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Home : Companies : Universal Windows Direct Reviews Universal Windows Direct Reviews
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Universal Windows Direct LawsuitIn 2021, a lawsuit came about called Dragon vs UWD 2021, which was filed in the Southern District of Ohio. It seems to have been an employee who wasn't being properly compensated for overtime hours that they'd put in. I couldn't find any relevant outcome to the lawsuit to be honest. From what I can tell, there have been no significant Universal Windows Direct Lawsuits against the company. If any do come up, I will be sure to update this section!
Universal Windows Direct vs PellaCompany: UWD does not manufacture their own window series, instead they buy them from Polaris and then relabel the series with the name Unishield Plus. They have various locations that sell the Unishield Plus in these regional or local markets. Pella, on the other hand, is a major manufacturer that makes a number of different window series using different materials, including vinyl, wood clad, and fiberglass. They sell their windows through a dealer network across nearly every single market in the United States.
Universal Windows Direct vs Window NationCompany: UWD doesn't manufacture their own windows, instead they buy them from Polaris and then relabel them with the product name Unishield Plus. Window Nation also does not manufacture their own window series -- they purchase them from Vytex and Soft-Lite, relabel them, and sell them as their own. This is not an uncommon practice in the industry.
Average Cost of Universal Windows DirectThe average cost of a medium sized Unishield Plus series with normal installation is $750 per window. Please note - there are LOADS of factors that go into the per window cost for any particular project so please take my specific price point with several grains of salt.
Who Manufactures Windows for Universal Windows DirectUWD buys their windows directly from Polaris, a manufacturer of several quality vinyl series. UWD specifically buys their mid range series, the ThermalWeld Plus. This is the drop down series from the UltraWeld Plus. However, the ThermalWeld Plus should still be considered a very good vinyl window.
Homeowner Q And ABelow you will find homeowner reviews, questions, comments, complaints and probably a whole lot more about this window seller. Then you'll find my answers -- hopefully they provide at least a few good tips and advice. :)
Universal Windows Direct vs Window WorldI have 2 bids on 16 windows so far and they are so different. Universal Windows Direct for $26K and the Window World 3000 series for $13.K I know that the UWD is the better option here, but what would you do given the massive price difference.
[Site Editor's Answer]Mark, if your timeline in the house is less than 10 years and WW in your town has a good reputation, then I would go with them. Anything over 10 years and I would probably not do WW. The UWD is really steep - I don't think that's a very good deal, especially given what the WW bid came in at. I think I would collect a couple more bids and see if I couldn't find something that was right in between those two.
UWD vs Okna 500 SeriesHey guys, love the site. It seems like you like the Unishield Plus window. But I was curious how you thought it measured up to the Okna 500 series. We’ve narrowed down our bids to two companies that both get very good reviews and this is the window that we’re sort of comparing against one another. Love to hear your thoughts because you seem like you like both of these options.
[Site Editor's Answer]Colette, I do like both of these window options myself. I think I would probably give the nod to the Okna 500 over the Polaris ThermalWeld, which is what the Unishield Plus is. But not by much at all, these are two very equal series to one another in quality and craftsmanship. I think maybe where it gives, the nod is in the overall brand, and I think Okna has a slightly better name than Polaris. But again not by much. I think both of these options are great, especially considering that both companies have good reputations for installation. For me would probably come down to price.
Universal Windows Direct vs AlsideDane, I recently received a bid on the Allside Ultramax series. Would you say that this is better or worse than the Mezzo? The other option that I am looking at is from Universal Windows direct on what they have which is called a Unishield Plus. Which would be the better option for me in your expert opinion?
[Site Editor's Answer]Rachel, for me, the Unishield Plus is going to be the superior window to the Alside Ultramax perhaps not by a ton, but enough that I feel secure in making that recommendation. That UniShield Plus is a relabeled Polaris Thermal Weld series, Which I would say is an eight out of 10 for all vinyl windows. I might rate the Ultramax as a seven or a 7 1/2. If the pricing is equal, I would do the UWD route myself.
UWD vs Ideal MajesticHi Dane! Now the window in the kitchen (same wall) is leaking...so i called the place i got the door from but they dont really deal w Provia windows. They do carry Ideal. He said for Ideal Perfect Fit would be approx 800-900 per widow installed. Is that a decent price? (Thats if i do a few, just one or two he said “would be a little more”. Said 20yr warranty n 3yr on installation. I also have an appt w Universal Windows Direct, which they said they would need to get into tenants apt too, so i may have to postpone as there are issues with them. I believe they use polaris? From what ive gathered on your site. Should i ask them to make sure? I am in NJ.
[Site Editor's Answer]Dawn, the Ideal Perfect Fit is an excellent window. Definitely get a bid from them. I would think there would be someone who deals ProVia windows in the state of New Jersey. Universal Windows Direct sells the Polaris ThermalWeld series -- quite a good option as well.
Universal Windows Direct Reviews In PhiladelphiaHi Dane, I need to replace 17 windows. I am in Philadelphia, PA. I am updating to move within 2-5yrs. and do not require top quality windows. Most of my windows have problems and need to be replaced. I recently received quotes from Andersen Windows: $52,000 went down to $39,000 Lowes: $13,000 for a Distinct brand window, and UWD prices went from $57,000 to $29,000 to $23,000 and down to $18,500, last offer.
[Site Editor's Answer]Harold, I would say if your timeline is 2 to 5 years, then whatever you do you won't make your money back. I also don't like the idea of putting in some no name brand from Lowes. I would continue to get bids on say a middle of the road Simonton -- that could be a good bet. But even that isn't going to make your money back with that timeline. I might advise you not to switch out your windows. I'll send you my list of good brands and series for you to take a look at.
Universal Windows Direct ReviewsHi Dane, looking to replace our 34yo builder grade woods on our brick transitional in the midwest. The windowsill and a couple of bottom sash are shot and most of the double hungs don't stay up. The window heights for double hung are from 67-71 and width from 25-47. One company with two windows quote for full frame hybrid and the rest for retrofit with replacing rotted wood. Our back gets beat by the sun. We are near Cincinnati.
[Site Editor's Answer]Victoria, great on the ProVia doors, they are some of the best in the business (if not outright the best).
Universal Windows Direct ReviewsDane, I got estimates from 4 companies for 18 windows + 1 8' sliding door. My home is 40 years old, traditional styling, brick construction. all original windows.
[Site Editor's Answer]I agree with you on improvit. American Weather Tech seems to get pretty darn good reviews in Cincinnati and Columbus from my research (maybe I’m not looking at the right branch for your home, but I believe I am.) Preservation windows are a good option in my opinion and that price is actually pretty solid. Usually I don’t recommend them because they are price prohibitive. I think it’s worth taking a closer look at these reviews…
Universal Windows Direct Price ListHi Dane, I recently received this quote from UWD and I’m pretty sure I’m getting taken for a ride. This guy is literally quoting me double the price based on what I have researched. Let me know your thoughts. Here are the Unishield Plus prices installed:
[Site Editor's Answer]Danielle, those prices do seem quite high. But remember that your project is unique so his pricing might not be be out of line -- it kind of depends on the state of your existing frames and sills. The only way to know is to compare some more quotes and see what other quality companies in your area are charging. This will sort of show you the current pricing for your project at this time. I'm more than happy to send you my list of recommended brands and options for your area.
Universal Windows Direct ReviewsI looking for options in Lorain Ohio 44053 first quote was 21,000.00 for 14 windows and a sliding Patio door. This was from UWD. is this good and what do you think is a fair price for double hung white vinyl with cross bars in them. Without the patio door, the estimate was $17,000K.
[Site Editor's Answer]Allison, not a horrible price, but at the top of what I'd expect for this window, which is quite a solid performer. I'd collect a few more bids and that will give you a fair assessment of the price range for your project.
Universal Windows Direct PricesHi Dane, we had Universal Direct give us a quote on our farmhouse project. It’s a complete gut and not just replacement windows. Some of these are larger than the originals they are replacing but all will need new frame work. We need a total of 10 windows, 2 exterior doors, and 1 triple panel sliding patio door (only middle panel slides). All windows will be black exterior with prairie style grills.
[Site Editor's Answer]Well, that is not the approach that I like to see -- and it doesn't seem like it's all that effective with consumers either -- but it's not like these guys are the only ones to do use it. They sell a good window though in the Polaris ThermalWeld -- I don't think I can tell you if that's a good price or not due to the 3 doors -- these tend to be all over the board to be honest, especially with triple panel sliders. Plus the black exteriors can get pricey if they are custom... I think you need to collect your 4 bids and then we can reassess from there. My notion is that your bids are going to be all over the place, but I could be wrong :)
Universal Windows Direct Prices Dane, I need some help with these 3 quotes. I live in MN.
[Website Editor Reply]Todd, I believe that you are correct that the Polaris UniShield is the Thermaweld series. All good windows to be honest. I think I would make my choice here based on how long I planned to be in the home and how good or bad the reviews are of the different installation companies. The Zen Windows in the Twin Cities seems to get very good reviews for instance. Yes, I would probably rate the Soft-Lite classic Plus and the Thermalweld as equal to one another.
[Todd's Reply]Dane, thank you for your insight. Both companies have good installation reviews. Zen is offering a free upgrade to the Pro series, but they are $2500 higher in cost over the Thermaweld from Steve the Window Guy / Universal.
We plan on living here another 10 years or so. We are leaning to the Thermaweld.
UWD vs. ApexI have UWD, Apex Energy Solutions, and Inside Out (Anderson windows) coming out this week for window quotes. I am looking to replace 8-10 double hungs. Are there any other companies I should consider? I am not interested in Bee Windows. I do not like their pressured approach to sales. I am not interested in Pella windows either. I will not go to a big box store because installation is as (or more) important to me as the window quality itself.
[Website Editor Reply]Karl, here are my good and great window recommendations…
UniShield Plus Windows From Universal Windows DirectDane, I am replacing 4 window in a condo unit in NJ. I received a price quote of $5028 or $4525 cash for UniShield Plus windows from Universal Windows Direct. Your price estimator gives a price of $2280 for this project. Are these quality windows, and do you think the price is fair?
[Website Editor Reply]Pete, I would consider this window a premium window and if you are getting full frame replacement, then I get a price of $3520, which I think is fair. Anytime I see a price above $1K per window I advise getting a few more quotes to find out what's going on. It could be a fair price depending on what needs to be done on the existing frames and/or stops. It could just be a bid that is too high. Only way to know is to get a few more bids.
Universal Windows Direct BidHello! I live in the Indianpolis area and am trying to figure out replacement windows on a foreclosure I recently purchased. All current windows are low end vinyl installed when it was built 25 years ago and only a few still have kept their seals so the place isn’t holding in the AC at all and my energy bill definitely shows it. I plan to be here 30-40 years so am looking for a long term solution window ideally but have lots of projects to fix this house right now so the budget is strained.
[Website Editor Reply]Chad, Universal Windows Direct sells an okay window, but not probably what I would recommend for a long term stay. Get the bid from Renewal, but prepare for it to be like $2K per window. I would search through the following list...
[Chad's Reply]Thank you for your response! I’ll be working my way down the list as suggested but had one point of confusion - Universal Windows Direct called back for a “special rebate” to adjust their price to $21,300 and I got a chance to ask a few more questions about what the window was exactly- it’s the Polaris Thermalweld windows apparently! So does that change your thoughts on them at all since that is then listed in the good quality list you provided - or am I missing something else about them here?
[Website Editor Reply]Chris, yes that definitely changes my opinion! Excellent window and the drop in price is great. They have a good warranty for sure -- it's just that I'm always suspicious of whether in year 15 they are running out to change out a window...that's the cynic in me though.
Universal Windows Direct ReviewsThank you for the information. Currently 2 quotes fit our price range; Universal Windows Direct/Unishield Classic ($1930) or Plus ($2326) and Lowes/ United Series 5900 ($2833). Your thoughts?
[Website Editor Reply]I think the Universal Windows Direct/Unishield Classic for $1930 would be my call.
What Windows Does Universal Windows Direct SellsSo how do I get my project done without paying these ridiculous markups. I used your estimating tool and it gave me a total of approximately $4,600. Do I buy windows and then separately find an installer. Do the brands you gave me have a list of installers they work with.
[Site Editor's Answer]Richard, the cost calculators are no longer correct -- at least right now they aren't...not with what's happened in this industry and the demand. The brands I sent all use local dealers or install companies so you have to find the local company who sells those products in your zip code.
Universal Windows Direct PricesHello Dane and team. Bit of seemingly simple situation. I just bought a condo in 63043 Missouri, and it has two windows in need of replacement. Ground floor, garden style, double hung. I've gotten quotes from 3 prospects:
[Site Editor's Answer]Aarin, a decent start...do me a favor and look up Zen Windows of St. Louis. They get great reviews and let's see where they come in using their Nirvana series (really a Soft-Lite Classic, which is a very solid vinyl window.)
Prodigy Energy Saver Plus XpS Windows by UnicorpWhat do you think about Prodigy Energy Saver Plus XpS Windows by Unicorp?
[Site Editor's Answer]Krystal, I actually don’t know much about this window. I did some searching and they seem to get good reviews, but beyond this I don’t claim to know. I wish I knew more.
Universal Windows Direct ReviewsTim, I am looking at replacing my 21 windows which are double hung original 1971 single panes with storms. Apex came out and quoted $17500 or $830 per window. Seems high but I got another quote from Universal Windows Direct for their Unishield Plus for $16500. This is a double pane window vs Apex triple pane.
[Website Editor Reply]At first glance, they do seem high. Here are my suggestions for who to get a quote from:
Polaris Ultraweld From UWDHi Dane, I may have gotten myself in a mess. I have been setting through presentations trying to learn more. I finally caved 2 days ago and felt that I was pressured and may not have made a good decision. I was hoping you could get back to me today, because I have a 3 day cancellation period without penalty. I have 18 windows I am replacing. No additives just Glacier White vinyl window. There are 15 double hung, 1 slider, and 3 small arches.
[Site Editor's Answer]Cindy, a couple of points here. One, I personally would not go with any company that puts pressure on your to sign today--unless its a smoking deal and they are trying to keep their installation team working (ie filling in a day of work.) This isn't the case here. That bids strikes me as pretty high.
Universal Windows Direct Polaris UniShield PlusUWD sells the Polaris UniShield Plus, but I can't figure out which window this actually is. I check Polaris's website and they sell three windows — Polaris ValueSmart, the ThermaWeld and UltraWeld. I'm replacing 14 double hungs, and one sliding glass patio door. UWD bid out the project for $8310 and ProVia bid out the Endure for $14,200. Which is the better deal in your opinion?
[Website Editor Reply]Steven, the Polaris UniShield Plus is I believe their ThermalWeld mid range window. It's a good mid range window. The ProVia Endure is better for sure, but there is a huge price difference. Assuming you like UWD and feel that their installation will be good, then that's what I'd go with.
Polaris UniShield Plus vs. Okna 500 DeluxeI am looking at 2 replacement windows by UWD but different contractors. One is Okna 500 deluxe (energy saving package). The other is Polaris ( UniShield Plus). In your opinion, which is better? The warranties are the same. Thank you for help.
[Website Editor Reply]Robert, I would go with the Okna 500 DX over the Polaris Unishield Plus. Universal relabels the Polaris window and sells the Unishield Classic, which is the Polaris ValuSmart window and the UniShield Plus, which is their ThermalWeld. The ThermalWeld is a nice window, but the Okna 500 DX is the much better of the two.
Universal vs Apex Energy SolutionsHello Dane, I'm in Charlotte NC and looking at replacing 22 windows. I have quotes from both Apex Energy Solutions and UWD Plus. They are close, but I'm trying to determine quality difference and anything else about the companies. Apex offers just the 1 product - the Insignia series, and Universal has 4 types and we are looking at the 2nd level up (the plus).
[Website Editor Reply]Mike, I don't know enough about either company to give you a strong opinion either way. I tend to hear better things about UWD than about Apex Energy Solutions. Based on this, I would go with the UWD, but I would ask them to provide you with some performance data on the window series you are considering. I would pay particular attention to air infiltration, which should not be above .12.
Unishield Plus vs Ply GemWe are looking to replace our patio door. Do you recommend the Plygem or Unishield Plus? Thanks.
[Site Editor's Response]Mary, first off, let me apologize for how long it took to get back to you, the email fell through the cracks. I don't know a ton about UWD, but I did take a look at their website.
Related Topics: Ply Gem Windows Reviews
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