Alliance Windows Review
I will be reviewing a smaller and very different vinyl window company today. Alliance Windows operates with a unique business structure, functioning as a coalition of independent window manufacturers. This collaborative model allows them to combine local expertise with national quality standards, ensuring high-performance windows tailored to regional needs. By leveraging the strengths of multiple manufacturers, Alliance Windows offers a diverse range of products with consistent quality, setting them apart in the window industry.
In this article, We will explore each of their window series, from the Windgate Series to the Series Hawthorn series, and discuss the pros and cons of choosing Alliance Windows. We will also dive into their features, including their energy efficiency, durability, and design options.
Stay tuned for reviews from customers, as well as a breakdown of the average prices of Alliance Windows.
Alliance Windows: A Brief History
Alliance Windows was established in 1998 as a collective of independent window manufacturers. The idea was to create a unified brand that could offer high-quality windows while leveraging its member companies’ combined experience and expertise. Over the years, Alliance Windows has grown to include a network of manufacturers across the United States, each bringing their regional knowledge and manufacturing prowess. Also, they are referred to as the American Window Alliance (AWA)
Alliance Windows operates differently from many traditional window companies. Instead of a single production facility, it is a coalition of independent manufacturers. This collaborative approach ensures that the windows are designed and produced with a deep understanding of local market needs and climatic conditions.
Windgate Series (New Construction)
The Windgate Series by Alliance Windows offers a straightforward, reliable option for new construction projects. This series is designed with essential features and provides solid performance, energy efficiency, and durability. Ideal for homeowners and builders seeking practical, cost-effective window solutions, the Windgate Series delivers quality without unnecessary complexity. It is a Solid choice for builder-grade windows.
Energy Efficiency
- Glass: Optional InnovativE glass, with lowE coating, higher energy efficiency, higher degree of comfort in your home and lower utility bills
- Multi-Chamber Frame: Dead air spaces within the frame and sash profiles resist energy transfer from exterior to interior.
- Spacer: “Warm edge” low conductance spacer resists energy flow through the edge of glass
- Seals: Weather stripped and located on the sash, sill, and interlock area. Lowering Air infatuation.
Durable Frame
- Vinyl Construction: The Windgate Series features frames made from high-quality vinyl. Vinyl is known for its durability, low maintenance, and resistance to warping, cracking, and peeling.
- Fusion-Welded Corners: The frames have fusion-welded corners for added strength and a seamless appearance.
Aesthetics and Styles
- Multiple Styles: The Windgate Series is available in various styles, including double-hung, slider, casement, awning, unique shapes, and picture windows, allowing homeowners to match their home’s architectural style.
- Color Options: Available in white and desert sand.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
- Tilt-In Sashes: This series’ double-hung windows feature tilt-in sashes, making cleaning the exterior glass from inside the home accessible.
- Smooth Operation: The balance system ensures smooth and easy Windows operation.
Pros and Cons of the Windgate Series
Pros
- Energy Efficiency: The Low-E glass, argon gas fill, and Upgraed duralite spacer options significantly improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Durability: The vinyl construction and fusion-welded corners provide excellent durability, ensuring the windows last for many years without extensive maintenance.
- Easy Maintenance: Vinyl requires little overall maintenance, and the tilt-in sashes make these windows easy to clean and use.
Cons
- Cost: While not the most expensive option on the market, the Windgate Series is priced higher than some basic window lines, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Vinyl Limitations: Although vinyl is durable and low-maintenance, it may not offer the same premium look as wood or aluminum for some homeowners who prioritize aesthetics.
- Limited Material Options: The Windgate Series primarily features vinyl frames, so those looking for other materials like wood or aluminum must explore different series or brands. Basic colors and design options.
- Durability: No reinforcement. Adding reinforcements to the frame can help ensure longevity and rigidity and reduce expansion and contraction in regions with harsh weather.
Belmont Series by Alliance Windows
The Belmont Series by Alliance Windows offers a solid combination of style and performance. These windows are designed for durability, energy efficiency, and customization, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s appearance and functionality. The Belmont Series ensures reliable performance and security, which is ideal for those seeking high-quality replacement windows.
Energy Efficiency
- Low-E Glass: The Belmont Series includes InnovativE® Warm Edge Spacer and High-Performance Low-E glass with argon gas fill. Higher energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
- Argon Gas Fill: The glass panes are filled with argon gas, which provides better insulation than air-filled windows.
- Spacer: InnovativE® Warm Edge Spacers reduce conductivity by 50% over other warm edge spacers. Reducing conductivity also reduces condensation.
- Weatherstripping: Three layers of weather stripping ensure an effective barrier to air and water penetration.
Durable Frame
- Vinyl Construction: The frames are made from high-quality vinyl, durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to the elements.
- Fusion-Welded Frames: Fusion-welded corners provide added strength and a seamless, clean appearance.
Design and Aesthetics
- Multiple Styles: Available in various styles, including single-hung, double-hung, slider, and picture windows, allowing homeowners to match their home’s architectural style.
- Color Choices: The interior gives you the option of white, tan, and black. For the exterior, you can choose twelve different colors.
- Grid Options: Optional grid patterns are available for a more traditional look.
Ease of Use
- Tilt-In Sashes: Double-hung windows feature tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning of the exterior glass from inside the home.
Pros and Cons of the Belmont Series
Pros
- Energy Efficiency: Standard Low-E glass, argon gas fill, and double-pane options help improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs. High-quality spacer and weatherstripping Standard
- Durability: Vinyl construction with fusion-welded corners offers excellent durability and low maintenance.
- Customizable Design: Various styles, colors, and grid options allow homeowners to personalize their windows. There are many color choices.
- Easy Maintenance: Tilt-in sashes and smooth operation make these windows easy to clean and use.
Cons
- Cost: While offering good value, the Belmont Series can be more expensive than basic window lines, which might be a factor for budget-conscious buyers.
- Vinyl Appearance: Although vinyl is durable and low-maintenance, it may not provide the same high-end appearance as wood or aluminum for some homeowners.
- Durability: No reinforcement. Adding reinforcements to the frame can help ensure longevity and rigidity and reduce expansion and contraction in regions with harsh weather.
- Options: No option of Foam filled frame for added thermal properties and strength on the frames
Hawthorne Series
The Hawthorne Series by Alliance Windows delivers high-end aesthetics and superior performance. These windows are designed with premium features like Low-E glass and advanced security and offer exceptional energy efficiency and durability. With more style options than previous models, the Hawthorne Series provides extensive customization to suit various home designs. Ideal for homeowners seeking top-tier window upgrades, this series combines style, versatility, and reliability.
Energy Efficiency
- Low-E Glass: The Hawthorn Series includes InnovativE® Warm Edge Spacer and High-Performance Low-E glass with argon gas fill. Higher energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
- Argon Gas Fill: The glass panes are filled with argon gas, which provides better insulation than air-filled windows.
- Spacer: InnovativE® Warm Edge Spacers reduce conductivity by 50% over other warm edge spacers. Reducing conductivity also reduces condensation.
- Weatherstripping: Three layers of weather stripping ensure an effective barrier to air and water penetration.
- Optional: Foam-filled frames Adds strength and rigidity to the frame.
Durable Frame
- Vinyl Construction: The frames are made from high-quality vinyl, durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to the elements.
- Fusion-Welded Frames: Fusion-welded corners provide added strength and a seamless, clean appearance.
- Durability: Some styles have thicker extruded frames, adding strength and rigidity.
Design and Aesthetics
- Multiple Styles: These windows are available in double-hung windows, Dual slider windows, 3-lite sliders, casement windows, Bow Windows, Bay windows, and picture windows, allowing homeowners to match their home’s architectural style.
- Color Choices: The interior offers the option of white or tan and three wood-like interior options. For the exterior, you can choose twelve different colors.
- Grid Options: Optional grid patterns are available for a more traditional look.
Ease of Use
- Tilt-In Sashes: Double-hung windows feature tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning of the exterior glass from inside the home.
Pros and Cons of the Hawthorn Series
Pros
- Energy Efficiency: Standard Low-E glass, argon gas fill, and double-pane options help improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs. High-quality spacer and weatherstripping Standard
- Durability: Vinyl construction with fusion-welded corners offers excellent durability and low maintenance.
- Customizable Design: Various styles, colors, and grid options allow homeowners to personalize their windows,with the addition of wood-like interior options.
- Options: You can now upgrade and add foam fill to the frames.
Cons
- Cost: While offering good value, the Belmont Series can be more expensive than basic window lines, which might be a factor for budget-conscious buyers.
- Vinyl Appearance: Although vinyl is durable and low-maintenance, it may provide a different high-end appearance than wood or aluminum for some homeowners.
- Durability: No reinforcement. Adding reinforcements to the frame can help ensure longevity and rigidity and reduce expansion and contraction in regions with harsh weather.
How good are Alliance Windows?
When considering Alliance Windows, it is important to weigh the pros and cons based on aspects such as window quality, Cost, and overall value.
Pros: Alliance Windows produces a solid vinyl window at very competitive pricing. The Windgate series (new construction) is decent for a builder-grade window. The Belmont and Hawthorn have very good performance for their price point. They will not win any award for design or features, but compared to a lot of the other entry to mid-level vinyl windows, they do a great job. Their replacement lines come Standard with lowE glass, high-quality spacer, and argon gas fill. A lot ofcompanies nickel and dime you for everything, so it is nice to see smaller companies, including Standard.
One of Alliance Windows’ most significant advantages lies in its quality construction, which ensures that each window is built to last. This attention to detail not only enhances the overall aesthetics of your home but also contributes to its durability and longevity.
Cons: Some potential cons of Alliance Windows include that they only do something unique or something that truly sets them apart from the competition. This is quite common among vinyl window companies. They do a good job but need more innovation to push their products past the competition and really differentiate them. I know only so much can be done to vinyl windows, but seeing companies try is always appreciated.
The limited availability of their products in certain regions may lead to longer wait times or difficulty finding a local supplier or installer. This can result in delays in getting the windows installed or serviced. Customers may also need help finding qualified professionals experienced in dealing specifically with Alliance Windows products, leading to potential issues in installation quality or warranty coverage issues. The last con I want to bring up is that a couple of manufacturers are working in coordination with each other. I love the idea, but I am also concerned. What if one goes under or sells out? How will that affect the warranty or parts in the future? It may not be an issue, but it is something to consider.
Alliance Windows Reviews
Customers frequently mention the smooth installation process and the excellent value provided by Alliance Windows in their reviews. This attention to detail during the installation process often earns feedback praise.
I have spoken to installers and companies that have dealt with Alliance, and they always speak very well of the product. Once again, they are not the higher-end vinyl windows, but they do a great job on their windows and traditionally havefewer issues than a lot of other competitors at similar prices.
The affordable pricing of Alliance Windows compared to other competitors is a standout feature that customers appreciate. The value-for-money aspect is repeatedly cited as a major factor in choosing Alliance Windows over other brands.
What is the warranty on Alliance Windows?
Here are the warranty details for the Windgate, Belmont, and Hawthorne series by Alliance Windows:
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Coverage: Alliance Windows comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that covers materials and workmanshipdefects for as long as the original purchaser owns the home. This warranty includes the vinyl frame, insulated glass unit, and hardware.
- Transferable: It is transferable to a new homeowner; it will cover the nonglass aspects for 20 years, and the glass components for 10 years.
- Labor: For warranty claims, Alliance will cover labor for the first 5 years after the installation.
These warranties typically include transferable provisions, allowing a limited warranty period for subsequent homeowners. Specific terms and conditions can vary, so it’s advisable to review the detailed warranty documentation provided by Alliance Windows for each series.
How much do Alliance Windows Cost?
Several factors affect the Price of Alliance Windows, including the choice of materials, the complexity of the installation, and any additional customization options.
The complexity of the installation process, such as the size and style of the windows, accessibility, and any structural modifications required, can also influence the final Price. Opting for customization features like color options, grid patterns, or specialty glass can add to the total Cost of Alliance Windows. These prices are what average consumers should expect to pay, including standard installation.
Windgate Series
- Average Price: $300 – $450 per window
Belmont Series
- Average Price: $450 – $600 per window
Hawthorne Series
- Average Price: $600 – $800 per window
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Alliance Windows?
Alliance Windows was established in 1998 as a collective of independent window manufacturers. The unique idea was to create a unified brand that could offer high-quality windows while leveraging its member companies’ combined experience and expertise.
What sets Alliance Windows apart from other companies in the market?
Alliance Windows offers various window series with unique features and benefits to meet different customer needs. They also have a long-standing reputation for exceptional customer service and top-notch products. Their unique business structure assists them in offering the best products and services tailored to the specific region the dealer operates in.
How are the reviews for Alliance Windows?
Overall, Alliance Windows has received positive reviews from customers. Many have praised the quality of their products, timely delivery, and excellent customer service. However, as with any company, there have also been some negative reviews. It is essential to thoroughly research and read positive and negative reviews before deciding.
What is the average price for Alliance Windows?
The average Price for Alliance Windows varies depending on the series and type of window chosen. However, their prices are generally competitive and reasonable compared to other companies in the market. You should get a quote from Alliance Windows directly for an accurate price estimate based on your specific needs. On average, the prices range from $400-$800 per window installed.
