Not that many years ago, choosing replacement windows was a less complicated task than today but only because there were such great limitations. Although finding the right window may require a little more time and effort than before, in return you would have the opportunity to transform the look of each room, add value, and increase efficiency throughout the home. For this reason, it is worth the extra work when looking for the world’s best replacement windows.
Now, the criteria constituting the best replacement windows are different for every person. For instance, “best” may be windows sold by top manufacturing companies, it could be the lowest priced, perhaps it would equate to the most durable and versatile material, or “best” might be replacement windows that support the green movement. In other words, if 100 homeowners were asked what factor they believe makes replacement windows best, you would hear 20 to 30 different answers. Because “best” is one thing to one homeowner and something else to another homeowner, we wanted to offer some general information to cover everyone.
• Benefits – For the homeowner that considers benefits as the most important factor for buying the best replacement windows, we strongly recommend looking at energy efficient windows for significant cost savings and windows that enhance the overall appearance of the home on the inside, as well as the outside.
• Strength and Security – With both of these factors being important to everyone, it is common for the world’s best replacement windows to be designed with features that would better protect the home. For instance, uPVC frames are an excellent choice, as well as double or triple glazed window panes. These choices would deter intruders whereas a cheap frame and a single window pane would be as if putting a “welcome” sign on the window for criminals to see.
• Maintenance – Most people agree that regardless of what they consider most important when shopping for the best replacement windows, ease of maintenance sits on the top of the list. People live busy lives so trying to find time to care for the windows of all things is simply illogical. The easiest type of window for care and maintenance is vinyl. While wood replacement windows look gorgeous and are among the most popular types, they also require the most attention.
• Design – Of course, everyone wants beautifully designed replacement windows that would create a wonderful space on the interior but also enhance curb appeal on the exterior. Since replacement windows come in a variety of wood species, colors, stains, and styles, you have numerous possibilities that would allow you to coordinate the windows with the home’s architectural features, interior decorum, and your personal preference.
• Style – The style of the window is another factor to consider as you begin the search for the world’s best replacement windows. Some rooms would look best with double hung windows, some with casement windows, and so on. Of course, you want a cohesive look for the entire home but you could choose the same material while choosing the appropriate style of window for each room. A prime example is the basement, a part of the home in which most people use casement windows. However for the bedroom, a tilt, and turn window provides adequate fresh air while being extremely easy to clean or sliding sash windows that have a classic design that looks amazing in a transitional or contemporary home.
Top Replacement Window Manufacturers
If currently thinking about having your home’s windows replaced, the information provided in this article would prove helpful. One of the greatest challenges is that so many replacement window manufacturers are in competition for your business. Because of this, trying to determine the good from the great (and bad) can be a daunting task. After all, good marketing campaigns can make all manufacturers appear as the perfect choice but as the consumer, you have the right and responsibility to conduct in-depth research so you know the right company from which to buy.
Along with information you should do, we wanted to offer a list of the top replacement window manufacturers and a brief overview of each to get you started. Chances are good that the right company is one we have listed but keep in mind that many additional window manufacturing companies exist. However, before we get into company names, we wanted to offer a review of qualities for the different types of replacement windows. Since different manufacturers offer different products, having this information would narrow your choices down to the best replacement window manufacturers for the type of window wanted.
• Aluminum – Durable, four times sturdier than vinyl and 23 times sturdier than wood, low energy efficiency value due to inability to conduct heat and cold, low maintenance, nice color options, affordable
• Vinyl – Extremely durable, significantly strong, good energy efficiency, maintenance free, some flexibility but color options are limited, medium price
• Wood / Aluminum Clad – Extremely durable/durable, very strong/strong, great energy efficiency for both, low maintenance for both, designs somewhat limited/style depends on wood choice, medium price for both
• Wood – Risk for damage from the environmental exposure, relatively sturdy, excellent insulator, requires regular maintenance, natural beauty but somewhat limited to wood species, medium to high price
After determining the type of replacement window you are most interested in, you would then look at top replacement window manufacturers that offer that very type of window. The following are without doubt the cream of the crop for companies in North America:
• Andersen Corporation – Every year, Andersen manufactures more than five million windows and doors. This company is ranked at number 104 in Forbes Magazine and has a longstanding reputation for producing lineal window components using Fibrex wood/plastic composite material developed by the company.
• CertainTeed Corporation – This company produces high quality vinyl replacement windows, as well as vinyl and fiber cement siding, vinyl and composite decking, fencing, railing, roofing, foundation systems, and HVAC insulation.
• Kohler Windows – Most people know about Kohler bathroom fixtures but for top replacement window manufacturers, Kohler is one of the best. In fact, this company was the first to manufacture vinyl windows in the Atlantic Canadian region, as well as the largest window and door manufacturer in that area as well.
• Pella – With more than 8,300 employees to service all the customers, Pella is a top choice for wood, vinyl, and fiberglass replacement windows and doors, along with storm doors, and fiberglass and steel entry door systems.
• Sierra Pacific Windows – Another one of the top replacement window manufacturers, Sierra Pacific is known for making some of the finest wood and aluminum clad wood replacement windows and doors of Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine in 11 western states.
• Stock Building Supply – For wood replacement windows, pre-hung doors, and specialty millwork, this company with more than 236 locations in 26 states can handle the job.
• Ventanas Cuprum (Legend Windows) – This company offers a number of brand name products for residential aluminum and vinyl replacement windows and doors. Today, the company has operations in the Americas, as well as Europe.
• Weather Shield Windows and Doors – For vinyl, composite, vinyl/aluminum clad, and wood replacement windows, as well as entry and patio doors, this company has some of the best residential and commercial products.
• Woodgrain Millwork, Inc – With 24 manufacturing and warehouse facilities in the United States and South America, this company is able to keep up with high demand for their quality wood and aluminum clad windows, pine doors, and beautiful moldings.
