As a homeowner looking to replace my old, drafty windows, I recently had Wincore 8800 windows installed throughout my house.
After living with these new windows for several months now, I wanted to provide a detailed review based on my firsthand experience for those considering Wincore windows.
Overview of Wincore 8800 Windows
The Wincore 8800 series is one of the premium lines of replacement windows offered by Wincore. Here are some of the key features and specs:
- Constructed with a vinyl frame and sashes for durability and low maintenance
- Equipped with a double-pane insulated glass unit, providing excellent thermal efficiency
- Frame thickness of 3 1/4″, making them a good option for new construction or full-frame replacements
- Feature Wincore’s proprietary WeatherLock technology for advanced sealing against air infiltration
- Offer triple weatherstripping and an interlocking meeting rail for tight seals
- Can be customized with a wide selection of grid and color options to match your home’s style
I opted for the full-frame white vinyl model with no grid pattern. The windows I had installed were a mix of sliders, single-hung, and picture windows.
My Impressions After Daily Use
After using the Wincore 8800 windows for normal daily activities like opening and closing, adjusting blinds, and cleaning, here are some of my thoughts:
- Effortless Operation
One of the things that stands out most is how easily the windows open and close. The sashes glide up and down smoothly on the vinyl tracks.
I never have to force them open or jostle with stuck windows, which used to be a constant annoyance with my old windows. The locks and handles feel sturdy and work perfectly.
- Dramatic Difference in Noise Reduction
Living on a busy street, I used to hear a constant parade of cars and trucks driving by. Now, the traffic noise is drastically reduced thanks to the dense insulation in the double pane glass.
I don’t have to crank up the TV or speak louder on the phone anymore. The noise dampening is a huge quality of life improvement.
- Improved Temperature Control
I immediately noticed a difference in how well the interior temperature holds. On hot summer days, the house doesn’t turn into an oven like it used to.
In the winter, the cold drafts that used to flow in around poorly sealed windows are gone. My energy bills for heating and cooling have gone down by about 25% thanks to the better insulation.
- Enhanced Durability
My old windows would frequently get stuck, the locks would break, and the seals would wear out. But after months of regular use, these Wincore windows still operate like new.
The vinyl frame and sashes feel incredibly solid and rigid. I don’t have to worry about the usual wear and tear issues causing problems.
- Easy to Keep Clean
Vinyl is a cinch to clean and doesn’t show dirt. I can wipe down the frame and sashes quickly with a damp cloth and they look freshly installed again. With my old wood-framed windows, it was a chore trying to scrub out grime that had worked its way into the grain.
Key Factors To Consider
Based on my experience, here are some important things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about buying Wincore 8800 windows:
- Installation – Proper installation is crucial for getting the performance benefits. My windows were installed by certified Wincore installers, so I knew they were positioned and sealed correctly. Do your homework to find experienced installers in your area.
- Energy efficiency – The Wincore 8800 series has excellent insulation properties, but climates and home layouts vary. Talk to your installer about recommended grades of glass and gas fills to maximize efficiency for your conditions. Upgrades like triple pane glass may be advisable for extremely cold regions.
- Lead times – These are custom order windows, not stock items just sitting on warehouse shelves. When I ordered, it took about 5 weeks from order to delivery. Factor in project planning and installation time too. Be prepared for a process that will likely take 2-3 months from start to finish.
- Budget – With the 8800 series being Wincore’s high-end offering, they are more expensive than builder-grade vinyl windows. But you get what you pay for in terms of quality and performance. I viewed them as a long-term investment that will pay off over decades of use.
- Alternatives – Wincore has several window collections at lower price points that still offer excellent features and vinyl construction. For example, the 8700 or 8500 series provide similar aesthetics and reliability at a more budget-friendly cost.
Pros of Choosing Wincore 8800 Windows
Here are some of the standout pros I’ve experienced with the Wincore 8800 window series:
- Industry-leading lifetime warranty – provides peace of mind that they really are built to last
- Unmatched noise reduction makes a significant improvement in livability
- Smooth, reliable operation that should never require repairs
- Vinyl is durable and virtually maintenance free
- Energy efficient components reduce environmental impact and costs
- Ability to completely customize sizes, styles, and colors to match your home
- Brighten interiors by allowing in more natural light compared to outdated windows
Potential Downsides To Consider
No product is perfect, so here are a few potential negatives to weigh:
- Higher upfront investment than basic vinyl replacements, but with sustained benefits over time
- Installation flaws will undermine performance gains, so choose your installer carefully
- Some homeowners report minor aesthetic flaws or damage during shipping – inspect thoroughly at delivery
- Limited ability to control humidity and condensation compared to some other designs
- Vinyl can be prone to expansion and contraction, potentially impacting operation
- Not the most top-tier insulating performance compared to options like triple pane
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the most highly rated and recommended window replacement brands include Pella, Andersen, Marvin, Milgard, Jeld-Wen, Simonton, and Ply Gem. As one of the leaders in vinyl windows, Wincore Windows deserves consideration alongside those major national brands.
Wincore windows and doors are proudly made in the United States. Their manufacturing facility is located in Clearfield, Utah. They source the vinyl and other components from domestic suppliers as well.
From order to delivery, you can expect a lead time of 4-6 weeks for standard Wincore double-hung and slider window products. More complex or custom window designs may require 6-8 weeks. Make sure to account for project planning and installation time as well.
Yes, many Wincore window collections meet stringent Energy Star efficiency guidelines. Their products are tested and certified for Energy Star compliance based on climate zone. Consult your Wincore representative for details on which lines are rated for your region.
The Bottom Line – My Honest Assessment
I couldn’t be happier with my new Wincore 8800 windows. The quality craftsmanship and engineering are obvious as soon as you operate them. For me, the noise reduction alone was worth the investment in my quality of life. I’m also optimistic the energy savings will continue paying dividends on my monthly bills for years to come.
While they come at a premium price, I consider these windows a long-term asset that will maintain their performance for decades. If you prioritize both livability and durability, the Wincore 8800 should be on your short list for replacement window options.
Just make sure to choose a reputable, experienced installation company to ensure you get the full benefits.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about my experience with Wincore 8800 windows!
