If you’re looking for Slocomb windows reviews you’ve come to the right place. Slocomb is a small manufacturer located in PA. They’re the type of window manufacturer that I usually suggest avoiding. Is there any reason to take the gamble on a small vinyl window manufacturer like Slocomb?
The short answer is no. There’s nothing particularly unique about the windows from Slocomb. For that reason, I would say there’s no upside to taking the gamble on a small manufacturer like this. Since we’re here lets look at reviews of all of their window models.
Slocomb Windows Reviews
- 115 Series
- 143 Series
- 643 Series
- 177 Series
- 677 Series
Is the Solcomb window warranty any good?
It’s decent but defininltey risky. Frequent readers of this site know that I always suggest working with large and well established manufacturers.
As an example of why this is, I just wrote a post about Serious Windows. They had a lot of hype and enthusiastic salespeople. Now they’re out of business and everyone who bought their windows is out of luck. They’re one of many companies who have suffered this fate.
So, the warranty from Slocomb windows looks fine. It’s a lifetime warranty on the vinyl and the glass. There is no glass breakage coverage and no labor coverage.
If you’re thinking of buying these windows just keep in mind that these little manufacturers can come and go pretty easily. Will you still be happy with your windows if there is no warranty or access to replacement parts in a few years?
Are Slocomb Windows energy efficient?
Slocomb windows are efficient but not any more efficient than any other vinyl windows out there. If you’ve heard any exaggerated claims about efficiency just compare the ratings to see for yourself.
Here is a picture from the Slocomb 677 series brochure. You can see it shows fiberglass insulation shoved in the frames. I bet the salespeople love this, but they probably don’t tell you that it doesn’t do much.
Why do I think this insulation is silly? Because it doesn’t improve the efficiency ratings. If the windows are stuffed with this stuff, but they’re not more energy efficient is that sill somehow better for you? No.
The chart above shows a 0.22 U-Factor which is very typical for a triple pane window. So, that indicates to me that this foam is just there to be a sales pitch which is a little silly.
What’s the bottom line?
Slocomb makes perfectly fine windows. If you were my buddy asking me which windows to buy Slocomb would probably not be the option I would recommend. They’re a smaller manufacturer and that carries risks that most people undervalue. I think you can find a very comparable product from a larger and more established manufacturer. That’s what I would look for if the windows were going into my house.
There is one larger sales and installation company that pushes Slocomb windows and they’re one of my least favorite companies. They’re pushy, the offer very high prices and they’re one of the companies that gives all window companies a bad name. There’s just nothing attractive about these windows.
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. You can also find the most detailed window reviews on the internet here.
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.
The .22 u-factor is on a double pane window not a triple pane. There is not a double pane window out there with that low of a rating.
Hi Rob, that is a very low rating if it’s for a double pane window. What do you think they’re doing differently than other companies to get a rating like that?
I find it interesting that you say Slocomb is a minor character in the industry. They may not be as large as others but Leon Slocomb was a pioneer in the vinyl window manufacturing. He holds 27 patents on vinyl windows and their technology is top notch. Their use of silver as a low E film is pivotal in their rating. They do not make a triple pane window. Most companies use foam as an insulator and that turns to powder over time and falls to the base.
You’re saying you think they make their own low-e coating? That seems unlikely to me but it would be interesting. Do you have any more info on that? I would guess they’re buying low-e glass from the national glass companies like everyone else. If that’s not the case I’d love to learn more about it. Do you sell Slocomb windows?
How do Champion windows compare to Slocomb? is the sales and installation company you allude to “Install America”? I won’t tell.
Ha, I do tend to always suggest working with larger manufacturers to get more stability. What is attracting you to those two manufacturers? It’s interesting to hear how people navigate this process.
Champion is offering buy 2 get 2 free. Install America says their windows are comparable to Anderson.
That sort of buy 2 get 2 free promotion is basically never a good deal in my experience. It’s just designed to make the phone ring. The price is likely still higher than you’ll find elsewhere. Have you gotten a quote already? I might be able to get you something to compare.
In my opinion, Andersen makes nice wood windows for new construction. If that’s the type of project you have in mind that might be a good choice, but otherwise there might be better options.
I have to be honest after reading this article, seems like there’s an extreme bias towards Slocomb windows. Is that because this website is actually owned amd operated by the owner of Window Universe? Of course you would be bias towards other windows because you want everyone to believe your windows are superior. You don’t even have all of your information correct. That’s double pane glass with a 0.22 u-factor, and their triple pane is even lower(0.15). The top of the line models are some of the best vinyl windows in the industry, and I would compare them to the Okna 800 and Vytex Potomac. All the bells and whistles. Please stop trying to bash other good windows, so you can influence people to buy yours. Do you still sell the Alside windows at your company? Let’s talk about how mediocre those windows are. What type of spacer system are you using in your Alside windows? Stainless steel intercept? Slocomb uses Duralite spacers just so you know. Stop with your nonsense.
Hi Kenny, thanks for taking the time to write. My company doesn’t sell many Alside windows but I believe they offer at least 3 different types of spacers.
You can see in the comments above that I asked another person who sounded like they sold Slocomb windows about what they think is happening to achieve a better rating for double pane than another company but I did’t get a reply. That always makes me a little suspicious of the claims salespeople make.
It might not surprise you to hear that sometimes the claims salespeople are taught in training class don’t turn out to be actually true.
Someone else wrote in seeming to imply that Slocomb makes their own low-e coatings which I don’t think is true, but it would be interesting if it was.
I’d also be interested to know if they have efficiency ratings with and without the fiberglass insulation. Since it sounds like you sell Slocomb windows do you have any insight to share on any of that?
Slocomb definitely doesn’t make their own glass. The lower end model doesn’t have fiberglass insulation and has a lower u-factor. How much lower without fiberglass insulation? I’m not too sure but if I had to guess, it’s probably only a small difference, like possibly 0.01-0.02 overall. Just like upgrading from a metal spacer to a non-metal spacer. Every little bit counts. To say fiberglass insulation inside of a frame doesn’t do anything at all seems kind of silly. If it didn’t do anything, why would it be used in windows, around windows, inside of walls of the home, and attics? There’s several ways to get a lower u-factor, and I know you already know this. The use of different low-e coatings and also the type of gas being used. Technology is constantly evolving, it’s 2024.
Well, there are lots of things that happen in this business just for sales and marketing purposes rather than to actually improve anything. The thinking is fiberglass insulation is used in attics to create dead air spaces in the fiberglass to reduce air flow and improve efficiency. Inside of a vinyl window frame there is no air movement so additional insulation doesn’t do too much. I think you’re probably right about a 0.01 or 0.02 difference in U-factor, and it certainly could be 0.00. I’ve seen that from other manufacturers when they do have actual data available.
We have reached out to Slocomb to try to make sure we have accurate info, but they haven’t responded. I am skeptical of the info salespeople send in. not because they’re knowingly lying, but because the training that in-home salespeople receive is often not 100% based in reality. That means a lot of people out there are claiming to be experts and making claims aren’t necessarily based in reality. The comment above from the person who wrote in claiming Slocomb had special glass is a good example of that. The person who wrote probably believed that to be true, but it’s probably not true. I’d bet he learned that in sales training class.
Anyway, feel free to chime in about anything. We may not agree on everything, but that’s ok and it is always the goal to have accurate info.
My above comment, I meant to say that the lower end model doesn’t have fiberglass insulation, and has a slighly “HIGHER” u-factor. I appreciate your response.
Hello,
I work for a contractor that offers Slocomb windows as an option. Their 677 model is in fact a 0.22 U-factor for double pane, 0.18 for triple pane (which they do make).
As for the fiberglass insulation, I always assumed it was for noise reduction more than a reduction in air flow.
Thanks for the info. Do you know if Slocomb publishes STC ratings to see the sound transmission levels?
Sorry, I don’t know anything about the STC ratings.
I find the author of this article to be biased against all the smaller window manufacturing companies. I take no stock in it or these reviews. I bet no one knows the difference between PVC And Vinyl. Google it and learn something . The major window companies use Vinyl . It’s very flexible and can be ripped apart by hand . A vinyl window can not support a window air conditioned of any style. They do not have the tensile strength to support winds up to 50 mph. As to the fiberglass insulation vs foam insulation inside the rail and beams. Do the research as I did. I won’t mention the names, but I found 6 companies that use slices of styrofoam,not expansion foam .These are a Fire hazard. The.cheap nylon begins melting at 265 degrees and then ignites the Styrofoam,which emits CYANIDE GAS. YOU’LL BE DEAD IN 20 seconds. Pumped in expansion foam, disintegrates after 5-7 years and becomes like bread crumbs.As the forn fitting foam begins to cure, it shrinks and leaves a sizeable gap and allows increased temperature fluctuations to cause the convection of heat or cold. Insulation doesn’t expand or contract. Fibrex. Do you know what it is ? You know those pre-made fire logs ?.Fibrex is compacted with just a few more foot pounds of pressure. Over time, the exposure to direct sunlight, water and snow will warp the frames and rails. Fibrex was once used as porch and deck wood . The folks that right the BOCA Codes had it listed as very dangerous Severe burns from waking on the porch or touching a park bench. PVC has increased tensile strength , has superior thermal properties to lower the transfer of invested heat or cold. As to the U C rating .0.22 to 0.25 equates to an R Factor of 5.4. A 0 27 equates to an R factor of 3.2. The lower number of the UC RATING, the more insulating Qualities.An argon does not and is not installed in sheets . It’s an inert gas that is infused in a container as the dual glass panes are sandwiched together. The bigger the company, the lesser quality in workmanship and customer service .Ask where they have their windows made or just compare the zip codes. Then Google these companies and sit back and kick yourself . These smaller companies make their windows for Anderson, Pella,Window World and Castle Windows. Ask to review the patents. I sure do.
Hi Daniel, thanks for taking the time to write. Sounds like you may have just finished up sales training and you may have learned some questionable info.
For example, vinyl windows are used in hurricane zones with wind ratings well over 100mph. PVC is poly vinyl chloride and PVC is a type of vinyl. Buildings with vinyl windows have caught fire, as have buildings with every type of windows, and people aren’t dropping dead from cyanide poisoning in 20 seconds. That’s the first time I’ve heard that one and it is entertaining.
Fibrex is the same material as fire logs? That’s also a fun one. I wonder if the fine folks at Duraflame would confirm that info. If you have anything to support that claim I’d love to hear it.
Finally, you think small manufacturers make windows for Andersen and Pella? For all of the things you could criticize them for, I don’t think that’s one of them. It feels like someone has sold you on some of these ideas. Window World and Castle are different in that they do not make windows.
My real question is, are you telling your prospective customers these things? And, who told you this info was true? You might want to question things they tell you in the future.