Discover my picks for the worst window brands in the industry. These brands offer the highest chance of breaking down more quickly than other window options. Not to say they will, but they have the greatest likelihood.
I would be remiss if I didn’t stick a gratuitous link here to the best vinyl windows on the market – these are the ones you want to get a bid on.
Finally, always collect 3 to 5 window bids – trust me this is how you save serious money, but it does take some time. Nobody said life was easy 🙂
If you have any questions about your replacement windows project, send us an email and ask away!
Worst Window Brands
While it’s no fun to be a hater, these are still brands I would advise consumers to avoid for their own peace of mind (because these brands will have issues down the road). Check ‘em out.
Silverline
Once owned by Andersen Windows, Silverline is a budget brand sold almost exclusively in hardware and big box stores. The company offers three window series – the V1, V3, and Coastal Watch impact window. I actually think the Coastal Watch is an okay buy. The V1 and V3, however, are cheaply made. They are inexpensive and therefore appealing to customers on a budget. Unfortunately, these are some of the worst window brands on the market. They will start to have issues at year 8 and beyond. So you’ve been warned 🙂
Jeld Wen
Jeld-Wen is a big name in the business, but their vinyl windows are not great. They are sold through the big box stores and marketed as low cost options for budget minded customers. This is not a good receipt for success. I actually like Jeld Wen’s wood clad windows (like, not love) and really like their doors.
My Rating On Their Vinyl Windows: 5.0 out of 10
American Jewel
A low end manufacturer out of New Jersey that is no longer in business. Simply put, their vinyl windows were poorly made. I once heard an installer say that he made nearly half of his earning cleaning up houses that had installed American Jewel windows. The company out of New Jersey that consumers should be looking at is Ideal Windows – they make a great vinyl window.
My Rating On Their Vinyl Windows: 3.0 out of 10
Window Cost Comparisons
American Craftsman 70: $350 installed
Atrium Starter Window: $500 installed
Silverline v3: $550 installed
Jeld Wen Premium Vinyl: $625 installed
Okna 400: $650 installed
Renewal By Andersen: $1900 installed
American Craftsman
American Craftsman was once owned by Andersen. However, Andersen sold them after a decade, along with Silverline. The company has never been known for quality windows. They sell their two window series, the 50 and 70 series in big box stores. Not surprisingly, the 50 and 70 series are some of the least inexpensive windows on the market. However, AC a recognizable name and one that many Americans recognized. The problem, of course, it that these are not good quality products.
My advice is to avoid buying this brand if at all possible.
Worst Window Brands Q And A
Below you will find consumer questions and answers related to the the worst window brands on the market today. Happy reading and get in touch if you want to add your comment to the page!
Curious What To Avoid
Bill, if you could list the worst window brands from 1 to 5 what would they be? FYI, I’m just curious as to what to avoid. Thanks and I appreciate the help.
Jerry – Homeowner – from 2024
[Site Editor’s Answer]
Jerry, here is my list in alphabetical order, but honestly you should avoid all of these. On the plus side, some of these are no longer available.
CertainTeed, Crestline Crystal, Gilkey, Jancor, Republic, and Silverline.
Bill – Site Editor – from 2024
Related Topics
Okna Windows Reviews
Alliance Windows Reviews
Silverline Window Reviews
