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Crystal Windows Reviews And Prices
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dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co
Crystal Windows Reviews :: 100 Series
The 100 series is the company's entry level vinyl window that is available as a replacement or new construction.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Are Crystal Windows Any Good
Dane, someone told me that these were one of the worst window brands I could choose for my replacement window project. I was wondering if you agreed with this sentiment?
Fern - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Fern, in general, CWDs are not considered a very good brand. I hate to use the terminology worst window brands, but they are not very good. I just think you can do a lot better. I will send you my list of recommended brands in series for you to take a look at. Go get four bids and then let’s circle back and see what we have. Thanks.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
Crystal Windows Reviews :: 200 Series
The 200 series is the company's "step up" vinyl window that is available as a replacement or new construction.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Crystal 200 Series vs Ideal UltraTite
I have gotten a handful of quotes to replace 17 windows in my town house in Astoria, Queens. We currently have aluminum frames that are likely over 20 years old (maybe even over 30) that are ridiculously leaky and the house is very cold even with the heater running. It will be mostly double hung, with a picture window and a couple of casements in the kitchen.
The quotes are all very similar: $10.5k - $11.5k for Crystal 200s or Ideal UltraTite from 3 different contractors so far. I'm asking around for more quotes and for more options for brands, but the contractors I have been talking to will provide quotes for more than triple for alternative brands to their baseline (aka cheapest) series. For example, I got a quote for $35k for Trimline as a "step up alternative" from the Ideal UltraTite. The $10k price point is good for us, the $35k price point seems not so good, especially given my fear that there is significant diminishing returns.
Our house is very cute, but it's not fancy by any means, and we put a very low priority on the aesthetics of the actual model (i couldn't care less if it is or looks like wood!) and are doing this entirely for the insulation: we want to reduce our energy bill and have a more comfortable home with these new windows!
Should I accept the Crystal 200s because they have a great U-Factor, the contractors seem good, and they give a 20 year warranty including labor, even though my neighbor tells me I should avoid Crystal because they will warp and fail? Should I accept the Ideal UltraTite because they also have a great U-Factor, and are a more durable and longer lasting product than the Crystals (i don't know this to be true)? Or should I keep looking and contacting more contractors to find someone who can install a superior make and model of window at my preferred ~$10k price point.
Would really appreciate your help!
Ben - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Ben, the Crystal 200 series are not a good investment in my opinion. Ideal UltraTite is an excellent window and that is an excellent price point -- Ideal is usually a pretty well priced. That is the call I would make here.
[Email dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co for his recommendations]
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Crystal 200 Series Reviews
Looking for 12 replacement double hungs, plus converting 2 to a bay...so far I have 3 quotes. The Alside Excaliburs and United 4800s were really close in price, then the Crystal Series 200 was about half that. I'm not sure which I should go with and what the differences are. The United rep said they use shims and caps on every window instead of simply nailing them in. Is that a big deal? Excaliburs have a better warranty. I don't really know much about the Crystals, they can't be as good for that much less.
Alissa - Homeowner - from 2012
[Response To Homeowner]
I've done a lot of work with Sunrise, Soft-Lite, OKNA, Simonton, Gorell. They all offer several series, basically a premium line, a standard one, and then a bargain option. For the most part, big differences in price from one estimate to another are because you're comparing across quality lines. I'd go back and ask them about the features to figure out what level of window you're looking for before you compare the costs. To be honest, none of the three brands you mentioned are something I would recommend to customers of mine.
Mike - Contractor in Delaware - from 2012
Crystal Windows Reviews :: 300 Series
The 300 series is the company's highest quality vinyl window that is available as a replacement or new construction. In truth, the 300 is perhaps a middle of the road vinyl window.
Dane - Website Editor
300 Series Quality Question
I have a cost quote for Crystal windows. The sales dude said it was their best window and that it rivals the best vinyl windows on the market. However, when I go to search for Crystal windows reviews, no one seems to think too highly of their products. What is your take on this company? The actual install company gets decent but not great reviews.
Sabrina - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Sabrina, I agree with the majority of reviews online that say Crystal is a pretty poor brand overall. Perhaps their premium vinyl window is OK, but that’s probably as far as I would go. I do not agree with the salesman that it rivals top vinyl series. I have looked for years to find performance data on this brand, particularly their air infiltration rating. However, I have not found it posted anywhere, which leaves me to believe that it is probably pretty poor.
Most high-quality vinyl window companies, proudly post their design pressure, air infiltration ratings, and U-value in order to show the consumer how quality a product they make. Most brands that don’t make high-quality products, conveniently, leave these off their websites.
If this for my project, I would continue to search for some more bids in order to be able to compare three or four quotes, which should give you a better understanding of the price point of your project. If your timeline in the home is relatively short, then I think you can get away with Crystal. If not, I would probably move on.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
Crystal Windows vs Marvin
We need to replace six windows, approximately 4 inches x 77 inches each, in our Manhattan apartment (2nd floor of an old tenement-style building.) We have a contractor working on a renovation who will do the labor.
We have quotes for windows from Marvin Integrity and on the Crystal 300 and are stunned — and confused -- by the enormous price difference between Crystal and the other two. Crystal estimates about $1700 for all six windows, the other two, more than $6000. How can this be? Are Crystal windows reliable? What would you do?
Marilyn - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
I don't hear a ton about Crystal windows. From the little that I have heard, they seem to be a builder quality vinyl window. This means that they are built and marketed towards builders and contractors who are looking to put in a cheap vinyl window that will function well enough for the first handful of years, but will begin to break down in that year seven, eight, nine, 10. So the question you have to ask yourself is is it worth it to spend the $1700 on cheap windows knowing that you'll have to replace them probably in your tan or do you go with the more expensive windows that will probably last 20 to 25 years.
Normally, I tell people to go with the more expensive windows because from a long-term perspective it tends to be cheaper. However, the quote you've received are so different in price that you may want to consider consider putting the Crystal windows in for the $1700 and hoping that you don't have any issues part of what would drive this decision for me would be the claimant that I live in. So, for instance, if I lived in a very cold climate in which the quality of my windows was very important, I would be hesitant about going with the Crystal . If, however, I lived in a place with a much more mild climate, I would definitely consider going with the Crystal and knowing that I'm going to have to replace them in eight or nine years.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2017
Crystal Windows Reviews :: 5000 Series
Crystal Windows 5000 Series
Good morning, an engineer in VA who investigated and performed repairs on my 4 story condo building for water damage, who happens to be partnered with a local window dealer who sells Crystal Windows, advised our management company and board that heavy duty all aluminum commercial grade windows were required and "industry standard" to replace our current cheap white wood frame/aluminum clad dark bronze on the outside only, residential grade windows. He claimed they leaked when they water tested them, although I have never seen them leak even in an heavy rain storm.
We were subsequently quoted Crystal Windows 5000 series single hung windows, (2 each @ 33" x 46", 1 each @33" x 66") and 8500 Casement (1 fixed, 1 operable RH @ approx 39" sq - not larger) - qty. 5 windows in total for $20,427.00 To be completed in one day, EXCLUDING: metal flashing, membrane flashing, engineering shop drawings, performance testing, abatement, waterproofing, structural members, EIFS, masonry, swing stage/equipment, drywall, and interior finishes. It seems like they are just dropping the windows off at the curb and running!!
What is your review of these Crystal Windows specified? It seems like we are being severely price gouged and the "team" is setting a precedent for the rest of our building (335+ more windows need to be replaced eventually)? Most importantly: Please advise what other options would meet the industry standard for window this size for a max height 4 story condo building in Alexandria, VA.
I would greatly appreciate if you could reply before COB tomorrow. 10/25/2017. Thank you very much,
Sharon - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Sharon, I know very little about Crystal Windows, and nothing about the specific series you mentioned. However, I do know that paying $4K per window is lunacy and you should run from whoever is trying to sell you these windows. Unless of course, you have major water damage that requires extensive repair work. Even then, you should be getting at least three bids on the work to ascertain fair market value for the project.
Your management company and/or HOA should know the requirements for your building's windows. I deal with residential windows and have little knowledge of commercial grade windows. I'm surprised that you would need commercial grade windows and a little dubious.
I would suggest getting more bids from local window companies since this is like getting free and professional advise. Get as many bids as you need in order to get a good understanding of what you are dealing with. Once you feel like you have a handle on your project requirements, then you are in a position to make the decision.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2017
[Sharon's Reply]
Thank you so much!! Yes, I agree with you on all points from lunacy to getting more bids. Unfortunately my condo's management co seems to be part of the problem and did not/will not solicit other bids. Something is extremely rotten here.
Thanks for your candid reply!
Sharon - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
It doesn't sound like time is a huge deal so take your time, get as much info as possible, and then make your decision. Talk with your neighbors as well, they may know some info that you don't, especially if anyone has had to replace their windows in the past five or six years!
Tim - Site Editor - from 2017
General Crystal Windows Reviews And Prices
Homeowner Opinion
My new house has Crystal windows and so far I love them. I get a tax credit because they are energy efficient, and my energy bills are smaller than in my old house even though this one is larger.
Robert - Consumer in New York - from 2011
Crystal Window Opinion
I've put Crystal vinyl series in new construction and also as replacements. I've never had a major problem. They aren't as sturdy as some and I wouldn't put them in a hurricane zone or anything, but for most homes they work well and look nice. Most of the repairs I've had to do were because of bad installs. They aren't the best but they're good for the price.
Allen - Contractor in Connecticut - from 2010
Crystal Windows For Rental Properties
I own a lot of rental properties, and I had a unit that need windows fast. CWs worked with my insurance company to get the paperwork in order so I could get the tenants back in. They aren't the best quality window, but their service was excellent. They really went out of the way to help me.
Charlie - Consumer in Washington D.C. - from 2010
Crystal Windows Reviews
I went with the basic window, without the energy efficient features or anything. The only optional thing I went with was the mechanism that keeps the window from opening too far, I put that on the kids' rooms. I won't work with the particular dealer again, though. I thought I ordered one window, and the ones they put in I think were a lower end model. When I finally got a guy out to look he insisted that they were the ones I ordered, but I know that I wanted different ones.
They gave me some money back but didn't want to switch out my windows. So I got replacements I don't really like, but at a great price. They work well enough, and I might get Crystals again, but not through that distributor.
AJ - Consumer in Virginia - from 2010
Crystal Window Review
Crystal makes a really low-end product. They're for rentals and temporary options, they aren't good enough to use on your home. The only way to make them workable is to use so much caulking and silicone that it looks like garbage. Almost any other window would be better.
Bruce - Homeowner - from 2010
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