When considering the purchase of windows for new construction or replacement in Chicago, you want to make a well-informed choice.
As an experienced window replacement services company, we recommend your windows are of good quality, are easy to maintain, and capable of withstanding the city’s continental climate, with its cold winters and warm summers.
Remember that the quality of your new construction windows determines the warmth and comfort of your home, so you should choose the best window manufacturer for the job.
So, what is the best replacement window brand? In this blog, we compare replacement window brands, so you can learn which brand of windows is best for your budget and building’s needs.
Many window companies are on the market, but here are the best window brands for cold climates and the most reliable manufacturers we’d vouch for. Each of these top window brands has proven to produce long-lasting and reliable windows at affordable prices.
#1. Andersen Windows
Andersen is one of the best brands of windows in the US, boasting excellent customer service. They offer 35 different window types with various operational styles, colors, frames, and shapes.
They also produce a fully customized E-Series for unique installations such as accent windows. We rate the 400 Series as a premium choice for window replacement, as customers can choose between contemporary and traditional profiles in vinyl and wood to suit their home’s aesthetic.
Apex Window Werks offers Andersen window glass repair, so your windows will always be in top shape.
Price Range: $680–$2,700
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Broad selection;
- Available nationwide at The Home Depot and Lowe’s;
- Various warranties apply for 20 years (glass) and ten years (non-glass items).
Cons:
- Prices vary by location;
- Charges a premium price.
Types of Windows Available
These are the windows that Andersen offers:
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Double-hung windows
- Gliding windows
- Pass-through windows
- Picture windows
| Andersen Window Series | Description |
|---|---|
| 100 | The Fiberx-constructed 100 Series is the most economical option. |
| 200 | Unlike the 200 series windows, these combine wood and vinyl for additional protection. |
| 400 | Anderson Windows’ signature series of windows clad in wood are held as an industry standard and come with one of the best warranties in the market. |
| A | Hurricane-grade windows with triple panes for enhanced protection. |
| E | Specialty weather-resistant windows with wood interiors and aluminum exteriors – are available in various exotic wood species. |
#2. Jeld Wen Windows
If you’re looking for the best quality windows that require minimal maintenance, Jeld-Wen is a great choice. They offer a variety of window styles and materials. The company also provides custom solutions if you have unique windows that don’t match standard sizes.
Their Aluminum windows are particularly low-maintenance, but they also offer vinyl and wood-clad windows. All Jeld-Wen vinyl windows have a limited lifetime (non-transferable) warranty, while their wood-clad windows come with a 20-year warranty.
Price Range: $125 to $1,500
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Many affordable options;
- Customization available;
- Sold at most local retailers nationwide.
Cons:
- More of an entry-level brand.
Types of Windows Available
- Casement windows
- Single windows
- Double hung windows
- Awning windows
- Sliding windows
- Bay and bow
- Picture windows
- Specialty windows
| Jeld Wen Window Series | Description |
|---|---|
| Atlantic Aluminum | Specially designed with aluminum for the storm-prone Atlantic climate. |
| Builders Vinyl (V-2500) | High-quality, energy-efficient vinyl windows for entry-level use. |
| Brickmould Vinyl | Traditional wood-style windows crafted with Jeld-Wen’s quality vinyl. |
| Flat Casing | Vinyl windows in a colonial-style framing. |
| Premium Vinyl (V-4500) | Premium-level frames and glass offer additional energy efficiency. |
| Premium Atlantic Vinyl | Created with Atlantic storms in mind, these windows have impact-resistant glass for added durability. |
| DF Hybrid Vinyl | A low-maintenance and cost-effective option for siding, reinforced with aluminum cladding. |
| W-2500 | Built with AuraLast pine, this entry-level window is designed to protect against wood rot and water damage. |
| Siteline | Siteline adds a range of styles and options at a moderate to high price range, plus extra termite protection. |
| EpicVue | Premium models with a contemporary style and wood reinforced with aluminum cladding. |
| Custom | Choose from a variety of Jeld-Wed’s hand-crafted wood windows with extensive customization options, including their highest-priced models. |
#3. Pella Windows
Pella is one of the most replacement window brands in the United States, offering a wide selection of window ranges, including a traditional wooden line with its Architect and Lifestyle series and a minimalist, durable line of fiberglass windows with its Impervia series.
The company focuses on eco-friendly and energy-efficient products to ensure its offerings meet Energy Star performance standards. Pella was recognized by the EPA in 2009 with an Energy Star Award for its efforts in pollution prevention. With Pella, you can enjoy comfort in your home while helping the environment.
And, if you need Pella window repair, you can call Apex Window Werks.
Price Range: $450–$2,000
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Budget-friendly;
- More than 200 showrooms nationwide;
- A wide variety of standard sizes.
Cons:
- Availability varies by ZIP code;
- Specialty windows are more expensive than competitor brands.
Types of Windows Available
These are the windows that Pella offers:
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Custom windows
- Double-hung windows
- Picture windows
- Single-hung windows
- Sliding window
- Specialty windows
| Pella Windows Series | Description |
|---|---|
| 250 | Energy-efficient, budget-friendly vinyl windows with super-strength security and privacy features. |
| Encompass | Cost-effective, minimal upkeep, and superior quality. |
| Defender | This vinyl series is renowned for its ability to shield almost all UV rays, making it ideal for protecting against storms and reducing noise. |
| Hurricane Shield | An intermediate-priced option for homeowners who need a product that can withstand hurricane-force winds and is impact-resistant. |
| Lifestyle | Wood-clad windows at an intermediate price. Energy-efficient and sound reduction options are available. |
| Impervia | Impervia’s super-durable fiberglass windows give homeowners extra security and improved energy efficiency. |
| Architect-Series Traditional | All the windows in this line are constructed with either wood or aluminum-clad wood and offer the option of triple-paned glass. Some also feature retractable screens. |
| Reserve-Traditional | Ideal for those who desire a historically accurate look in wood or aluminum-clad options. |
| Reserve Contemporary | The same high-quality as the classic original, but with modern designs. |
#4. Milgard Windows
Milgard manufactures all parts of its windows in-house, offering reliable warranty options – with five tiers of window lines. The company provides fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum frames, and an array of specialty windows, such as skylights, radius, bay, bow, and garden windows.
If you want a modern look with thin frames and a minimalist design, try the Trinsic Series | V300, or for a traditional wooden window aesthetic, the Ultra Series | C650 is made from wood-clad fiberglass that’s weather-resistant, making them some of the best windows for Chicago homes. Having such a wide and affordable selection makes Milgard one of the most popular window brands in the US.
Of course, there’s also greater peace of mind knowing Apex Window Werks offers Milgard Window Repair.
Price Range: $200 – $800
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Full lifetime warranty;
- Manufactures glass units and vinyl components in-house;
- SmartTouch Hardware for easy accessibility.
Cons:
- Limited availability;
- No online pricing due to location variation.
Types of Windows Available
These are the windows that Milgrad offers:
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bi-fold glass walls
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Double-hung windows
- Garden windows
- Horizontal slider windows
- Picture windows
- Pocket glass walls
- Radius windows
- Single-hung windows
- Stacking glass walls
| Milgard Window Series | Description |
|---|---|
| A250 | Narrow sightlines, energy efficiency, durability, style, and functionality. |
| C650 | Exceptionally strong and low maintenance, these fiberglass windows are perfect for any home style. |
| V450 | Vinyl windows are crafted from high-performance materials to maximize energy efficiency and your home’s visual appeal. |
| V400 | Vinyl windows of the highest quality, are perfect for new construction or renovation projects. |
| V300 | A modern design featuring a large glass panel and a slim frame. |
| V250 | High-quality windows that are affordable, with slim styling and sleek lines. |
#5. Simonton Windows
As one of the best house window brands, Simonton offers stylish, affordable vinyl windows in standard and custom sizes. And their budget-friendly approach doesn’t sacrifice quality.
If you need standard-sized, high-quality windows and don’t want to break the bank, you can find classic styles in stock sizes through Home Depot or other home improvement retailers.
Simonton’s windows are also energy-efficient, with many different options available, and their glass comes with a 20-year warranty. Some lines even have a residential limited lifetime warranty.
Price Range: $120 – $1,000
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Budget-friendly;
- Low-maintenance;
- Wide selection, even with entry-level options;
- ProSolar energy-efficient glass is available for all window ranges.
Cons:
- Options-predominantly vinyl;
- Limited customization.
Types of Windows Available
These are the windows that Simonton offers:
- Double hung windows
- Casement windows
- Awning windows
- Slider windows
- Bay windows
- Bow garden windows
- Specialty windows
- Picture windows
| Simonton Window Series | Description |
|---|---|
| Reflections 5050 | Entry-level replacement windows. |
| Reflections 5500 | Fewer styles, sizes, colors, and finishes than the 5500. |
| Asure | Narrow-framed windows for maximum light and easy replacement installation. |
| Impressions 9800 | Window replacements that replicate the appearance of authentic, classic wooden frames. |
| Stormbreaker Plus | Designed for coastal areas that are subjected to strong storms and hurricane-force winds. Energy-efficient and soundproofed with double-paned glass. |
| ProFinish Builder | If you’re looking for entry-level windows for brand-new construction, the Simonton Builder series is perfect. Their flat frames and high-efficiency glass provide a simple and clean look. |
| ProFinish Contractor | Made extra durable with welded frames and sashes. Available in a variety of styles, sizes, and glass options. |
| ProFinish Brickmould 300 | For those who want the look of wooden frames, the 300 series from Simonton’s new windows is the ideal starter. They also come with a limited lifetime warranty on vinyl. |
| ProFinish Brickmould 600 | The Brickmould 600 is ideal for those who want to add intricate wooden details to frames with a classic look. It offers a variety of natural-looking wood grain textures and more glass options than the 300. |
| DaylightMax | The DaylightMax window replacement is available in certain parts of the western U.S. and comes with thin frames like the Asure window, providing more light to enter your home. |
| Madeira | With its wide-frame windows and a large selection of styles, sizes, and energy-efficient glass packages, you can be sure to get the highest rating for energy efficiency with Madeira. |
| Verona | A window replacement solution ideal for entry-level, offering slim frames and a modern, stylish design. |
#6. Marvin
Minnesota-based Marvin Windows has been a leading manufacturer of windows and doors for over a century. As a household window brand name with eight factories across the country, Marvin Windows produces a variety of window types and materials, including wood, fiberglass, and extruded aluminum.
For those looking for a luxurious finish, we recommend their Signature Ultimate windows and doors, which come with a range of wood species and various staining and painting options. Marvin takes extra care to sand, condition, stain, and oven-cure each window for a richer look. Those with coastal homes should consider their Signature Coastal windows, designed to withstand extreme stormy and hurricane conditions.
And yes, we do provide Marvin window repair!
Price Range: $250 – $900
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable windows suited to coastal properties;
- Offers grilles between glass;
- Custom hardware and design options.
Cons:
- Limited warranty options;
- No online pricing due to location and window customization.
Types of Windows Available
These are the windows that Marvin offers:
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Corner windows
- Double-hung windows
- Picture windows
- Skylights
- Specialty windows
- Sliding windows
| Marvin Window Series | Description |
|---|---|
| Essential | Entry-level window series made from fiberglass windows for both interior and exterior use. |
| Elevate | Provides the aesthetic appeal of wood windows as well as the robustness of fiberglass for their exterior frames. |
| Signature-Coastline | Designed specifically to resist hurricane-strength winds and meet the standards required by the State of Florida. |
| Signature-Modern | An elegant modern design in high-density fiberglass frames, allows homeowners to enjoy maximum light with slim, narrow frames. |
| Signature-Ultimate | Marvin’s highest-end offering Ultimately provides the greatest amount of design, materials, and customization possibilities. |
#7. Champion
Since 1953, Champion Windows has built its reputation as one of the best-quality window brands, offering a variety of window lines in 26 states. With its Comfort 365 Window Glass, Champion Windows has produced a product with a Low-E coating and insulating argon gas, which blocks 94% of UV rays for a comfortable temperature in your home year-round.
The ColorBond aluminum window line uses heat-reflective materials, and the TimberBond line offers custom wood grain finishes and protective technology. In addition to windows and doors, Champion Windows provides sunroom and patio services with custom-shaped windows and other features.
Price Range: $350 -$800
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Custom windows for sunrooms/enclosed patios;
- Non-toxic, heat-reflective materials;
- Energy Star-certified glass.
Cons:
- Limited pricing info available online;
- Only available in 26 states.
Types of Windows Available
These are the windows that Champion offers:
- Double hung windows
- Sliding windows
- Casement windows
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Garden windows
- Specialty windows
| Champion Window Series | Description |
|---|---|
| ColorBond® | Adding color to your windows with designer colors from ColorBond® can increase your home’s curb appeal and value. The EPA-compliant pigment in ColorBond® products protects against fading, warping, and energy loss. |
| TimberBond® | With TimberBond®, you can get a luxurious, finished wood look that is more durable and energy efficient. There are three different finishes to choose from. |
#8. Harvey
Harvey Windows + Doors offers two window lines for customers in the Northeastern United States. The solid Ponderosa Pine Majesty Wood collection is one of the best home window brands available and has been specially treated to resist rot, degradation, splitting, warping, and mildew, as well as featuring extruded aluminum exterior cladding for extra protection.
The windows are beveled for an attractive look that matches other wooden windows, though the warranty is only ten years. On the other hand, Harvey’s Classic Vinyl collection comes with a lifetime warranty and five BetterGrain interior finishes that imitate the look of natural wood windows.
The windows also have UV Tough coatings in black or bronze, which is seven times stronger than industry-standard water-based paints.
Price Range: $500 – $1,350
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality wood line (Majesty Wood);
- Tough UV-coated paint;
- Quality vinyl with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Limited state availability;
- No pricing information online;
- Only a 10-year warranty on Majesty Wood windows.
Types of Windows Available
These are the windows Harvey offers:
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Custom shaped windows
- Double-hung windows
- Garden windows
- Gliding windows
- Hoppers
- Picture windows
- Single-hung windows
- Rolling windows
| Harvey Window Materials | Description |
|---|---|
| Vinyl windows | Harvey Vinyl Windows are renowned for its unbeatable longevity and low maintenance needs. Not only do they offer various operating styles, but customers can also customize their windows with various exterior colors, hardware finishes, grid styles, and glass performance options. |
| Majesty wood windows | Majesty products are crafted with solid Ponderosa Pine wood components that have been treated to resist rot, degradation, splitting, warping, and mildew. The exterior cladding is made from precision-formed extruded aluminum, shielding the sashes from outdoor conditions, while the beveling enhances the windows’ aesthetic appeal. |
Window Shopping: Finding the Perfect Windows for Your Home
When choosing home windows, consider size, style, material, insulation, energy efficiency, cost, warranty, and installation company.
Window Types
The following is a list of different types of windows to help you decide which meets your functional and aesthetic requirements.
- Bay and bow: A bay window features glass panes in an angled frame that projects outward from a home. Similarly, a bow window is a curved design of the same size. Although pricey, these windows can be a great way to make a statement;
- Casement: A window attached to its frame by one or more hinges at the side. It is typically hung horizontally, hinged on the left or right side, and opens outward;
- Garden: A window referred to as either a garden window or a greenhouse window extends outward from your home, providing an area to showcase plants or herbs;
- Single-hung: Single-hung windows function similarly to double-hung windows; however, the lower sash is fixed, providing additional security;
- Double-hung: This style of window, which is both popular and affordable, features two movable sashes that can open from the top or bottom;
- Shaped: Circular or windows of other shapes are usually more expensive due to the extra labor and materials required to craft them;
- Picture: Picture windows feature one glass pane that can’t be opened. Despite this, they provide beautiful views of your outside area and plenty of natural light. These windows come in many different sizes and shapes, so you may need to place a custom order to get the one you want.
Frame Material
Different materials used in window manufacturing affect quality, durability, tightness of the seal, and cost.
- Wood: Even today, wood is popular due to its versatility, quality, and durability, although it is the most expensive option;
- Vinyl: Made from PVC, Vinyl replacement windows are a cost-effective, durable, and energy-efficient choice;
- Fiberglass: Because fiberglass does not warp, frames can be made much thinner, which allows for more glass and, thus, more light to enter the room;
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a popular choice for window frames due to its versatility, lightweight, and durability.
Warranties
Before investing in any new window brand, ensure that it includes a warranty to protect your investment.
The coverage levels will depend on the product; for example, wood windows are likely to have more comprehensive warranties than vinyl windows, which typically have warranties lasting one to two years.
Window warranties typically consist of two parts—one for workmanship and one for components. Though lifetime warranties are not common in the window industry, investing in a company that does offer a lifetime warranty is a safer bet.
Reviews
You should read reviews for each installer you are considering on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google. This will help you gain insight into customer experience and which window brand names the company works with.
Pay attention to any positive or negative trends, especially regarding the product and installation quality. One negative review is acceptable since it is possible that the customer was difficult. However, if the majority of reviews are poor, then it is likely the company is a no-go.
Energy Efficient Windows
Windows with high-efficiency ratings provide better insulation and can reduce energy costs.
Star ratings are a standard rating system used to rate the energy efficiency of products, including windows. Ratings range from one to ten stars, with ten stars being the most efficient. When purchasing replacement windows, it is important to look for high star ratings as this will help save energy and reduce energy costs.
Additionally, consider the U-value and R-value of the window, which refer to the amount of heat transfer and insulation. The lower the U-value and higher the R-value, the more efficient the window will be. Keep in mind all of the best brands of windows have good energy-efficiency ratings.
Finding the Perfect Window Installer for Your Home
To find a reliable local window installation company:
- Check for certification: To find a certified installer, we recommend visiting a local showroom of the brand you are interested in and verifying that the contractor is certified by the American Window and Door Institute;
- Read customer reviews: Look at both Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pay attention to important details such as scheduling, warranty options, and workmanship. These elements give you a better understanding of the contractor’s work;
- Pay attention to the quote process: A reputable installer should take the time to measure each window, explain their installation process, and estimate how long the job will take. If an installer seems eager to start the job or ignores your questions and concerns, you should look elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
What is the best window replacement brand? To reiterate, it depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for advice on which high-quality window brands to consider, Apex Window Werks can help.
As an expert window repair and installation company, we work with and are familiar with the top window brands – we also manufacture our products.
Our high-quality products and installation services guarantee long-lasting satisfaction. We are dedicated to providing excellent work that benefits your well-being and budget. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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