How I Evaluate Windows, Compare Brands, and Make Recommendations

Buying replacement windows can be confusing on purpose. Manufacturers change model names, salespeople use pressure tactics, and homeowners often receive conflicting information. My goal is to make the process simple, factual, and experience-based — not sales-driven.

This page explains exactly how I evaluate windows, where my information comes from, and the criteria I use when writing reviews, comparisons, and recommendations across TheWindowDog.com.

If you want to understand why I say what I say in any given review, this is the place to start.

1. My Background & Real-World Experience

I’ve been working in the window industry since 2004, beginning in the Management Training Program at Associated Materials (the parent company of Alside, Preservation, Gentek, Alpine and more). That program gave me hands-on experience in:

manufacturing
distribution
sales
corporate operations
supply center management
contractor training
product testing & performance metrics

Later, I founded Window Universe, and have personally supervised over 5,000 window and door replacement projects across more than 40 markets in the United States.

My reviews are based on real-world experience, not brochures or sales pitches.

I’ve worked directly with (and installed thousands of products from):

Andersen
Pella
Alside
Preservation
ProVia
Gentek
Simonton
Jeld-Wen
WeatherShield
Okna
Vytex
Alpine
And many more

This experience is what informs my evaluations. Not sponsorships. Not affiliate commissions. Not manufacturer marketing.

2. What Makes a Window “Good” – My Core Evaluation Criteria

Every window review and comparison I write is based on a consistent set of criteria. These criteria come from actual installation results, customer feedback, product testing, and reliability data.

Core Factors I Evaluate:

2.1. Structural Quality

Frame and sash material
Reinforcement methods
Frame thickness and rigidity
Air leakage performance
Long-term durability issues

I inspect manufacturing tolerances, sash fitment, weld quality, and structural ratings when available.

2.2. Energy Efficiency Performance

I rely heavily on NFRC-verified data, including:

U-factor
SHGC
Visible Transmittance
Air Leakage
Condensation Resistance (when available)

I do not rely on marketing claims. Only standardized, third-party certified performance values. This way I can have confidence that the data is accurate.

2.3. Glass Packages

Low-E variations
Spacer systems
Gas fill quality (argon % loss over time)
Double vs. triple pane relevance

I evaluate whether a given glass package makes a meaningful difference for real homeowners in real climates. Most manufacturers do offer many options so I focus on popular packages but also look at available options.

2.4. Design, Aesthetics & Functionality

Sightlines
Frame thickness
Hardware quality
Interior/exterior appearance
Smoothness of operation

2.5. Warranty Quality

I read the full warranty — not the marketing summary.
I evaluate:

coverage length
glass breakage
transferability
labor coverage
frame/sash failure scenarios

2.6. Reliability & Real-World Issues

With thousands of installations under my belt, I have actual data on:

failure rates
recurring issues
service requests
manufacturing consistency
product changes over time

This real-world information is one of the biggest ways this site differs from “affiliate content farms” or review sites that are not based on actual experience. Unfortunately there are many sites like that.

2.7. Pricing Transparency

I strongly oppose high-pressure in-home sales tactics.
I evaluate:

realistic price ranges
typical promotions
common sales gimmicks
fair market pricing

I also break down whether a window is a good value, not just “good.”

3. Where My Information Comes From

3.1. Direct Professional Experience

Over 20 years working with window manufacturers, supply centers, and installation teams.

3.2. Manufacturer Documentation

Installation instructions
Product specifications
Material composition details
Engineering drawings
NFRC certified values
AAMA certification data
Full written warranties

3.3. Industry Standards

I reference:

AAMA Gold certification
NFRC testing
ENERGY STAR standards
EPA Lead-Safe regulations
ASTM testing standards

3.4. Real Customer Projects

I have tracked results from thousands of installations performed by Window Universe across the U.S., which provides real-world insight into:

performance
quality control
warranty claim behavior
seasonal issues
installation-specific challenges

3.5. Reader Feedback

With tens of thousands of comments on the site, I incorporate reader questions and long-term feedback into updated recommendations. Our readers are fantastic and share great information.

3.6. Direct Communication with Manufacturers

I routinely speak with product managers and engineers when companies release updates or change product lines.

4. Independence: No Sponsorships, No Paid Rankings

I do not accept:

payments from manufacturers
“sponsorships”
gifts
compensation for positive reviews
paid placements from manufacturers
commissions for ranking certain products higher

Manufacturers cannot buy a better review — and they know it.

If a company releases a better product, I update my review.
If a company cuts corners, I update that too.

This ensures reviews remain accurate over time.

For additional transparency, see my
Editorial Policy

A window earns a recommendation only if it meets all of the following:

✔ Strong NFRC performance (comparatively good for its category)

✔ Good long-term reliability from real installations

✔ Fair pricing and no deceptive sales practices

✔ A solid manufacturer (stable, not likely to disappear)

✔ Competitive warranty terms

✔ A clear value advantage vs. similar models

Most windows do not meet all of these criteria.

When I recommend a product, it’s because it has demonstrated real-world performance, not because a manufacturer asked me to.

6. How I Keep Reviews Updated

The window industry changes constantly. Manufacturers update models, change hardware, rename lines, and adjust energy packages.

My update process includes:

Checks of manufacturer product lines
Monitoring large-volume installer feedback
Tracking warranty claims and common issues
Updating NFRC values as new glass systems appear
Adding reader questions that highlight new issues
Noting discontinued products

If a reader alerts me to something I missed or a product update I haven’t seen yet, I review it and update the page if needed.

7. Situations Where I Re-Review a Window

I revisit a product immediately if:

the manufacturer changes frame extrusion
the spacer system is updated
new low-E coatings are offered
warranty terms change
pricing shifts significantly
competitors leapfrog in performance
real-world issues start appearing

This ensures my reviews remain accurate long-term.

8. My Installation Philosophy

A window is only as good as the installation.
My evaluation includes:

installer training requirements
expected installation complexity
long-term service behavior
best practices for different climates & home types
common mistakes made by high-pressure sales companies

I also strongly advocate for:

no-commission sales
itemized pricing
transparent quoting
paying installers well (it increases quality dramatically)

9. How Readers Can Use This Methodology

This page exists so that:

You understand why my reviews say what they say
You can trust the consistency of my evaluations
You know exactly what makes one window better than another
You can compare products based on real criteria
You can avoid sales gimmicks used by commission-based reps

Whenever I recommend or critique a window, it follows the framework on this page.

10. Contact Me With Questions

If you have a question about a specific window model, brand comparison, or project situation, I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me here