Window Ratings By Brand

When making a large investment like new windows for your home, you want to make sure you get it right the first time. It’s always important to make a well-informed decision before you take on any remodeling project.

Choosing the right combination of performance and beauty for your home can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially because of the multitude of options available on today’s market. With an educated decision, you can enjoy worry-free maintenance and reliable performance for years to come.

First let’s take a look at cost, as this is the most common factor among projects. Here, we will take a look at 5 window ratings by brand leaders in the industry and the estimated price range for each.

Window Manufacturer	Price Range	Range Per Window Installed
Pella Windows	$65 - $1,600	$80 - $1,800
Andersen Windows	$230 - $2.400	$380 - $3.600
CertainTeed Windows	$230 - $700	$295 - $1,000
Simonton Windows	$180 - $1,020	$265 - $1,325
Milgard Windows	$170 - $1,890	$285 - $2,650

What To Look For In a Window?

Window ratings can tell you a lot about a window. But there are a few things you should keep in mind when you are looking at prospective window installers. Always keep in mind that:

• Price isn’t everything and doesn’t tell you much about performance.
• Where you live matters.
• You should focus on the upgrades that add value.

Know What's In a Window?

There are 6 basic parts to your replacement window:

• Frame – This is what gives the window its structure.
• Cladding – This protects the exterior of the window. Can be vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, or composite materials.
• Sash – The moving part of your window. Some include a tilt-in feature for easier cleaning.
• Glass – Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass. This includes a sealed space that’s filled with gas or air. Triple-glazed adds another layer of glass.
• Low-E Coating – Improves efficiency. Climate affects how coatings are applied.
• Grilles – A wide variety of decorative patterns designed to match the architecture of a home.

Get To Know The Numbers

• U-Factor – This tells you how well the window keeps heat in. Ranges from 0.20 – 1.20. The lower, the better.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – This tells you how well the sun’s unwanted heat is blocked. Ranges from 0 – 1. Warm climates want lower numbers, colder climates need a higher number.
• Visible Transmittance – this tells you how much light the window will let in. Ranges from 0-1. A higher number means more light.

So How Do Window Ratings By Brand Compare?

It’s important to keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates. These ratings can change significantly depending on the options you choose. For these purposes, we are using a basic model with minimal upgrades.

• Certainteed Casement Aluminum Clad Low-E3 argon filled and no grilles
• Andersen 400 Series Casement with Low-E4 glass and no grilles
• Simonton Northern Region Glass Package and no grilles
• Milgard v6 Southern Region Glass Package with SunCoat coating and no grilles

Brand	U-Factor	SHGC	Visible Transmittance
Andersen	0.29	0.31	0.54
CertainTeed	0.29	0.19	0.44
Simonton	0.28	>0.32	-
Milgard	0.4	0.25	-

Get a Free Quote and Expert Advice

Find a contractor in your area for a no-cost windows replacement consultation, simply enter your home zip using the form available on this page.

Connect with local contractors who are happy to personally visit your home for a window replacement quote as well as offer expert advice on any other window ratings by brand.