If you’re in the market for new replacement windows, two big names you’ll likely come across are Thompson Creek and Window World. Both companies sell vinyl replacement windows nationally and offer impressive warranties.
But which is the better option for your home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Thompson Creek and Window World windows side-by-side, looking at factors like pricing, product lines, warranties, reviews, and more.
Read on for the full breakdown so you can make an informed decision when choosing replacement windows for your home.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Thompson Creek | Window World |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $600 – $800 per window installed (higher end) | $189 – $1900 per window installed (more affordable) |
| Warranty | Lifetime on vinyl and hardware. Up to lifetime on glass. | Lifetime on windows and installation. Up to lifetime on glass. |
| Vinyl Frame Colors | White or beige | Primarily white |
| Standard Glass | Double pane, Low-E, argon fill | Double pane, Low-E, argon fill |
| Triple Pane Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Material | Fiberglass standard, aluminum upgrade | Aluminum standard, fiberglass upgrade |
| Ratings | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 3 out of 5 stars |
| Reviews | Consistently positive feedback | More mixed, varies by location |
| Purchase Method | Through local dealers | Corporate locations and dealers |
Thompson Creek Windows Overview
Thompson Creek is a respected national manufacturer of replacement windows that has been in business for over 20 years. They offer a full line of vinyl windows including double hung, sliders, casements, awnings, bay and bow, and more.
The company has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and generally positive customer reviews.
Some key facts about Thompson Creek windows:
- Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Landover, MD.
- Manufacturing facilities located across the United States.
- Offers double hung, sliders, casements, awnings, bays, bows, and specialty windows.
- Vinyl frame and sashes for durability and low maintenance.
- Various glazing options from clear to tinted, tempered, and laminated glass.
- Comprehensive lifetime warranty on vinyl and hardware.
- Available in standard or custom sizes.
Thompson Creek vinyl windows are backed by an impressive lifetime warranty. The vinyl frame and sash components have a lifetime warranty including coverage for defects, cracking, peeling, pitting, and corrosion. The warranties on glass units range from 20 years to lifetime coverage.
Overall, Thompson Creek offers a quality vinyl window designed for long-lasting performance and durability. Customers praise the windows’ ability to reduce outside noise and save on energy costs.
Window World Windows Overview
Window World is one of the largest replacement window retailers in the United States. They sell vinyl windows from various leading national manufacturers. Window World has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating but more mixed customer reviews compared to Thompson Creek.
Some background on Window World:
- Retailer for vinyl replacement windows founded in 1995 in North Wilkesboro, NC.
- 300+ locally owned and operated locations across the US.
- Sells double hung, sliders, casements, awnings, bays, bows, garden windows, and more.
- Vinyl construction for durability and low maintenance.
- Offer single-hung and double-hung windows with tilt-in sashes.
- Various glazing options from clear glass to tinted, tempered, and laminated.
- Lifetime warranty on windows and installation.
One advantage of Window World is their lifetime warranty that covers the windows as well as the installation. So if you ever have an issue with the windows themselves or how they were installed, Window World will come address the problem free of charge.
Like Thompson Creek, Window World windows are praised for noise reduction, energy savings, and quality. As primarily a retailer sourcing windows from various manufacturers, quality and reviews can vary more than a single manufacturer.
Key Differences Between Thompson Creek And Window World Windows
Comparing Frame Materials
A key component of any replacement window is the frame material. Both Thompson Creek and Window World offer vinyl window frames:
Thompson Creek Vinyl Frame
- Vinyl is inherently low maintenance and durable.
- Frames are made using premium vinyl that resists cracking, peeling, pitting, and corrosion.
- Inert vinyl color minimizes fade from UV exposure.
- Thermal reinforcement for insulation.
- Available in white or beige.
Window World Vinyl Frame
- Durable, low-maintenance vinyl construction.
- Resists elements like water, UV rays, and changes in temperature.
- Vinyl won’t rust, peel, crack, or require painting.
- Insulating properties improve energy efficiency.
- Offered primarily in white.
Vinyl is an ideal material for replacement windows. It eliminates the maintenance of wood frames and improves insulation over metal frames. Both Thompson Creek and Window World use rigid, reinforced vinyl that should provide years of warp-free and weather-resistant performance.
Thompson Creek offers a bit more variety with vinyl frame colors. But Window World does have some options like woodgrain vinyl finishes to match home interiors.
Glass Options
The glass in replacement windows plays a big role in appearance, efficiency, and durability. Here are some of the key glass features for Thompson Creek and Window World:
Thompson Creek Glass
- Various Low-E coatings to block UV rays and regulate heat flow.
- Standard double-pane construction with argon gas fill in gap.
- Triple-pane options available for maximum efficiency.
- Obscure, tempered, laminated, and tinted glass options.
- Specialty glass like filtered sun protective or noise reducing.
Window World Glass
- Low-E and other coatings to manage heat transfer and UV light.
- Energy efficient double or triple glazing.
- Laminated glass for impact resistance.
- Tinted, tempered, obscured, and decorative glass.
- Customizable grid patterns between glass panes.
Both brands offer high-performance glass units to boost efficiency. Standard is double-pane with a transparent Low-E coating, argon gas fill, and warm edge spacer. The special coatings regulate heat flow so interiors stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Triple-pane with two Low-E coatings is an upgrade option for even better insulation. The brands also have obscures, tints, tempered, laminated, and decorative glass to suit privacy, security, and aesthetic needs. Thompson Creek has some proprietary specialty glass not found with Window World.
Product Lines Comparison
Thompson Creek and Window World have extensive product lines encompassing all the most popular styles:
Thompson Creek Products
- Double Hung – Tilt-in sash, solid vinyl construction.
- Sliders – Horizontal sliding windows, lift-out sashes.
- Casements – Side-hinged outward opening windows.
- Awnings – Top hinged, outward opening ventilation.
- Bays and Bows – Combined windows for curves and angles.
- Garden Windows – Forward projecting windows for plants.
- Specialty Shapes – Custom arches, circles, ellipses, etc.
Window World Product Offerings
- Double Hung – Dual sashes tilt in for cleaning.
- Sliders – Side-to-side sliding sashes.
- Casements – Side hinged, crank open style.
- Awnings – Hinged at top and open outward.
- Bays and Bows – Combine windows for special shapes.
- Garden Windows – Greenhouse style angled windows.
- Basement Hopper Windows – Top hinged windows.
Thompson Creek and Window World match up very evenly when it comes to product selection. All the essential styles and operating types are represented. Special shapes like arches are available through both brands too.
Minor differences are garden windows from Thompson Creek open in while Window World’s are fixed. Window World also offers hopper style basement windows while Thompson Creek instead has sliding basement windows. But overall, you can find any replacement window style you need from either manufacturer.
Screen Options
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Another area where Thompson Creek and Window World are comparable is screen options. Here’s an overview of each brand’s offerings:
Thompson Creek Screens
- Fiberglass screen mesh as standard. Optional aluminum mesh upgrade.
- Screens fit tightly into window frames.
- Available in various colors to match window frames.
- Lightweight and durable construction.
- Screen material provides excellent visibility and ventilation.
Window World Screens
- Standard screens are aluminum mesh. Optional finer mesh and pet resistant screens.
- Tight fitting with minimal frame visibility.
- Offered in white, brown, or black colors.
- Streamlined frames for enhanced curb appeal.
- Hidden fasteners for a clean appearance.
Both brands deliver secure, tight fitting screens for ventilation without sacrificing security or views.
The main difference is Thompson Creek uses fiberglass mesh standard while Window World’s standard is aluminum.
But both allow you to upgrade to the other material.
Overall, expect excellent visibility and ventilation from the screens. Color options allow matching your window frames for a cohesive look.
Comparing Warranties
When investing in replacement windows, it’s important to consider the warranties. This indicates what kind of coverage and protections you’ll have long-term. Let’s examine the warranties of Thompson Creek and Window World:
Thompson Creek Warranty
- Lifetime warranty on vinyl and hardware.
- 20 years to lifetime coverage on glass. Depends on type.
- 5 year coverage for screens and mechanisms.
- Appearance defects covered for 5 years.
- Quick response times and easy claim process.
Window World Warranty
- Lifetime warranty on windows and lifetime installation warranty.
- Glass coverage ranges from 10 years to lifetime.
- Screens, moving parts, and hardware warranted for 1 year.
- Covers all defects, materials, and workmanship issues.
- Low service fees apply after 1st year.
The warranties are quite strong and similar for both brands. One difference is Thompson Creek provides longer coverage for screens and moving parts compared to Window World’s 1 year.
Window World’s lifetime installation warranty is a great perk though not offered by Thompson Creek. Overall, both deliver reassuring coverage against defects and issues.
Cost and Pricing Comparison
One of the biggest factors for homeowners is replacement window pricing. Here’s an overview of costs:
Thompson Creek Window Prices
- Vary based on exact product, size, and options.
- Average cost is $600 – $800 per window installed.
- More complex custom shapes can cost $1,200+ per window.
- Available discounts and occasional sales help lower costs.
Window World Prices
- Known for affordable pricing but varies by location.
- Average Window World window costs $189 – $749 installed.
- Higher end triple pane windows average $800 – $1900.
- Frequent discounts and special offers.
Window World comes in significantly cheaper on average compared to Thompson Creek windows.
Even their highest end windows max out around Thompson Creek’s starting prices.
However, Thompson Creek windows are sold through local dealers and pricing is dependent on the specific retailer.
Discounts and sales can bring Thompson Creek’s costs down closer to Window World’s pricing.
You need to get an exact quote for your project to compare pricing accurately.
But overall, Window World is the budget-friendly option while Thompson Creek skews premium.
Customer Reviews Comparison
Looking at customer reviews gives helpful insight into real-world quality and service. Here’s an overview of reviews for Thompson Creek and Window World:
Thompson Creek Reviews
- Overall positive reviews and feedback.
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on third-party review sites.
- Praise for noise reduction, energy savings, and appearance.
- Complaints about some issues with batteries in cordless blinds feature.
- Positive remarks on warranty service and responsive representatives.
Window World Reviews
- More mixed reviews averaging 3 out of 5 stars.
- Satisfied with appearance, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
- Some complaints about pushy sales tactics at certain locations.
- Mixed feedback on customer service helping with issues.
- Reviews vary more by local installer than Thompson Creek.
Based on customer feedback, Thompson Creek windows perform well and the brand has better reviews overall compared to Window World. Thompson Creek reviews are more consistently positive across locations. With Window World, experiences can vary more depending on your local franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the top replacement window brands include Pella, Andersen, Milgard, Jeld-Wen, Marvin, and Simonton. Along with Thompson Creek and Window World, these companies offer quality vinyl windows with good warranties.
Window World keeps costs low with high efficiency manufacturing and buying in bulk from various window makers. They can pass on savings from volume discounts they receive. Limited lifetime warranties also reduce costs long-term.
The “best” window company depends on your needs and budget. Top brands known for quality include Pella, Marvin, and Andersen. For affordability, Window World and Renewal by Andersen are good options. Buying local with a reputable installer also ensures quality installation.
Some of the best deals on replacement windows include:
1. Window World – Affordable prices with frequent discounts and financing specials.
2. Renewal by Andersen – Special financing offers and occasionally run sales.
3. Going through a warehouse club like Costco.
4. Shopping seasonal sales events like Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.
5. Getting quotes from several local window companies and comparing bids.
The key is getting multiple quotes and looking for special offers to find the best price on new windows for your home. Avoiding peak seasons can also mean better deals.
The Bottom Line
Thompson Creek and Window World both offer quality vinyl replacement windows with good warranties. Key differences:
- Cost – Window World is the budget-friendly choice while Thompson Creek is pricier.
- Reviews – Thompson Creek earns consistently higher marks while Window World is more mixed.
- Warranties – Both offer impressive lifetime warranties. Window World’s includes lifetime installation.
- Products – Nearly identical window selection and options from the two brands.
For the best value, Window World wins on price while Thompson Creek wins on reputation and reviews. Carefully weigh the pros and cons for your situation. Get quotes from each brand along with some local window dealers to make the right decision for your home and budget.