Crystal Windows Review
Crystal Windows is Not a very well-known company outside of New York, but that is starting to change. Crystal has been expanding and, for sure, growing every year. Crystal Windows offers diverse products catering to residential and commercial markets. They have a very extensive commercial line. But like always, we are only covering the market. I have expertise on the residential window side. Their residential side is viny only and offers two significant lines I will cover. They produce a solid vinyl window with a solid warranty and solid performance numbers, which I will cover in my review. I will dive into their windows’ features, benefits, and warranty. Let’s check out Crystal Windows and see if they are the perfect option for your new widowsndows
The History of Crystal Windows
Crystal Window & Door Systems was founded in 1990 by Thomas Chen, an immigrant from Taiwan. Starting in a small commercial space in Queens, New York, the company has grown into a leading manufacturer of quality, energy-efficient windows and doors. Over the years, Crystal Windows expanded its operations with additional facilities in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Illinois, and California, allowing it to serve customers nationwide. They originally served the East Coast and West. Still, with the introduction of the California factory, it is evident they are trying to break into the very lucrative West Coast market. Now, between their production facilities and their affiliates in production, they operate more than 1,000,000-ft2 of manufacturing space.
Pros and Cons of Crystal Windows
Crystal windows are renowned for their industry-proven quality and state-of-the-art manufacturing. Still, like any product, they come with their own set of pros and cons.
Pros: One significant pro of Crystal Windows is its industry-proven quality. All products are proudly made in the USA.
Crystal windows are known for their commitment to high production standards, ensuring that each window meets rigid quality control processes and stringent criteria. They have grown steadily and made a name in the window industry for being relatively new players. I give them credit for their growth, and from what I know, they are very serious about the quality construction of their products. I feel they lean more toward the bulk production and the commercial side of the business much more than the residential side., Their line has more lines aimed at commercial than residential. They have a good quality vinyl product in the Magnus line for a reasonable price.
Cons: While Crystal windows offer many benefits, some cons include their relatively higher cost than other brands and limited availability in certain regions. They are not as big as the big players in the game, so support can leave something that is desired in many areas. They really go for the commercial side and do not emphasize innovation on their residential line as much. The design is all right-looking but could be better, too. They do well but do not knock it out of the park, either. The limited availability of Crystal windows in certain regions can lead to longer lead times, delays in installation, and potentially higher shipping costs.
Series of Windows Offered
Crystal windows offer a diverse range of window series designed to meet various residential needs, including the Crystal Series, Crystal 200 Series, Crystal 400 Series, Crystal 700 Series, Crystal 800 Series, and Crystal 900 Series. I will cover the residential version only today.
Crystal 200 Series
The Crystal 200 Series is designed for energy efficiency and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. A potential drawback of the Crystal 200 Series could be its limited features compared to more premium models. While it excels in energy efficiency and affordability, it may lack certain advanced functionalities or customization options that some users may desire. This could be a downside for those who prioritize a wide range of features in their windows or a higher level of design elements to coordinate with their home’s aesthetics.
Features
- Energy Efficiency:
- Low-E Glass: Standard glass, but you do have the option to upgrade to LowE glass. Four options are available. The top two offer triple glazing and some solid performance-blocking UV
- Spacer: Vitro Ultra intercept spacer utilized to optimize thermal properties
- Construction:
- Fusion-Welded Frames and Sashes: The corners of the frames and sashes are welded together to form a solid, single-piece unit. This increases structural integrity and prevents air and water infiltration.
- Multi-Chambered Frames: The interior of the frames is divided into multiple chambers, which trap air and provide better insulation than single-chamber frames.
- Ease of Use:
- Integral Lift Rail: Built into the sash, the lift rail provides a smooth surface for raising and lowering the window, enhancing user convenience.
- Tilt-In Sashes: The sashes can be tilted inward, cleaning both sides of the glass from inside the home more accessible.
- Weather Resistance:
- Double Weather-Stripping: Two layers of weather-stripping seal the window against drafts, moisture, and dust, improving comfort and reducing energy costs.
- Sloped Sill Design: The sill is designed to direct water away from the window, reducing the risk of leaks and enhancing durability.
- Security:
- Reinforced Locking System: This system features multiple locking points to enhance security and ensure a tight seal when the window is closed.
- Customization:
- Aesthetics: Beveled exterior edges give the windows a cleaner, more traditional exterior style
- Colors: Ten paint colors can be applied to their vinyl windows.
Pros
- Energy Efficiency: With features like Low-E glass and argon gas fill, Series 200 windows provide excellent insulation, helping homeowners save on heating and cooling costs.
- Durability: Fusion-welded frames and multi-chambered construction ensure that these windows are robust and can withstand various weather conditions.
- Ease of Maintenance: The tilt-in sashes and integral lift rail make these windows easy to operate and clean.
- Affordability: The Series 200 offers a balance of quality and cost, making it an affordable option for many homeowners.
Cons
- Limited Customization: Compared to other brands’ series, the Series 200 has fewer color and design options, which might not meet the needs of homeowners looking for more unique aesthetics.
- Basic Design: While functional and efficient, the design features are more basic compared to premium window brands.
- Features: Nothing really stands out, nothing to add additional strength or performance added. They are in the basic vinyl window market, though.
Crystal 400 Series
The 400 series is manufactured for new construction applications and does not offer the exact sizing or flexibility as the replacement lines, so I will not cover this line.
Crystal Magnus Series (700 Series)
The Crystal 700 Series is engineered for high performance and thermal efficiency, making it ideal for homes in varying climatic conditions.
One of the standout features of the Crystal 700 Series is its exceptional ability to maintain a consistent temperature indoors, regardless of external weather fluctuations. This is particularly advantageous during hot summers or cold winters, where the system ensures a cozy and comfortable environment inside the house. The series offers versatile settings that allow users to customize the temperature according to their preferences, enhancing overall comfort and energy efficiency. Some users have reported occasional challenges with the system’s setup process, requiring professional assistance for optimal functionality.
Features:
- Energy Efficiency:
- Advanced Multi-chamber design: An advanced chamber in frames helps to minimize heat transfer, significantly improving the windows’ insulation properties.
- Low-E Glass: Standard glass, but you do have the option to upgrade to LowE glass. Four options are available. The top two offer triple glazing and some solid performance-blocking UV
- Construction:
- Material: uPvc is less flexible than most Vinyl, which helps it be stronger. Additional titanium dioxide stabilizers and impact modifiers are added to protect against fading from solar radiation.
- Fusion-Welded Vinyl Frames: Ensures a robust, airtight seal, enhancing the windows’ structural integrity and energy efficiency.
- Reinforced Aluminum: Adding aluminum to the frame Provides added strength and durability, making the windows resistant to warping and bending.
- Ease of Use:
- Multi-Point Locking System: Enhanced security and a tighter seal, ensuring better insulation and protection against drafts.
- Tilt-in sashes Make cleaning the windows more accessible, as both sides of the glass can be accessed from inside the home.
- Weather Resistance:
- Double Weather-Stripping: Two layers of weather-stripping create a tight seal, preventing drafts, moisture, and dust from entering the home.
- Sloped Sill Design: The sill is designed to direct water away from the window, reducing the risk of leaks and enhancing durability.
- Security:
- Multi-Lock System: Provides multiple locking points for increased security and peace of mind.
- Reinforced Frames: Added strength and durability, making the windows more resistant to forced entry.
- Customization:
- Color Options: available in white, beige and Clay
- Finish High-definition finish for weather and stain resistance.
Pros
- Energy Efficiency: Enhanced thermal chambers, optional Low-E glass, and triple glazing options provide excellent insulation, reducing energy bills.
- Durability: The hybrid composition of Vinyl and reinforced aluminum frames adds long-lasting performance and resistance to weathering.
- Security: Multi-point locking systems and reinforced frames enhance security.
Cons
- Higher Cost: The advanced features and materials make the Magnus Series more expensive than the basic window series.
- Not much standard: standard glass is basic. You have to upgrade to get LowE and argon.
- Upgraded but basic: Nothing really different or innovative. The reinforcements are nice, but nothing else, performance or styling-wise, really stands out.
Crystal 800 Series
The Crystal 800 Series is a heavy-duty commercial Aluminum window. It is not available in all sizes and is geared toward the serious commercial window world, so I will not cover it today.
Crystal Windows Warranty Information
- Coverage:
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Crystal Windows offers a lifetime limited warranty on its vinyl window products. This warranty covers the frame and sash against defects in material and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns the home.
- Glass Warranty: The insulated glass units are warranted against seal failure causing material obstruction of vision due to dust, moisture, or film formation between the glass panes. This coverage typically lasts for 20 years from the date of manufacture.
- Transferability:
- The warranty is transferable to a subsequent homeowner. Still, the duration of coverage may be limited to a shorter period for the second owner. Typically, the second owner gets a 20-year prorated warranty from the original date of purchase.
- Exclusions:
- The warranty does not cover damages resulting from improper installation, misuse, abuse, or failure to perform reasonable and necessary maintenance.
- It also excludes any damage caused by environmental factors such as extreme weather conditions, pollutants, and natural disasters.
- Labor Coverage:
- Labor costs for removing and reinstalling products are generally not covered under the warranty. However, Crystal Windows may offer additional labor warranties or services through its certified installers.
Crystal Windows Reviews
Customer reviews of Crystal windows often highlight their excellent build quality and energy efficiency as significant benefits. Most reviews felt they got a solid-performing window for a good price. Customer service reviews were primarily positive. This highlights that Crystal stood behind its products and handled the issues that arose. Of course, I have discovered and heard some bar reviews, but they were rarer than the good feedback from customers and install teams.
Some feedback has raised concerns regarding occasional delivery delays or minor defects found upon installation, which can impact overall satisfaction with the windows.
How much do Crystal Windows cost?
Several factors can affect the prices of Crystal windows, including the specific series chosen, customization options, and the complexity of the installation. The material, design, and energy efficiency level significantly determine the cost of the selected series. For instance, a high-end series with advanced security features and noise reduction properties would typically come at a higher price than a standard series.
Another crucial factor is the complexity of the installation. Windows requiring extensive structural modifications, special access arrangements, or additional l weatherproofing measures may incur higher installation costs than straightforward replacements.
Series 200 Vinyl Windows
- Average: $400 – $800 per window
Series 700 Hybrid Windows
- Average: $600 – $900 per window
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crystal Windows’ history?
Crystal Windows is a leading manufacturer of residential windows. The company’s history dates back to 1990, when Thomas Chen founded it in Queens, New York.
What sets Crystal Windows apart from other manufacturers?
Crystal Windows is known for its commitment to producing quality vinyl windows. The result is a high-quality window at a reasonable price from a company with an excellent reputation.
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What are the pros and cons of Crystal Windows?
The pros of Crystal Windows include their high-quality construction, energy efficiency, and variety of options. However, some cons may include less customization and innovation than many other window companies.
What are the average prices for Crystal Windows?
The average price for a Crystal window can range from $400 to $900, depending on the series, size, and customization options.
How are the reviews for Crystal Windows?
Crystal Windows has received overall positive reviews for its products, with customers praising their durability, energy efficiency, and appearance. However, some customers have reported delayed delivery times and customer service issues.
