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Home : Replacement Windows Reviews : Paradigm
Paradigm Windows Reviews And Prices
Paradigm Windows Cost: $$/$$$
(2/3 out of 5)
Paradigm Window Series
Paradigm manufactures and sell two main vinyl window series that are available as either new construction or replacement (new construction includes a nailing fin or flange): the 5 Series and 8 Series. The company once sold the 8300 series and we have included reviews on this model as well).
In terms of company strength, Paradigm enjoys a "good" reputation in the industry. Not a household name by any means, but they do make quality windows and patio doors that are probably toward the top of the second tier of vinyl window manufacturers.
I would give Paradigm a 7.5 out of 10 myself.
Paradigm Windows Warranty
Paradigm offers just an okay warranty as far as I am concerned. It is a limited lifetime warranty on their vinyl windows and patio doors (free from any manufacturing defects). In addition, for the first 5 years, the company will handle any repair or replacement costs (including labor costs) that owners have with the windows (lots of exclusions here so make sure you read the warranty in full before you purchase.) The warranty is non transferrable - meaning that if you sell the home, the warranty does NOT extend to the new owner. The warranty also does not include accidental glass breakage - most don't, but worth knowing).
Dane - Site Editor - Page Last Updated: April 21, 2024
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dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co
Homeowner Review Section
Below are Paradigm Windows reviews, price quotes, complaints and/or kudos, and more. For any questions, please get in touch.
Dane - Site Editor
Quick Links
5 Series
8 Series
8300 Series
Paradigm Window Prices
Paradigm Windows Reviews :: 5 Series
The 5 series is the company's standard vinyl window option - a decent standard window I would say - solid performance data that isn't going to blow you away, but should serve well given professional installation.
Dane - Site Editor
Paradigm Windows Cost vs Zen
Greetings, I have so far received 3 quotes and would love your input. Both include installation:
Zen Windows Cost Nirvana Series - $728 per. Includes lifetime labor and product warranty, including accidental glass breakage, and aluminum capping
Paradigm Windows Cost 5 Series - $812 per. Not as great a warranty and does not include aluminum capping in the price. Thanks.
Matt - Homeowner - from 2021
[Site Editor's Answer]
Matt, the Soft-Lite Classic Plus is the better option over the 5 series, and is quite a bit less in your two bids. (Not to mention the capping, which usually runs $75 a window so that is more in savings right there.) Assuming the Zen dealer in your area has a solid reputation (look them up on google and yelp and check their reviews) then this for me is the easy winner. That's a good price with the capping included by the way...
Dane - Site Editor - from 2021
Paradigm 8 Series
The 8 series is the company's upgraded option over the 5 series. Several nice upgrade features that will depend on the style of window you select (double hung, casement, etc.)
Dane - Site Editor
8 Series Question
Hello Dane, I’m not sure if you can help me with my question but thought I would reach out. I recently purchased a house (sold as “to be built”), moved in October and the builder used Paradigm. I live in Vermont and now that it is below 32 degrees there is an unbelievable amount of condensation where the windows meet and the bottom window, and when it gets below 20 degrees I have ice on the inside of the windows. It’s even more so if I have my curtains drawn.
I was told that the condensation is because the slab is not fully cured but the humidity inside my home is 45% which I don’t think is all that high. Is this normal for a window to do this? Is this something I can expect every winter and if so what does it do to the window year after year? My slider has absolutely no condensation on it. I was told to simply wipe the windows which is extremely annoying and time consuming to do every morning for 10 windows. Thank you for your thoughts.
Melissa - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Melissa, condensation is essentially moisture found in the air. Less energy-efficient replacements do let more heat escape out of the home and that is probably the issue here. I wish I had a more concrete answer for you. Take a look at our paradigm windows reviews page for additional information. Make sure that your next "buy" have a high CR or condensation resistance, which can certainly help.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Paradigm vs American Craftsman
Hello Dane. Looking at replacing my Pella Proline after 20 years (the sash is rotting out on all the windows). What would you recommend in the Rhode Island area for a moderately priced vinyl window. Was looking at Matthews Brothers, Paradigm and also American Craftsman since they are now owned by Plygem. My husband will be installing. Any advice would be appreciated. Best regards.
Eileen - Homeowner - from 2021
[Site Editor's Answer]
Eileen, I have never heard of Matthews Brothers so I can't really comment on that window. Paradigm makes a solid window and I would say their mid range or premium window would be my choice. American Craftsman is a lower end option regardless of who now owns them, I would avoid this option. I would say the Paradigm vinyl window with thorough installation should serve you well.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2021
Paradigm vs Soft-Lite
Good day. Can you tell me which window you feel is better as a replacement. Paradigm Series 8 or the Soft Lite Pro. Thank you very much.
David - Homeowner - from 2020
[Website Editor Reply]
Hi David, so the Soft-Lite Pro is the much better window series over the Paradigm Series 8 in my opinion. I would certainly make sure that the company doing the installation for the Soft-Lite Pro enjoys a good reputation and solid online reviews.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2020
Paradigm 8300 Windows Reviews
The 8300 series is the company's premium vinyl window. It comes standard with .75” insulated glass, a constant force balance, cam sweep sash locks, triple weather-stripping, a full screen, and injected foam insulation. Consumers can expect a U-factor of 0.28, SHGC of 0.31, VT of 0.47, CR of 61, and an R-value of 3.57. All in all, not bad numbers.
While I'm not a fan of the pocket sill design, which drains water through the frame and out the weep holes, this is a solid enough vinyl window.
Tim - Site Editor
Paradigm vs Okna
Hi Dane and Tim, we live in the north east, and our house is almost 50 years old. The original windows are in very bad shape. We’re definitely needing to replace them soon. We thought about going back to wood clad windows, but in doing our online research, we decided this was too risky of a move. So we have decided to go with vinyl.
We have a few bids - one is on the paradigm 8300. The other is on an Okna 500 and finally on a Polaris value smart. The paradigm ended up being 16,000, Okna 16,000, and the Polaris cost was $13,000. we have 20 replacement windows most of them double hungs and sliders. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Sabrina - Homeowner - from 2024
[Site Editor's Answer]
Sabrina, I think you’ve got three different and decent options to consider. The Polaris ValuSmart is their entry level option and I don’t think it’s quite up to task to the other two. Great price though and if your timeline in the home was less than 10 years, then you might want to consider it. If not, the other two options would be Better investments.
Okna is one of my favorite brands and the Okna 500 series is excellent. I would say that it is the better window over the Paradigm 8300. The fact that it’s less expensive makes it all the more appealing. The 8300 is a solid option, but the Okna 500 is the winner in this head to head lineup. Thanks for the question and good luck with your project going forward.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2024
Paradigm 8300 Windows Reviews
Dane, we are looking to replace forty year old double pane Andersen wood clad windows. Our home is in upstate New York near Binghamton. The Paradigm 8300 series have been recommended. The price, $13,110.00 is for eight double hungs, one casement, and a 4'7"X8'4" bow.
We are going to get two more estimates. Are the Paradigms a good choice? Thank you for your paradigm windows reviews - they're awesome.
David - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
David, I'd say the Paradigm 8300 window is a GOOD option -- but not in that top tier. Check out some more options below -- that bid sounds pretty fair given that bow window, which has to be pricey...collect your four bids and send a recap of them to me and let's suss out the best option for your budget and timeline in your home! More pricing using our window cost estimator.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
8300 Series Review
We are building a new farmhouse (look) house that calls for windows with black interior and exteriors. To make the numbers work we are considering Paradigm vinyl. I am not sure the series number (yet). Is there a product line that you would recommend? Thanks.
Ken - Homeowner - from 2021
[Site Editor's Answer]
Ken, I know black is very popular now. I don't off hand know which series offer the black on black options/ I know for instance the Sunrise Restorations does, as well as the Okna 500, 600, and 800. I'm going to send you my list of good and great brands and options for you to check out.
Call up your local dealers for each brand and ask them directly about their frame color options. Sometimes, I've noticed they say no, while their national websites say yes, so that makes it even more difficult. Also, understand that custom colors such as black do cost quite a bit more, and they sometimes come with a more limited warranty. It's possible that black might not be a custom color for certain dealers, but I'm guessing it is for most.
I would put the Paradigms vinyl model at the low end of the good list. You'll notice it doesn't make my list of good and great options, but it's not a bad vinyl option at all.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2021
Paradigm 8300 Series vs Atrium
Hello fellas, I was wondering if I could get some guidance on some replacement windows? I am looking into a high end Atrium double hung or 8300 series or better. I live in Watertown, Ny (13601). Any help on quality or price would be greatly appreciated!
Travis - Homeowner - from 2018
[Website Editor Reply]
Travis, hey there, so both the high end Atrium double hung windows and the Paradign 8300 series are solid mid range vinyl options. Not world beaters by any means, but they are definitely decent windows. I would probably give the Paradigm 8300 the nod over anything Atrium makes. Not by a ton...
Two places you might look if you wanted to get something a bit better include Okna and Ideal. Ideal is out of New Jersey and their Ideal Majestic windows series is often priced in the $500s installed (depends on the job of course but that's an average) and it has great performance data. It actually rivals some of the high end vinyl windows at more a mid range price.
There also might be a Soft-Lite dealer in your area and the Soft-Lite Bainbridge and/or Soft-Lite Classic is often a good window for the price. These would be my recommendations for your area.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2018
Paradigm Windows vs Pella
Hi Dane, wanted to get your opinion on the Paradigm 8300 vs the Pella 250 series they sell at Lowes. Live in northern Maine where the winters are very cold, the window will be replacing the current window in our bathroom. The Paradigm are a little more expensive than the Pella but if they are that much better I'd spring for them.
Let me know what you think between the two. Thanks for your help and your wonderful paradigm windows reviews - great.
Amos - Homeowner - from 2018
[Website Editor Reply]
Amos, if the question is between the Pella 200 series and Paradigm, then I would have to go with the paradigm, although you didn’t tell me which model or series you were considering. Typically, Lowes and Home Depot windows are low end , which would lead me to believe that it’s one of the entry-level paradigm windows that you are looking at.
Their higher end 8300 series is a better window then the Pella 250. However, their lower end vinyl windows arent going to be as good as the Pella 250.
What I would do if I was you is ask all of the associates in windows at Lowe’s which window they go with for their own home. I’m not the biggest fan of the big box stores because they typically carry entry level options from the different companies. However, I would say that the mid range paradigm in the Pella 250 windows series are roughly equal and I would consider them to be middle of the road vinyl windows.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2018
[Amos's Response]
Hi Dane, sorry for not including the model and series I'm looking at, the window from lowes is a thermastar by pella. and the other is the Paradigm 8300 series from a local lumber and hardware store. The price difference is about 80 dollars. What would you recommendation between the two of these be? Thanks again.
[Site Editor's Answer]
Amos, the Pella Thermostar is generally regarded as one of the worst vinyl windows on the market. The Paradigm 8300 model is definitely the way to go in this "match up." Best of luck to you in your upcoming project!
Tim - Site Editor - from 2018
Paradigm Windows vs Andersen
Dane, the Renewal by Andersen prices for 14 windows, the second size-lost originally $1700 installed, one a glider...after a lot of number mumbo jumbo, came out to about $1333 per window avg-seems pricy, but is the composite and the guarantee on the installation worth it?
They will also have to remove my exterior storm-screens. I have certainly seen how vinyl windows can fail here in Maine..we still have two days to cancel the contract, but I'm not sure if I can do better with an installer that is not part of the company. Any ideas?
Rebecca - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Rebecca, for $700 to $900 installed (depending on your installation requirements), you should be able to get the very best vinyl window on the market. A composite frame like the RBA is essentially made of vinyl and sawdust. The company touts it as some amazing technology, but the fact of that matter is that's what it's made out of. Top vinyl windows like the Okna 800, Sunrise Restorations, and Soft-Lite Elements blow the RBA composite window out of the water in terms of performance. If you want the best composite window on the market, go with the Okna Starmark, which is a bit bulky, but is an excellent window.
In terms of warranty, RBA does offer a good one, but it's no better than the three manufacturers I just mentioned. Typically, vinyl windows offer the best warranties in the business. I understand that Maine has very cold winters, but the top tier vinyl windows should handle it. I would suggest contacting each of these companies and asking them if they have reps who service your area. RBA makes a nice looking window, but it's just not worth the price tag in my opinion.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
[Rebecca's Reply]
I couldn't find anyone who does Okna, and the recommended installer installs paradigm, not as high end (unless 8300 is good enough). I will try to talk to these folks. Thank you.
Rebecca - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Rebecca, the 8300 Paradigm vinyl window is quite good. You are correct that it isn't quite as good as the Okna 800, but it does have some nice performance data with the LowE w/Argon & Foam Fill Frame/Sash. These are the upgrades I would go with (ask about a sash reinforcement as well). I would ask the installer how he thinks this window will fair in the cold maine winters, my guess is he won't have had any issues with it.
I would still search for a Soft-Lite, Sunrise, and Polaris rep just to see if any of these are available in Maine. Always good to get a bunch of estimates to see what's out there.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
Paradigm vs Ply Gem
Hello, we are currently getting approximately 15 double hungs plus a picture window in our home here in Michigan. The company we are working with has several choices, however, we are making a huge investment and need help! ( unbiased!)
Ply Gem
Silver line by Anderson
Paradigm
I did some digging on silver line and am not satisfied with the quality and even how they handled customers. If you have any suggestions, would appreciate the input as we are at a deadline. Thank you in advance!
Laurie - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Laurie, you are right to dismiss Silverline, their windows are basically junk. The Silverline 9500 series with a couple of upgrades is not bad though. However, you can and should do better. The Ply Gem Pro or Ply Gem Premium are both solid mid range vinyl windows. I like the Premium model over the Pro and it should be more than 10% to 20% more for the upgrade.
I would go with the upgraded Paradigm 8300 series I think as well. It has some nice components and decent numbers. I think with the upgraded glass package and good installation, you would be well served with this window. I like the upgrades of the 8300 series over the Paradigm 5000 series.
Bottom line is this -- both Ply Gem and Paradigm are known as solid mid range vinyl window manufacturers. If you go with their premium series, you are getting a mid-to-upper-end mid range vinyl window, which should serve you well.
One more solid mid range manufacturer in your state is Wallside windows. You may want to get a bid from them just to see how their price points compare to Ply Gem and Paradigm.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
General Reviews
Paradigm Windows vs Harvey Slimline
Can you give me your thoughts on Harvey vinyl windows vs Paradigm? Doing a replacement of old windows and it would be helpful to hear your opinion. Thanks.
Marc- Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Marc, Paradigm is a solid mid grade vinyl window that is probably on par with the Harvey Slimline or Classic. You really don't hear a lot about them, but I've seen the windows. Paradigm windows could use a bit of improvement on their welds and the overall look of it is nothing special.
However, I've heard good things about their overall reputation and business practices. I would assume that the quotes are very similar in price. If it were me, I would turn my attention to the company doing the work itself. I would also use the two quotes to see which of the companies is willing to drop their price for the business. Here is a link to an article that talks about negotiating the bid price.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
[Marc's Answer]
Yes the quotes were very close. A difference of $200. The Harvey windows price has already been reduced to contractor price and would be installed by the company selling the windows. They can complete the job in 2 days. The Harvey window would be installed by a local contractor who is already doing renovations to the property and would take then 5-7 days. Trying to do as much research as I possibly can but after a while it gets confusing as to which is the best choice. Thanks for your response.
Marc- Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Personally, I would go with the Harvey. It's a known brand and I like the idea that the same company that sells the windows is installing. If anything goes wrong, you know where to go. Harvey has a good reputation.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
[Marc's Answer]
Interestingly enough, after I responded to your reply I found an error in the Harvey quote. They are now $700 more than the Paradigm windows quote. Interesting process.
[Site Editor's Answer]
Hm, I would negotiate each bid and see where it comes in at -- or simply go to the Harvey dealer and tell him that his bid is $1000 more than the Paradigm. You are ready to go if he can match the other quote.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
Paradigm Windows vs Simonton 5500
Looking to replace two patio sliding doors, I large picture window and one bow. Looking at Simonton 5500 and Paradigm. Which window/door is better? Should I be looking at another company. I live in upstate New York and have a lot of snow and cold.
Terry - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Answer]
Terry, the Simonton 5500 series is a good vinyl option. Paradigm is going to be lower on the food chain in my opinion, although I don't know a ton about them. My notion is that their premium vinyl window would be somewhere close to the Simonton 5500. You might want to get 1 or 2 additional bids.
You should be able to do a quick google search for local companies who carry the following brands; Okna, Sunrise, Soft-Lite, Harvey and Polaris. These are the better window manufacturers that should be available from someone in your zip code. Feel free to send me the bids and project details and I can give you an unbiased opinion on what might be the best bet from your home reno.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
[Terry's Answer]
Thanks for your quick reply. I have met with a Sunrise dealer/installer in my area for the 2 patio doors I need. He is quoting about 3,000 for each patio door and 3,360 for replacement picture window and 1 double hung on each side. both are installed price. I'm reading that Sunrise sash panels are welded, however the frame is "knock down" meaning it comes in pieces and assembled via fasteners.
I am unable to locate Okna or Polaris in my area. Still looking. Harvey is about 1 1/2 hours away from me. Looking into Soft-Lite.
Terry - Homeowner - from 2016
Paradigm vs Sunrise Windows
We are having new windows put in; a couple of very large casement windows and a new sliding patio door. (I would love french doors, but afraid we don't have enough room in the area that they would open into.) Our contractor gave us a few names, Simonton, Kolbe we are trying to keep price down, but I've seen horrible reviews on both. Any midline brands that you can suggest? Paradigm? I assume Sunrise is out of our league. I really appreciate any input. Its a big investment and I would hate to have them leaking in a year or two. By the way, we are in Michigan, if that helps at all.
Laura - Homeowner - from 2015
[Editor's Response]
Hi Laura, yes there are bad reviews on just about every company out there. Simonton has a pretty good reputation actually and Kolbe had some issues with wood rot a while ago and that never plays well with customers (and nor should it.) They are more of an aluminum clad wood window maker, not so much known for their vinyl windows. (More on Kolbe windows pricing.)
I would get a Sunrise windows cost bid, their standard or classic frame is quite nice and well made. Get a bid from Okna and see what you think of their prices. Polaris may be in your area, call up their national office and see if they have a rep in your area. The Ply Gem Pro is decent and the ProVia Aeris Series is good.
It never hurts to get some bids and see what price range you are talking about. If the initial price is high, see if you can slim down some of the bells and whistles like hardware to get the cost down into a place that makes sense for you.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2015
Paradigm vs Harvey
I've installed a lot of different windows. I always like Harvey windows a lot, but then I just had a job putting in Paradigms and I think they're the best I've ever worked with. They come from the manufacturer packed really carefully and the arrive all cleaned (some windows have to be cleaned before you even install them). They are easier to install, so I can charge less to do it, and they have a smooth action and good seal.
Bill - Window Installer - from 2011
Read more Harvey windows reviews.
Paradigm Vinyl Windows
Paradigm makes vinyl windows, and they are pretty much the same as all the others. Most people will probably be okay with them, nearly everyone in the northeast has comparable windows. They aren't anything special, I like fiberglass a lot better.
Kent - Contractor - from 2010
Mediocre Endrosement
I've recently put in some Paradigms, and I'm not normally a big vinyl fan but these are better than most. I personally like wood windows better, but were just fine.
Spike - Contractor - from 2010
Paradigm vs Sunrise
The Paradigm is ok if you're looking for a builder's grade window. It isn't the same level as an Okna or Sunrise. You can get better without paying a lot more.
Tim - Contractor - from 2009
Paradigm vs Jeld Wen
My house is 13 years old and the windows are starting to rot. I'm looking mainly at Jeld-Wen, which uses a stainless steel spacer (Paradigm uses a duralite). Which is better? Also, the contractor I talked to said a full frame replacement isn't necessary, but if they've started rotting this early I don't trust the frames.
Anders - Homeowner - from 2009
[Contractor Response]
Paradigm is a good choice, I know a lot of contractors who won't work with anything except Andersen and Marvin for their higher end clients and Paradigms for your average home.
Peter - Contractor - from 2009
See additional Marvin windows reviews.
Paradigm Customer Endorsement
I've installed tons of Paradigm windows, and I think they're a great company. The install is easy, so it's hard to have problems, and my customers have all been happy with them. A couple of times when we did have a minor issue, they really bent over backwards to make it right. They have a lot of different options available and the window itself is really well designed so they only need minimal weatherstripping, not thick bands like I've seen on some cheap ones.
Mike - Contractor - from 2007
Related Topics: Wincore vs Andersen
ProVia Windows Reviews