Window reviews
Here are our review of the top brands we are partnered with to give and illustrate a better understanding of which type of products suit your home the best. We will discuss factors that can help to narrow down the possibilities from what seems unlimited to just a few choices.
Marvin Ultimate Line
Marvin windows are built in northern Minnesota, and as a result of harsh winter conditions, it is no secret that great windows are built in Minnesota. Marvin Ultimate is one of the highest grade windows available on the market. Virtually unmatched in customizability, build construction, performance, longevity and finished look. If you are looking for the absolute best window available on the market, look no further.
For an upscale look you always want an all wood interior window that is constructed properly to prevent moisture intrusion and keep your seals intact. The Ultimate accomplishes this very well. The extruded aluminum exterior is extremely durable, will not expand or contract, and will not ding or dent like softer rolled aluminum.
Constructed using solid wood throughout the frame and sash, this window is built like a tank, they are heavy duty and the consistency of the wood is always superb whether you are staining or painting the interior.
These windows are one of the most customizable windows on the market as they can be ordered in odd shapes and extremely large sizes. Options include 19 standard exterior colors or “any color you want” custom match, 7 factory interior pre finish stain colors, and 3 interior pre finish paint colors (or Summit can custom finish the interior of the windows). Pine wood is standard on all windows, however, they do offer the option to upgrade to Black Walnut, Cherry, Douglas Fir, Honduran Mahogany, or White Oak. Most times a different wood species is not needed, and 99% of the windows are typically built using solid pine.
Grids can be built between the glass (GBG) or built onto the window as divided lites or simulated divided lites, but these options do add considerable expense. One drawback is that wood removable grilles are no longer offered by Marvin.
A few other options that are offered are integrated home automation control for security, decorative glass, and window open control devices for child safety. Multi point locks and fold in cranks are standard.
In terms of energy efficiency, any window with a U-Factor lower than .39 is considered a highly energy efficient window. This rating will vary per window based on size, specs, and window style. The Ultimate falls well into that category with its range of .28-.30 on casement (crank out) windows.
Overall, this is a very upscale looking window inside and out with a high energy rating that will perform extremely well and last a lifetime. Marvin has a service and warranty department that is really great with customer service which adds value as well. This is not a cheap window, but you do get what you pay for.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Extruded Aluminum
Interior: All wood. pine is standard, exotic species offered at higher cost
Construction: Solid wood
Glass: LoE2 standard argon filled
Jambs: Flush
Warranty: 20 years glass and seals, 10 years to the sash and frame
Average U-Factor: .28 – .30 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission – STC Rating: 29
Cost: $$$$$ (5)
Summit’s Review Rating:
Quality & Durability: 10/10
Appearance: 10/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 10
Value: 8 (great window but expensive)
Overall Rating: 47.5/50
All acoustic ratings are the STC rating, which was developed to measure the rate at which outside noises permeate through building membranes. Most windows have a score between 25-30. The higher the STC score the better the sound dampening. Numbers shown for all models are the published ratings for a dual pane casement window.
The higher the number the better the score, 38-42 is considered good sound proofing and 50-65 would be the rating in a professional recording environment. Please keep in mind, most of these windows are not ordered for soundproofing qualities but the numbers shown are meant to display which windows block out noise better than others.
U factor ratings shown are displayed for each model using a dual pane casement (crank out windows) The lower the U factor the better. Scores of 39 and lower are considered high scores for energy efficiency. This rating measures the amount of energy that passes through the window from inside to out, or outside to in.
Marvin Elevate Line
Built at the Marvin plant in northern Minnesota, Marvin Elevate is one of the most popular windows on the market. It used to be called the Marvin Integrity and they switched the name in 2020. It sits at the perfect crossroads of cost, quality, and performance, and provides a lot of bang for the buck.
The exterior is made of a proprietary material developed by Marvin called “Ultrex” which is a pultruded fiberglass that is lightweight and very rigid. Ultrex is 8 times stiffer and stronger than vinyl, 2x stronger than steel, and has 1/6 the amount of thermal expansion rate of vinyl. (vinyl windows expand and contract quite a bit with temperature changes) Ultrex resists distortion or warping up to 350* and is extremely non conductive which is huge in terms of energy efficiency.
The frame and interior of the window are constructed of solid pine. The sash is made of Ultrex with wood on the interior. The rigidity of the Ultrex makes up for the sash not being constructed entirely of solid wood. The window is very well built but slimmed down a touch when compared to the Ultimate which helps save a few bucks on production costs, and just like the Ultimate the consistency of the wood on the interior of the window is always superb whether you are staining or painting.
The Elevate also has a very nice exterior profile that works in just about any setting, we would say the Ultimate may edge it out just slightly in terms of elegance to the profile but the Elevate is no slouch and happens to be a gorgeous looking window as well. The impermeable acrylic exterior finish wont spot, streak, fade, scratch or ding.
In terms of energy efficiency, any window with a U-Factor lower than .39 is considered a highly energy efficient window. This rating will vary per window based on size, specs, and window style. The Elevate falls well into that category with a range of .27-.28 on casement (crank out) windows with LoE2 glass. LoE2 is standard on the glass package, upgrades are available for LoE3 but typically not necessary.
Customizability may be the only small draw back to the Marvin Elevate, but most folks and situations do not require a window with endless options. This window is on the opposite end of the spectrum when compared to the Ultimate but most folks do not need all of those options anyways unless they are in the new construction phase of a multi-million dollar home. That being said the options available in the Elevate line were well thought through and seem to be plenty sufficient for most applications. The windows are pine, other species are not offered and very rarely used anyways. There are 6 exterior color options, which were well chosen and seem to work in most situations. They offer clear coat, white painted or black painted interior factory finishes. Some larger sized windows or doors cannot be done in the Elevate line and have to be ordered in the Ultimate line. Grids can be built between the glass (GBG) or built onto the window as divided lites or simulated divided lites, these options do add considerable expense. One drawback is that wood removable grilles are no longer offered. A few other options that are offered are decorative glass, and window open control devices for child safety
Overall this window tends to be a go to choice and perennial favorite among homeowners, contractors and distributors. It fulfills many requirements with a lot of value for the money, and they usually have shorter leads times compared to other window lines and manufacturers as well.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Ultrex (pultruded fiberglass)
Interior: All wood – pine is standard
Construction: Wood and Ultrex
Glass: LoE2 standard argon filled
Jambs: Casement jambs are stepped in 5/8″
Warranty: 20 years glass and seals, 10 years to the sash and frame
Average U-Factor: .27 – .28 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission – STC Rating: 28
Cost: $$$$ (3.75)
Summit’s Review Rating:
Quality & Durability: 9/10
Appearance: 9/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 6
Value: 10
Overall Rating: 43.5/50
Marvin Essential Line
Built at the Marvin plant in northern Minnesota, the Marvin Essential window is basically the same as the Marvin Elevate except it does not have a wood interior. The jambs (side, top and bottom sills) are wood, but the window frame and sash are made of Ultrex, Marvin’s proprietary pultruded fiberglass material.
The Marvin Essential is another extremely durable window, no wood in the construction but again, the rigidity of the Ultrex makes up for this. Ultrex is a pultruded fiberglass, its lightweight, and very rigid. Ultrex is 8 times stiffer and stronger than vinyl, 2x stronger than steel, and has 1/6 the amount of thermal expansion rate of vinyl. (vinyl windows expand and contract quite a bit with temperature changes) Ultrex resists distortion or warping up to 350* and is extremely non conductive which is huge in terms of energy efficiency. The impermeable acrylic exterior finish wont spot, streak, fade, scratch or ding.
When comparing directly to the Elevate or any other all wood interior window we would say the interior of this window is less elegant, the lack of wood cannot compete with the look of an all wood interior window and the interior profile is just slightly different, and a little less sleek. This is a window that would be well suited for a homeowner that runs high humidity levels. This would pertain to folks that run the humidifier a lot, have aquariums or a lot of interior plants. This can work well in bathrooms or kitchens too because the Ultrex will never rot out.
This window is still a very high performer in terms of capability, but sits just slightly behind both the Elevate and Ultimate with a U factor between .29 to .32, but again still well within the range below .39 which is considered very good.
The exterior comes in the same 6 color options as the Elevate, on the interior white is offered, or you can choose Ebony interior with an Ebony exterior, or bronze interior with a bronze exterior.
Depending on how the window is specced out it can be a touch less expensive than the Elevate, you can save a little money since the window itself does not have to be finished but if jambs have to be ordered separate, finished separate and applied loose that cost might offset the other savings. This is a good option for people that want what might be a slightly less expensive option or are scared about water damage or rot. We like this window but would likely recommend the Elevate because the price difference is typically fairly minimal between the two if there is any to begin with depending on the spec of the job.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Ultrex (pultruded fiberglass)
Interior: Ultrex
Construction: All Ultrex
Glass: LoE2 standard argon filled
Jambs: Casement jambs are stepped in 5/8″
Warranty: 20 years glass and seals, 10 years to the sash and frame
Average U-Factor: .29 – .32 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission- STC Rating: 28
Cost: $$$$ (3.6)
Summit’s Review Rating:
Quality & Durability: 9/10
Appearance: 7.5/10
Thermal Rating: 9/10
Customizability: 5
Value: 8
Overall Rating: 38.5/50
Lincoln Windows
All of the highest quality window manufacturers seem to be located in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, likely due the cold winter climate and hot humid summers which necessitate a long lasting high performance window with fantastic thermal properties. Lincoln windows built in Merrill, Wisconsin certainly fit that bill Lincoln started in 1967 and is not a small company but they are smaller than some of the bigger name manufacturers that come to mind in Minnesota. With this you get the service and consistent build quality that feels more like a boutique manufacturer than a giant corporation and less overhead and marketing costs help them to offer an extremely high quality window at a reasonable price point. Lincoln is a full on custom window manufacturer providing robust build construction, top notch performance, fantastic durability and top shelf fit and finish with an upscale appearance. This is one of our favorite windows on the market. It checks all the boxes and comes in at a reasonable price point.
For an upscale look you always want an all wood interior window that is constructed properly to prevent moisture intrusion and keep your seals intact. Lincoln accomplishes this with an extruded aluminum exterior which is extremely durable and not prone to thermal expansion or contraction and will not ding or dent like softer rolled aluminum.
Constructed using solid wood throughout the frame and sash, this window is built like a tank, these windows are heavy duty without being too heavy to operate and the consistency of the wood is always superb whether you are staining or painting the interior.
These windows are as customizable as any other brand or model on the market and they can be ordered in odd shapes and extremely large sizes. Options include 8 standard exterior colors, 38 “feature colors” or “any color you want” custom match, 4 factory interior pre-finish colors, (or Summit can custom finish the interior of the windows). Pine wood is standard on all windows, however, they do offer the option to upgrade to Alder, Cherry, Fir, Red Oak, or White Oak. Most times a different wood species is not needed, and 99% of the windows are typically built using solid pine.
Grids can be built between the glass (GBG) or built onto the window as divided lites or simulated divided lites, but these options do add considerable expense. Lincoln does still offer wood removable grilles as well while most other manufacturers do not.
Multi point locks and fold in cranks are standard.
Lincoln is the king In terms of energy efficiency. Something unique about their window is that it has a thermal break built into the frame that starts closer to the edge of the window frame and creates more dead air space, reducing conductivity and moving the point of conductivity further away from the interior of the window. Argon gas is used to fill the space between each pane of glass. Lincoln builds their windows with a larger space between each pane of glass which provides more dead air space as well as using slightly thicker glass than most other companies. These two specific attributes also lead to a higher thermal rating. Any window with a U-Factor lower than .39 is considered a highly energy efficient window. This rating will vary per window based on size, specs, and window style. The Lincoln falls well into that category with its range of .27-.29 on casement (crank out) windows with LoE272 glass standard. This is considered a very strong U-Fator rating.
Overall, this is a very upscale looking window inside and out with a high energy rating that will perform extremely well and last a lifetime. Lincoln is a window that would be suitable for use in standard applications where the client is looking for a really nice window all the way up to remodels in the highest value homes in Minnesota. This is not a cheap window, but it is priced reasonably compared to similar options on the market with the same level of build quality and customization options. The quality, specifications and available options make the Lincoln window one that tends to be a hard option to beat on the current market.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Extruded Aluminum
Interior: All wood. pine is standard, exotic species offered at higher cost
Construction: Solid wood
Glass: LoE2 standard argon filled
Jambs: Flush or Stepped
Warranty: 20 years glass and seals, 10 years to the sash and frame
Average U-Factor: .27 – .29 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission – STC Rating: 29
Cost: $$$$ (4)
Summit’s Review Rating:
Quality & Durability: 10/10
Appearance: 10/10
Thermal Rating: 10/10
Customizability: 9
Value: 10
Overall Rating: 49/50
Andersen E-Series
The Andersen E-Series is Andersen’s highest grade offering, and is a solid rival to the Marvin Ultimate, coming in at a similar price point, maybe even a touch lower depending on how the window is specced out. This tends to be the Andersen window we install the most often. Andersen windows are built in Bayport, Minnesota not far from St. Paul.
The window is constructed very robustly, with all wood construction throughout the sash and frame, and clad in Extruded aluminum on the exterior. This is a very thick aluminum that will not typically dent, ding or mar, especially not from hail. This is a solidly constructed window that should last a very long time.
Andersen likes to tout a glass called LoE4, as their standard glass package, which is really a LoE3 that also helps block 83% of harmful UV rays.
In terms of customizability this window has many options. There are over 50 exterior color choices with the option to do a custom color as well. For interior finishing there are 8 factory stain colors, 14 interior paint colors and they offer the option to do a factory custom color stain or paint as well. Besides standard pine they offer 9 other wood species. If a different wood species is chosen it is applied as a veneer over the top of the pine build out. Grilles can be ordered between the glass (GBG) as divided light, simulated divided lite, or removable wood grilles. Blinds and shades are offered between the glass as well. Keep in mind, the options are limitless but just like on the Marvin Ultimate anything that strays from the norm or gets into custom territory gets expensive quick and can really rack up a bill.
Overall, this is a really fantastic window, to us it is on par with the Marvin Ultimate window and in certain situations you might even get just a tiny bit more value if it comes out slightly lower in price, but price increases change every year so things can differ. If we want to get extra critical we can say that in our experience Marvin’s service/warranty department has been more impressive than that of Andersen’s in the past, not that Andersen’s is bad by any means, but this is why we gave the Marvin Ultimate a slightly higher score for value even though it is more expensive than the Andersen E-series on average . But all in all this is a full on luxury window suitable for any application and always leaves homeowners impressed with the final product!
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Extruded aluminum
Interior: Wood
Construction: All wood
Glass: LoE4 standard – Andersen specific, argon filled
Jambs: Flush, thicker jambs can be ordered to simulate stepped.
Warranty: 20 years glass and seals, 10 years to the sash and frame
Average U-Factor: .27 – .30 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission STC Rating: 29
Cost: $$$$$
Summit’s Review Rating:
Quality & Durability: 10/10
Appearance: 10/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 10
Value: 7.5
Overall Rating: 47/50
Andersen 400 Series
The Andersen 400 series window is Andersen’s flagship window, its their best seller and has been around a long time. However, this window is not suited well for remodels and much better suited for new construction. It cannot be used for flangeless or commercial style install because this window has a nailing flange built into the perimeter of the window frame that cannot be removed like it can be on other windows. Andersen windows are built in Bayport, Minnesota not far from St. Paul.
This is an all wood window, built very robustly, the frame is wrapped in a vinyl cladding, and so is the sash. The one small drawback in our opinion is that the interior of the sash is going to be the same color as the exterior of the window. So for example, if you order a window that is beige on the exterior, you will see the same beige on the interior of the window sash which runs about 1″ wide around the perimeter of the glass. This is great if you get condensation buildup that runs down over time because it is not prone to moisture damage but it can have a subtle and slight negative impact at times on the aesthetic appearance.
The window is very well built and rugged overall but there are a few drawbacks that we do not like. On the exterior of the window where the sash meets the glass, there is a plastic glazing bead that runs around the entire window, you can see it in the corner cut to the left., behind the glazing bead is hollow. This glazing bead is prone to cracking easily from hail, or from falling sticks or debris, and its just kind of a pain in the butt when it cracks and has to be replaced. Another issue we have seen in the field is that once these windows get older the vinyl can become brittle and crack on the exterior, more commonly in the corners of the frames. We’ve seen this issue here and there on units that were 20+ years old.
This window is limited in terms of customizability, there are 5 exterior colors and 4 interior options.
Overall, this window is not typically well suited for our applications, unless someone is doing a new construction build or an addition, but if your project is limited to window replacement only we would probably recommend a different model.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Vinyl
Interior: Wood
Construction: All wood
Glass: LoE4 standard – Andersen specific, argon filled
Jambs: Step Jamb or option for thicker jamb to compensate for flush
Warranty: 20 years glass and seals, 10 years to the sash and frame
Average U-Factor: .27 – .28 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission – STC Rating: 26
Cost: $$$$
Summit’s Review Rating:
Quality & Durability: 8/10
Appearance: 8/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 5
Value: 7.5
Overall Rating: 38/50
Andersen 200 Series
Andersen 200 Series – We will not review this window, we typically do not install these because they only come in single or double hung style and are all vinyl windows.
Andersen 100 Series
The Andersen 100 series is construced like an all vinyl window except it is not made specifically of vinyl, it is made of a material called Fiberex, which is a proprietary material made of blended vinyl and wood composite designed by Andersen. It’s also basically the same window that Renewal by Andersen sells the most, except Renewal gives it a different name and are able to offer it with some different colors and specs. Renewal also sells an extruded aluminum window similar to the E-series. Andersen windows are made at their factory in Bayport, Minnesota.
This is a cost effective window and if someone was going to do all vinyl windows to save money we would point them in this direction first. Keep in mind though, while you save money on the window you still pay the same for labor, trim, painting of the trim and jambs and loose jambs have to be applied and ordered separately, plus loose jambs cost slightly more to install as well. With all of the aforementioned considerations in mind you do save a little money but not as much as one would think. Being that the window is all fiberex you do save a little money on not having to finish the windows as well. The interior of the window will be the same color as the exterior of the window, this might be a big drawback to some and will definitely not have the same look as an all wood window.
In terms of build quality and construction this is definitely going to be a few legs down in our opinion, a channeled composite window like this simply will not be as robust as a window constructed of solid wood. Being that the Fiberex is a composite of wood and vinyl it will be prone to some slight thermal expansion, but about only half as much as a window built of pure vinyl. The upside is that this window can never rot out which will help buoy it’s score on durability.
In terms of appearance any window that does not have a wood interior is going to suffer in the score, as well as any window with a vinyl exterior, these windows just cannot compete with the higher lines in the looks department. In lower to mid value homes where the existing windows are toast and expense is a concern these would be a decent option. They can also work for properties where the look may be geared more towards the contemporary side. In a more traditional style setting these windows can work but the looks will not amaze anyone.
The window does well in the energy efficiency department, the dead air space pockets that are built into the channels of the frame and sash help with the insulative properties of the window, and while Andersen does not offer their LoE4 glass on this line, the standard LoE does the trick as the U factor sits around a .27 which is always a formidable score.
This window will not have a huge range of customization options but that’s not what this window is about, you have to go to the luxury lines for all the extra bells and whistles. There are 5 exterior colors, and 4 interior colors. Grilles between the glass and divided lites are options as well as obscured glass. 5 hardware color selections are also available.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Fiberex
Interior: Fiberex with wood extension jambs
Construction: Fiberex
Glass: LoE standard, argon filled
Jambs: Applied loose, can custom fit, have to be ordered separate.
Warranty: 20 years glass and seals, 10 years to the sash and frame
Average U-Factor: .27 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission – STC Rating: 30
Cost: $$$ (3)
Summit’s Review Rating:
Quality & Durability: 7/10
Appearance: 6/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 5/10
Value: 7.5
Overall Rating: 35/50
Some general information on Pella windows is that they are made in Iowa and are a very popular choice in the Midwest. We most often recommended Pella windows when the existing window in the home is a Pella window. All Pella windows have flush jambs, this means that they swap out easily for new Pella windows and we do not have to worry about paint lines around windows, or existing wallpaper running short of the trim and blinds not fitting. Pella windows swap out well for new Pella.
Pella Reserve Line
Pella windows are built just outside of Des Moines in Pella, Iowa. The Pella reserve is the highest grade offering from Pella, the exterior is made of a thick and extremely durable extruded aluminum. The Pella reserve window was created to be used in historic areas with some of the strictest building requirements, including those on the National Historic Registry. The Interior is all wood and the sash and frame are made of all wood construction as well. Being that the exterior of the sash is made of extruded aluminum this window is not prone to dinging, denting or marring in the future.
In terms of looks, this window does happen to be a very good looking window with a beautiful profile that seems to work on any home, they also offer traditional and contemporary sub lines for different looks, and the interior wood is always of high consistency whether painting or staining.
This is a very customizable window and different wood species are offered, 20 exterior finishes, 8 interior factory stain colors and 3 interior factory paint colors. Interestingly, this window can be ordered with a primed and ready to paint wood exterior for specific historic applications but a wood exterior can be difficult to maintain at times. Other options include retractable rolscreens, obscured glass, odd shapes and sizes are possible and integrated security sensors can be added.
This window will usually be used as a replacement for certain old Pella Original windows which have been discontinued.
Great energy rating of .29 with the dual pane glass and as low as .25 with the tri pane option.
Overall, this is another high end window offering, that works very well if you are looking for a window with a perfect profile to give your home the right curb appeal, and it is highly customizable. The exterior cladding will hold up just as well and be as durable as Marvin’s windows or the Andersen E-series, a fantastic top of the line window offering.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Extruded Aluminum or Wood, slightly more in cost than architect series, but very close
Interior: Wood
Construction: All wood
Glass: LoE2 standard argon filled
Jambs: Flush
Warranty: 20/10 Pella Limited Lifetime Warranty
Average U-Factor: .25 to – .29 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission STC Rating: 27
Cost: $$$$$ (5)
Summit’s Review Rating:
Durability: 10/10
Appearance: 10/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 10/10
Value: 7.5
Overall Rating: 47/50
Pella Architect Line
Pella windows are built just outside of Des Moines in Pella, Iowa. The Pella reserve is the highest grade offering from Pella, the exterior is made of a thick and durable extruded aluminum finished in Pella’s proprietary Enduraclad finish. The Pella reserve window was created to be used in historic areas with some of the strictest building requirements, including those on the National Historic Registry. The Interior is all wood and the sash and frame are made of all wood construction as well. This window does happen to be a very good looking window with a beautiful profile that seems to work on any home, they also offer traditional and contemporary sub-lines for different looks, and the interior wood is always of high consistency whether painting or staining.
This is a very customizable window and different wood species are offered, 20 exterior finishes, 8 interior factory stain colors and 3 interior factory paint colors. Interestingly, this window can be ordered with a primed and ready to paint wood exterior for specific historic applications but a wood exterior can be difficult to maintain at time. Other options include retractable rolscreens, obscured glass, odd shapes and sizes are possible and integrated security sensors can be added.
This window will usually be used as a replacement for certain old Pella Original windows which have been discontinued, this window line is very similarly priced to the Pella Architect series, maybe just a touch more expensive but will ultimately replace the Architect series line in a few years when that line is phased out.
Great energy rating of .29 with the dual pane glass and as low as .25 with the tri pane option.
Overall, this is another high end window offering, that works very well if you are looking for a window with a perfect profile to give your home the right curb appeal, and it is highly customizable. The exterior cladding will be slightly less durable than Marvin’s windows or the Andersen E-series, but also better than most other windows on the market.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Aluminum or Wood
Interior: Wood
Construction: All wood
Glass: LoE2 standard argon filled
Jambs: Flush
Warranty: 20/10 Pella Limited Lifetime Warranty
Average U-Factor: .25 to – .29 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission STC Rating: 28
Cost: $$$$ (4.5)
Summit’s Review Rating:
Durability: 8/10
Appearance: 9.5/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 8.5
Value: 8
Overall Rating: 43.5/50
Pella Lifestyle Series
The Pella lifestyle series was previously called the Pella Proline. This is the base model all wood window offering from Pella. Even though we just called this a base model, you have to remember that any all wood construction and all wood interior window will usually be considered in the highest class of windows versus an all vinyl, fiberglass or composite window that does not have solid wood construction or wood interior. This might be Pella’s best selling window of all time. Pella windows are built just outside of Des Moines in Pella, Iowa.
The frame and sash are solid pine. The sash is clad in a softer rolled aluminum to protect the wood but this is susceptible to dinging and hail damage in the future which will give this a slightly lower score on durability.
Appearance wise this is a great looking window inside and out, works very well in most settings and on most properties, the consistency of the interior wood is always superb with Pella and works well for both staining and painting.
The energy efficiency is in the top class as well. U factor always varies a little bit depending on the style of window, whether it opens or not and the size but the Lifestyle series windows sit between .25 to .29 for the average dual pane casement window. A double pane argon filled LoE2 glass package is standard.
Most Pella windows are fairly customizable, while the higher lines usually have more options, the Lifestyle series still offers plenty of choices for customization. 12 exterior color choices, 4 interior prefinished factory stains, and 4 prefinished factory paints. Between the glass blinds and shades are offered, rolscreens, obscured glass, integrated security sensors and grilles between the glass, divided lite, and simulated divided lite are offered as well.
The lifestyle series comes in at a slightly better price point without make huge sacrifices in construction build quality and the line still offers plenty of customization so this will add a touch more value.
In summary, the Pella Lifestyle series window is another great offering from Pella, has been immensely popular and is an especially great solution when swapping out Pella windows or other windows with flush jambs. If you tried to put in a window with stepped in jambs the exterior size would be the same but the interior of the window would be about 1″ smaller all the way around which could cause issues with existing wall tile, wallpaper, paint lines or blind fitments.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Aluminum
Interior: Wood
Construction: All wood
Glass: LoE2 standard argon filled
Jambs: Flush
Warranty: 20/10 Pella Limited Lifetime
Average U-Factor: .25 to – .29 U factor (very good)
Acoustic Transmission STC Rating: 25
Cost: $$$$
Summit’s Review Rating:
Durability: 7/10
Appearance: 9.0/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 8.5
Value: 8.5
Overall Rating: 42.5/50
Windsor Pinnacle Line
Windsor is a lesser known brand among the general public but widely known and used among contractors. The Pinnacle line is a very great all wood extruded aluminum clad window, meant to compete with the Marvin Ultimate and Andersen E-series while coming in at a better price point. Windsor windows are built in Des Moines, Iowa.
Robust build quality and all pine wood construction of the sash and frame make this is a solid built window. The exterior extruded aluminum cladding is butt jointed on the corners, we do prefer the butt join better on the Marvin Ultimate and Andersen E-series windows as the seam sits flatter and would appear to hold up better over a longer period of time, but this should not really cause any major problems.
Windsor window have a great appearance inside and out, the wood consistency is pretty decent overall, if we wanted to get really picky we could say its maybe a touch lower in quality when compared to Marvin or Andersen’s highest offerings, but again the overall quality is pretty consistent and works very well for both staining and painting.
This is another very customizable window. 50 exterior colors, 9 pre finished stain options and 3 prefinished paint options for the interior. We do like the plethora of grille options, and while most manufacturers do not make the removable wood grilles any longer Windsor still does, they produce a wood perimeter grille as well as wood stick grilles. The always popular grilles between the glass (GBG) is offered, as well as divided lites. There are also numerous options for grille profiles as well. Wood species offered are select pine, douglas fir, and natural alder.
One of the reasons most homeowners have not heard of Windsor is because they do not spend a ton of money on marketing, by saving advertising money they are able to charge a little less for their product. We like this window when somebody wants a window to compete with a Marvin Ultimate or Andersen E-series but at a slightly better price point. Overall the Windsor Pinnacle Select is a great value and a solid window that can be used in just about any application on mid to high value properties.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Extruded Aluminum
Interior: Wood
Construction: All wood
Glass: LoE3 standard argon filled
Jambs: Stepped or Flush
Warranty: 20/10
Average U-Factor: .27 (very good)
Acoustic Transmission STC Rating: (not published)
Cost: $$$$
Summit’s Review Rating:
Durability: 9.5/10
Appearance: 9/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 8.5
Value: 9
Overall Rating: 45.5/50
Kolbe Ultra Line
The Kolbe Ultra line is a luxury window offering from Kolbe Windows manufacturer, Kolbe is based in Madison, Wisconsin and has been a popular choice in mid to higher end homes for decades.
The Ultra line has now fully replaced the recently discontinued Kolbe Classic line. The Kolbe classics were an all wood window clad in softer rolled form aluminum, while the Ultra Line boasts the thicker extruded aluminum which is resistant to denting, dinging and marring. The thicker extruded aluminum combined with solid all wood construction make this a robustly built window. Exterior finishes factory applied to extruded aluminum tend to hold up significantly longer as well.
This is a window that is at home in just about any setting and sits very well in high value properties. With a simple exterior profile, an elegant interior profile and superb consistency in the wood whether staining or painting, this is a window that always looks fantastic.
In terms of customizability there are 44 Exterior colors, along with a custom color option that is offered. 14 wood species are offered, but with most windows pine is used 99% of the time. 11 factory pre finish interior stains, and 11 factory pre finish paint options. Large sizes and odd shaped specialty windows are available as well. Grilles offered are removable wood, grilles between the glass (GBG) divided lite and simulated divided lite. All in all, a very customizable window line with options to suit just about any need. The pricing comes in at the top along with Marvin, Andersen and Pella’s top line, but always remeber that you get what you pay for.
Specifications:
Exterior Cladding: Extruded Aluminum
Interior: Wood
Construction: All wood
Glass: LoE2 standard argon filled
Jambs: Stepped or Flush
Warranty: 20/10
Average U-Factor: .27 (very good)
Acoustic Transmission – STC Rating: 27
Cost: $$$$$
Summit’s Review Rating:
Durability: 10/10
Appearance: 10/10
Thermal Rating: 9.5/10
Customizability: 9/10
Value: 8
Overall Rating: 46.5/50
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