Home : Replacement Windows Reviews : Windsor Windows
Windsor Windows And Doors Reviews
Windsor Costs: $$$/$$$$
(3/4 out of 5)
Page Sections
- Company Introduction
- Windsor Windows And Doors
- Warranty Information
- New Dimension Classic Series
- Pinnacle Series
- Legend Series
Windsor Windows And Doors
Windsor manufactures three distinct series: the Pinnacle Series Wood Clad, the Legend Cellular PVC or composite frame and the New Dimensions Classic vinyl window (they also make an impact window but its either part of the Windsor Pinnacle or Legend Series.) They are best known for their Pinnacle Wood Clad - exampled by the tag line on the website that reads "A Woodgrain Millwork Company." The Windsor Pinnacle Series is available as an aluminum clad or full wood option with an interior wood species choice of fir, alder and pine.
Ratings: The New Dimension is listed on the nfrc.org website and the casement has some decent numbers; .29 U-factor, .29 SHGC, and .50 VT with a low-e glass and argon fills. The Pinnacle Clad Glide-By with low-e glass and argon fills will get .35 U-factor, .20 SHGC and a .46 VT.
Windsor Windows Warranty
Windsor offers a separate window warranty for each of their 3 models. The Pinnacle insulated glass is warrantied for 10 to 20 years (with a 30 year optional upgrade), the extruded exterior finish for 20 years, components for 10 years and the painted white interior for 2 years.
The Legend composite window has a 20 year warranty on the insulated glass seals, components for 25 years, materials and workmanship for 10 years and factory paint of 10 years. The New Dimensions vinyl window carries a Lifetime Limited Warranty that covers materials and workmanship defects for the life of the original owner, is transferrable (the new owner is only covered for 10 years).
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dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co
Windsor Windows Reviews | New Dimensions Series
The New Dimensions Classic is the company’s vinyl window series. This name can get a little confusing because some people will refer to it as the New Dimensions and others as the Classic. Same window. I might give this series a 6 out of 10.
Dane - Site Editor
Replacement Window Questions
I have 6 Windsor vinyl sliders made in 2002 when the house was built, sizes vary but 53x53 is typical. I'm debating whether to replace due to age. Also, I don't really see any performance issues but I know they do not last forever.
I expect to live in the house for another 5 years and want to increase value and enjoy any benefits of new windows. A local, trusted contractor gave me a bid of $8200 for Mi wndws with grills. Seems high so I'm looking at Jeld Wen 4500 Premier because my favorite lumber store carries them (Menards). I believe Anderson and Pella will be double at least. FYI, I live in Iowa and Windsors are made about a mile from my house. I don't see a lot of the brands that you rate high.
I would appreciate your thoughts. BTW, I saw your review of Simonton but our Home Depot doesn't list them. Home Depot Windows Reviews
Lisa - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Lisa, if your timeline in the home is 5 years, I wouldn’t replace them. The ROI on replacement windows is going to be very poor in all likelihood. $8200 for 6 MI vinyl windows doesn’t seem like a very good deal to me — MI is not a great brand in my opinion (except for their MI Sunrise options) and paying over $1K a window is steep. But it can’t hurt to get bids and see what’s out there — they’re free so what the heck!
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
Windsor Vinyl Windows Reviews
Hi Dane, I came across your posts on forums and need your advice. We are about to replace 21 windows in Austin Texas. We've looked at Anlin Del Mar windows, Anlin panoramic, AMSCO artisan, AMSCO Hampton and are now looking at Windsor Classic. More on Amsco Windows reviews.
Could you recommend a high end vinyl window for Austin? We want a modern look with silver frames on outside and white inside. We have 13 windows and one sliding glass door, sized 9' x 80" Any advice would be highly appreciated.
Kris - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Kris, I like the Anlin for sure! I might keep looking for other options though, I'm not sure the Amsco or the Windsor make my cut :)
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
Cost Quotes
Hi, I have 14 or 16 windows to replace depending on how you count them. Windows in my home with vinyl double pane. By the way, one company counted 14 and the other 16. Here are the quotes and I’m hoping you can advice on which window is better:
NT Presidential Series: $19,199 (They count 16 windows, with tan exterior and white interior) NT Windows Reviews
Windsor Next Dimension Series: $19,952 (they count only 14, same colors)
Faryal - Homeowner - from 2021
Windsor Window Bid
We have quotes for Windsor, Jeld Wen Windows & Weather Shield currently, ranging from $73k to $92k out the door for 36 windows and 2 sliding doors. I've checked stats (u-factor & SHGC etc) and all are very similar. I've spent a lot of time researching, even purchased a book about buying windows off of amazon and know many of the up and downsides of extruded aluminum clad vs the other products out there. For better or worse, we have made our choice on what type of window we want.
The three products we are currently looking at are all the same type of window aluminum clad casement, and the pricing is all over the place depending on if I ask a sales person for one product first or another product first. The second quote they give me is always lower. I've made an offer to all three of the vendors at 80% of the initial price offering and am now waiting on a response.
I'm hoping the lowest comes back first but may take a few days to get a response, but in general we will pick whoever does come back first with the huge wait times going on. Going to start looking for round two vendors now in case none of the three come back. Would be interested in your suggestions for products.
Jared - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Jared, I'm not sure I know enough about Windsor, Jeldwen or Weather Shield to really give you a good opinion on which would serve you best as far as aluminum clad windows. None are really on any of my preferred list.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Windsor Pinnacle Windows Reviews
The Pinnacle window is the company's wood clad series and, I would say, a solid mid range option.
Dane - Site Editor
Windsor Pinnacle Clad vs Andersen
Hey guys, love the site and love all the advice that you’re giving to us consumers who have never bought windows before. I was looking at Anderson wood windows, only because I heard about the brand and knew that they made the quality product. I was wondering how you thought they compared to the Windsor Pinnacle Clad window. Thank you so much.
Leslie - Homeowner - from 2024
[Site Editor's Answer]
Leslie, thanks so much for the question, it is a good one. I will say that Anderson does make a very good wood clad window. Some of the best in the business as far as I’m concerned. Windsor is a much less known brand, and I would say that there, wood clad windows are not quite in the same category as Anderson. Nonetheless, they do make a decent wood clad opinion in my opinion. I think you would have to get some actual bids and price points on each in order to really know what you are comparing. I also have to say that you should check out some of the best vinyl windows with interiors that look like woodgrain. This is a pretty nice option for homeowners who want the beauty of wood without all the headaches in the high cost.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2024
Pinnacle Window Prices
Here are some installed prices from my recent Windsor quote using the Pinnacle wood clad series.
Double Hung: 36 by 49 Installed Cost: $780
Slider Window: 71 by 96 Installed Cost: $2,665
Awning Window: 60 by 24 Installed Cost: $1,035
3 Double Hungs Side By Side 88 by 71 Installed Cost: $2255
Total of around 68 windows (depending on how you count them): $69,775
Janna - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Janna, that's a pretty decent quote on the Pinnacle wood clad series. Assuming you like the company doing the installation, I would say that this is a very solid bid price. Have you looked at our Windsor Windows Reviews page for additional pricing information? Might be a good place to start.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
Windsor Vinyl Windows Reviews
Dane, in our new lake house we like the look of wood on the inside. Vinyl on the inside is not the look we are going for. What are your thoughts on these windows we are considering:
Windsor Wood Clad Double hung Windows (pinnacle)
Weather Shield Wood Clad Double Hung
Sierra Pacific H3 Double Hung
Pella Wood Clad Double Hung (these were $100k plus)
I get it. In looking at wood clad windows I’m looking at Pella, Windsor, Sierra Pacific. I like the old school look of Windsor double hung. Thoughts on these three windows in wood clad double hung?
Stella - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Stella, I think Pella is probably the highest quality, but it sounds like they are MUCH more expensive. If this is indeed the case, then I like the Windsor after this - I think they make a nice wood window. Then the Weather Sheild and Sierra Pacific after this. More on Sierra Pacific Windows reviews.
Remember that wood clad windows do require maintenance if you want the windows to last more than 20 years. I often at least mention that a top tier vinyl window that looks like real wood, without the expensive and the maintenance issues that accompany wood clad. There I've said my peace :)
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
Windsor Pinnacle Windows Complaint
Hi Dane, I'm in the process of installing Windsor Pinnacle aluminum wood clad sliding windows to my house. They've installed 2 of 6 of these windows and they drag heavily! They have NO ROLLERS. Based on my research none of the other wood clad products from Andersen, Marvin, etc use rollers either?! What gives? It makes no sense!
My wife is ready to throw away these expensive windows b/c they drag. Even for me, i need 2 hands to move them! Are wood clad sliders so notorious for sliding? Such products shouldn't even be sold! Any advice? I doubt I can return these windows.
David - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
David, they shouldn't be too difficult to slide so it sounds like something is wrong. Have you asked the company rep to come out and inspect them? I would first see what they have to say about it. If they don't provide you with any relief, I would begin to look at youtube.com videos to find some solutions to make them slide a little easier. At that point, I would also not buy the remaining oness from them. Here is my list -- contact us for our recommendations.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Windsor Pinnacle Windows Reviews
Good evening, we are preparing to have a large palladium window replaced in our 24 year old house. The current window is cloudy and I am sure I have some rotten wood that will need to be replaced. We are considering the Pinnacle Clad to replace our old wood window. The window consists of 4 parts. Two side windows, the rectangle unit and the half round.
My question is this. Is the Pinnacle Clad a worthy window? We have been quoted a price of $3,170.00 plus $750 for installation. Your thoughts on the quality and price would be appreciated.
Terry - Homeowner - from 2020
[Website Editor Reply]
Terry, the price sounds reasonable, but honestly, custom type of work on these "elaborate" windows can vary quite a bit. You really can't tell unless you get a few bids to compare it with. That's what I'd suggest. Pinnacle makes a good wood clad window. Not a top tier clad window like an Andersen 400 or Marvin Ultimate, but still quite good. Jeld Wen makes an interesting wood window that carries a lifetime warranty and uses an auralast wood that holds up better than traditional wood.
Have you considered getting a bid on a high end vinyl window using an interior laminate? Okna, Sunrise windows, and Soft-lite all make a pretty impressive laminate wood interiors that are difficult to tell from real wood grain unless you get quite close. The only reason I bring it up is that you will be replacing your wood clad window in 20 years, while the top tier vinyl window will last twice that long. Plus lower cost, plus no maintenance, plus much better energy efficiency. Some things to consider :)
Tim - Site Editor - from 2020
Windsor Windows Reviews In Michigan
Hi Dane, I live in Central Michigan. We have a house that a friend of mine's grandparents built new in 1980. It has all but 1 Pella window in it. They have lasted very good but we are thinking about replacing some or all of them. Wood inside with vinyl or aluminum clad exteriors. We have 3 sliding patio doors, 2 – 8' units, and 1- 6' unit. They need to go this year we can make it happen. The others could probably go another few years if need be. I am trying to figure out what to use for replacements.
I have a friend that is a local contractor. He swears by the Windsors. Says he would put them up against an Andersen vs Pella Windows for quality. I don't see that in the reviews. Seems as though they are a cheaper alternative, but have issues. I have found that they really aren't all that much cheaper as well.
I don't necessarily need an Anderson or Pella name, but do want a very good quality window. Another friend has Marvins and loves them. Advice?
Joel - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
Joel, if you are definitely set on wood, then Windsor is a decent alternative to the Andersen and Pella. The fact of the matter is that all wood windows breakdown over time -- this is reflected in their warranty claims. I'm not the biggest fan of wood for this reason, but I tend to like Andersen.
If you can be patient and find a good deal on their doors, I think you can get a good Andersen door at a decent price. Doors can really vary in cost, depending on whether its a standard or custom size so I'd price them all out and see how they compare for your measurements. The 8' and 6' sizes though should be relatively standard.
Marvin makes a great product, although their doors are mostly made of Ultrex fiberglass. You can get the door in a wood interior in the Integrity series and I would rate their products on par with Andersen. Andersen Windows Prices
If you are interested in a cheaper alternative, you can also look at a vinyl window with a wood veneer interior. It's worth a look to see if the faux wood alternative is something you like. Lots of door interiors are painted so the wood grain doesn't always show through. The quality vinyl options will offer a better warranty, performance and cost. I'd stick with top manufacturers like Okna, Soft-Lite, Sunrise, Kensington and Polaris.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2019
Pinnacle Series vs Jeld Wen
Were in the market for an aluminum clad window. I'm on a budget, but I still want a decent window. So far, I'm looking at Windsor, SEMCO, Marvin, and Jeld Wen. I like Semco and Marvin the best thus far. Jeld Wen and Windsor don't seem to be as smooth and have clunkier looking hardware.
Jean - Homeowner in Tennessee from 2010
[Contractor Response]
The Windsor is a lower end wood window company. Their products aren't bad, but if you do want a stronger product, Marvin Windows and Doors is going to be the brand to go with. Excellent quality and workmanship.
Allen - Contractor - from 2010
Windsor Windows Reviews | Legend Series
The Legend series is the company's composite series. I don't hear much about this window to be honest and I think there are probably better composite windows out there. The Andersen 100 series and the Okna Evo are two examples of very good composite windows that I would put ahead of the Legend series.
Dane - Site Editor
Windsor Legend Windows
Hi, we have a company here in the area that sells Windsor Legend window series, apparently it is a composite frame. I was wondering what your overall impression of this series is and what you thought I should be paying, or I guess I should say what is a fair price For a standard replacement window.
Sasha - Homeowner - from 2024
[Site Editor's Answer]
Sasha, thanks for the question. In general, I think Windsor makes a good window and door, but I wouldn’t say they make a great product. So I would say that as long as you couple them with really good installation, you should be just fine. I’ve heard very little about the Legends serie. In terms of Windsor, I hear a lot more about the Pinnacle and about the New Dimensions. So I’m not quite sure what to say and disregard. I think for me the best composite window on the market is the Ona Stark.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2024
Windsor Windows vs Lincoln
What are your thoughts on Windsor vs Lincoln?
Wendell - Homeowner - from 2018
[Website Editor Reply]
Honestly, I've never been a huge wood clad window fan -- I'm assuming you are talking about wood clad since you mentioned these two companies in the same sentence. If I had to pick I'd choose Windsor over Lincoln. My real pick is always a high end vinyl window with a wood grain interior. Much less expensive and much better energy efficiency, longevity and ease of maintenance.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2018
Windsor Windows Reviews vs Jeld Wen
We're building a brand new home with a considerable number of windows and doors. I'm looking for a budget window that will last and look good in the meantime. Originally, I wanted to go with Jeld Wen, but then our builder suggested Windsor. I'm trying to find out if they are a better option than Jeld Wen?
Daisy - Consumer - from 2012
[Contractor Response]
Daisy, I'm not a huge fan of either of these brands. I'm not sure you can build a house with a cheap window that looks great and lasts a long time with no issues. I understand that that's what you want, but that's not how products work. Cheap products don't last. You should be looking for a quality mid range vinyl window. Take a look at our best windows page and look in our mid range section for brands that might be better and last longer than either Windsor or Jeld Wen.
Michael - Contractor - from 2012
Customer Complaint
I've looked at Windsors and from what I can tell, it's a good price, fast shipping and installation, you can get pretty much anything you want as far as options and custom windows, but the factory makes a ton of mistakes - sloppy fabrication and bad welds. As far as I'm concerned, they're fine for flipping or a rental but I don't want to live with them.
Jim - Installer - from 2011
Winsor Legend Windows Review
Windsor's Legend is a cellular PVC window. It looks great, but Windsor has some quality problems that make me hesitate to buy them. They are a great price, though, and if you're on a tight budget you could do worse.
Holland - Contractor - from 2011
General Windsor Reviews And Pricing
Windsor vs Polaris
Hey Dane, gonna do siding and windows on my new purchase and wanted to get an unbiased opinon. So far, I've only had one bid - Polaris Windows - which is how I found you online. I'd love to get your list and wondered how you thought Polaris compares with some other brands I've heard mention, including Pella, Windsor and Renewal. Thanks in advance for all of your Windsor Windows Reviews, it has been a great source of information.
Steve - Homeowner - from 2023
[Website Editor Reply]
Steve, Polaris is a brand I like quite a bit. Windsor Windows And Doors is solid, but they make wood-clad windows more than anything else -- this is what they are known for at least. I have an issue with wood-clad based on the number of complaints I get from homeowners with 20 year old wood-clad series that they have to pull because they are rotting. I just don't think it holds up over time unless you are willing to put in the work. Pella is a popular brand and they make great wood-clad series and decent
Dane - Website Editor - from 2018
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