As a homeowner looking to replace my outdated windows, I recently had Wincore 7700 series windows installed throughout my house.
After living with these windows for a few months now, I wanted to provide a detailed review of my experience with the Wincore 7700 windows – including the pros, cons, and helpful details for other homeowners considering Wincore.
Overview of Wincore 7700 Windows
The Wincore 7700 series is a high quality vinyl replacement window offered by Wincore. Wincore advertises these windows as having superior energy efficiency, noise reduction, and overall durability compared to older or builder-grade windows.
Some key features of the Wincore 7700 windows include:
- Vinyl frame and sash construction with fusion-welded corners for added strength
- Insulated glass units with argon gas fill and warm-edge spacer technology
- Double-strength glass for improved thermal performance
- Multi-chambered frame and sash design
- Weatherstripping and interlock at sash for air infiltration resistance
- Fold-away crank for easy cleaning access
- Variety of grid and screen options available
Wincore offers the 7700 series in a number of operating styles including single-hung, double-hung, slider, casement, awning, and fixed. This allowed me to get their windows for every part of my house.
My Review of the Wincore 7700 Windows
Overall, I have been very happy with my new Wincore 7700 windows. Here are some specifics on my experience:
- Energy Efficiency
One of the main reasons I opted for the Wincore windows was for their energy efficient design. I live in a colder climate where heating bills can get quite high in the winter, so I wanted windows that would keep the heat in.
The insulated glass, argon gas, and warm-edge spacer in these windows have proven very effective at insulation. I definitely noticed a reduction in outdoor cold and noise transferring through the windows. My heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep things comfortable.
I also appreciate that Wincore uses vinyl frames and sashes rather than metal. Vinyl transfers less cold. And unlike wood frames, vinyl won’t warp or rot over time, reducing leaks and drafts.
- Noise Reduction
In addition to thermal insulation, the Wincore 7700 windows have also significantly reduced outdoor noise. We live near a busy road so these windows were a godsend for blocking traffic noise. Between the heavy duty glass, tight vinyl frames, weatherstripping, and the argon gas, very little sound passes through. I don’t even notice the road noise anymore unless I open the window.
- Durability & Low Maintenance
I’ve been very impressed with how solid, durable, and low-maintenance these windows feel. The vinyl frames eliminate any worries about rot, rust, or painting. And the fusion-welded corners add tremendous strength and stability to the frame and sash.
When opening, closing, or cleaning the windows there is no flexing, warping, or creaking like with my old windows.
I also love the fold-away crank handle.
This allows easy access for cleaning both sides of the window glass while still keeping a clean exterior look.
No more struggling with separate screen panels.
Based on my experience so far, I expect these windows to last for decades without needing any repairs or refinishing. The warranty from Wincore backs that up too.
- Installation Process
I had Wincore install the windows as well, and the whole installation process went smoothly. Their install team was efficient, courteous, and cleaned up well after themselves. They even provided temporary covers to keep the interior protected during installation.
The project took right around a week from start to finish, including the interior trim and caulking work. Everything was completed on schedule.
Overall, I felt the project management side of things by Wincore was excellent. Their sales team also did a great job helping me pick out options and upgrades.
- Cost Considerations
In terms of cost, the Wincore 7700 series is certainly considered an upscale, premium window. There are cheaper vinyl replacements out there. And you can also spend a lot more for high-end wood windows or fiberglass.
But for me, the Wincore windows represented a nice sweet spot between cost and performance. Their thermal efficiency will pay for itself over time in energy savings.
And I expect to get decades of use from them with no maintenance required. So the upfront investment felt worthwhile to me.
Obviously every homeowner’s budget is different. But in my case, I was glad I spent a bit more for the quality and didn’t go with the entry-level options. The performance and peace of mind have been worth it.
- Aesthetics
Aesthetically, I have been very pleased with how the Wincore 7700 windows look on our home. They matched up nicely to the existing trim and style of the house.
I went with a simple clean line of white exterior color, and the grids have a nice low profile that doesn’t obstruct the view.
The glass itself is beautifully clear and I’m glad I went with their obscure Privacy Glass option for certain windows to reduce visibility.
Overall the windows have given a nice clean, updated look to our home’s exterior. The fresh look of vinyl compared to my old worn out wood windows has been great.
Wincore 7700 Windows: Cons
While generally very pleased with the Wincore 7700 series, there are a few minor drawbacks worth mentioning:
- Higher price – As noted, these are at the higher end for vinyl replacement windows so the investment is significant.
- Some air/water leakage – They are very tight and well insulated, but I have noticed occasional minor leakage during heavy rains or strong winds. This is typical for any vinyl window but worth being aware of.
- Vinyl can discolor – The vinyl frames require periodic cleaning to keep their appearance looking white and fresh. Not a huge maintenance problem but cleaning is required.
- No insect screens – The fold away crank means there is no space for a full insect screen. Wincore offers separate screen panels but switching them out is a hassle. Lack of built-in screens is probably my biggest gripe.
- Thicker window frame – The heavier vinyl and glass construction results in thicker frames and sashes around the viewing area. This means slightly less sunlight enters, though the energy savings offset this issue.
So those are a few downsides to weigh. But overall these have been very minor inconveniences compared to the windows’ outstanding performance for insulation, durability and noise reduction.
How Wincore 7700 Windows Compare to Other Top Brands?
- Milgard Windows
Milgard is another respected vinyl window brand comparable to Wincore’s premium offerings. Their top vinyl series is the Milgard Tuscany line.
Compared to Tuscany, the Wincore 7700 windows have slightly better energy ratings and rigidity. Milgard offers some innovative screen designs and larger custom sizes though. Overall they are quite similar in performance and cost. One advantage for Milgard is their impressive lifetime warranty on defects.
- Pella Windows
Pella is on the high end for vinyl and fiberglass windows. Their Impervia line is most similar to the Wincore 7700 series.
The Pella Impervia windows are extremely durable and almost maintenance free. Their frames have excellent rigidity and tightness. Cost tends to be 20-30% higher than Wincore’s vinyl models though. But Pella does offer some of the best-designed integrated blinds between glass panels.
- Jeld-Wen Windows
For mid-range vinyl windows, Jeld-Wen’s Siteline EX line provides good competition to the Wincore options.
The Siteline EX isn’t quite as robust or efficient as Wincore’s 7700 series but costs notably less. Jeld-Wen has great style and customization offerings. Overall Siteline EX is a great value vinyl window though perhaps not as durable long-term.
- Andersen Windows
Andersen is a leader in fiberglass windows which compete with Wincore’s high-end vinyl models.
Their Fibrex material is more thermally efficient and scratch-resistant than vinyl. But Fibrex windows from Andersen also come at a steep premium. Performance is comparable but you’ll pay at least 50% more for Andersen over Wincore vinyl windows.
- Harvey Windows
Harvey is another respected brand offering vinyl, wood, and aluminum windows. Their vinyl Elite series aligns with Wincore’s 7700 model windows.
The Harvey Elite series is very similar in terms of efficiency, quality, and cost. One advantage of Harvey is the wider range of custom color options for the vinyl exterior. Overall Harvey is nearly identical to Wincore though perhaps with slightly better warranty terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Wincore 7700 windows:
Yes, the Wincore 7700 series windows are very energy efficient. Multiple features like the multi-layered glass, argon gas, vinyl frames, and weatherstripping allow excellent thermal insulation and draft prevention. This cuts down on energy loss through the windows.
All Wincore window models meet or exceed Energy Star guidelines. The 7700 series has received Energy Star certification and is considered among the most energy efficient vinyl replacement windows available.
Wincore Windows and Doors was founded in 2002 and has been family owned and operated for over 20 years. They have manufacturing and assembly facilities located across the United States. So they have a long history of window manufacturing and installation experience.
Conclusion
Overall my experience with Wincore 7700 windows has been outstanding. The improvements to energy efficiency, noise reduction, appearance, and durability have made the investment worthwhile. I’m glad I took time to properly research and compare window options rather than going with the cheapest vinyl models.
For anyone considering Wincore 7700 or similar premium vinyl replacement windows, I would certainly recommend them based on my positive experience. Just be prepared for the higher initial cost. The performance and quality from brands like Wincore usually validate spending a bit more upfront.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to share details on options I chose or the purchase and installation process.