If you’re in the market for new windows, two big names you may be considering are Relief Windows and Window World. Both companies promise quality windows at affordable prices, so how do you decide which is the better option?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of Relief windows and Window World to help you make the right window choice for your home.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Relief Windows | Window World |
| Manufacturing | In-house manufacturing, quality control | Use third party suppliers |
| Materials | Vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum clad | Vinyl only |
| Glass Options | Low-E, argon, noise reducing | Standard double pane |
| Styles | All major + custom specialty options | Basic operating styles only |
| Aesthetics | Internal/external decorative options | Basic options only |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 20 yr – lifetime glass | Lifetime frame, 10 yr glass |
| Pricing | $350+ vinyl, $850+ fiberglass installed | $189+ vinyl installed |
| Contractors | Use their installers or your own | Franchise installers only |
| Reviews | Mixed – praise quality, poor sales tactics | Very mixed by location |
Overview of Relief Windows
Relief Windows is a national manufacturer and installer of replacement windows, doors, and siding.
Founded in 1946 under the name Champion Window, the company rebranded as Relief Windows in 2019.
Relief Windows offers a wide selection of vinyl and fiberglass windows in styles like double hung, slider, casement, awning, and specialty shapes.
They also provide patio doors, entry doors, storm doors, and a range of siding options including vinyl, fiber cement, and insulated aluminum siding.
Relief Windows prides itself on its commitment to quality, durability, and energy efficiency. The company manufactures its own windows in its Oregon facility, allowing it to control quality and costs.
Its windows come with features like multi-chambered frame and sashes, fusion-welded corners, double weatherstripping, and insulating glass with argon gas fill. Relief offers a lifetime warranty on the mechanics of the window, including the balance system, locking system, screen, and hardware. Glass warranties range from 20 years to lifetime, depending on the type of glass.
Pros:
- In-house manufacturing allows quality control
- Broad selection of window styles and custom sizes
- Reasonable prices for the quality
- Lifetime warranty on window mechanics
Cons:
- Installation can be expensive
- Mixed reviews of customer service after sale
- Less nationwide locations than competitors
Overview of Window World
Founded in 1995, Window World is one of the largest replacement window retailers in the country. They offer a wide range of basic to premium vinyl windows as well as entry doors. Window World has over 200 locally owned and operated franchises across the US.
Rather than manufacturing their own windows, Window World partners with quality window suppliers like Simonton, Ply Gem, and MI Windows to provide their products.
They offer double hung, slider, casement, awning, bay, bow, garden, and specialty shaped windows.
Their entry doors come in fiberglass and steel.
Window World’s business model focuses on high volume and affordable pricing. They run frequent sales promotions to keep costs low. All of their vinyl windows come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and seals, and a 10 year warranty on the glass unit.
Pros:
- National reach with local franchise model
- Broad selection of basic to premium window lines
- Very affordable pricing, frequent sales
- Lifetime warranty on frames and seals
Cons:
- No in-house manufacturing
- Quality can be inconsistent
- Pushy sales tactics at times
- Shorter glass warranty than competitors
Window Materials Comparison
One of the biggest differences between Relief Windows and Window World is the window materials they offer. Let’s take a closer look:
Relief Windows
- Vinyl – Relief offers vinyl windows made with premium, multi-chambered vinyl frame and sashes. This provides insulation, durability, and warp resistance. Relief vinyl windows can be ordered with an external aluminum cladding for a contemporary look.
- Fiberglass – For superior strength and thermal performance, Relief fiberglass windows are available. The pultruded fiberglass material resists expanding and contracting. Good option for extreme weather climates.
Window World
- Vinyl – Window World’s vinyl windows also feature multi-chambered frame and sash construction but their vinyl formulation may vary slightly by supplier brand. Overall decent quality and durability at lower price points.
- No Fiberglass Option – Window World does not currently offer a fiberglass window option. For increased structural strength, you would need to upgrade to one of their premium vinyl window lines.
When it comes to materials, Relief Windows offers a bit more versatility, especially the availability of pultruded fiberglass. This can provide better durability and efficiency in some climates. But Window World’s vinyl options still provide good quality for the low prices.
Glass Options Comparison
The type of glass used in the window unit also affects efficiency, durability, clarity, and noise reduction. Here is how Relief and Window World compare:
Relief Windows
- Double pane insulated glass comes standard, triples optional
- Variety of low-E coatings to choose from based on climate needs
- Argon gas filled insulated glass
- Obscure, frosted, and tinted glass available
- Acoustic glass options reduce outside noise
Window World
- Standard double pane insulated glass
- Low-E coatings available
- Most models contain argon gas fill
- More limited glass coating upgrades
- Less specialty glass options like noise reducing glass
Relief seems to offer a broader range of high performance glass that can be customized to your climate and needs.
Window World’s standard glass options will suffice for many climates but upgrades are more limited.
Window Style and Aesthetic Options
Both Relief Windows and Window World provide all the main window operating styles – single & double hung, sliding, casement, awning, and specialty shapes. Relief offers a few more specialty options like arch top and geometric windows.
In terms of aesthetics, Window World caters more to cost-conscious customers with basic white or beige vinyl windows. Relief offers more robust decorative options:
Relief Windows Decorative Options
- Internal blinds, grilles, leaded glass
- External decorative trim pieces
- Faux divided lites
- Aluminum-clad exteriors in multiple colors
- Woodgrain laminate interiors
Window World Decorative Options
- Internal grids
- Simulated divided lites
- Limited exterior color options
- Less decorative trim offered
So if you want better aesthetics and curb appeal, Relief allows more ways to customize the look and add architectural details. Window World’s focus is providing an affordable but basic window replacement.
Comparison of Warranties
The warranties offered by each company provide an indication of the expected longevity and performance of their windows.
Relief Windows Warranties
- Lifetime warranty on vinyl and fiberglass frames and component parts
- 20-year to lifetime warranty on insulated glass units
- Lifetime transferable warranty
Window World Warranties
- Lifetime warranty on vinyl window frames and component parts
- 10 year insulated glass unit warranty
- Transferable to one subsequent owner
While both companies back their vinyl windows with a lifetime frame and components warranty, Relief clearly outpaces Window World when it comes to the glass coverage. Relief offers 20-year to lifetime glass warranties while Window World caps at 10 years.
For the glass seal failure that leads many homeowners to eventually replace windows, Relief provides better protection.
Pricing and Affordability Comparison
One area where Window World stands out is pricing. They are one of the most affordable national window retailers. Here’s how pricing shakes out:
Relief Windows Pricing
- Varies by exact window specifications
- Vinyl models start around $350 per window installed
- Fiberglass around $850 installed
- Typical house with 15 windows: $7,000 – $15,000 installed
Window World Pricing
- Less transparency on precise window model pricing
- Routine sales with 40%+ discounts
- Vinyl models around $189 per window installed
- Typical house around $4,000 – $8,000 installed
Window World consistently offers the lowest prices, especially for basic vinyl double hung and slider windows. You can likely get standard vinyl replacements from Window World for half the price of Relief.
Of course, you need to factor in the higher cost of Relief’s premium materials and glass upgrades that Window World does not offer. Still, price conscious buyers will likely default to Window World for the large upfront savings.
Availability and Contractors Comparison
When it comes to getting an estimate and hiring installers, you have a few options with both companies:
Working With Relief Windows
- Get free estimate from local Relief branch
- Hire third party contractor of your choice
- Relief provides list of approved installers
- Use Relief’s own contracted install crews
Working With Window World
- Visit local Window World franchise for estimate
- Each franchise maintains own installer crews
- No option to use external contractor
The experience may vary slightly by location, but overall Relief Windows provides more flexibility.
You can use their own installers, approved third party contractors, or find your own contractor to purchase and install Relief windows.
Window World franchises primarily use their own installation teams, providing a more consistent but rigid experience.
Customer Service Reputation
Company reputation and customer service feedback are important when making such a big purchase decision. Here are some highlights from buyer reviews:
Relief Windows Reviews
- Many positive reviews praising quality & appearance
- Complaints of pushy sales tactics in home
- Response time to issues slow in some cases
- More professional installers vs Window World
Window World Reviews
- Very mixed reviews ranging from glowing to scathing
- Consistency issues due to franchise model
- Aggressive sales tactics frequently noted
- Cheap materials/assembly noted by some
Overall, customers seem to acknowledge the quality of Relief Windows original products and installation (when using Relief’s crews). But the in-home selling approach turns some off.
Feedback on Window World ranges widely, suggesting more inconsistencies in quality and service between franchises. Shoppers seem to encounter more overly pushy Window World sales people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some common questions homeowners have about Relief windows and Window World:
Window World keeps costs low by offering a limited selection of basic window models, buying in bulk from major suppliers, and running frequent sales promotions. Their franchises also complete all their own installs. But the low price often comes at the expense of product quality and customization.
Window World sources its windows from leading vinyl suppliers like Simonton, Ply Gem, MI Windows, and others. They do not manufacture their own windows.
Relief Windows is part of the Home Franchise Concepts family of home improvement brands. The company was founded in 1946 as Champion Window and acquired by Pella in 1992. In 2019, the brand became Relief Windows after being sold to Home Franchise Concepts.
It is generally more affordable to replace all of your windows at the same time rather than spreading it out over multiple projects. This batching allows the window company to offer a discount. Doing all the installs together also lowers labor costs through efficiency.
Final Thoughts
When comparing Relief Windows and Window World, the main trade-off is cost vs customization. Window World will clearly offer the lowest price point, especially for basic vinyl window models.
But Relief provides upgraded materials, high performance glass, and more aesthetic options. Check Warranties closely and get transparent pricing before making this major home investment. And be prepared to deflect aggressive sales pitches from either company!
At the end of the day, the right replacement windows will improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency for decades to come.
