If you’re in the market for new windows, two brands you may be considering are NewSouth and PGT. Both manufacturers offer high-quality vinyl windows with impressive performance and aesthetics.
But there are some key differences between these two brands that are worth exploring before making a purchase.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll breakdown how NewSouth and PGT windows stack up in critical categories like efficiency, durability, warranties, styles, prices and more. Read on for an in-depth look at the pros and cons of NewSouth and PGT windows.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | NewSouth Windows | PGT Windows |
| Ownership | Owned by PGT since 2016 but operates independently | Parent company, owns NewSouth |
| Efficiency | Double pane Low E366 glass, U-Factors of 0.27-0.29 | Triple pane options, U-Factors as low as 0.18 |
| Impact Resistance | Meet Florida building codes for high-velocity hurricane zones | Known for impact-resistant products, meet stringent codes |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited, 15-year glass breakage, 15-year wood rot warranty | Lifetime limited, 20-year glass breakage warranty |
| Styles | All popular operating types, slim vinyl profiles | Vast selection of styles and colors, wood veneer interiors |
| Pricing | $425 – $775 for double hung, $1,800 – $3,200 for sliding patio doors | Vinyl models from $295, aluminum models from $550, sliding doors from $1,500 |
NewSouth Windows Overview
NewSouth Window Solutions was founded in 2006 in Tampa, Florida.
The company aimed to manufacture vinyl replacement windows that offered exceptional energy savings, noise reduction, and impact resistance.
NewSouth quickly grew into one of the largest window manufacturers in the Southeastern United States.
Their windows are marketed as being “stronger than a hurricane.”
This slogan refers to NewSouth’s robust window construction and ability to withstand extreme wind pressures.
In 2016, NewSouth was acquired by PGT, another leading Florida-based window and door manufacturer. PGT purchased NewSouth Windows in order to expand its product offerings and strengthen its presence in the Southeast market.
However, NewSouth continues to operate as its own distinct brand under the PGT umbrella. NewSouth windows are designed and built in a different facility than PGT’s other product lines.
PGT Windows Overview
PGT was founded in 1980 in Venice, Florida.
The company specialized in manufacturing impact-resistant windows and doors, designed specifically to withstand Florida’s hurricane-prone climate.
Over the past 40+ years, PGT has become one of the nation’s premier window and door brands.
They have manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Arizona in addition to Florida.
PGT offers Vinyl, Aluminum and Wood window and door product lines. Their hurricane-resistant windows and doors are tested and approved for the strictest building codes in the U.S.
In addition to outstanding strength, PGT windows deliver excellent thermal efficiency, noise reduction, security and curb appeal. They are recognized as a top national brand for performance and quality.
Efficiency Comparison
One of the most important factors to compare when shopping for new windows is efficiency. Efficient windows keep your home comfortable year-round by blocking unwanted air flow and stopping energy loss.
- NewSouth Window Efficiency
All NewSouth windows come standard with double-pane Low E366 insulating glass. Select styles are available with triple glazing for even better efficiency.
The Low E366 glass has a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of just 0.27. This means it blocks 73% of the sun’s heat, helping to keep your home cool.
NewSouth windows also have argon gas fill in the gap between the glass panes. This further reduces heat transfer through the window.
Together, the Low E366 coating and argon fill give NewSouth windows excellent U-Factors between 0.27-0.29. This means outstanding insulation against heat and cold transfer.
- PGT Window Efficiency
PGT windows can be configured with Low E366, Low E180 and other high-performance glass types based on the climate needs and EnergyStar requirements for each project.
Their triple-pane options offer U-Factors as low as 0.18, for first-class thermal insulation. PGT windows with triple Low E366 glass and argon gas surpass the most stringent EnergyStar requirements.
PGT also uses Super Spacer warm edge technology to prevent condensation and energy loss at the edge of the glass.
- Efficiency Comparison Summary
Both NewSouth and PGT offer extremely energy efficient windows with high-grade Low E glass, argon fill and excellent U-Factors. PGT eeks out a slight performance advantage with lower U-Factors on certain triple-glazed products. But both brands are excellent choices for energy savings.
Strength & Durability
Windows in coastal regions need to stand up to hurricane-force winds, driving rain, sand, salt and scorching sun. Strength is understandably a priority for both PGT and NewSouth products.
- NewSouth Window Strength
NewSouth uses premium vinyl formulations to create a rigid, resistant window frame. The vinyl color is molded through the frame for lifelong durability.
Internal structural reinforcements add tremendous strength without making the frames bulky and unattractive. This advanced design allows NewSouth to meet the most stringent impact resistance codes.
The double-pane insulating glass adds additional rigidity to withstand pressure loads. NewSouth windows can withstand repeated impacts from windborne debris at high speeds.
NewSouth offers upgrades like stainless steel coastal hardware and a 15-year wood rot warranty on installed products for additional corrosion resistance.
- PGT Window Strength
PGT windows are recognized nationally for their impact resistance and structural integrity.
They utilize strong framing materials and laminated glass to absorb and deflect forceful impacts.
PGT vinyl profiles are heavily reinforced and tested to pressures over 90 PSF – far above hurricane levels.
Their aluminum frames are equally robust for hurricane zones.
Laminated insulating glass prevents dangerous shattering under pressure. PGT windows withstand direct impact from sizable 2×4 beams shot from air cannons during laboratory testing.
PGT also upgrades their glass framing, seals and components to resist coastal conditions. Their strength and endurance are proven in Florida’s relentless climate.
- Strength & Durability Comparison Summary
NewSouth and PGT both utilize resilient framing materials, sturdy glass and robust structural reinforcements to offer category 5 hurricane resistance.
Both brands are excellent choices for homes in windborne debris regions that require protection from major storms and hurricane-force conditions.
Warranties
When investing in new windows, it’s reassuring to have strong manufacturer warranties as a safety net. We’ll look at what coverage PGT and NewSouth include.
NewSouth Window Warranties
NewSouth offers among the best warranties in the vinyl window industry:
- Lifetime limited window warranty – Covers defects in materials and workmanship. Includes free component replacement for defects.
- 15-year Glass Breakage Warranty – For laminated glass only. Covers accidental glass breakage.
- 15-year wood rot warranty – Covers rot in frames and main sash wood components. Valid on installed products.
- 10-year coastal warranty – Provides coverage for hardware corrosion near saltwater. Must be installed within one mile of saltwater to qualify.
These comprehensive warranties are transferable when the home is sold. They provide excellent protection on materials, workmanship and accidental damage.
PGT Warranties
PGT also offers strong reassurance through their product warranties:
- Lifetime limited warranty – Covers any defects in materials or workmanship. Transferable.
- 20-year Glass Breakage Warranty – Includes accidental glass breakage. Available on laminated glass.
- 10-year coastal warranty – Covers hardware finish failures within one mile of saltwater.
PGT vinyl windows carry an additional 5-year finish warranty. There are alsoFade Resistance warranties against UV damage for extended vinyl color retention.
Warranty Comparison Summary
NewSouth and PGT provide excellent workmanship and materials coverage. PGT offers a 5-year edge in glass breakage coverage at 20 years. But NewSouth counters with longer wood rot protection and hardware corrosion warranties. Both have highly competitive assurances.
Design Styles & Options
Windows are a major aesthetic element of your home’s facade. The right styles and configurations can beautifully accent your architecture. Let’s explore how NewSouth and PGT windows allow you to design your perfect look.
NewSouth Window Styles
NewSouth offers all the most popular window types to match any design needs:
- Double and Single Hung
- Casement and Awning
- Sliding Windows
- Picture and Architectural Shapes
- Bay and Bow Windows
- Garden Windows
- Tilt & Turn Windows
- Sliding Glass Doors
Their windows come in standard or custom sizes to fit existing openings flawlessly.
Numerous grid patterns and glass types create striking looks.
Exterior color options include White, Beige, Bronze and Silver. Interior vinyl can be White or Tan. There are also optional wood laminate interiors for a natural look.
NewSouth windows feature narrow vinyl profiles with fusion-welded corners for a streamlined, contemporary appearance.
PGT Window Styles
PGT’s broad product line has configurations to complement any home:
- Double and Single Hung
- Casement and Awning
- Sliding and Fixed Frame Windows
- Geometric and Architectural Shapes
- Glass Block Windows
- Swinging and Sliding Patio Doors
Their Aluminum and Vinyl windows are available in the industry’s most extensive selection of custom colors. This allows for unlimited design options.
Choose from hundreds of grid patterns including double hung drop glass optics for a historic look. Interior wood veneers in Pine, Maple, Cherry, White and more enable an upscale built-in impression.
Sleek frame profiles on both vinyl and aluminum units create a clean, modern window style.
Styles & Options Comparison Summary
NewSouth and PGT windows come in all the essential operating styles and arrangements needed for any home design. Both offer attractive narrow-line vinyl frames and optional wood interiors.
PGT edges out NewSouth in terms of expansive color choices and interior wood veneer options. But both brands provide beautiful styles to accent your architecture.
Pricing Comparison
The amount you’ll pay for new windows depends on the brand, materials, size and options selected. Let’s see how pricing shakes out between brands.
NewSouth Window Prices
As an indicator, a survey of recent quotes shows pricing for high-performance polyvinyl chloride (PVC) NewSouth windows in a range of:
- Double Hung – $425 – $775 per window installed
- Casement – $600 – $850 per window installed
- Glass Block – $375 – $475 per window installed
- Sliding Glass Door – $1,800 – $3,200 per door installed
NewSouth window prices are driven by the performance glass package, coastal upgrades, installation complexity, size and other options chosen.
PGT Window Prices
PGT vinyl and aluminum windows range from economy to premium grades. Here are sample price ranges:
- Vinyl Double Hung – $295 – $850 per window installed
- Aluminum Casement – $550 – $1,150 per window installed
- Sliding Glass Door – $1,500 – $3,800 per door installed
PGT’s broad product line and tiered options make it easy to find the right windows at your desired budget. Expect to pay more for impact-resistant models with specialty glass and hardware.
Pricing Comparison Summary
There is considerable overlap in window pricing between the two brands. Both NewSouth and PGT offer very competitively priced products across vinyl, aluminum and specialty lines.
PGT starts lower on vinyl economy windows while NewSouth is very affordable at the high end. Overall costs are similar for comparable product grades and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, PGT acquired NewSouth Windows in 2016 and now owns the company. However, NewSouth continues to operate independently under PGT’s ownership.
NewSouth windows are an excellent value and a worthwhile investment. Their combination of strength, efficiency, warranties and competitive pricing make them a great choice.
PGT purchased NewSouth Windows for $111 million in an all-cash transaction in 2016. This allowed PGT to expand their product lineup and increase market share.
PGT Industries, headquartered in Florida, purchased NewSouth Windows in 2016. NewSouth operates as a distinct brand within PGT’s portfolio of window and door products.
The Bottom Line
NewSouth and PGT both manufacture outstanding vinyl windows worthy of any home. Key takeaways from our detailed comparison include:
- Efficiency – Excellent insulating values from both brands with efficient Low E glass and argon gas fill.
- Strength – Rigid reinforced frames and laminated glass allow both to meet strict impact resistance standards.
- Warranties – Strong lifetime limited coverage plus impressive glass breakage and coastal corrosion allowances.
- Styles – Plentiful operating types and decorative options enable design flexibility for any project.
- Prices – Very competitive installed costs give great value for both NewSouth and PGT windows.
When choosing between the two, weigh factors like available styles, price points, and warranties as they best align with your needs. And consider consulting a professional window installer for advice.
Either NewSouth or PGT offer outstanding vinyl windows that will provide lasting performance, efficiency and beauty for your home.