Methodology for window brands reviews

Windows affect your home’s lighting, aesthetics and energy efficiency. When choosing window replacements, you should consider design, functionality and price. You also want an installer that will provide quality work and minimal disruption.

We research, review and rate window replacement companies that offer full-service installations and ready-made windows to help you find the right windows for your home. Ready-made windows are premanufactured windows that homeowners can purchase directly from a window company. These windows are delivered faster than custom windows.

Research

We began our research by interviewing multiple industry experts, two of whom are associated with the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance and the National Fenestration and Rating Council (NFRC). 

We interact with each company we review by secret shopping its website, analyzing its warranties, calling its customer service representatives, and noting how they handle our questions.

We obtained proprietary consumer information through our survey of 1,500 homeowners who replaced their windows within the last five years. We read customer reviews and note common themes in what customers highlighted about their window installation experience. We also review third-party ratings from sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.

We aim to highlight and compare the key factors of window replacement companies to help you choose the best window replacements for your home.

Review and rate

After collecting data, we channel our learnings into detailed review standards to rate and compare window companies. During this process, we score brands out of 100 points and translate this score into the 5-star rating we include in our reviews and recommendations.

We focus on rating factors across four key areas:

• Window options and installation services
• Energy-efficiency features
• Warranties
• Brand reputation and reviews

Window options and installation services (35 points)

When starting the window replacement process, most homeowners consider whether a company offers the window options they want and the installation services they need. We reward companies that provide multiple window types and offer in-house installation services. The three main categories we consider for window options are lines, styles and features. 

Companies that offer budget-line and high-end windows with the option to fully customize their shape and design receive the most points. We award fewer points to companies that provide only one window line or lack full customization. We also note companies that provide eight of the most popular window styles, such as casement and double-hung windows. 

We consider each company’s window features. We give higher scores to companies that offer multiple window frame materials and glass types.

Window installation is a difficult job, with many homeowners opting for professional installation. However, not all window replacement companies install the windows they manufacture. Instead, they work with partners to install windows for customers. We allocate more points to companies that build and install your windows themselves. Companies that outsource installers score slightly less due to the potential for inconsistent quality of installation crews.

A consultation is required before installation begins, so we compare the consultation options companies offer. Companies that provide in-home and virtual consultations score well. In addition, we give companies extra points if they offer pre-made windows and include helpful resources on their websites. Helpful resources consist of buying guides, product explanations and maintenance information.

Energy-efficiency features (15 points)

Your windows’ energy efficiency plays a huge role in how much you save on utility bills. We rate window companies higher if they adhere to manufacturing and efficiency standards set by Energy Star and the NFRC. 

We also consider the number of glass panes companies use for their window products since a higher number typically means better insulation. Companies offering double- and triple-pane windows score higher than those with only single or double-pane windows.

Warranties (15 points)

Windows are expensive, and knowing your window company stands by its products can be the deciding factor when choosing one company over another. We allocate more points to companies that pair a labor warranty with their glass and hardware warranties. Additionally, we consider the length of each warranty type. Companies with longer warranties in each category score more points than those with shorter ones.

Brand reputation and reviews (35 points)

We consider reputation and customer reviews to help assess how well a window company handles communication and issues that arise before, during or after your window installation. 

We compile each company’s ratings from third-party review sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot to judge its reputability. We also consider customer ratings since existing customers provide valuable insight into how a company handles customer service inquiries, window installation and follow-up. Window companies with high ratings in both areas score well in our review standards.

Additionally, we score companies that offer convenient customer service options, such as a 24/7 phone line or an online chat tool, higher than those without these features.