through the glass. The windows were max, 4 years old at time of settlement. The windows are also heavy and tight…hard to open…not sure if that is due to the installation?
I can understand as the purchaser that the warranty is important in case of short term failures etc. (and will be for me as I replace them). But as the subsequent owner, why would I want to go to North East Windows to try and get them to honor their warranty to replace my crappy windows with more crappy windows? No thanks. I’ll just spend my time and sanity finding a replacement.
Thanks for this website to help consumers navigate an industry that seems not transparent!
The new Northeast crusader will have a new spacer system called TPS. Its non metal and not vinyl either like the current spacer.
Camelot is NOT a window, its their entry and sliding doors which are well built. They do not have a camelot window. Their doors are a little pricey but thats because they are well designed.
Crusader is a pretty good window and will be better with the new spacer.
The trustgard is bulky and maybe average.
Power use northeast as we all know and do engage in high pressure.
Northeast is solid fininacially and are growing. The new window spacer wil be out in a few months. They will no longer use sash lite.
I am more of a fan of their doors opposed to their windows.
For windows i much prefer soft lite, Okna, Majestic by Ideal, Sunrise, and Kensington.
Northeast building products make a very good entry door and sliding patio door ( camelot). The entry door is well made and has some nice security fearures. The sliding door is also well made and nice looking.
Their upper window, the Crusader, is now using a new spacer system called TPS. They also modified the design of the window frame. This spacer system has a very low seal failure rate.
Thanks for posting Michael. Do you have any info on seal failure rates? When people make qualitative statements like that I’m always a little skeptical. There are probably people selling sash lite spacers and saying they have “very low” failure rates too. Seems like real numbers would be a whole lot more convincing.
Anyone have comments on sliders, esp by Northeast Bldg Products in 2019, Norristown PA area?
Window dog
I posted the other day.. Northeast is dropping sash lite and using the TPS spacer which has an extremely low incidence of seal failure. This pertains to the “ crusader “ window.
Further, northeast building products make a very good entry door and patio door. I have been using northeast for 3 years with a lot of success, particularly with their doors. Their Camelot doors are made very well.
I can answer whatever questions you have.
Hi Michael, thanks for bringing that info. We’ve been a little behind on approving the comments and the number of spam comments has gone through the roof so it’s been a lot to keep up with. Glad to hear they’re making that change.
BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!
Worst company as they will make every excuse not to cover the stated warranty even when there is a know issue with bad seals, that they will admit. Windows cloud up so bad from seal failure you can not see out of them when sun is on them. Customer service is horrible with no one taking responsibility or trying to help in a timely fashion, they do not return calls and seems as thou they may have a massive turnover in employees. I have windows that started showing seal failure after about 5 or 6 years after install. Warranty states up to 10 year for this failure. They use lame excuses for not covering the warranty. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!
Hi Carole, I’m sorry to hear about your trouble with windows from Northeast Building Products. What are they telling you is the reason that they’re not honoring their warranty? And, have you tried contacting the company that sold you the windows? Sometimes they can be more helpful.
I GOT THEIR WINDOWS AND HAVE SAME KIND OF PROBLEMS.
SEAL FAILURE!!!!!
CLOUD UP WINDOWS….!!!
Currently reviewing bids on 3 windows in an angle bay configuration, 2 double hungs and a picture.
each contractor is offering a different window. One is offering Simonton (although quoted as PlyGem), another is offering the Okna 6500 and the 3rd is using NBP’s Crusdaer.
The comments on your site seem split between the Okna and NBP. I’ve ruled out the Simonton mainly due to the fact that they seem to have a wider frame that will restrict the natural light.
The bids are between $3,600 and $4,000, with the NBP bid split out into labor, material and windows. The NBP windows will cost me $2150. Thoughts?