AmCraft isn't what I would consider a very good brand and I would be wary about going with them. DO NOT go with CSW. (assumes medium sized window and normal installation), I just got a bid on the CWS 8100 single hung window. Installer is the same person. Thanks again Dane and greatly appreciate getting your feedback! I had definitely heard good things about PGT, but I've never heard of CWS and was curious what their deal is and whether the prices seem in line. PGT Windows offers a non-transferable limited lifetime warranty on its window products. Builders grade at best products. Yes, they have a lifetime warranty but we have to pay labor every time one is replaced. 10 of the windows are in block/stucco and 2 are in a wood frame. There are only two manufacturers that have decent designs and color choices, Custom Window Systems and PGT windows. Window World 4000 Series: $20k How to negotiate a window bid. Would love any recommendations. 3 size H62 x W 52 Custom Window Systems is a vinyl and aluminum window and door manufacturer that specializes in both impact and non impact products. I would say the PGT is the winner for me given the product and the price. CWS Windows Reviews I don't think Soft-Lite is more of a cold climate window, I just think the factory is located in a cold climate. I would ask the people there which window has a better track record and go with their recommendation. Meredith - Homeowner - from 2018, -- Estimated CWS 8000 Costs: $600 to $750 installed -- Once you do that, then I think you'll have the information you need to make your decision. Patio Door Reviews | StormStrong Series their work is being monitored ,and the owner really cares. Custom Window Systems vs PGT 5500 Hi Dane,I'm new to the Venice, FL area after moving from NJ. Dane - Site Editor - from 2020, I'm in South Florida and need hurricane impact windows. Thank you so very much! One 38 x 26. Cant make up my mind. I'm wondering, what is your opinion regarding the 8200 series. We offer impact windows and hurricane doors, along with non-impact options, with many benefits. I think PGT has a bit better brand recognition, but I wouldn't say their windows are any better. I know that CWS has a good rating when it comes to their impact windows. Once you have the bids collected, send them over and I'll throw in my two cents. Well also ask the company (GJC Port Charlotte) that gave us the PGT 14K quote if CW or Simonton is an option that will save us money. The CWS Windpact Plus is a strong impact window and one that I would thoroughly consider for my own home (if I needed an impact window and door). Any comments regarding Soft-Lit Barcelona impact windows? Both are quality products from what I know of the two. CWS - CUSTOM WINDOW SYSTEMS ( WindPact Plus Large Missle Impact Windows) Increased Energy Efficiency - All CWS vinyl impact windows are AAMA and NFRC certified, and are compliant with ENERGY STAR and Green Building standards when ordered with LoE 366 Cardinal Glass. If your In Central Florida Orlando & Tampa Offices. Grids are 8/8 contoured grids. LoE 452, LoE 340, LoE 366 when you have a view, Back of Home Remodel: Patio and Window Design. I'm also wondering what other companies I should look at in Florida? We proudly innovate and introduce products that meet, or exceed, the most stringent coastal requirements. This hurricane window can be ordered in a number of configurations, including a single hung, casement, horizontal slider and picture window. Fred - Homeowner - from 2021, Fred, I don't have a lock on the differences between these two series. I would put them both in the quite good category and I think they both offer a nice long term value for your money. Price for the package was $33,000. PGT WinGuard Vinyl windows and doors are designed to meet or exceed the International Building Code for: Air infiltration Water resistance Deglazing Forced-entry resistance Structural integrity Small and large missile impact protection Residential intruder protection WinGuard Vinyl 5500 Series Architectural AR5520 What style shutter with my Tudor Revival? It's a coin flip from my perspective, I would need to see more specifics in the quotes to tip it one way of the other. I am going with Simonton. I was going to contract with a local Diamond rated PGT Dealer (Weather Tite) and then Paradise Exteriors offered to drop their estimate for the Soft-Lits to almost the same amount. Wiltrack Construction And Development Group LLC. Dane - Site Editor - from 2018, Hi, we recently got bids for CWS and PGT for three sets of Hurricane Non-Impact windows. (assumes medium sized window and normal installation), I have a quote for15 impact window fromCustom Window Systems using the Solar Max with Neat Technology. Meredith - Homeowner - from 2018, Meredith, I think the CWS and PGT quotes are worth the extra money over the AmCraft. Weather Shield: Premium Coastal Windows & Doors. PGT 5500 series white vinyl insulated impact Windows , clear Low-exl 70 insulated impact glass w/ colonial grids. I know that CWS makes a good impact window. ES Windows They seem to love their collections. Jerry - Homeowner - from 2022, Jerry, the CWS Storm Strong 6100 is a good window, but the price seems high to me. In terms of hurricane rated windows in Florida, I would suggest looking at Custom Window Systems, PGT and Simonton. See All Windows Doors PGT BUT from a window dealer not a box store. Custom Window Systems (CWS) is an established hurricane impact window and door company located in Ocala, Florida. Lots of them do, although I'm not sure about the bigger home improvement places like Lowes or HD. I did not have the same experience as Noel C as far as the initial sales visit, and when I told them my husband works long hours and it would be almost impossible to meet with us both - they still scheduled the appointment with me. I really wish your website could provide some insight into who and which companies we should talk to. Call Doug Ramsey at Sequel. 1 size H37.5 x W 35.5 Frosted I understand that WindPact Plus is intended for the High Velocity Hurricane Zone and StrongStorm is for all other areas. Dana - Homeowner - from 2016, Dana, these two impact windows are pretty close in quality, as are CWS and PGT in terms of quality and construction. Simonton is another company that offers good products at an affordable price. We live in South Florida so both hurricane protection and energy efficiency are important to us. The window has a design pressures of 60, which is excellent. (assumes medium sized window and normal installation), I'm in NE Florida and have 20 windows of varying sizes, along with two sliding glass doors, both rather large. Susan - Homeowner - from 2018, Susan, this sounds like a first bid but not their final price. by FLhomeowner Mon Feb 23, 2009 9:19 pm. Overall, both window frame types excel in safeguarding your family from harm. PGT 5400 series I actually think it's the CWS Aria a pretty decent vinyl window. They proudly innovate and introduce products that meet or exceed, the most stringent coastal requirements. I had never heard of CWS before today. Bill - Homeowner - from 2017, We are looking to replace 8 single pane Windows with hurricane impact Windows. Thank you. PS We live about 2 miles from the Gulf of Mexico in Seminole, FL. Feel free to shoot your bids over to me and I'm more than happy to provide you with my take on what you have. It does however use a pocket sill, which funnels water through the frame and out weep holes. PGT Estimate: $63K (using PGT patio sliders) I was told that PGT did not have the lifetime warranties that CWS was offering is this true? Atrium Windows and Doors. They each look like a viable option. One big issue with patio doors is whether the door has to be custom made for the order. They tend to be either laminated or painted, and both have some drawbacks. I'd get a bid on the following: Also, I'm not a big fan of using PVC windows in the south. Concern is that youngsters and people older than ourselves would have tremendous difficulty using these doors. WindPact Series | General Reviews, Custom Window Systems is a vinyl and aluminum window and door manufacturer that specializes in both impact and non impact products. If you are considering PGT's - READ the warranty. Meredith - Homeowner - from 2018, Meredith, I agree that the CWS bid is too highalthough honestly I don't know much about your project. Single and Double-Hung impact windows are some of the most popular choices on the market. Got a bid from CWS for $22,640, although after some fancy number crunching it went down to $19,936. Home Depot subcontracts instllersinstallers so there is a double layer of mark ups. Do NOT do business with PGT.I am at the point of just replacing every defective window with a different brand ..this is so unfair and unprofessional and poor business standards. Are seal failures not covered as part of their warranty? Your advice and help is appreciated. If so, that price isn't too bad, but it doesn't strike me as super competitive, at least at first glance. I have gotten two quotes. Any advice is greatly appreciated! :) Thank you again! I'm assuming one will. Tim - Site Editor - from 2020, Hello Dane/Tim, I have a 2800 sq ft under a/c home. I'm working on a budget. You could threaten to report them to the BBB if they don't cover the labor cost of the windows you purchased 3 years ago, but I would not pin my hopes on this approach. It seems as most folks I hear speaking about vinyl vs aluminum PGT Winguard windows prefer the aluminum, but I would love to know why and to hear from anyone who has the vinyl to see if they are happy with them. The PGT Innovations' family of brands include CGI, PGT Custom Windows & Doors, WinDoor, Western Window Systems, CGI Commercial and Eze . (1) 52 x 38 single hung I read on the website that Jeld Wen windows are not the best vinyl windows. Read about standards for the use of technology resources systems data. Again, thanks for your insight. (assumes medium sized window and normal installation), I live in Orlando, Florida and have negotiated what seems like the best possible price. Now it's time to scrutinise ES Windows! I will ask around if I can find someone. One is proposing Custom Window Systems 8000 series for about 5.5k for 9 windows, and the other would install softlite Imperial LS for 6.7k. I think it offers better long term value over the first bid. Tim - Site Editor - from 2020, Dane, Tim, Good afternoon. Eastern Architectural Systems 2. If it were me, I would turn to the quality of the installers as the deciding factor. Sandy - Homeowner - from 2021, I did sign a contract with Window World for the wincore 8000 series impact-resistant double hung windows. I am just going to pray that all goes well and I have a positive experience! I believe that Ive negotiated the best possible price and wanted your opinion. These would all be considered high quality impact window options. NewSouth Window Solutions 7. Jeromy - Homeowner - from 2016, Jeromy, that's a big price difference. 4 posts Page 1 of 1. I get that the 5500 series is a coastal impact window. So I'd do the CWS if I were you and save yourself some money. PGT pioneered the U. S. impact-resistant window and door industry, and today is the nation's leading manufacturer and supplier of residential impact-resistant windows and doors. Custom Window Systems. We fell in love with the product claims, the low heat transfer and easy operation. The PGT WindGuard Vinyl is available two toned. Dane - Site Editor - from 2021, Hi, We are looking to replace large sliers (8 and 9) and windows in our beach front condo in St Augustine FL. Has anyone used Weather Tite Windows out of Tampa, FL? CWS Estimate: $47.4K (using CWS patio sliders) $8800. Well also ask the company (GJC Port Charlotte) that gave us the PGT 14K quote if CW or Simonton is an option that will save us money. I like CWS and think it's the better window, but I'm not sure it's worth 30% more. For very cost-conscious customers I would suggest the Silverline 9500 with several upgrades to make it code compliant. You have selected two great companies, just goes to prove what hard work and research get you. Thanks millworkman. Deborah - Homeowner - from 2019, Deborah, the CWS Aria seems to be a decent product for an entry level window. PGT Custom Windows + Doors main competitors are Agc Glass Company North America, Carpenter Technology, and Air System Components. Vinyl Impact Windows are impervious to salt and the salt-air corrosive enviroment of Florida. PS: thank you all for sharing your stories, I'll be replacing 28yr old windows this year and my research brought me here. We have a quote using CWS Aria horizontal sliders, MI 3540 single hung windows, and MI 1615 sliding doors for $9571.50. PGT makes a PremierVue series that isn't bad, and if that is too high as far as cost, look at their 500 series. Ive found your site very helpful. I rest at ease knowing that I will be safe., My home is almost completely silent after installing the impact windows and doors., "My sliding glass door is like the door to a bank vault. Then with some slight trickery of the pen the quote was changed to $19,936, which is still too much for my budget. This article is here. It is a lifetime warranty that covers everything including screens. Windstorm Inspection Program TDI Product Evaluation Index Product Evaluation - Vinyl Fixed Windows Windstorm Inspections Appointed Engineers Building Code Building Products Catastrophe Zone Map Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8) Search Contacts Education FAIR resources Field Offices Forms Product Evaluations Subscriptions Testing Facilities TWIA We used the ogee grid on the front of the house to give it a colonial look which has single hung windows. The seals do not hold. What I'm really trying to find out is if there are any significant differences in their single hung vinyl wind impact windows between the two companies. We compared apples to apples as far as being vinyl, Low-E, Argon filled, etc. Yes, at the end of the visit, Joe DID ask for a commitment, but that is what any sales person would do. seems like they use PGT windows. If you get the "premium" vinyl window from either of these companies, you will be getting a very good windowcertainly one that I would have in my own home. Lots of research ongoing. I know NOTHING about CWS, so I am skeptical! PGT Windguard Vinyl Impact Resistant Windows, Eastern Architectural ERTHA Series Vinyl Windows & Doors. Six 52x 37.5 Simonton: StormBreaker Plus. Back of Home Remodel: Patio and Window Design, Adding small windows to sides of fireplace. Return to "Ask Our Pro's a Question". Call them up, get the bid, and compare. It's so hard to trust what's truth from fiction with this industry. Hurricane windows and doors protect against flying debris. Thank you. (assumes medium patio door and normal installation), Hi Dane, I purchased a condo with a CWS dark brown vinyl storm door which has 2 vertical glass sections, with the bottom section moveable to accommodate a screen. Give me your ideas, thank you. Dane or Tim The CWS is an Argon filled window, but the ESW Elite is not. From my research re HVHZ windows, water penetration is based on volume per minute and not wind speed. Do this for each brand you are interested in searching. It has been a very time consuming and frustrating process. The size is 24 3/4 W &29 3/8 H. Custom Window Systems - High Performance Windows and Doors WINDOWS AND DOORS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR EVERY DAY WHY CWS IS THE CLEAR CHOICE We proudly innovate and introduce products that meet, or exceed, the most stringent coastal requirements. Vero Glass & Mirror: It will cost me approx $800 more to go with the PGT windows. 11 windows for $12K. Is the CWS Aria series windows really of bad quality? I'd probably give the nod to CWS in terms of their impact windows, but I'd give the nod to Simonton in terms of overall reputation and strength as a company. Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions. Feeling ripped off Innovation is central to creating windows and doors that are smarter, stronger, and safer for our customers. The company who is doing the project has tried several "possible solutions", none of which has worked. Our Eco Windows and Doors dealers can help you find the best products to improve your home and lifestyle. If you want any further information we did boatloads of research on all the impact Windows. It's more expensive and some homeowners just can't afford to go that route (in which case I suggest the Custom Window Systems). The 8200 windows are 5' and 6' wide. He was really pushing EAS windows. PGT Industries 8. The Simonton has the best warranty but Im more concerned about the quality of the product and appearance and not the warranty (since all three have a good warranty). Please note, our website is not affiliated with this window manufacturer. The bid total comes out to $104/sq ft. and includes any remediation that might be required if we have to fix/replace damaged or rotten wood. Windows are : We spoke to someone at Storm Tight and though we were going to go with them, but we are now having second thoughts. The Lani windows are made by Custom Window Systems. Any other better options out there using the Ygreene program? 8100 Series | 8200 Series Your prompt response will be helpful because I only have 3 days to break the contract. Read 2023 Custom Window Systems reviews from contractors and homeowners on their hurricane and impact windows and prices. Send our site editor Dane your questions, and get personalized answers that can save you thousands of dollars on your project! $8400 for 11 impact windows is a fair price IMO. Deborah - Homeowner - from 2019, Deborah, I should do a better job of introducing that window. When you see a "lifetime" warranty, make sure to find out what the lifetime is. (impact exterior). I love the fact that the WW has a good reputation, that's great to know. PGT Innovations is also the nation's largest manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors, holds the leadership position in its primary markets, and is part of the S&P SmallCap 400 Index. So far, I like the CWS product but cant get any intel on the EAS product. 1 - 105 71 (picture window with 2 sliding horizontal sides) local companies. We are being told the PGT window is a better window, that the vinyl will not discolor and that the slider and locking mechanism are better quality. Do you have a suggestion where I could get one? Jo - Homeowner - from 2018, Jo, the CWS Aria window is an okay vinyl window. Dane - Site Editor - from 2018, Hi Dane, I live in Clearwater Florida and would appreciate your advice on my 2 final choices/quotes. Its possible they dont know (youd be amazed what the pros dont know about their own product sometimes). The dimensions of the ones I need are; Quote was comparable to PGT but much better warranty. what kind of seal failure are you seeing, and how old were the units that failed? Tim - Site Editor - from 2018, Hello Tim, Ive been on your website and really appreciate the education that it provides. Dane - Site Editor - from 2017, Hi Tim. HU-3978, I just got quotes on windows from Paradise, Window Wall and PGT from Home Depot. It has not been a good experience .product seems ok but the installation has been a diaster!! So, from what I can tell, once the winds reach hurricane strength your windows are no longer promised not to leak. DO NOT BUY PGT WINDOWS! I do kind of like the idea of getting windows from a factory in the state in which you live, but I'm not sure there is anything really rational in the thought, I think it just gives me a piece of mind for some reason. Dane - Site Editor - from 2018, Hi Dane, my husband and I are contemplating adding a Florida room to our home. that will offer this service at an affordable rate. Ask replacement window questions & get answers! Sun-Tek Manufacturing Beyond ENERGY STAR Window Manufacturers As a complete novice, I have no idea whether this price is too high. Would these windows be considered entry-level windows/ Founded in 1980, the Company employs approximately 1,700 at its manufacturing, glass laminating and tempering plants in North Venice, Florida. In aluminum, they dont make what I prefer. I would let the specific window series data drive my decision. I've had very few issues with them and when they did the company worked with me to make sure that everything was worked out to the customers satisfaction. Seconding Wow. The Company expects its net leverage ratio at closing to be approximately 2 . Those two windows are pretty close in terms of quality and construction to the PGT5500. Their Armor or Barcelona series are going to be preferable the Durashield. All in all, if you like and trust the people doing your installation, I think you are choosing a quality impact window for your Florida home! (assumes medium sized window and normal installation) *, I live in the Orlando area I have narrowed my search to the final three. About Us Previous Next Consumers Protect your investment, increase curb appeal, and maximize your energy savings. We offer French doors, sliding-glass doors, and cabana doors throughout our collections with impact resistant, energy-efficient, non-impact, and other performance options to meet the needs of your home and family. Thanks. Never heard of the others and nothing about them looks impressive from their website and PGT has a pretty good history for products and customer service. Get a few bids, work the prices down, and then pick the window you want with the best options and cost. PGT and Custom Window Systems are the big players in Florida and you can't go wrong with either of them. I don't know much about the Wincore Storm Force, but they look good from everything I've seen online. I googled "ews impact windows reviews" and very little came up. When I had companies out to quote, I asked about aluminum frames and was told you could only do aluminum in new construction. Betty - Homeowner - from 2016, Softlite are among the best vinyl windows. HD came back with a revised quote of $8436.95 after I told them I would only do the same 11 windows FHIA quoted me for. They pass the same standardized testing chambers under the exact same conditions and carry thee exact same approvals. Dane - Site Editor - from 2016, We got two quotes on 14 windows. They have not yet tried installing different wheels but have mentioned that. PGT doors add convenience and style to any room. I don't like this feature, but CWS does tend to make a quality window, despite the design flaw. Here is an article that talks about how to do it. Other storm windows and doors include the Sunrise Coastal series, Soft-Lite Barcelona Impact Series, Soft-Lite Armor Impact Series, and the Stanek UltraExtreme series. We carry a full line of impact windows and all types of hurricane glass from custom doors and sliding glass doors as well as custom windows, picture and architectural. Simonton 6100 Coastal Windows Cost Quote: $8,439 PGT will replaced the windows - they will probably say "out of warranty" - it is very unclear just exaclty what their warranty is (!). Anyone have long term experience with either company? I'll let you all know how it goes! " Andersen offers 35 different windows types with multiple operational styles, color options, wood frame types, shapes, and custom made windows that come with advanced security features. We carry four major brands of Impact Resistant Vinyl Windows..The most popular is CWS Windpact (custom window systems). CGI. Can you go back to the local dealer and ask them to custom order it for you? So even though the CWS Aria is their entry-level window, you thinks it's a decent product? Impact windows protect people, furnishings, and floors from harmful UV rays. Can you give me some basic insight into these two window manufacturers? CGI Windows and Doors 3. Just stay away from their entry level windows. All the windows use impact glass with a Low-E 366 tempered glass package. Dane - Site Editor - from 2016. The other is CWS single hung windows for just over $12,000. Quote was for 15 slider windows with prairie grid. Is this true? Custom Windows Systems has manufactured windows and doors since 1986. 1295 Followers 413 Following 15 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Abdou A. PGT sliding glass doors cost 2000 to 3300 for sizes between 71x78 and 70x94 inches and up to 9700 for doors 144x80 inches in size. Tim - Site Editor - from 2018, Thank you Tim! But basically they are both considered good impact window manufacturers in Florida. I knew my family and all my belongings would be safe during the hurricane.". Thanks. Wincore Estimate: $43.4K (using CWS patio sliders) John - Homeowner - from 2021, John, the WindPact Plus Series 8100 from Custom Window Systems is a very good impact window from everything I know. Fraser - Homeowner - from 2018, Fraser, I would say that PGT has a bit better name and reputation than CWS, but not by much. Btw, I had a quote from Gorell 5400 hurricane windows that was more than double this! And, we don't want to continue replacing window after window for who knows how long. Thanks very much. Will the vinyl ones hold up as well as the aluminum ina tropical storm or hurricane? I was hoping that you could take a moment responding to my email and review a company or two and their models/series that would be applicable to me. The rest of the windows were replaced when I bought the home in 2014 by the GC who did my remodel, as they were leaking and it could not wait. We are in Tampa and looking at replacing our windows with impact hurricane windows. Is this typical for all brandS? Pamela - Homeowner - from 2017, Hi, in terms of impact windows, PGT and CWS both offer a nice selection and array. Lorelei - Homeowner - from 2015, Lorelei, here are 4 manufacturers that should have dealers or local window companies in Michigan that carry their windows. Yes, I saw the complaints on BBB, but BBB does not publish positive reviews, only the complaints. Collect your bids and then see if you can negotiate down the price. Custom Window Systems Wind-Pact Plus vs PGT. Scott, Vargas & his Team are incredibly talented and Customer service is Job #1 . Marie - Homeowner - from 2016, Marie, the 8200 is quite a nice impact window, assuming you like how the window looks. Dane - Site Editor - from 2016, -- Estimated CWS 8100 Costs: $600 to $750 installed --