Craftsmanship, exceptional quality, and protection are what we want in our windows. These are the very factors that distinguish a window from others too.
If you are searching for the best quality windows, you must know about CGI Sentinel vs. PGT Winguard windows.
Once a rival and competitor in the market, PGT and CGI are now under the same roof after PGT bought out CGI. But these two windows are often compared because of their impact-resistant capacity.
This article will give you are clear idea about their features and differences.
A Quick Comparison Table
A quick comparison between these two windows will significantly help you understand their differences. You will find it easier to make a choice.
So, let’s have a look at the quick comparison table between Sentinel and Winguard windows:
| Aspects | CGI Sentinel | PGT Winguard |
| Frame Material | Aluminum & Vinyl | Aluminum & Vinyl |
| Color Option | 3 Frame Color; 4 glass tints | 4 frame color; 6 glass tints |
| Windows Features | Packed With Features | Pack With More Features |
| Performance | Better | The Best |
| Safety and Durability | Safe & Durable | Safe & Durable |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Price | About $985 | About $1165 |
Key Differences Between CGI Sentinel and PGT Winguard
Both Sentinel and Winguard windows are well-known because they keep families safe from extreme weather conditions like strong winds and Hurricanes for many years.
So, it can be tough to choose between two, especially if you do not know their differences.
The only way to know their differences is by knowing their features. CGI and PGT are now under the same roof. So, you should understand both the window brands represent superior quality. The only way to differentiate between them is to have an in-depth review of their features.
Here I will discuss the key differences between both windows by looking at their features. So, let’s dive deeper.
- Frame Material Option
Frame material for a window is crucial as it keeps the entire window intact. So, choosing a window with a strong frame can be a dealmaker.
Manufacturers use different materials to make their window frames. CGI Sentinel comes with two frame material options, Aluminum and Vinyl.
Similarly, PGT Winguard windows also come in two different types of frames Aluminum and Vinyl.
But the Vinyl they use is high-quality virgin UPVC Vinyl. Aluminum frame windows are expensive, while Vinyl ones are cheaper.
- Windows Color Option
Windows with more color options are always preferable. It is comprised of frame color and glass tint. Sentinel has 3 frame color options: white, clear anodized, and bronze.
At the same time, it comes with 4 glass tints: Clear, Gray, Dark Gray, and Bronze.
On the other hand, Winguard comes with 4 frame colors: Black, Bronze, White, and clear anodized. It also has 6 glass tint options you can choose from. They are Clear, Gray, bronze, solar cool bronze, green azure blue, gray tile II.
- Glass Options
The glass composition itself plays a significant role in impact system performance. Key factors here include the number of glass panes, interlayer material, lamination type, and more.
- CGI Sentinel utilizes dual-pane insulated laminated glass, which combines two panes of glass with an inner plastic interlayer to hold fragments in place upon shattering. Their clear glass allows daylight to stream in unobstructed.
- PGT offers the same laminated dual-pane glass, but also provides tinted options to filter light and glare. An inner vinyl barrier adds further moisture protection against flooding. Laminated quad-pane constructions with two inner barriers are also available for extreme weather resistance up to the center of a Category 5 hurricane.
If basic clear dual-pane glass suits your needs, either choice will work well. But PGT touts the edge in specialized glass types for homes wanting extra protection, security, or energy efficiency through tints.
- Windows Features
Anybody will pick up a feature-packed window at any given time. CGI Sentinel will provide you with a low energy cost with superior features.
Because these windows are temperature resistant, make sure heat does not come inside through the window. Apart from that, these windows will protect you from UV radiation and outside noise.
On the other hand, PGT Winguard windows are better known for preventing air infiltration, ensuring water resistance, deglazing, force entry resistance, structural integrity, etc. Both windows are famous for their impact-resistance feature.
- Performance
Sentinel windows come with double weather-stripping to prevent air infiltration. Their flush-mounted frame design will make them even with your wall.
Their strong glazing will perform like frames for the window glasses.
You will also get stainless steel fasteners and glazing beds in these windows.
The multi-chamber frame of Winguard windows provides significant power savings. You will get a strong seal and durability because of the welded ash corners.
Besides, with the stylish Comfortlift handles, you will allow you to lift and carry these windows quite easily.
- Safety and Durability
Sentinel windows are rigorously tested for protection against hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions. It will also keep your house safe from strong winds and debris.
Because of the built-in laminated glass, these windows will never detach from the frame. Thus they are very durable.
On the other hand, thin and stylishly designed Winguard windows will keep away intruders, outdoor noises, extreme weather, and other unwanted elements. Besides, their welded sash corner keeps them sealed and makes the windows durable and long-lasting.
- Customization
PGT touts superior customization abilities surrounding their vinyl and aluminum frames.
Options for custom colors, woodgrain finishes, decorative glass etching, and embedded grid patterns allow for beautiful aesthetic personalization.
CGI also offers nice custom matching and embedded grid blending for their various frame materials.
But PGT’s wider spectrum of finishes and decorative touches gives an advantage in total customization possibilities.
- Forced Entry Protection
PGT’s impact systems actively repel intruder attacks, with their heavy-duty frames and laminated glass making unauthorized entry extremely difficult even with deliberate blunt force.
While not marketed as security systems, their sheer strength provides substantial burglary protection. CGI Sentinel windows and doors provide similar break-in resistance by default of their sturdy impact-rated construction.
- Energy Efficiency
PGT’s vinyl frames allow excellent insulation, blocking temperature transfer that wastes indoor heating/cooling. Their insulating laminated glass constructions add further efficiency.
CGI dual pane designs also curb energy costs nicely compared to single pane options. Ultimately both brands allow improved climate control and savings on energy bills through effective insulation.
- Warranty
A good warranty can influence people towards a product. Checking the warranty is a must before buying a window.
CGI Sentinel windows offer a limited lifetime warranty with 20 years of frame finish, 10 years of hardware, 25 years of insulating glass, and 10 years of laminated glass warranty.
On the contrary, PGT Winguard also has a limited lifetime warranty with similar warranties for different components like Sentinel. It is probably because they are under the same company now. So, there’s nothing much difference in there.
- Price
Impact window and door systems require complex specialized manufacturing, so they represent a significant investment. Let’s compare ballpark costs:
- CGI Sentinel systems run on the more expensive end. Their premium offerings cater especially to luxury coastal residences prioritizing resilience and aesthetics. Despite the cost involved, they provide good value through strong warranty policies (see more below).
- PGT WinGuard costs less than CGI, but still a noticeable upcharge over standard windows and doors. Their high production capacity and efficient manufacturing process helps enable these cost savings. And bulk discounts may apply for larger projects, allowing builders, remodelers, developers and property managers to realize additional value benefits.
On the whole, PGT WinGuard provides very competitive pricing in the impact products space for the technology and performance they provide. But CGI Sentinel offers superior design aesthetic and accessory options that come at a premium.
Which Window Is Suitable For You?
I think you already know which window fits your home from our discussion. But if you can’t make up your mind yet, let me help you.
Take my suggestion and buy a PGT Winguard window. Its hurricane-protected windows are a little more expensive than its counterpart, but you’ll know that you’ve chosen the right window.
More importantly, many frame colors and glass tilt options are available. You can choose your favorite one from the option. Besides, an extensive lifetime warranty will cover your windows and their components.
Here is a nice explainer video differentiating such impact windows.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
The residential windows and doors maker PGT acquired CGI Windows & Doors in 2014. Since then, CGI has been a subsidiary of PGTI. So, yes, they are now under the same parent company.
PGT makes impact-resistant windows for homes. Using Aluminum and Vinyl makes their window frames durable and long-lasting. These windows are designed to last for a lifetime. Thus they come with a limited lifetime warranty.
CGI Windows & Doors is a subsidiary of one of the top windows making companies. The acquisition was completed in 2014. But CGI still operates as a different brand and produces the products under its name.
PGT is one of the top windows manufacturer companies and makes high-quality residential windows. Impact-resistant windows against weather, hurricane, etc., is their specialty. Their facility is located in North Venice, FL.
Conclusion
Purchasing the right window involves meticulously studying the window materials, their design and components, price, and warranties. I hope my CGI Sentinel vs. PGT Winguard detailed review and comparison gives you just that.
After reading my article, you have learned that you must know every important aspect of a window to make the right choice.
So, best of luck!
Hi Ralph
I do need your help in comparing CGI Sentential Low e grey grey glass vs Winguard Solar Control Low e 2 clear glass.
Can you show me the Winguard Low e 2 is a better energy efficient and blocks more UV
then the low e CGI Sentenial ?
Thank you for your help
I have 3 terribly installed CGI windows. Let’s hope the manufacturer does the right thing since Pulte is worthless.