American Craftsman 50 Vs. 70 Series Windows For Home

When it comes to replacing your home’s windows, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between a 50 series or 70 series from American Craftsman. Both options provide attractive, energy-efficient windows but there are some key differences to consider.

This comprehensive guide will compare the American Craftsman 50 and 70 series windows to help you determine the right choice for your home.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	50 Series	70 Series
Frame Thickness	Standard 0.050-inch	Upgraded 0.070-inch
Glass	Double pane	Triple pane
Gas Fill	Argon	Krypton
Weather-stripping	Single-layer vinyl	Multi-layer silicone seals
Warranty	Lifetime limited	Transferable limited lifetime
Efficiency Ratings	Good	Excellent
Exterior Color Options	White or tan	Expanded colors
Price	Budget-friendly	Moderate premium

Key Takeaways:

• The 70 series windows offer thicker, sturdier vinyl frames that improve structural integrity and durability.
• Triple pane glass with krypton gas fill provides the 70 series with superior insulation over the 50 series double pane windows.
• Multi-layer weather-stripping on the 70 series better seals out drafts and air infiltration leading to increased energy savings.
• The transferable limited lifetime warranty on the 70 series makes them easier to sell and adds value.
• The 70 series windows achieve higher performance ratings for key areas like U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.
• Though priced higher, the 70 series windows provide more features and better efficiency for the money.
• The 50 series windows are a quality budget option, while the 70 series are worth the upgrade for most homeowners.
• Important factors in choosing include efficiency needs, budget, durability, appearance, and overall value.

Overview of American Craftsman Windows

First, let’s provide some background on the American Craftsman brand. American Craftsman windows are a product line sold exclusively at Home Depot. They offer a variety of vinyl replacement windows featuring sturdy construction and sleek aesthetics.

The windows are manufactured by Cornerstone Building Brands, one of the largest domestic building products companies. Cornerstone licenses the American Craftsman brand name from Home Depot.

So while you purchase the windows through Home Depot, they are actually produced by Cornerstone.

The American Craftsman line provides homeowners with mid-range options between DIY-style basic windows and premium brands. American Craftsman windows are competitively priced while still emphasizing quality and energy-efficiency.

What Is A 50 Series Window?

The American Craftsman 50 series windows represent a builder-grade quality and value. This line is designed to provide an affordable vinyl window without sacrificing key features.

Some details about the 50 series windows:

• Frame is made of rigid, weather-resistant PVC vinyl
• Insulated with an air pocket for thermal efficiency
• Glass units feature double pane construction with argon gas fill
• Offered in single-hung, double-hung, sliding, and casement styles
• White or tan exterior color options
• Lifetime limited warranty on frames and components

The 50 series windows are a reliable choice if you want an inexpensive vinyl window with good insulation properties.

While the materials and components are more basic, they are durable and meet most homeowners’ needs.

The air pocket glass gives you improved energy savings over older single pane windows.

Overall, the 50 series American Craftsman windows provide a solid value at a very reasonable price point. They are a particularly good fit for homeowners on tight budgets or those completing wholesale home renovations.

Overview of 70 Series Windows

The American Craftsman 70 series windows move up the quality spectrum, providing thicker frames, enhanced weather-stripping, and other upgrades. This line delivers a step-up in performance while still maintaining a competitive price point.

Here are some of the defining features of the 70 series windows:

• Frames are a beefier 0.070-inch thick PVC for maximum stability
• Dual-seal weather-stripping improves air infiltration resistance
• Glass utilizes triple pane construction with krypton gas fill for optimal insulation
• Hardware and components meet Architectural 400 standards for durability
• Expanded exterior color options beyond white
• Transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty on frames and components

In comparison, the 70 series windows are built with thicker, sturdier vinyl frames that feel more substantial when operating.

The multi-layer weather-stripping also noticeably reduces outside air leakage for improved energy efficiency.

And the triple pane glass provides excellent insulation for lower heating and cooling costs.

Overall, the 70 series windows are best for homeowners who want a vinyl replacement window with premium features and performance without the premium price tag. The enhanced materials and construction make them a worthy investment for many households.

Detailed Comparison of 50 And 70 Series Windows

Now that we’ve provided an overview of each series, let’s compare them across some key factors:

Frames

• 50 series – Standard 0.050-inch vinyl frame thickness
• 70 series – Upgraded 0.070-inch vinyl thickness

The 70 series frame is 40% thicker than the 50 series. This added thickness increases structural integrity and durability. It also provides better stability when opening and closing the windows.

Glass

• 50 series – Double pane insulated glass
• 70 series – Triple pane insulated glass

The triple pane glass on the 70 series offers major improvements in thermal efficiency and sound insulation. You’ll see significantly lower U-Factors indicating less heat transfer and loss.

Gas Fill

• 50 series – Argon gas between glass panes
• 70 series – Krypton gas between glass panes

Krypton gas insulates better than argon, further boosting the 70 series glass performance.

Weather-stripping

• 50 series – Single-layer vinyl weather-stripping
• 70 series – Multi-layer weather-stripping made from silicone seals

The multi-layer weather-stripping limits air infiltration much better than the single layer. Less air leakage means higher energy savings.

Warranties

• 50 series – Lifetime limited warranty
• 70 series – Transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty

The 70 series warranty can be transferred to subsequent homeowners, making them easier to sell or increasing home resale value.

Performance Ratings

When comparing efficiency ratings, the 70 series windows excel in important areas like U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The lower U-Factor indicates better insulation.

And a lower SHGC number means the glass does a superior job blocking unwanted solar heat gain in the summer.

Aesthetics

Both window series feature classic vinyl window designs. The 70 series offers more color customization with additional exterior color options. This allows you to better match the windows to your home’s color scheme.

Price

The 70 series windows come at a higher purchase price than the 50 series. However, the upgrades make the added cost worthwhile for many homeowners.

And over the long run, the better craftsmanship and efficiency of the 70 series windows can pay back your investment through lower energy bills and less maintenance.

American Craftsman 50 And 70 Series: Which Is Right For You?

When weighing American Craftsman windows 50 vs 70 series, the upgraded 70 series is the clear winner in terms of performance, features and aesthetics. But the 50 series provides a solid budget option for cost-conscious households.

Here are a few key factors to help determine the right American Craftsman windows for your home:

• Budget – If pricing is your top concern, go with the 50 series. You still get good quality vinyl windows at an affordable price point.
• Energy Efficiency – For maximizing energy performance, choose the 70 series. The triple pane glass and superior weather-stripping will offer major improvements in insulation.
• Durability – Opt for the 70 series if longevity is important. The thicker vinyl frames hold up better over years of use.
• Appearance – The 70 series provides more exterior color choices if aesthetics are key. But both series offer attractive modern vinyl window styling.
• Value – The 70 series gives you more bang for your buck in terms of features and performance per dollar spent.

For many homeowners, the 70 series American Craftsman windows hit the sweet spot between price and quality. But carefully assess your needs and budget to pick the right line for your window replacement project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

When replacing outdated or inefficient windows, both the 50 series and 70 series from American Craftsman offer durable, energy-saving vinyl options. The 70 series windows edge out the 50 series in most performance metrics from better insulation to sturdier construction.

But the 50 series provides quality on a budget. Carefully weigh your home’s needs and resources to choose the ideal American Craftsman windows for your next renovation.