After living in my home for over 10 years, I finally decided it was time to replace all of the old, drafty windows. I wanted something energy efficient that would help lower my heating and cooling bills, so I began researching different window brands and options.
Alliance Windgate windows kept coming up in my searches for their quality construction, durability, and energy efficiency. I read through numerous Alliance Windgate windows reviews, weighed the pros and cons, and ultimately decided to have them installed throughout my home.
Here’s an overview of my experience with these windows after having them for the past year.
Overview of Alliance Windgate Windows
Alliance Windgate windows are a brand of vinyl replacement windows manufactured by GW Manufacturers.
They feature a fusion-welded vinyl frame and sash for added strength and insulation.
The insulated glass units have a soft-coat Low-E coating to help reflect heat back into the home in winter and block heat from entering in summer.
Available styles include double hung, slider, casement, awning, and picture windows.
Some of the main features and benefits of Alliance Windgate windows are:
- Multi-chambered vinyl frame and sash for insulation
- Fusion welded corners for durability and strength
- Insulated glass with argon gas fill and soft-coat Low-E coating
- Variety of color options including white, almond, and brown
- Several grid options to match home’s aesthetics
- Lifetime limited warranty on vinyl and glass
One of the things that initially drew me to Alliance was the lifetime limited warranty which gave me confidence in the product quality and durability. I also liked that they had solid reviews from both replacement window reviewers and actual homeowners.
My Installation Process
I requested quotes from three different window companies in my area and ultimately went with the one that offered the best deal on installing Alliance Windgate windows. The sales representative helped me select the right window configurations for each part of my house. I decided to go with the following:
- Double hung windows – for most of the upstairs bedrooms
- Slider windows – for the first floor kitchen and dining area
- Casement windows – for the awkward sized windows in the laundry room and guest bedroom
- Picture windows – for the living room bay window
The installation team was very professional and completed the full window replacement in just two days. Each old window was removed, properly disposed of, and the new Alliance window was installed securely in its place. The installation team did a great job cleaning up any mess afterwards – I couldn’t even tell they had been working!
Overall, I was very pleased with how smoothly the entire replacement process went from getting a quote to the final installation.
My Impressions After 1 Year
It’s now been over a year since I had the Alliance Windgate windows installed and so far I am very happy with their performance. Here are some of my thoughts:
- Energy Efficiency
The new windows have made a noticeable difference in the temperature inside my home.
In the winter, it feels warmer near the windows with less cold drafts.
In the summer, the windows do a good job blocking heat when closed and keeping things cooler indoors.
I can definitely tell my heating and cooling systems aren’t having to work as hard after the window replacement.
- Noise Reduction
The old windows did practically nothing to block outside noise. Now with the Alliance windows, the house is much quieter. I don’t hear as much street noise or neighbors’ sounds floating in through closed windows.
Adding the triple pane windows in some rooms helps dampen noise even further.
- Easy to Clean
I’m loving how easy these windows are to clean! The vinyl frames wipe down easily. The glass cleans well and the soft coat treatment helps reduce spots and streaks. Cleaning is a breeze compared to my old windows.
- Appearance
In addition to practical benefits, the Alliance Windgate windows have also improved the aesthetics of my home, both inside and out. The white vinyl frames look fresh and contemporary.
From the exterior, my home looks noticeably better with the clean lines of the new windows.
Inside, I got windows with internal grids in a few rooms. This preserved the traditional styling of the original windows, but with modern functionality. The grids have held up perfectly after a year of normal use and cleaning.
Downsides Worth Mentioning
While overall I’m very satisfied with my Alliance Windgate windows, there are a couple downsides I’ll mention:
- Vinyl can be prone to scratches – I need to be more careful about what comes into contact with the frames to avoid surface scratches. This is a minor inconvenience.
- Not suitable for every climate – While these vinyl windows work great for my area, they might not be ideal for extreme weather locations. The vinyl can become brittle in extremely cold climates. The standard glass may not hold up to intense heat and sun exposure in desert regions.
For my needs though, these cons are outweighed by the many positives of the Alliance Windgate windows.
Cost of Alliance Windgate Windows
Since this was a major home project, the cost was a factor in my decision making. Here’s a rough breakdown of what I paid:
- Double hung windows: approx. $350 each
- Slider windows: approx. $475 each
- Casement windows: approx. $550 each
- Picture windows: approx. $625 each
Keep in mind costs can vary based on location, installer, size and type of windows, and other factors.
There may be additional charges for installation, disposal, permits, etc.
I was able to get a discount for doing the whole house at once.
For me, the added comfort and cost savings from the energy efficiency make the investment worthwhile.
But this type of project certainly isn’t cheap, so make sure to get an exact quote for your specific project.
Alliance Windgate Vs. Other Brands
Here’s a brief comparison of how Alliance Windgate stacks up to a few other major replacement window brands:
Alliance Windgate vs. Andersen Windows – Andersen is known for their high-end wood windows but they have expanded into vinyl. Andersen vinyl windows are comparable to Alliance but typically cost 20-30% more.
Alliance Windgate vs. Pella Windows – Similar to Andersen, Pella is a respected brand but usually at a premium price point. Alliance offers competitive features and performance to Pella at a more affordable price in most cases.
Alliance Windgate vs. Milgard Windows – Milgard is popular on the west coast. They offer a good quality vinyl window. Alliance and Milgard are fairly similar in terms of materials and warranties so it comes down to pricing and availability in your area.
No matter which brand you consider, be sure to get quotes for your exact project to compare pricing and installation costs.
Are Alliance Windgate Windows Worth It?
For me, the answer is a resounding yes – the Alliance Windgate windows were definitely worth the investment. The new windows have improved my home’s appearance, comfort, and energy efficiency.
I’ve also reduced outside noise and made my house more private. Within just the first year, I can tell I’m already saving money on utilities with the better insulated windows.
While they were an expensive upgrade, I know these windows are durable and will last for decades to come. The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind. Overall, I’m convinced these were the right windows for my needs and my home is much better for it.
If you’re considering Alliance Windgate, I would certainly recommend them based on my positive first year experience. Just be sure to get an accurate estimate for your specific project and home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the window brands that consistently receive positive reviews are Pella, Marvin, Milgard, Simonton, and JELD-WEN. Alliance Windgate windows also earn favorable reviews from both industry experts and homeowners. It’s a good idea to read reviews specific to the exact product you’re considering to get an accurate impression of quality and performance.
Alliance Windgate window prices can vary quite a bit. On average, double hung windows cost about $350 each while sliding windows run around $475 each. Casement style windows are approximately $550 each. The total cost will depend on the number of windows you’re replacing, the specific styles, custom options chosen, and labor charges for installation. Be sure to get an itemized quote for the project.
Many Alliance Windgate windows meet Energy Star requirements. However, each specific window configuration has to be tested individually to earn Energy Star certification. When shopping, look for the Energy Star logo or indicator to confirm a particular Alliance window you are considering is certified energy efficient.
Andersen makes excellent quality windows with especially good wooden double hung and casement windows. Their Fibrex material combines the strength of wood with the low-maintenance of vinyl. Andersen windows come with a 20/10 limited warranty (20 years on glass, 10 years on frame and components). They are one of the best window brands overall, but also some of the most expensive.
Closing Remarks
I hope this detailed review gives you a good idea of what it’s like living with Alliance Windgate windows. I’m happy to answer any other questions you may have!
Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional topics you want me to cover related to my experience with these windows.