Choosing Your View: A Comparison of Popular Window Manufacturers

Choosing new windows is a significant investment, impacting everything from your home's energy efficiency and comfort to its curb appeal and value. With so many brands on the market, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. This post compares six popular window manufacturers – Andersen, Ply Gem, Pella, Milgard, Jeld-Wen, and Simonton – to help you narrow down your options.

Key Factors to Consider:

Before we dive into the brands, let's quickly recap the crucial factors to keep in mind:

• Material: Vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum are the most common choices, each with its own set of pros and cons regarding durability, maintenance, and cost.

• Energy Efficiency: Look for ENERGY STAR certification and pay attention to U-values, SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient), and VT (Visible Transmittance) ratings. Visit our Blog post that describes these ratings in detail and how you can use them when comparing different window brands.

• Style: Choose window styles (double-hung, casement, sliding, etc.) that complement your home's architecture and meet your functional needs.

• Cost: Prices vary considerably depending on the material, brand, and installation complexity.

• Warranty: A robust warranty offers peace of mind and protects your investment.

• Installation: Professional installation is paramount for the optimal performance of the window and for preserving the integrity of your home’s weather-resistant shell.

Brand Comparison:

1.  Andersen:  https://www.andersenwindows.com

Andersen Windows is a well-established and recognized brand known for producing quality products.

Products:

Andersen offers a wide range of window and door products, including:

• Windows: Double-hung, casement, awning, picture, gliding, and specialty shapes.

• Doors: Patio doors (sliding and hinged), entry doors, and storm doors.

  
  

They offer various materials, including:

• Wood: Known for its beauty and insulation.

• Fiberglass: Durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient.

• Composite: A blend of materials offering strength and durability.

• Aluminum: Provides a virtually maintenance-free exterior

• Vinyl: Andersen uses vinyl as an exterior protective cladding for wood-core windows.

Strengths:

• Quality and Durability: Andersen is known for producing high-quality, long-lasting products. Their windows and doors are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide excellent energy efficiency.

• Variety and Customization: They offer a wide range of styles, materials (including their proprietary Fibrex composite), and customization options, allowing homeowners to find the perfect fit for their homes.

• Innovation: Andersen invests in research and development, constantly improving their products and introducing new technologies.

• Warranty: They offer a comprehensive warranty on their products, giving customers peace of mind.

• Brand Reputation: Andersen has a strong reputation for quality and customer service, built over many years in the industry.

Weaknesses:

• Cost: Andersen windows and doors tend to be more expensive than some other brands.

• Complexity: The wide range of options and customization choices can be overwhelming for some customers.

  
  

2.  Ply Gem:  https://www.plygem.com/windows-doors/

Ply Gem is a large manufacturer of building products, including windows and doors. They are known for offering a wide range of products at various price points, making them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.

Products:

Ply Gem offers a variety of window types, including:

• Windows: Double-hung, casement, awning, picture, sliding, and specialty shapes.

• Materials: Vinyl, wood, and aluminum-clad wood.

They have several different product lines, each with varying levels of features and performance. Some of their popular lines include:

• Pro Series: Their higher-end vinyl line, offering better energy efficiency and durability.

• East Series: A more budget-friendly vinyl option.

• Mira: Their wood window line.

  
  

Strengths:

• Affordability: Ply Gem windows are generally more affordable than some other brands, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.

• Wide Selection: They offer a wide variety of styles, materials, and product lines, providing options for different needs and budgets.

• Availability: Ply Gem windows are readily available through home improvement stores like Home Depot, making them easily accessible to many homeowners.

Weaknesses:

• Quality Concerns: While some customers are satisfied with Ply Gem windows, others have reported issues with quality, durability, and performance. Some common complaints include:

• Seal Failures: Leading to foggy or cloudy glass.

• Warping or Cracking: Especially in vinyl windows.

• Air Leaks: Reducing energy efficiency.

• Customer Service: Ply Gem has received criticism for its customer service, particularly regarding warranty claims. Some customers have reported difficulties in getting issues resolved.

3.  Pella:  https://www.pella.com

Pella is a well-established and recognized brand in the window and door industry, offering a range of products and styles.

Products:

Pella offers a variety of window and door products, including:

• Windows: Double-hung, casement, awning, picture, sliding, bay/bow, and specialty shapes.

• Doors: Patio doors (sliding and hinged), entry doors, and storm doors.

  
  

They offer various materials, including:

• Wood: Known for its beauty and insulation.

• Fiberglass: Durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient.

• Vinyl: A more budget-friendly option.

• Aluminum-clad wood: Combines the beauty of wood with the durability of an aluminum exterior.

Pella has different product lines at varying price points, allowing them to cater to a broader range of customers.

Strengths:

• Brand Recognition and Reputation: Pella has a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation in the window and door industry. They've been around for a long time and are generally considered a premium brand.

• Wide Range of Products and Styles: They offer a diverse selection of products, materials, and styles, making it easier for homeowners to find what they need. This breadth of options is a definite plus.

• Innovation: Pella invests in research and development, introducing features like integrated blinds and shades, and advanced energy-efficient technologies. They often try to be at the forefront of new features.

• Customization Options: They offer a good degree of customization, allowing homeowners to tailor their windows and doors to their specific needs and preferences.

• Showrooms and Customer Support: Pella has a network of showrooms and offers customer support, which can be helpful for homeowners during the selection and installation process. Being able to see the products in person is valuable.

Weaknesses:

• Cost: Pella windows and doors tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. This is a major factor for many homeowners.

• Warranty Complexity: Pella's warranty can be complex, with different components and product lines having varying coverage. It's important to carefully understand the details of the warranty before purchasing. The complexity can be confusing for customers.

  
  

4.  Milgard:  https://www.milgard.com

Milgard is a popular window and door manufacturer, particularly known on the West Coast of the United States.

Products:

Milgard offers a variety of window and door products, including:

• Windows: Double-hung, casement, awning, picture, sliding, bay/bow, and specialty shapes.

• Doors: Patio doors (sliding and hinged), entry doors.

They offer different frame materials, including:

• Vinyl: Their most popular and widely known option, known for its affordability and low maintenance.

• Fiberglass: A more premium option offering strength and durability.

• Aluminum: Often used in commercial applications or for a specific aesthetic.

Strengths:

• Value and Affordability: Milgard windows, particularly their vinyl lines, are often considered a good value for the price. They offer a balance of quality and affordability, making them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.

• Wide Range of Styles and Options: Milgard offers a decent selection of styles, materials, and customization options, allowing homeowners to find windows that fit their needs and preferences.

• Strong Warranty: Milgard is known for its comprehensive warranty, which can provide homeowners with peace of mind. They often have a "full lifetime warranty" for the original homeowner.

• Regional Strength: Milgard has a strong presence and reputation, especially in the Western United States. They have established dealer networks and service centers in these areas.

Weaknesses:

• Quality Concerns: While generally considered a decent mid-range option, some customers have reported issues with the quality and durability of Milgard windows, particularly with seal failures and vinyl frame issues.

• Limited Material Options: Compared to some other manufacturers, Milgard's material options are somewhat limited. They are most known for their vinyl windows, and their fiberglass and aluminum options may not be as extensive.

5.  Jeld-Wen:  https://www.jeld-wen.com/en-us

Jeld-Wen is a large manufacturer of building products, including windows and doors. They offer a broad range of products at various price points, making them a common choice for both homeowners and builders.

Products:

Jeld-Wen offers a wide variety of window types, including:

• Windows: Double-hung, casement, awning, picture, sliding, bay/bow, and specialty shapes.

• Materials: Vinyl, wood, aluminum-clad wood, and composite.

They have numerous product lines, each with varying levels of features and performance. This allows them to cater to different budgets and needs.

Strengths:

• Wide Selection: Jeld-Wen offers an extensive selection of window styles, materials, and product lines. This provides flexibility for homeowners with different architectural styles and budgets.

• Availability: Jeld-Wen windows are widely available through home improvement stores (like Lowe's), lumber yards, and builders, making them easily accessible.

• Price Points: They offer windows at various price points, including more budget-friendly options, appealing to a wide range of homeowners.

• Established Company: Jeld-Wen is a large, well-established company with a long history in the building products industry.

Weaknesses:

• Quality Consistency: While they offer a wide range, quality can vary across their different product lines. Some customers have reported issues with certain lines, particularly regarding durability and performance.

• Reputation: While a large company, Jeld-Wen doesn't always have the same reputation for high-end quality as some other brands. They are often seen as a mid-range option.

6.  Simonton:  https://www.simonton.com

Simonton Windows is a popular choice for homeowners looking for vinyl windows that offer a good balance of quality and value. They are particularly well-regarded for their vinyl window offerings.

Products:

Simonton primarily focuses on vinyl windows and doors, including:

• Windows: Double-hung, casement, awning, picture, sliding, bay/bow, and specialty shapes.

• Doors: Patio doors (sliding and hinged).

They have different product lines, each with varying features and performance levels. Some of their popular lines include:

• Reflections: A well-regarded line known for its energy efficiency and aesthetics.

• Asure: A more budget-friendly option.

• StormBreaker Plus: Designed for coastal areas with high winds and impact resistance.

Strengths:

• Value and Affordability: Simonton windows are generally considered a good value for the price. They offer a balance of quality, performance, and affordability, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.

• Energy Efficiency: Simonton windows are designed with energy efficiency in mind, often featuring low-E glass and argon gas fill to help reduce energy costs.

• Durability: Simonton vinyl windows are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. Vinyl is resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation.

• Warranty: Simonton offers a comprehensive warranty on their products, providing homeowners with peace of mind.

• Reputation: Simonton has a good reputation in the window industry, particularly for their vinyl windows. They are often recommended by contractors and homeowners alike.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Material Options: Simonton primarily focuses on vinyl windows. While they may offer some other materials, their selection is not as extensive as some other manufacturers.

• Aesthetic Limitations: While Simonton windows are available in various styles and colors, some homeowners may find their aesthetic options to be less diverse compared to higher-end brands that offer more customization and premium materials.

Regional Availability: While Simonton is a national brand, their availability and dealer network may be stronger in certain regions compared to others.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table (General Overview):

Features	Andersen	Ply Gem	Pella	Milgard	Jeld-Wen	Simonton
Materials	Fibrex, Wood, Vinyl, Aluminum	Vinyl, Aluminum	Wood, Fiberglass, Vinyl	Vinyl, Fiberglass	Wood, Vinyl, Aluminum	Vinyl
Price	High	Mid-Low	High	Mid	Mid	Mid-Low
Energy Efficiency	High	Mid	High	High	Mid	High
Warranty	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Fair	Good
Availability	Nationwide	Nationwide	Nationwide	Western US	Nationwide	Nationwide

Important Considerations:

• Installation Matters: Even the best windows will underperform with poor installation. Choose certified installers.

• Get Multiple Quotes: Don't settle for the first price you see. Get quotes from several reputable companies.

• Read the Fine Print: Carefully review warranties and contracts before signing anything.

Conclusion:

Choosing replacement windows is a long-term investment. This comparison provides a starting point, but thorough research is essential. Visit showrooms, talk to contractors, and read online reviews to make an informed decision that meets your specific needs and budget. By carefully weighing your options, you can find the perfect windows to enhance your home for years to come.