Best Replacement Window Companies (May 2024) (2024)

Table of Contents

Awning windows: Awning windows are made with hinges at the top of the frame, allowing them to open easily for optimal ventilation. You can open awning windows during the rain without ruining your home’s interior and furnishings.

Bay windows: Known for their protruding outward design, these windows offer additional interior space via a sitting area or ledge. Bay windows serve as an architectural add-on to your home and can boost your curb appeal.

Bow windows: These windows are similar to bay windows, except their shape is slimmer and more curved. Bow windows typically have four to five windows in their design compared to the usual three panes for bay windows.

Casem*nt windows: Casem*nt windows are built with a hinge on the right or left side and work well in rooms with restricted or obstructed views. Casem*nt windows work well in rooms prone to moisture since they offer excellent ventilation.

Double-hung windows: Double-hung windows can be opened at the top and bottom panel (or sash), offering more options for air circulation and easy cleaning. These windows work well in installations on higher floors.

Garden windows: This window style allows homeowners to create mini-greenhouses for their plants and herbs. Garden windows have no grilles to allow maximum sunlight to enter a room.

Hopper windows: These windows open with a crank and have a hinge at the bottom that opens inward. Since they sit high on a wall, they provide excellent ventilation and privacy.

Picture windows: These windows offer unobstructed, picturesque views of your surroundings, with the largest sizing running from the floor to the ceiling. Picture windows do not open, making them excellent for security.

Single-hung windows: These are traditional windows with a fixed top sash and open on the lower sash only—a great security feature for ground-floor rooms. Single-hung windows are more cost-effective than double-hung options.

Sliding windows: Sliding windows work well in tight spaces because they run on a small track that allows the window to open to the left or right rather than outward or inward. These work well in larger rooms or areas that need more natural light.

Storm windows: Storm windows offer added protection against hurricanes or heavy storms thanks to their impact-resistance window glass. Storm windows are used in coastal areas prone to major storms or heavy winds.

Transom windows: These decorative windows, which come in unique shapes such as arches or rectangles, serve as a decorative element above a door or other window. Transom windows are popular for bathroom installations or other areas where natural light and privacy are preferred.

• Cladding: Cladding protects wood windows’ exterior. Vinyl or metal cladding helps extend the windows’ life and reduces their exposure to the elements. Homeowners can enjoy the beautiful design of wood windows inside their homes without the exterior degrading over time.
  
• Glazing: Additional temperature protection comes with installing double- or triple-glazed windows. Double-glazed (or double-pane) windows have two glass panes with a sealed gas filler to impede heat transfer. This gas, typically argon or krypton, provides added insulation to prevent exterior temperatures from affecting your home’s comfort level. Choosing triple-glazed (or triple-pane) windows adds another layer of insulation and noise reduction.
• Low-e coatings: This coating helps regulate the solar heat that enters your home. According to the Department of Energy, low-e coating can reduce energy loss by up to 50%. The coating comes in various protection levels and may differ in certain climates. Some low-e glass allows solar heat to enter your home in winter. In other circ*mstances, the coating allows visible light to enter your home but reduces warming.
  
• Tilt-in sashes: Tilt-in sashes are found on single- and double-hung windows offered by most manufacturers. The sash, or the movable part of the windows, tilts inward, making it easier to clean.

• Aluminum: Aluminum windows are often the most affordable option. They’re heavy-duty but prone to rust and don’t offer much energy efficiency.
• Composite: Composite windows combine wood’s timeless look of wood with the durability of sturdy metal or plastic materials. They cost more than aluminum and vinyl windows but have a longer life span. Composite material provides more customization options than vinyl and offers great energy efficiency.
• Vinyl: Vinyl is a popular material for its balance of affordability and durability. It’s low-maintenance and offers decent energy efficiency. However, vinyl windows often have a notably artificial look to them.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass windows have excellent durability. They work well in most climates because they can expand and contract during extreme conditions. Fiberglass windows have a higher price tag but are often more economical than wood. This material also requires little maintenance and helps reduce your energy costs.
• Wood: Wood windows add elegance and curb appeal to your home. They offer excellent durability and energy efficiency but have a much higher cost range. Be aware that wood is more prone to damage, such as rotting or peeling.

• Limited lifetime warranty: A limited lifetime warranty is the most common warranty type in the windows industry. It covers certain window elements for their life span.
• Double lifetime warranty: This coverage is similar to a lifetime warranty but lasts for as long as you own your home.
• Lifetime warranty: A lifetime warranty covers more window elements than a limited warranty for the window’s lifetime.
• Transferable warranty: A transferable warranty allows you to transfer your coverage to the next person who buys your house. Most companies prorate the coverage from the original purchase date, giving the new owner a smaller warranty period.

• Frame Coverage
• Glass Coverage
• Hardware coverage and replacement
• Labor and installation terms
• Manufacturer’s defect coverage
• The company’s definition of “lifetime”

• Customer support: Review how customer service representatives responded to homeowners’ issues and supported them before and after installation. Take note of positive and negative experiences. Companies with long-standing customer support issues should be avoided.
• Window products and projects: Look for customer reviews that mention specific window products or product lines. Reviewers may also mention a project similar to your renovation or upgrade. Check those reviews for insights into their experience and any roadblocks they may have faced. Check for complaints about poor workmanship or faulty windows. You should avoid companies with constant issues with their product lines or project work.
• Scheduling and installation: Look for comments about how long it took to schedule appointments with the company and the turnaround time to full installation. Check for any complaints about delayed installation appointments or poor communication with scheduling. Also, pay attention to any reviews mentioning incomplete installations or unprofessional installers.
• Warranties: Many homeowners will share positive and negative experiences with warranty claims. You can learn more about the steps to start a claim, the coverage details, and how long the process may take. You may also learn about common warranty issues or claim delays other customers have faced.

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