When it comes to replacing your home’s windows, two big names often come up: Feldco and Gilkey. Both companies offer a range of vinyl replacement windows, but how do you decide which is the better option for your home?
This comprehensive guide will compare Feldco and Gilkey windows across several factors to help you make the right choice.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Feldco | Gilkey |
| Frame Quality | Thicker .055 vinyl | Standard .050 vinyl |
| Sash Quality | Thick vinyl | Thinner vinyl (upgrade available) |
| Glass Options | Dual or triple pane | Dual, triple, or quad pane |
| Gas Fills | Argon | Argon |
| Warranty | Lifetime, non-prorated | Lifetime, prorated after 10 years |
| Price Range | $$-$$$ | $$-$$$$ |
| Installation Network | 19 states | 6 states |
Key Takeaways:
- Feldco offers excellent quality at mid-range pricing, while Gilkey is more premium.
- Feldco windows have thicker, sturdier vinyl frames and sashes.
- Gilkey offers more glass panes (up to quad pane) for maximum efficiency.
- Feldco provides a better lifetime warranty that is non-prorated.
- Installation from Feldco has more oversight and a wider network.
- For budget-focused homeowners, Feldco provides the best value.
- Gilkey is better if you prioritize maximum energy performance.
- Both brands offer professional installation and great aesthetics.
Overview of Feldco Windows
Feldco is a family-owned business that has been manufacturing windows since 1976. They offer a full line of replacement windows including double hung, sliding, bay, bow, awning, casement, and specialty shape windows.
Some key features of Feldco windows:
- Vinyl frame construction for durability and low maintenance. Feldco uses premium vinyl that is thicker than many competitor’s vinyl.
- Fusion welded corners on the window sash and frame for extra strength. Many other brands simply insert thin pieces of plastic in the corners.
- Multiple glass options from standard dual pane to triple pane with argon gas fill and low-E coatings. Low-E helps improve energy efficiency.
- Several exterior color options including white, almond, clay, and black. Color goes through the vinyl for a durable finish.
- Lifetime warranty on most window components. Glass has a 20-year warranty.
Feldco offers excellent quality at mid-range pricing. They focus more on performance and durability rather than super premium features.
Overview of Gilkey Windows
Gilkey Windows is also a family-owned company and has been in business for over 50 years. They offer vinyl replacements windows in many standard styles including single hung, double hung, sliders, casements, awnings, bays, and bows.
Here are some notable features of Gilkey windows:
- Vinyl construction with fusion welded corners. Frame and sash thickness is often a bit thinner than Feldco.
- Low-E glass comes standard with argon gas fill in the dual pane insulated glass units. Triple pane is optional.
- Interior and exterior color options include white, almond, clay, brown, taupe, and black.
- Most Gilkey windows have a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. Glass warranty is 20 years.
- Gilkey offers some high end features like cellular PVC sash reinforcement and wood laminate interior options.
Overall Gilkey windows lean more premium in terms of features and price point. There is more customization available.
Comparing Feldco And Gilkey Windows
Now that we’ve provided an overview of each brand, let’s directly compare Feldco and Gilkey windows across several important factors:
- Window Frame and Sash Quality
One of the most important parts of a replacement window is the frame and sash construction.
This impacts overall durability and longevity.
Feldco uses premium virgin vinyl that is thicker than competitors at .055 inches. thickness.
Gilkey vinyl is around .050 inches.
While not a huge difference, Feldco frames are sturdier.
Both brands use full fusion welding on the corners for impressive strength.
When it comes to the sash (the moving portion that holds the glass), Feldco again uses thick vinyl. Gilkey sash thickness is typically a bit thinner but they offer an upgrade to cellular PVC reinforcement.
Overall: Feldco frames and sashes are thicker and sturdier than Gilkey’s standard construction.
- Glass Options
The insulated glass unit also plays a major role in window performance. Areas to compare are the number of panes, Low-E coatings, and gas fills.
Feldco and Gilkey both use quality Low-E glass from manufacturers like Cardinal and PPG. This helps reduce heat gain and refers to an invisible metallic coating on the glass surface. For gas fills between panes, they both offer argon. Argon is denser than air and further boosts efficiency.
Double pane insulated glass comes standard on both Feldco and Gilkey. Feldco maxes out at triple pane while Gilkey also offers quad pane for maximum energy performance.
Overall: Gilkey wins when it comes to the number of available glass panes while both utilize quality Low-E and argon.
- Installation Process
How your windows are measured and installed correctly is critical for proper operation and sealing against the elements.
Feldco has an extensive network of installers across 19 states. Each Feldco installer goes through training and certification.
Installations crews are overseen by managers and supervisors for quality control. This helps ensure proper protocols are followed.
Gilkey utilizes factory certified installers as well.
However, their network is smaller with installers in about 6 states. The installation process is still professional and effective.
Overall: Feldco gets a slight edge on installation given their stricter training protocols and wider network of qualified crews.
- Warranties
It’s important that your investment in new windows is backed by strong warranties from the manufacturer. This gives you peace of mind.
The Feldco and Gilkey warranties are excellent overall. Here are some highlights:
- Feldco: Lifetime warranties on vinyl components and workmanship. 20 years on glass and screens. Non-prorated coverage with free replacement windows if defects occur.
- Gilkey: Lifetime warranties on vinyl, glass seals, and workmanship. 20 year glass coverage. Prorated after the first 10 years which means you pay a percentage of replacement costs.
Overall: Feldco provides a better warranty with lifetime coverage that is non-prorated.
- Cost And Value Comparison
When looking at cost, Feldco vinyl windows range various installed depending on size and options. Gilkey windows are typically more expensive.
Feldco provides excellent quality and performance at a very competitive mid-range price point. Gilkey leans premium in terms of features and price. There are more customizations with Gilkey which improves value.
Overall: Feldco offers outstanding value at below average prices. Gilkey provides more premium features at an expected premium price.
- Aesthetics
Beyond performance and cost, you want replacement windows that enhance your home’s appearance.
In terms of exterior color options, both Feldco and Gilkey offer popular choices like white, almond, clay, grey, brown, and black.
Interior wood laminates are also available from both brands. Gilkey has a few more exterior colors to choose from.
For overall visual appeal, Feldco and Gilkey windows are both impressive.
Glass lines up evenly and the vinyl has clean edges and seams. Both match well with contemporary and traditional home styles.
Overall: Aesthetics are excellent with both Feldco and Gilkey. Gilkey has a few more color customization options.
Feldco And Gilkey: Which Is Better For You?
Now that we’ve compared these two brands across several important factors, here is a quick recap on which company may be a better fit for certain homeowners:
For budget-focused homeowners, Feldco provides impressive quality and performance at very affordable prices.
For those wanting maximum energy efficiency, Gilkey’s quad pane glass is hard to beat.
If you prioritize design customization, Gilkey offers more interior/exterior color options.
For easy, professional installation choose Feldco and their highly-trained network.
Either brand is an excellent choice that will provide you with long-lasting, energy-efficient replacement windows. Make sure to get quotes from each company to compare pricing. The lowest bid doesn’t always mean the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Feldco windows are built with quality vinyl materials and components. Their frames are thicker than competitors and they use sturdy fusion welded corners. Overall quality from Feldco is impressive, especially considering the lower price point.
Three of the top brands based on quality, efficiency, and value are Feldco, Pella, and Andersen. Within vinyl specifically, Feldco is hard to beat for the price. Pella and Andersen make excellent windows but are often much more expensive.
The most recommended replacement window brands are:
1. Feldco – Best mid-range vinyl windows
2. Pella – Top end vinyl, wood, and fiberglass
3. Andersen – Popular high-end vinyl and wood windows
4. Milgard – Known for durability and strength
5. Simonton – Budget-friendly vinyl windows
When you look at reviews and feedback from both homeowners and industry experts, Pella and Andersen tend to rate the highest for replacement windows. However, Feldco also gets excellent reviews considering their affordable price point. Milgard is another brand that is consistently rated as a top window manufacturer.
The Bottom Line
When comparing Feldco vs Gilkey windows, you really can’t go wrong with either brand. Both offer quality materials, good warranties, and professional installation.
For superior value, Feldco is the winner. If low maintenance and energy efficiency are priorities, Gilkey takes the lead with more glass panes available. Use this detailed comparison to help match these two excellent manufacturers with your needs and budget.
