Uniframe windows reviews

I think it's overpriced. The Milgard Tuscany however is always good, they rarely have problems and last a long time. I think the Tuscany is a better choice between the two. I own a condo which was built in These are brown on the outside, white on the inside, slide side to side and have no grid. One of the reasons I purchased this model was due to the ability to slide the screen into either position which was previously not an option.

All went well till a neighbor had a fire on The management company is rebuilding but has replaced my windows with a Jeld-Wen. The contractor is trying to tell me that these windows are far superior to the Great Lakes ones. I am trying to have them give me the model number as there was not any paperwork hanging on the window with information, just with the brand name on it.

This is an insurance issue and I am more than willing to fight them once I can prove I am correct. Living in Connecticut and the winters are brutally cold. The electric rates which is my only choice for heat are the highest in the country.

Can you assist me? Or at least offer an opinion? However, I have never hear anyone say that Jeld Wen is far superior to Great Lakes, but again it depends what window series we are talking about in terms of the Jeld Wen. They should absolutely be able to tell you what model and series of window they are putting in. If they can't this would cause me a bit of concern and lead me to believe that they are using a builer grade vinyl to keep the price tag as low as possible.

Frankly, the windows are probably about the same. Be the squeaky wheel when they come to install, that way you have a better chance that they don't cut corners - they don't really work for you so this would cause me a bit of concern that they are just trying to bang out the job instead of really installing the windows and insulating and sealing the windows as tight as possible.

We want windows that will last and improve our home. Would these be a good choice? Sally - Homeowner - from [Editor's Response] Sally, the Seabrooke Window is not a bad vinyl window, although it is their less expensive model I usually recommend trying to stretch into the mid range series.

The Uniframe is certainly a good vinyl window -- have you gotten window pricing on either this or the Lifestyles mid range , just to see how they compare? One rule of thumb I might throw out is to go with a better model or series and then see how to get the per window cost down from there.

One place is in the components such as going with a plastic hardware instead of the upgraded metal or upgraded color frame. Ask the sales person to suggest places to reduce the cost, without sacrificing quality you will sometimes sacrifice on aesthetics, but I've found that once vinyl windows are installed you barely notice them unless they leak or do not work properly.

How are their reviews? Get some references just to make sure that you like what you hear from other consumers on their services etc. Great Lakes has a good reputation they are owned by Ply Gem and make a solid vinyl window. Let me know how it goes!

Pete - Industry Expert - from [Homeowner's Response] We still have more companies coming to give us quotes. One company, Bee Windows, makes their own windows.

Their manufacturing plant is in Indianapolis. Can you tell us anything about them? They sell Marvin Infinity windows , that's a good sign : The numbers with their special insulated glass was impressive, but beyond this I can't say. First off, how does the Simonton Bronze compare to the Simonton window? I've never actually seen the GL Seabrooke, although I have read the brochure and they seem like a quality window. Are the Seabrooke and Simonton comparable?

We are limited in window brands where we live, but for everything I've read I should avoid the big Home Improvement stores. Is that right? The Simonton Bronze is the equivalent of the Simonton Reflections Series, which is the entry level Reflections model - it goes , , and The Reflections series is the equivalent to the Prism Platinum, the higher end window model.

I would recommend the and models, but not the or Prism. In terms of Great Lakes, I would recommend upgrading to the Lifestyles or the Uniframe Series if you are able to stretch your budget a bit. It will pay off in terms of long term value. The price is close, warranties similar, etc. What makes one better than the other? Sara - Homeowner - from [Contractor Response] I don't think that the difference is that big, but Gorell in general is a better product.

I personally like the looks of the Great Lakes better than the but as far as performance, build quality, and everything else the Gorell is better. A lot depends on what exactly you're looking for.

Check out the Timeless and series. Scott - Installer - from Read more on Gorell windows reviews. Great Lakes Window Complaints I had 8 Great Lakes put in a couple of years ago and this spring 3 out of 8 windows have mold growing between the panes. I called to complain and they send new panes, but I wanted a full sash replacement. So now I have to find an installer to come swap out the glass. I'm disappointed because I was told they should last 15 to 20 years and it's been less than 3.

We had it down to Simonton model or maybe it was through Home Depot or Great Lakes' Lifestyles through a local company, which seems to have a good track record. The local company was definitely more aggressive in their sales after almost three hours of the "pitch" we ended up signing on but they're definitely more expensive and over budget. The window styles are comparable, warranties too. Which is the better product? And which company do you think would be better to work with?

Lauri - Homeowner - from [Site Editor's Response] Lauri, I do think Simonton makes a good window, the and models are quite decent vinyl windows. However, Great Lakes Lifestyle is very solid and probably comparable to the Series. I'm not surprised that the local company was more expensive, HD typically uses subcontractors who are often paid by the window, which means the quicker they get the job knocked out, the quicker they get paid.

This is not a great recipe for quality installation. What is the reputation of the local company like? Assuming it is good and their installation teams have lots of experience installing this particular window, then I would say spend the extra money and go with the local company. I like the installers who are super finicky and seem almost anal about their work - these are the ones who are going to make sure that each window is installed perfectly.

Do they come with a warranty on the labor, 1 year is typical, just in case there are any issues. Dane - Site Editor - from Great Lakes Lifestyles or Ply Gem I am getting a variety of quotes for prime vinyl, double hung window replacements and now have approx.

The quotes were all from TVA listed companies. After doing more online research I came across your site and have been stumped by the various reviews regarding the manufactures. I believe they are all from either Sunrise not sure of the style - just a prime level or Ply Gem series Great Lakes. They all have shown written lifetime warranties no questions asked and one even had a lifetime labor warranty.

Please help clear up my uncertainties and why I shouldn't have just gone down to a big box store and contracted out with them. Have to make a decision ASAP, because the existing windows even though they are only 13 years old they are the construction grade wood and in lack luster shape. We are in the south and get high summer temps - already at 98 today, on a hill so wind and rain attacks the windows unmercifully.

Any recommendations or suggestions are gratefully appreciated. I would ask what replacement window model the Series is most closely associated with, I've listed them here from entry level to premium the Uniframe is the Great Lakes premium model.

Having said that, as brands go, Sunrise is tier 1, while Great Lakes and Ply Gem are tier 2 not bad options by any means, just that they aren't considered the cream of the crop, which Sunrise generally is. The Sunrise Essentials window is not great, but the step up Sunrise frame is very solid and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this model, assuming a good price point and solid installation.

That's too big a difference to make a choice between. But the contractor that I want to use really likes Great Lakes, and I trust him and know that he knows what he's doing. He likes the Grand View They are expensive and the numbers look good, but I'm not sure because I don't know much about them.

I've been installing them for years, and whenever I need a part or have a problem, they are all over it. I'd rather work with them than anyone else. The Grandview is a pretty good deal for the price. They have some seal failures, but from what I've heard they always send new glass without a lot of hassle. Mike - Contractor in Delaware - from Great Lakes Grandview Window I have a bunch of windows to replace - sliders, double hung, casement, and a sliding door.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to a few choices. I've heard good things about Simontons, but are they worth that much more? And I don't know a lot about Great Lakes but they look good and I think the price isn't that bad. Great Lakes makes good windows, and they have good customer service. Either would be ok. I would stay away from the Alsides unless the money is a problem. William - Contractor - from Read more on Simonton windows reviews. I would put it at the bottom of the first tier vinyl windows out there.

Depending on the price point, it should be a contender against some of the better vinyl windows out there. I have read the warranty of the Uniframe windows furnished by the manufacturer and read that generally they are not transferable to a future buyer.

The wife and I plan to live in the house 15 more years max. I realize to get quality I have to pay for it, but is this too much? And what about the warranty? What good is a 50 year labor and material warranty without a transferable clause on the material? Thank you for your reply, Dane. I look forward to it. I have no idea about your project specifics, but you should be able to get a better deal than that. Or at least get a few more bids to see what the cost breakdown is between labor and windows.

Have you looked to see if any of these brands are offered by local companies? Because you need a few bids to see what you ought to be paying for this project.

The premium window from each of these is comparable if not better than the Uniframe model. The problem with the warranty is that it costs so much money in labor to pull out the window and put in a new one often this is the case that homeowners don't often bother or the company is unresponsive 15 years down the road.

Most buyers won't put much weight on the transferable clause anyway. My own opinion is to get a quality window from a well respected company and hope you never have to use the warranty.

If you do, hopefully they will be responsive to your claim. Tim - Site Editor - from Great Lakes Uniframe Window Review I have a quote for 9 double hung on the large side 35 x 59 with grids, one sliding window Interior white wood grain.

Full screens. Does this sound high? Deanne - Homeowner - from [Contractor Response] With the large sliding window and sliding door, plus all of the features, that price does not sound out of line. Have you gotten 1 or 2 more bids to compare this too? I would definitely do so and you can let the other guys know that you are collecting three bids to make sure that they are coming in with their most competitive price quote.

But both the local contractor and HD said the doors are not standard size and need to be customized. Soft lite does not do customized doors in vinyl or fiber glass, hence the wood one by Marvin. Is Great Lakes a good product? Do you think it is a better idea to have the windows and doors done by different contractors?

Jackie - Homeowner - from [Site Editor's Response] Jackie, I don't think it's imperative to have the windows and doors done by the same company, as long as the different look of the hardware doesn't bother you. Great Lakes generally makes a good product, depending on the window model you select. In all honesty, I don't know much about the quality of their doors, I would imagine they are solid. What I would do is ask for the U-factor and air leakage numbers and see how they compare to the Marvin.

Marvin does make a great window and door, but you will definitely pay a premium for the privilege. I think you will be fine with the Great Lakes door though, assuming you like the look and the performance data.

Reliabilt Dane, I've enjoyed your website, and would appreciate your thoughts on choosing between these two options. The local company had shown me two other more expensive models ComfortSmart and Kingston , but I asked them to show me something similar in features to the ; thus the Harborlight option.

Are the Harborlight windows worth that? Thanks for your help. The installation from those big box stores can be all over the place. I'm always a bit wary of them personally. Of course, I don't know how many windows we are talking about so that could factor into the equation. Also, you said this is your first home, so the length of time you plan to be in the home should affect how much you are willing to pay for the home improvement.

For an "entry level" window, the Kingston is a very efficient window. I like this window the best of the ones you mentioned. Kensington makes a very good window. We are looking at about 35 replacement windows. So this is an all new experience for me. You think the harborlight windows are worth it? The Comfort Smart is the company's mid range vinyl window that does have nice upgrade options, interior and exterior frame color options, and hardware options that can create a good looking residential vinyl window.

Unfortunately, the Great Lakes website doesn't provide any performance data on this, or any, of their vinyl windows, but the company is listed on the nfrc. For the Comfort Smart series with a low-e glass and no grids, consumers can expect a 0. Now that all windows have been replaced, the house is cozy. Even after below zero weather! Ankeny, Iowa These Ankeny, Iowa homeowners hire Midwest Construction to replace their builders grade vinyl siding.

The home was built in The builders grade vinyl Toggle navigation. View Original Image. Some of the benefits of UniFrame windows include the following: Premium quality materials for a lifetime of hassle-free performance. It withstands harsh weather and wear-and-tear, resists the appearance of scratching and fading and looks like new for years to come.

Designed to resist wind velocity pressures of 75 pounds per square foot equal to a wind load of miles per hour this technology provides added durability and strength to the sill of the window. Superior manufacturing methods ensure superior strength.

Most windows are held together with staples or screws and caulk that can loosen or weaken over time. Don't tell them you have an issue, tell them you are looking for a quote on windows. Assuming they give you the local dealer for your area, have them come out to give you a quote on windows. When they come out, ask about the warranty on the Uniframe. When they tell you it is a lifetime warranty, then you let them know you have their window and are having an issue.

It's like a lawyer's trick that still might work, but it sure as hell should right?!?!? Try this first and see if it works! Editor Jim R. The Sellers were an older couple and they could not remember the exact date they were installed it was likely in or They also could not remember the company that installed the windows.

We have two windows in which the seal has failed and would like to determine if these would be covered under the Lifetime Warranty. We are in Kansas. Kris - Homeowner - October, Website Editor's Answer Kris, the Uniframe is probably a Great Lakes window so my suggestion would be to find a Great Lakes Uniframe deal in your area and see if they were the ones who installed it. You may want to be a little cagey at first, i. I only say that because some of these dealers want to avoid warranty issues and they may not provide you with the info you are looking for if they think you are there to get relief.

Sad but sometimes true. Emporia, Kansas, in If you can't get ahold of them, I would call up Great Lakes windows and see if you can talk with someone in their customer service department to find out how to start a warranty claim.