When it’s time to replace the windows in your home, choosing the right brand is an important decision that will impact comfort, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and curb appeal for years to come.
Two popular options on the market are Gentek and JELD-WEN windows, but how do you decide which is better for your needs?
This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between Gentek and JELD-WEN, including pros and cons of each brand, to help you make an informed choice.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Gentek | JELD-WEN |
| Frame Materials | Vinyl, aluminum-clad, wood-clad | Vinyl, fiberglass, wood, aluminum-clad wood |
| Energy Efficiency | Good, meet ENERGY STAR requirements | Very good, exceed ENERGY STAR with high-performance glass |
| Glass Options | Double pane, Low-E, argon fill | Triple pane, laminated, Low-E, argon fill |
| Exterior Styles | Wide variety | More limited on vinyl and fiberglass |
| Interior Looks | Wood laminate on some vinyl | Real wood on many lines |
| Weatherability | Good with composite reinforcement | Excellent fiberglass and wood lines |
| Warranties | Lifetime limited | 20-year to lifetime |
| Best For | Affordability, basic vinyl | Premium materials, wood aesthetic |
Overview of Gentek Windows
Gentek windows are manufactured by Associated Materials LLC, a large U.S. company that produces building products under the Alside brand name.
Gentek windows come in vinyl, aluminum, and wood-clad options to suit any architectural style.
Some of the most popular Gentek window collections include:
- Essentials – Affordable, basic vinyl windows
- Premium – Upgraded vinyl windows with more features
- Vintage – Wood-look interior vinyl windows
- Pinnacle – High-end vinyl windows with composite reinforcement
- Trinsic – Contemporary aluminum-clad windows
- Olympus – Classic double-hung wood-clad windows
Pros of Gentek Windows:
- Wide range of styles and materials
- Good thermal performance from multi-chamber vinyl frames
- Several glass upgrade options, like triple pane
- Composite reinforcement for strength in vinyl lines
- Sleek aluminum-clad exteriors and real wood interiors
- Industry-leading lifetime limited warranty
Cons of Gentek Windows:
- Lower visible light transmittance compared to some brands
- Mixed customer reviews on quality and durability
- Complaints of condensation between glass panes
- Some lines can be expensive
Overall, Gentek offers residential windows to fit most needs, budgets, and architectural styles. They have excellent warranties and good energy ratings but some quality complaints.
Overview of JELD-WEN Windows
JELD-WEN is one of the largest window and door manufacturers globally. Headquartered in Oregon, their vinyl, wood, aluminum-clad wood, and fiberglass windows are marketed under the JELD-WEN brand in the United States and Canada. Some popular JELD-WEN window collections include:
- Siteline – Vinyl windows focused on visual appeal
- Auraline – Affordable, basic vinyl windows
- Custom Wood – Upscale wood windows with custom options
- Impact Glass – Impact and hurricane resistant windows
- Decorative – Specialty windows like bays, bows, and garden windows
Pros of JELD-WEN Windows:
- Industry leading variety of styles and materials
- Real wood interior option on many vinyl and fiberglass lines
- Custom options like arches, curves, hardware finishes
- High-quality wood windows with intricate craftsmanship
- Excellent glass options, like noise reducing laminated glass
- Durable fiberglass composite frames on Siteline series
- Backed by strong 20-year to lifetime warranties
Cons of JELD-WEN Windows:
- More expensive than some competitor brands
- Some quality and longevity concerns with entry-level vinyl lines
- Mixed reviews of customer service
- Longer lead times for production and delivery
JELD-WEN offers exceptional design flexibility and energy efficiency across their quality wood and fiberglass lines. The vinyl options vary more in features and durability.
Comparing Key Factors: Performance, Aesthetics, Price, and More
Now that we’ve outlined the main pros and cons of Gentek and JELD-WEN windows, let’s do a detailed comparison of some of the most important factors for homeowners.
Energy Efficiency and Performance
When evaluating replacement windows, energy efficiency is often a top priority to reduce utility bills. Both Gentek and JELD-WEN offer windows meeting ENERGY STAR® requirements in most product lines.
Some key energy performance differences:
- Glass – JELD-WEN has more high-performance glass options like triple pane and laminated glass for noise reduction. Gentek still offers good double pane choices, like Low-E and argon gas filled.
- Frames – Fiberglass and wood frames insulate better than vinyl. JELD-WEN Siteline with composite frames outperforms Gentek’s vinyl on U-Factor.
- Air leakage – JELD-WEN tests lower for air infiltration on vinyl and wood windows.
- Condensation resistance – JELD-WEN’s warm edge spacer bars perform better here.
Overall, JELD-WEN windows achieve slightly better energy efficiency, especially the Siteline and Custom Wood collections. But Gentek still delivers good thermal performance that will reduce energy costs.
Appearance and Design
Curb appeal and interior design style may guide some homeowners more than pure performance data.
For traditional architectural aesthetics, JELD-WEN wood windows can’t be matched with their historically accurate profiles. Gentek’s Vintage vinyl line comes closest with interior wood laminate over vinyl.
However, Gentek has greater exterior color options on their vinyl windows and molds to achieve different styles from contemporary to cottage. JELD-WEN vinyl and fiberglass are more limited outside colorwise.
Ultimately JELD-WEN wins for authentic wood interiors but Gentek takes the edge for flexible exteriors. It comes down to personal style preferences.
Pricing and Value Comparison
JELD-WEN sits at the higher end of the window pricing spectrum overall, with very premium wood windows and competitive fiberglass costs. Their midrange vinyl lines are moderately priced.
Gentek has competitive pricing in the low to mid-range on vinyl. Their most affordable Essentials vinyl comes in less expensively than JELD-WEN Auraline. At the high end, Gentek’s top tier Pinnacle vinyl costs a bit less than JELD-WEN Siteline fiberglass.
When weighing value, JELD-WEN justifies premium pricing with excellent materials, construction, and performance. Gentek is likely the better value for more budget conscious homeowners needing basic vinyl windows.
Weatherability and Durability
Replacement windows must withstand the elements and changing seasons for decades. Manufacturing quality matters.
JELD-WEN backs products with strong 20-year to lifetime warranties. Their Siteline composite vinyl and Custom Wood lines are built to last. Their basic Auraline vinyl receives more mixed owners reviews.
Gentek also provides a lifetime limited warranty. Their Essentials vinyl is proven and reliable as an affordable option. But some product lines like Premium vinyl have more quality complaints despite higher pricing.
Overall JELD-WEN edges out Gentek in durability, with better materials, design, and manufacturing.
Customer Service Reputation
Good warranties mean less if the brand isn’t responsive on service issues. JELD-WEN and Gentek get mixed feedback here.
JELD-WEN has faced class action lawsuits alleging shoddy workmanship and denying valid warranty claims.
Yet many homeowners report positive service experiences.
Gentek also receives mixed reviews on customer service and responsiveness handling window problems despite the strong warranty.
Communication issues are common.
In summary, neither brand excels at customer service compared to small custom window companies. Homeowners should manage expectations if issues arise.
Which Brand Is Right For You?
With our thorough comparison complete, it’s time to weigh your unique needs and priorities to decide between these two reputable brands.
Those needing premium-grade wood windows that prioritize aesthetics should go with JELD-WEN Custom Wood. The craftsmanship and authentic profiles create a timeless, elegant look.
Homeowners wanting exceptional efficiency and performance without the real wood splurge should choose JELD-WEN Siteline fiberglass. Their composite frames and high-tech glass drive thermal performance.
Gentek Pinnacle vinyl are a great choice if you want affordable windows with basic conveniences like tilt-in sashes and composite reinforcement. Their sleek styling also fits modern homes well.
For a dependable vinyl window value, Gentek Essentials deliver proven quality at lower cost than JELD-WEN’s basic Auraline. Reliability comes first over fancy features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitive “best” window brand. Top window manufacturers include Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Milgard, JELD-WEN, Ply Gem, and Gentek among others. The right windows for you depend on your budget, climate, aesthetic tastes, and performance needs. High-end wood windows provide exceptional quality but cost more. Many homeowners are satisfied with mid-range vinyl from reputable brands like JELD-WEN and Gentek.
For wood windows, Marvin and Andersen lead in quality and performance. Milgard makes excellent fiberglass windows. JELD-WEN is a top choice for wood-clad vinyl windows with classic styling. Ply Gem and Gentek are reliable mid-priced vinyl window brands. There are also many reputable regional window companies to explore.
Gentek windows and patio doors are designed and engineered in the United States. Their vinyl windows are manufactured at an Associated Materials facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Any wood components for clad windows are made at their plant in Fernley, Nevada.
Fiberglass and wood windows are more durable than vinyl. Look for composite reinforcement, aluminum or stainless steel hardware, quality weatherstripping and sealants, and laminated glass. Brands like Milgard, JELD-WEN, and Marvin offer excellent durable windows but typically cost more. For vinyl, look to thicker frames and sashes for longevity.
Final Thoughts
While Gentek and JELD-WEN each have strengths and weaknesses, either brand is likely to serve your home well with proper product selection and installer quality. Think through how you use your windows and your budget to guide the decision.
With regular maintenance, new windows from these reputable brands will improve comfort and enjoyment of your home for years to come.