If you’re in the market for new windows, two big names you may be considering are Gilkey and Champion.
Both companies have been around for decades and offer solid products. But which is ultimately the better choice for your home and budget?
There are several key factors to weigh when deciding between Gilkey and Champion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of each brand so you can make an informed decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Gilkey | Champion |
| Frame Materials | Vinyl, aluminum, wood, fiberglass | Mostly vinyl, some aluminum/wood on premium lines |
| Glass Options | Double, triple, Low-E2/3/4, laminated, tinted, tempered | Double, triple, Low-E, laminated, tinted, tempered |
| Frame Design | Multi-chamber, weatherstripping, sloped sill | Triple seal, Champion Window4 advanced design |
| Window Types | All standard types | All standard types |
| Screens | Fiberglass mesh | Fiberglass mesh, solar shade, pet resistant |
| Grilles | Internal, external, different patterns | Internal, external, colored options |
| Hardware Finishes | White, tan, bronze, black | More color options |
| Warranty | Lifetime glass, 10 yrs components, 20 yrs hardware | Lifetime glass and vinyl, 10 yrs components, 20 yrs hardware |
| Price | 20-50% less expensive | 20-50% more expensive as premium brand |
Overview of Gilkey Windows
Gilkey Windows, headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, has been manufacturing windows since 1947. They offer a full line of vinyl, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass windows and patio doors.
Pros:
- Wide selection of custom window styles and configurations
- Reasonably priced
- Good thermal performance and noise reduction
- Lots of positive customer reviews praising quality and value
- Offers triple pane glass for improved insulation
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Not as much brand recognition as some competitors
- Warranty and service not as robust as higher-end brands
- Mixed reviews on getting warranty issues resolved
Overall, Gilkey is a solid mid-range option that offers quality at a reasonable price point. The customization and energy efficiency make them a great choice for many homeowners.
Overview of Champion Windows
Champion Window and Home Exteriors, headquartered in Ohio, has been in business since 1953 manufacturing vinyl windows and siding.
Pros:
- Industry leader with strong brand recognition
- Diverse product line from entry level to premium
- Very good thermal performance with lower air infiltration
- Lifetime limited warranty on most products
- Positive reputation for quality and durability
Cons:
- More expensive than many competitors
- Some complaints about pushy sales tactics from dealers
- Mixed reviews on responsiveness for warranty claims
- Limited style and color options for some lines
Champion is known for making very energy efficient and durable windows, but you pay more for the brand name and features. The higher price point may be worthwhile for some homeowners.
Comparing Key Features And Considerations
Now that we’ve provided an overview of each brand, let’s do a detailed comparison of some of the most important features and factors to weigh:
- Frame Materials
Both Gilkey and Champion offer vinyl frames on most of their window lines. Vinyl is low maintenance, energy efficient, and durable.
Gilkey also has options for aluminum, wood, and fiberglass frames for a more premium look and feel. Champion has mostly moved to vinyl but a few higher end lines are still available in aluminum or wood.
- Glass Options
The type of glass used has a significant impact on the insulation, durability, clarity, and noise reduction of the window.
Here are some of the key options offered by Gilkey and Champion:
- Double pane glass – Two panes of glass with argon gas in between. Standard for most entry level windows.
- Triple pane glass – Three panes of glass for better insulation. Offered on higher end models by both brands.
- Low-E glass – Microscopically thin coating that reduces heat transmission. Used on most models by both brands. Gilkey offers Low-E2, Low-E3, and Low-E4 options.
- Laminated glass – Interlayer bonds glass panes together for strength and security. Available from both brands.
- Tinted/obscure glass – Extra privacy options offered by both Gilkey and Champion.
- Tempered glass – Reinforced for more strength and safety. Offered by both brands.
Both brands offer the key glass features needed for optimal efficiency and performance in their higher end product lines. Gilkey may have a few more options for customizing the exact glass specifications.
- Frame Design and Weatherstripping
The frame design and weatherstripping significantly impact the insulation, water resistance, durability, and noise reduction of the window.
Both Gilkey and Champion appear to use high quality weatherstripping and advanced sealing to reduce air leaks. Champion touts their triple seal technology on higher end lines. Both offer sloped sill designs for good water runoff.
Champion has a slightly more advanced frame design with their Champion Window4 season design that improves year round performance and comfort. But Gilkey also offers some impressive innovations like their ibex sill for wetter climates.
Overall the frame technology appears very comparable between the two brands.
- Window Operation Types
From an operational standpoint, both brands offer all the expected options:
- Double hung – Both open, popular for ventilation
- Single hung – Lower sash opens
- Casement – Side hinged, crank open
- Awning – Top hinged, crank open
- Sliding – Horizontal sliding operation
- Fixed/picture – No opening
No significant advantage for either brand here. They can both accommodate any operation type depending on your needs.
- Screen Options
Good window screens keep pests out while letting light and air in.
Both Gilkey and Champion offer fiberglass screen mesh, which is very durable and flame retardant. Champion offers options like solar shade screens and pet resistant screens on some models.
Overall both have good quality screens available, with Champion perhaps offering a few more specialty options.
- Grille Types
For aesthetics, both brands allow you to add internal and/or external grilles in a variety of patterns. Champion also offers decorative colored grilles on some models to allow more customization.
- Hardware Finishes
You can select from several neutral colors like white, tan, bronze, and black for the hardware finishes on both Gilkey and Champion windows. Champion may offer a few more finish options.
- Warranties
The warranty coverage provides insight into how much the manufacturer trusts their window quality.
Gilkey offers a lifetime limited warranty for glass breakage and seal failure, 10 years for components, and 20 years for hardware.
Champion also provides a lifetime limited warranty for glass and vinyl, 10 years for components, and 20 years for hardware.
The warranties are comparable between the two brands. Champion may have a slight edge in length of vinyl warranty.
- Pricing
There is no set pricing for either brand since both companies sell through authorized dealers who establish final pricing.
You’ll need to get a quote for your specific project.
However, it’s fair to say that Champion windows are generally 20-30% more expensive than comparable Gilkey windows given their positioning as a premium brand.
Their highest end lines can be upwards of 40-50% more costly than Gilkey equivalents.
Keep pricing in mind, but also consider the value of higher performance and extra features Champion offers on some models that may justify the added cost. Get an itemized quote to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
Which Is Better For Different Buyers?
Now that we’ve compared the two brands in depth, which is the right choice for you?
Here are some guidelines based on homeowner profiles and needs:
- Budget Shoppers
For homeowners where price is the prime concern, Gilkey is the better option. You can get very good, energy efficient vinyl windows at a very reasonable price point that compete favorably with big box retailers.
Just accept fewer frills and a more basic warranty.
- Energy Efficiency Seekers
Homeowners focused on maximum energy savings may want to look at Champion’s higher end triple pane, vinyl-framed premium lines like the Champion Window4 series. The very best technology for insulation and air sealing.
- Customization Fans
If you want lots of options to tailor grilles, glass, hardware finishes etc for a signature look, Gilkey probably has more possibilities for customization. Especially with their fiberglass and aluminum-clad wood windows.
- Simplicity Lovers
For those who just want a quality window with minimal fuss, Champion’s popular Impervia vinyl line hits the sweet spot. Fewer options to ponder but very solid performance and reliability.
- Reputation Lovers
Given their long history and leading market share, Champion has a reputation as a top tier window brand. If wanting that household name provides peace of mind, you may lean Champion.
- Warranty Watchers
The warrantees are fairly on par, but some may prefer Champion’s lifetime warranty on vinyl and glass over Gilkey’s lifetime glass-only coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, absolutely. Champion is one of the most recognized and trustworthy brands in the window industry with over 65 years in business. They manufacture quality products that live up to their longevity claims.
Several factors contribute to Champion windows typically costing more than competitors:
Huge amount spent on marketing and brand building over the decades
Investments in advanced window technology and R&D
American-based manufacturing with higher labor costs
Expansive lifetime warranties on products
Premium materials like high grade vinyl, composite reinforcement, and triple pane glass
The intense sun and heat gain in Florida make energy efficient windows critical. Some top options include:
1. Impact resistant windows – Laminated or tempered glass for hurricane prone areas
2. Low-E glass – Reduces solar heat gain
3. Tinted glass – Cuts glare
4. Double or triple pane – Insulates against heat
5. Vinyl or fiberglass framing – Durable in humidity
6. Reflective coatings – Deflect solar radiation
7. Awnings or Bahamas style shutters – Shade from sun
Both Gilkey and Champion offer Florida-suitable options like these.
With Minnesota’s frigid winters, insulation is key for replacement windows. Ideal options include:
1. Multiple panes (double or triple) with inert gas fill
2. Low-E coated glass to reduce heat loss
3. Insulated spacers between panes
4. Vinyl or fiberglass framing to prevent air leaks
5. Energy efficient U-factors around 0.27 or less
6. Durable water and weather seals
7. Composite reinforcements for swelling resistance
Gilkey and Champion both make excellent cold-climate windows using these recommendations.
The Bottom Line
Gilkey and Champion both manufacture quality windows that dramatically improve comfort, energy bills, aesthetics, and functionality over old drafty windows.
Champion offers more cutting edge technology on higher end lines and has a recognized brand name but costs significantly more.
For budget-focused homeowners who still want performance, Gilkey windows are an appealing choice at very competitive prices.
Either brand can make sense depending on your needs and priorities. Carefully compare specs and quotes to make the right call for which is better for your home. Replacing those old rattling windows with modern ones from Champion or Gilkey will make a huge difference no matter which you select.
