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In choosing windows for a newly built house or replacement windows for an existing house, there are hundreds and hundreds of window manufacturers to consider. This article provides a rundown of the major manufacturers out there so you know what kind of products they offer and what kind of service and warranties to expect.
Andersen – Andersen is well-known as a window manufacturer that provides great customer service. Its attractive wood windows carry limited warranties, but the warranties are fully transferable, which Andersen claims adds value to the price of your home should you choose to sell it. Andersen prides itself on being able to provide replacement parts for all its windows, even those that are no longer manufactured. Andersen offers regular and energy efficient window lines and is part of the federal government’s Energy Star Program. Its website is www.andersenwindows.com. CertainTeed – This window manufacturer carries only vinyl windows, and it is a major manufacturer of all manner of vinyl home supplies, ranging from decking to roofing to plumbing. CertainTeed is unique among the major window manufacturers in that it is focusing its marketing and development programs on the high-growth areas of the Western United States. Accordingly, it specializes in energy efficient windows that are able to protect a home interior from the punishing rays of sun that always seem to be shining in those arid regions. Its website is www.certainteed.com. Marvin – Based in Minnesota, Marvin makes wood and composite windows, though it specializes in doors. It is part of the Energy Star program, and was the first company to offer a low E-rating on its entire line of windows. Its website is www.marvin.com.
Pella – Pella, like Andersen, is one of the better known window manufacturers. Known for the quality of its windows; it is not always known for the quality of its customer service. Part of the problem may be that, though Pella has been in business since 1925, it has only been in the retail sector since 1992. In an effort to reach out to more customers, Pella has launched its “store within a store” concept wherein Pella Design Centers are located in Lowe’s home improvement centers across the country. Pella makes all manner of windows, which come with a limited warranty. Pella manufactures energy efficient windows and participates in the federal government’s Energy Star program. Pella’s website is www.pella.com. Schuco Windows – Schuco a German company with U.S. headquarters in Connecticut, is the largest window manufacturer in the world. The company controls all aspects of window manufacture, from design to production to installation. It has a limited product line, only making vinyl windows, but offers a lifetime warranty on those windows, and people who have installed Shuco windows rave about them. Shuco is part of the Energy Star program and on the cutting edge of efficiency innovation. Its website is www.shuco-usa.com. Other popular window manufacturers include Weather Shield, Simonton, Crestline and Eagle.
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Hardware