Kolbe Windows Review
My review today will cover one of the more luxury window companies on the market. Kolbe is known for its long history as an artisan craftsman of premium wood windows for over seventy years. They have some of the most customizable windows on the market and place a very high degree of care on the production of each window. They also have an excellent hybrid replacement window made with their proprietary Glastra® material, a fiberglass and UV-stable polymer hybrid. I always love reviewing companies that are pushing the envelope in the industry through innovation and new hybrid materials. Let’s be honest: only so much can be done with vinyl material.
In this review, we will explore Kolbe Windows’ company history, what sets them apart from other window manufacturers, and the various replacement lines they offer.
Curious about reviews and pricing? We’ve got you covered. Stay tuned to discover why Kolbe Windows maybe the perfect choice for your new windows.
Company History of Kolbe Windows
Kolbe Windows & Doors was founded 1946 by brothers Herb and Ervin Kolbe in Marathon, Wisconsin. The company started as a small family business that built high-quality windows and doors. Over the decades, Kolbe has become a prominent player in the window and door industry, known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to quality. Kolbe Windows has a reputation for being on the luxury end of the spectrum. Kolbe’s windows and doors are known for their beauty and elegance and are often chosen for high-end and commercial projects.
With the recent manufacturing facilities in Colorado and the existing Midwest facilities, the company’s products are now distributed nationwide through a network of authorized dealers and showrooms, showcasing its widespread influence in the window market.
What Makes Kolbe Windows Unique?
Kolbe Windows stands out in the market due to its commitment to quality. It offers a diverse range of highly customizable window products. The unique design features and customization choices make Kolbe Windows a top choice for discerning customers.
The attention to detail in their designs is evident in every window they produce, reflecting the brand’s dedication to excellence. From a pure design standpoint, they are gorgeous windows and stand up to the luxury reputation. On the technology front, they have a unique material, Glastra, a proprietary hybrid of fiberglass and UV-stable polymer. They utilize in their Forgent Series of windows. This results in robust, durable, and energy-efficient windows that are low maintenance. Their VistaLuxe® Collection, for example, is designed for modern homes with narrow frames and expansive glass areas, providing a sleek and contemporary look. In their Heritage Series, Kolbe focuses on traditional craftsmanship; dedication to detail is evident in the beautiful, authentic wood windows ideal for historic or traditional homes.
Kolbe Windows Replacement Lines
Kolbe Windows offers a variety of replacement lines to cater to different needs, including the innovative Heritage Windows, which combines traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. Each replacement line is designed to enhance homes’ visual appeal and performance.
I will cover the Ultra, Heritage, and Forgent lines in this ire review.
Kolbe Ultra Series
The Kolbe Ultra Series represents the pinnacle of high-performance windows, crafted with unparalleled energy efficiency and durability.
These windows are meticulously engineered to offer exceptional thermal performance, keeping rooms comfortable in all seasons while reducing energy costs. Natural wood interiors and extruded aluminum exteriors allow you to enjoy the warmth and beauty of wood windows and the advanced protection of extruded aluminum exteriors. Their advanced construction enhances sound insulation, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment.
The Kolbe Ultra Series boasts cutting-edge features such as advanced insulation technology, noise reduction capabilities, and superior craftsmanship, providing homeowners with unmatched comfort and aesthetics.
Features
- Extruded Aluminum Exterior: The Ultra Series features an extruded aluminum exterior that provides superior durability and resistance to the elements. The aluminum cladding is thicker and more robust than roll-formed aluminum, enhancing the longevity and structural integrity of the windows.
- Wood Interior: Inside, the windows are crafted with high-quality wood interiors, from traditional woods to exotic species. Twenty-plus standard pre-finishes, plus custom finishes, allow customization to another level.
- Energy-Efficient Glazing: The Ultra Series includes multiple glazing options, such as double or triple-pane insulated glass, Low-E coatings, and argon or krypton gas fills.
- Aesthetics: You have 21 interior stains and paint options. The aluminum exterior has 49 variations of colors, and they also offer custom colors. The exterior area is finished in 70% PVDF fluoropolymer coating, an ideal choice for durability and resistance to fading.
- Durability: The extruded aluminum exterior provides excellent durability, making these windows resistant to weathering, corrosion, and physical damage.
Cons
- Cost: The Ultra Series is a premium product line, and its high-quality materials and craftsmanship are more expensive than standard vinyl or fiberglass windows.
- Complex Installation: Due to their high-end construction and customization, the installation process can be more challenging and often has longer lead times. Not all sizes are available for replacement windows.
- Wood Maintenance: While the exterior aluminum cladding is low maintenance, the interior wood may require periodic refinishing to maintain its appearance and durability, especially in high-moisture environments.
Kolbe Heritage Series
The Kolbe Heritage Series is designed for those who value traditional craftsmanship and the natural beauty of wood. This line suits historical renovations or homeowners wanting an authentic, classic aesthetic. The heritage line also caters to commercial projects, crafting countless unique styles and classic push-out windows.
This distinctive Series boasts a rich history of excellence, dating back to its establishment in the picturesque heart of Wisconsin. Skilled artisans bring each window to life with meticulous care and precision. These windows seamlessly blend classic aesthetics with modern functionality, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of sophistication to their living spaces.
While the Kolbe Heritage Series offers unmatched elegance and durability, some homeowners may find the maintenance requirements higher being all wood windows.
Features
- Construction: The Heritage Series features all-wood construction, emphasizing wood’s natural beauty and warmth. This construction is ideal for historic homes or projects where maintaining architectural integrity is essential.
- Variety of Wood Species: Homeowners can choose from various wood species, including pine, fir, oak, and mahogany.
- Custom Finishes: The windows can be customized with nineteen different varieties of stains and paint finishes to match the home’s decor.
- Energy-Efficient Glazing: The Series offers multiple glazing options, including double or triple-pane insulated glass, Low-E coatings, and gas fills like argon or krypton, enhancing energy efficiency and thermal performance.
- Traditional Detailing: These windows are ideal for historic renovations, as they maintain the architectural integrity and authenticity required for such projects.
Cons
- Maintenance: All wood windows require regular maintenance, including painting or staining, to protect them from moisture, insects, and weathering. This is much more demanding than maintenance for aluminum or vinyl windows.
- Cost: The high-quality materials and craftsmanship of the Heritage Series come with a higher price tag.
- Durability: While beautiful, wood is more susceptible to damage from moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations compared to materials like vinyl or fiberglass. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure longevity.
Kolbe Forgent Series
The design of the Forgent Series focuses on durability without compromising on aesthetics. Utilizing Kolbe’s proprietary Glastra® material, a fiberglass and UV-stable polymer hybrid. This material is highly durable and resistant to the elements. From the design side, the sleek frames, available in various colors and finishes, seamlessly blend into any architectural style, making them a versatile choice for both residential and commercial properties.
The Kolbe Forgent Series is designed to offer a blend of durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for modern homes. The Series utilizes innovative and unique materials and manufacturing techniques to provide high performance.
Features
- Construction: Utilizes Strong and resilient Glastra material for rigidity and strength. AccuForge Welded sash and frame for improved seal to resist air and water infiltration. Also, Advanced ladder design with multiple chambers for strength and energy efficiency
- Energy Efficiency: The Series includes multiple energy-efficient glazing options, such as double or triple-pane insulated glass, Low-E coatings, and gas fills (argon or krypton). These options enhance thermal performance and help reduce energy costs.
- Low Maintenance: Glastra® is low-maintenance, requiring less upkeep than traditional wood windows. It is also resistant to fading, chalking, and peeling.
- Design Options: The Forgent Series offers a Glastra or natural wood interior. The wood interior offers 15 different stains or painted color options. Glastra Interior has four color options for interior and exterior.
- Durability: The combination of fiberglass and polymer in Glastra® provides superior strength and impact resistance, making these windows suitable for various climates and conditions.
Cons
- Limited Wood Interior Options: Unlike some other Kolbe lines, the Forgent Series offers fewer wood interior options, which might be a drawback for homeowners who prefer the look and feel of natural wood.
- Aesthetic Preferences: While the Series offers a variety of color options, some homeowners might prefer the traditional look of wood or other materials that the Forgent Series does not emphasize.
- Cost: The unique nature and advantages of the material undoubtedly come at a price. Although it is worth it for many people, it is still a significant investment compared to vinyl windows.
Why Choose Kolbe Windows?
One of the critical reasons why Kolbe Windows stands out in the market is its unwavering commitment to excellence. Consistently surpassing industry standards, Kolbe Windows has built a name synonymous with reliability and durability. Its products are known for their structural integrity and aesthetics, making them a top choice for those looking to enhance their home’s efficiency and curb appeal. I have always been impressed with the quality of construction of their wood-clad windows. They are one of the top on the market without a doubt. They have always had an exceptionally handcrafted style to their product, which I greatly appreciate. In today’s world, mastery of one’s craft is less and less.
Also, the Glastra is a very intriguing product, with great material and construction. Overall, the Forgent Series provides a balanced combination of performance, durability, and value,
Reviews of Kolbe Windows
Kolbe Windows reviews reflect a positive sentiment from both consumers and installers, who praise the products for their durability, aesthetics, and performance across various installation settings.
Consumers often mention how Kolbe Windows enhances the overall look of their homes and provides exceptional insulation, resulting in energy efficiency and cost savings. The only negative I have seen review-wise is a need for more support for small broken parts or issues with window operation. I don’t know if this is more on the dealer’s or the manufacturer’s side.
Average Price for Kolbe Windows
Pinpointing Kolbe’s cost is more complex than usual, which is already a challenge because every market has different pricing. Kolbe has more customization options than most companies, and those options add up quickly, especially for large jobs with numerous windows.
Factors that influence the cost of Kolbe Windows include the material used, the size of the windows, energy-efficient features, and additional accessories. Customization choices such as hardware finishes, grid patterns, and glass options can also impact the overall Price. Kolbe is on the upper end price-wise and in terms of quality in general.
- Forgent Series
- Average Price: $900 – $1,600 per window
- Factors Influencing Price: The Glastra® material, energy-efficient glazing options, and low-maintenance features contribute to the cost.
- Ultra Series
- Average Price: $1,200 – $2,500 per window
- Factors Influencing Price: Extruded aluminum exterior, wood interior, and extensive customization options impact the cost.
- Heritage Series
- Average Price: $1,000 – $3,0000 per window
- Factors Influencing Price: All-wood construction, traditional craftsmanship, and high customization levels contribute to the higher Price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Kolbe Windows?
Kolbe Windows was founded in 1946 by brothers Herb and Ervin Kolbe. The company has a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation in the window industry.
What makes Kolbe Windows unique?
Kolbe Windows stands out for its commitment to customization and energy efficiency. It offers a wide range of customization options, and its windows are Energy Star certified.
What replacement window lines does Kolbe offer?
Kolbe offers four replacement window lines: Ultra Series, Heritage Series, VistaLuxe Collection, and Forgent Series. Each line has unique features and benefits to meet different needs and styles.
What are the pros and cons of each Kolbe Window line?
The Ultra Series is known for its durability and energy efficiency, but it may be more expensive. The Heritage Series offers a classic wood look but may require more maintenance. The VistaLuxe Collection features a sleek, modern design, but customization options may be limited. The Forgent Series is budget-friendly but may have fewer features than other lines.
Why should I buy Kolbe Windows? Kolbe Windows are a reliable and trusted brand with a strong reputation for quality and customization. They also offer energy-efficient options and a wide range of styles.
What are the reviews for Kolbe Windows?
Kolbe Windows has generally positive reviews, with customers praising the quality and customization options. Some negative reviews mention issues with delivery and installation.
What is the average Price for Kolbe Windows?
The average Price for Kolbe Windows varies depending on the specific line and customization options chosen. However, customers can expect to pay between $900 and $3,000 per window on average.