PGT vs CWS for Impact Windows
We've received multiple quotes from multiple companies on impact windows. We've narrowed it down to PGT and CWS. We compared apples to apples as far as being vinyl, Low-E, Argon filled, etc. We live in South Florida so both hurricane protection and energy efficiency are important to us. We have a lot of openings (20- some of which are very large) so we knew this would be an expensive project. CWS is coming in at nearly $9,000 less than PGT!!! We hear about PGT all the time and both of my husband's siblings went with PGT on their homes. I know NOTHING about CWS, so I am skeptical! Anyone have long term experience with either company? We are having a difficult time accepting such a huge price difference.
Comentarios (84)
womah neeranjun
hace 4 añosHi all
has anyone use home depot for windows installation. seems like they use PGT windows
mjavstreih
hace 4 añosHome Depot subcontracts instllersinstallers so there is a double layer of mark ups. My CWS quote was DOUBLE my PGT quote, so you need another quote directly from a local dealer/installer. I am going with Simonton. Quote was comparable to PGT but much better warranty.
PROEvolution Hurricane Shutters, LLC
hace 4 añosDon't forget to check the performance specs of the windows! Does it matter how good of a deal you received if you have thousands of dollars in water damage? I'm not a window expert and don't have a dog in this but I think that most windows are tested for water penetration up to about winds of 60mph. Hopefully the experts here can correct me if that's wrong. So, from what I can tell, once the winds reach hurricane strength your windows are no longer promised not to leak. Look for the window with the best leak performance and you might be one step closer to avoiding buyer's remorse. Also, I'm not a big fan of using PVC windows in the south. Many of the plastisizers that make it more flexible have been replaced by UV inhibitors that make it more brittle. Even with the addition of these inhibitors, the southern sun restricts the lifespan of these windows. When you see a "lifetime" warranty, make sure to find out what the lifetime is. If the manufacturer says that the life expectancy of their window is 20 years, it is my understanding that this is the lifetime that they are referring to.
martha ross
hace 4 añosFrom my research re HVHZ windows, water penetration is based on volume per minute and not wind speed. Re manufacturers, Simonton has a double lifetime warranty. Can be purchased as an option with PGT. Not sure of CWS transferable warranty in standard or an option.
- PRO
Evolution Hurricane Shutters, LLC
hace 4 añosThe test that I was thinking of is ASTM E331. Which one were you thinking of??
So if someone has Simonton windows installed, what will be the percentage of the replacement cost covered by the warranty in 10 years? Does the warranty cover just the cost of the window so that the labor of replacement is put on the homeowner? Most times the factory will pay for only the window and force the homeowner to use only it's factory sponsored labor (at a high rate) to try to offset the loss of product value.
PROWiltrack Construction And Development Group LLC
hace 4 añosI have used both windows in multiple homes I have built in South Florida.
Personally I would recommend PGT especially if you can buy them from a diamond dealer that can provide you the crystal care warranty. It is a lifetime warranty that covers everything including screens.
If you have any questions or if you’d like me to recommend my local window distributor, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
PROJoseph Corlett, LLC
hace 4 años"Need personal recommendations for a business that sells & installs PGT hurricane impact home windows."
GG:
Call Doug Ramsey at Sequel. He and I go back nearly 50 years. We did a window job together several years ago.noel Certain
hace 4 añosFAS Windows & Doors!!! If your In Central Florida Orlando & Tampa Offices. Scott
Vargas & his Team are incredibly talented and Customer service is Job #1 . The key
is pick great windows but the installing company is just as important!! They are doing
Impact PGT on a Build for us Now.
Janice Smith
hace 4 añosYou guys are making me nervous! I just contracted with New South for 12 panels (4 large sliders) of lower level sliding glass high impact doors out to the pool. I did not have the same experience as Noel C as far as the initial sales visit, and when I told them my husband works long hours and it would be almost impossible to meet with us both - they still scheduled the appointment with me. Yes, at the end of the visit, Joe DID ask for a commitment, but that is what any sales person would do. He was not obnoxious or pushy. I was originally going with PGT's but I feel the New South window is a much better quality window and has the best warranty in the business and for the same price as two of the PGT quotes I got. If you are considering PGT's - READ the warranty. It doesn't cover much! Yes, I saw the complaints on BBB, but BBB does not publish positive reviews, only the complaints. I saw many positive reviews on other sites. SO..... I am just going to pray that all goes well and I have a positive experience! I'll let you all know how it goes!
- PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
hace 4 años" I told them my husband works long hours and it would be almost impossible to meet with us both - they still scheduled the appointment with me."
I'd never run a one legger, especially in the highly competitive window business. Roman Nyich
hace 4 añosÚltima modificación: hace 4 añosLooks like NewSouth is good enough for PGT - PGT acquires NewSouth in $92M cash deal
PS: thank you all for sharing your stories, I'll be replacing 28yr old windows this year and my research brought me here. We're in Sarasota and narrowed it down to PGT and NewSouth.
Best Results
hace 4 añosIve had my CWS windows for a year now and the only thing I don't like are the latches. They feel really cheap.
millworkman
hace 4 años"How about ECO window systems in Florida; how do they compare with PGT"
I only looked as far as some online reviews and saw nothing to like about them.Elizabeth Keough
hace 3 añosWe are in Tampa and looking at replacing our windows with impact hurricane windows. Lots of research ongoing. Two quotes so far: Karlovy, who or neighbors used and liked, but we have a few Simeonton windows and the vinyl frames in the south windows are chalky (it's only been 5 years since install--non south facing windows are fine). And New South, whose product pitch was impressive. We fell in love with the product claims, the low heat transfer and easy operation. We like the idea of a local mfgr, but pricing was astronomical-almost double the Simeonton quote (ummm...factory direct implies a more reasonable price). 😳
FAS is coming out today. A Marvin dealer tomorrow (because I ❤️ Matt Risinger), and I'd prefer an aluminum framed window if it's not out of reach based on our southern exposure vinyl experience. But I'm prepared to be in sticker shock.
I appreciate the posters who shared their experience. Curious about your final installation experience Nicole and Janice?
Amy Asher
hace 3 añosWhy vinyl over aluminum? I’m looking at Home Depot who quotes PGT made exclusively for them and 8 week delivery and install. The small business I like very much has a 4 month delay on PGT so quoted me on Cws. I’m leaning toward Home Depot but need to decide between aluminum or vinyl. Across street from ocean. Thank you!!
Elizabeth Keough
hace 3 añosWhen I had companies out to quote, I asked about aluminum frames and was told you could only do aluminum in new construction. Beyond that, as I understand it, aluminum can last longer, but unless well maintained is more prone to degradation by salt water. I'm no expert, only sharing what I read.
millworkman
hace 3 años" I asked about aluminum frames and was told you could only do aluminum in new construction."
If you are doing full framed replacement windows you certainly can use an aluminum framed window same as vinyl or wood. Also Marvin does not make an aluminum framed window. They make a wood window with any aluminum cladding.Karen
hace 3 añosDoes anyone have an idea about the price difference between PGT Winguard Aluminum windows and Marvin or Anderson impact windows? I know that PGT is in our budget but suspect the others won’t be. We are building in Tampa. So far have only spoken to Carrollwood Doors and Windows. Would love any recommendations.
Paul Amaral
hace 3 añosHi - Looking to build a new home down in Florida on the waterfront. Anyone have any experience using Pella's Impact Windows or Viwinco Impact Windows? Have looked at PGT and CWS but don't seem to come across much info on Pella or Viwinco? Thanks.
millworkman
hace 3 añosBoth Pella and Viwinco are not considered quality windows. Fit and finish, performance, customer service is all on the lower end of the scale. Builders grade at best products.
PROWindows on Washington Ltd
hace 3 añosStaying the vinyl family of products, Simonton Stormbreaker and the PGT impact product are two of the more favorably reviewed products.
Elizabeth Keough
hace 3 añosSeconding Wow. We live in Tampa and came down to PGF and Simonton. We liked the Simonton product slightly better, but most important, we found installers with great history and recommendations. That is as important as picking the best windows.
safen secure
hace 3 añosÚltima modificación: hace 3 añosHi Karen,
Reach out to Scott Vargas at
FAS Window & Door they are in Tampa
& Orlando Florida
and do an incredible job tell Scott Noel sent
you. They stand behind their work and actually
care ..service is key
321-388-1935
or 813-514-9490
safen secure
hace 3 añosbtw paul,
all the homes I visited on the water had either
CWS or Pgt Impacts but 85% had PGT .My
builder used PGT on his own waterfront home
so that tells me allot.
Viwinco has had some reviews in florida
that were not good look into
them. Pella builds a great
window but I don't think they have the experience or
market on impacts as yet.
if I was building on the water I would
install PGT again plus get the most relaible installer
possible that was a Diamond dealer for PGT
and hire them. I would also monitor the work and be hands on
as much as possible the crews work better when they know
their work is being monitored ,and the owner really cares.
Take care of the installers and treat them good it all works
out in the wash. My crew was Anthony and Justin a small crew
with may years of experience whom explained every step and took pride
and professionalism in their jobs.
Usuario de Houzz-397866653
hace 3 añosAny comments regarding Soft-Lit Barcelona impact windows? Or Paradise Exteriors? I was going to contract with a local Diamond rated PGT Dealer (Weather Tite) and then Paradise Exteriors offered to drop their estimate for the Soft-Lits to almost the same amount. Soft-Lite appear to be a very good quality product but can't find much info on them... and barely anything about Paradise Exteriors, but don't want to miss out on potentially great windows for an awesome price!
Karen
hace 3 añosOf those of you who have installed PGT Aluminum Winguard windows, what color did you choose and are you happy with them. Ultimately, I want black/bronze exterior and white interior. Can’t make up my mind.
PROUneeda Home Improvement Co., Inc
hace 3 añosIn the PGT WindGuard Aluminum line the black or bronze is only available on both the exterior and interior. The PGT WindGuard Vinyl is available two toned.
Karen
hace 3 añosUneeda Home Improvement - Thank you. That is my issue. In aluminum, they don’t make what I prefer. It seems as most folks I hear speaking about vinyl vs aluminum PGT Winguard windows prefer the aluminum, but I would love to know why and to hear from anyone who has the vinyl to see if they are happy with them.
J
hace 3 añosWe too are trying to decided between the vinyl vs aluminum PGT Winguard windows and doors. Will the vinyl ones hold up as well as the aluminum in
a tropical storm or hurricane?millworkman
hace 3 años"Will the vinyl ones hold up as well as the aluminum in
a tropical storm or hurricane?"
They pass the same standardized testing chambers under the exact same conditions and carry thee exact same approvals.Karen
hace 3 añosHave narrowed my search down to PGT Winguard Aluminum windows and now trying to decide between single hung and casement windows.
Majority of windows are 36x72.Does anyone have any advice regarding the operability/ease of use of the casements versus single hung windows? Are my windows too large fir casement gear mechanisms etc?
millworkman
hace 3 años"Are my windows too large fir casement gear mechanisms etc?"
Not at all to large for a properly engineered unit. As far as double hung or casement that is up to you and whether you want the ease of a casement crank or have no issues sliding the sash on a hung window. House type and interior window treatments also play a part in this decision.
marcelinsb
hace 3 añosÚltima modificación: hace 3 añosHU-3978, I just got quotes on windows from Paradise, Window Wall and PGT from Home Depot. Wondering which you chose and why?
millworkman
hace 3 añosÚltima modificación: hace 3 años"I just got quotes on windows from Paradise, Window Wall and PGT from Home Depot."
PGT BUT from a window dealer not a box store. Never heard of the others and nothing about them looks impressive from their website and PGT has a pretty good history for products and customer service.Elizabeth Keough
hace 2 añosWe used Karoly Windows and Doors to replace our windows with hurricane rated ones. Over 30 windows and they did it in about 5 days. We had a great experience. They came back out to adjust a window that wasn't closing properly after the installation, and have been following up with Simeonton on the one window that arrived cracked and had to be replaced before they can install it.
bluerosem
hace 2 añosThank you Elizabeth! Karoly's quote was too high for me unfortunately, but I did like the Simonton windows he sells.
pattiandjohnpiper
el último añoDO NOT BUY PGT WINDOWS! SIX YEARS AGO WE BOUGHT OVER $47,000.00 WINDOWS AND SLIDERS (7 SLIDERS) - as of yesterday I just filed / called for replacement of our fourth sliding glass panel doors - these are the Miami Dade double insulated with all the extras - failing. The seals do not hold. The company we bought the window/sliders from does not like going thru all the trouble to replace and then reinstall....they can charge me whatever price they want for labor. PGT will replaced the windows - they will probably say "out of warranty" - it is very unclear just exaclty what their warranty is (!). Do NOT do business with PGT....I am at the point of just replacing every defective window with a different brand .....this is so unfair and unprofessional and poor business standards....
- PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
el último añoAre seal failures not covered as part of their warranty? A service charge from the dealer to swap something out as large as a sliding glass door panel would be normal.
oberon476
el último añowhat kind of seal failure are you seeing, and how old were the units that failed?
Any pictures?
safen secure
el último añoPoor Customer Service all around, you expect when you spend that kind of
money with a reputable installer and Manufacturer you get both of them working hand in hand to get the client satisfied. However, not surprised especially since I have been told by over several professional installers that PGT Sliders have High Seal Failure, but usually are always warrantied.
J
el último añoWe purchased multiple PGT aluminum windguard windows and slider doors for a condo by a “reputable” window and door company. It has not been a good experience ….product seems ok but the installation has been a diaster!!
- PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
el último añoForgive me for the question, but what does that have to do with PGT in this case?
camann89
el último añoDO NOT go with CSW. We did this past summer for 5 hurricane impact windows. Upon inspection at delivery we found all windows had significant defects and we refused to have them installed. These windows should never have been delivered to our home for installation. We are now tryomg to cancel our contract with FHIA and get our deposit back. We are being ignored unfortunately.
- PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
el último añoGuessing you meant CWS in this case? What were the defects in this application. I will say that since the pandemic, the manufacturing attention to detail has suffered across the board. Brands that were previously the "standard" are just like everyone else (used to be) and turning out stuff with QA/QC issues. Depending on the "defects", I think you will, contractually, need to give them the opportunity to remake the product and deliver it in specification.
Dave b
hace 7 mesesOur installation was just completed and we went with PGT windows and CWS sliders. The company that we used, Lipton Windows, offered both options. For us, PGT windows were 17.8k vs CWS at 16.6K Not much difference so we went with PGT, the perceived better brand. The sliders were a different story. PGT was 32K vs CWS at 24.4K so we chose CWS for significant savings. We are very happy with the look and function of the CWS sliders and ironically, 3 of the PGT windows have to be repaired because of obvious scratches and scuffs on the inner glass. Only time will tell, but so far, so good. I would do the same combination again.
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