Find Tri-State Window Factory Reviews here. Tri-State is one of the companies that make and sell their own windows. They operate in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
This business model of making and selling windows may sound unique, but it’s actually very common. You’d be able to find a company doing this same song and dance in almost every larger city in the country. It’s usually not a great deal for the customer.
The sales pitch changes a little bit here and there. It usually revolves around cutting out the middle man and windows designed for our local climate and buying factory direct. These are the lines used by these companies all over the country and they generally don’t hold up to a little scrutiny.
For example, if they’re cutting out the middle man and you’re buying direct from the factory, why are these usually the most expensive companies in any market? It seems if a middle man has been cut out the prices should be lower. If the prices are higher what’s the benefit? If you don’t know, you’re not alone. I don’t know either.
What about the Triple-State Window Factory reviews?
Right, let’s get back to the point here. Try-State makes 3 main window models. They have the 4100 series, 4200 Maxi which is argon gas filled and the 5400 Maxi which is filled with krypton gas.
Krypton gas has gotten very expensive. With the current supply chain shortages so I expect they’re currently selling more windows with argon gas. They say the model with krypton gas has a U-factor of 0.16 which is very low. The argon model is listed at 0.20 which is pretty common for a triple pane window.
They also say the windows have a sloped sill which is a feature that is more popular lately. Unfortunately they use the cheaper constant force balances rather than nicer types used in higher end windows.
They do make some questionable TV commercials which claim that their windows will pay for themselves. This is an adverting line that had been used by many companies in the past. Many had problems with the government relating to those claims. Most window companies have moved away from that type of advertising.
What are the other Tri-State Window Factory features?
You will see a lot of talk about foam insulation which is often not a great sign. When companies try to distract you with things like that it’s usually an indication that they don’t have a lot to offer.
Remember, what do you care if the window is filled with foam or air or mashed potatoes? What you care about is the efficiency. To see how efficient a window is you can just look at the efficiency ratings. If the U-Factor is lower then the window is more efficient. You don’t need distractions about foam to confuse the subject.
The rest of the features like fully welded frames, aluminum reinforced, foam wrapped, etc aren’t too relevant because most every company will offer those options.
Here’s a graph I found on their website that I assume is part of their sales pitch. it’s a little misleading.
The problem with this graph is that they’re comparing the very most efficient option they make with the average efficiency options from other manufactures. For example a company like Alside, Marvin or Pella will make many hundreds of available configurations. Many of those options will have the same or very similar efficiency ratings to the Triple-State windows and they know that.
They’re using this graph to indicate that they are making windows that are more efficient than these other companies and that’s not the case.
In my opinion a company still making questionable claims about efficiency and questionable comparisons to their competitors is a company that you should avoid.
What’s the bottom line?
These little manufacturers represent a huge risk for very little upside. The products are perfectly fine, but not unique and usually not the best deal around.
Why would you take the gamble of paying a premium price for an unremarkable product from a risky manufacturer? If you can’t explain why that gamble makes sense then it probably doesn’t.
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 2022 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.
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