MI Windows Are Junk | True Or False?
MI Windows Are Junk - first of all, it's important to note that MI makes a number of different window and door series - including the Pro 5000, Energy Core, Homemaker 3, 1650 series, 3500, 4300, and Storm Armor window series, to name a few. They also now own Sunrise Windows, which is a well respected vinyl window manufacturer. So it's not so cut and dry to say that MI Windows are junk.
"MI makes lots of vinyl window series. Their entry level MI1650 series is a pretty junky window. Their V5500 Restorations series is one of the best vinyl windows on the market."
MI Entry Level Windows: I think it is fair to say that MI's entry level windows are pretty junky. They are made as builder grade windows, meaning they are low cost units that are sold to builders who need a low cost unit for their developments. By the time they start having issues, the builder has moved on and the consumer has to (often) fend for themselves. I don't like this approach, but it is a money maker for the builder and their suppliers.
MI Mid Range Windows: I would say that the Energy Core and Storm Armor impact windows from MI are solid vinyl options. These are the company's premium series, but I would say they are more like strong mid range options.
MI Premium Windows: I would place most of the MI Sunrise models in this premium category. MI took over Sunrise in 2020, and they now label the windows with their logo. So, for instance, the Sunrise Vanguard series is now called the MI V4000 Series. This is a fantastic series, one of the best vinyl windows on the market.
Related Site Links
2026 Are MI Windows Good For Texas?
| Window Brand / Series | Project Context | Editor's Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| MI Windows - Series Not Provided | Builder Proposed Vinyl Window | Generally Not Considered A Very Good Vinyl Window |
| MI Energy Core | MI Series Identified By Editor | Quite Good |
| Window Brand / Series | Texas Availability Referenced | Editor's Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Don Young Windows | Texas Option | Very Good Aluminum Window; Vinyl Windows Are Quite Good |
| Sunrise Restorations | Could Be A Dealer Near Homeowner | Extremely Good |
| Sunrise Classic / Standard | Could Be A Dealer Near Homeowner | Good |
| Zen Lotus / Zen Lotus Plus | Could Be A Dealer Near Homeowner | Very Good - On Par With The Sunrise Models Mentioned |
| Simonton 9800 | Ought To Be Available In Texas | One Of Two Simonton Series Editor Would Choose |
| Simonton Reflections 5500 | Ought To Be Available In Texas | One Of Two Simonton Series Editor Would Choose |
"My wife and I are building a custom home in Texas and need some help. Read over your Zen Windows reviews and couldn't figure out if they were available here. The builder wants to use a MI vinyl window and from what I've read these aren't the best windows. In our current house, we have Andersen windows and haven't had any sorts of issues with them. Should we consider going with the MI brand or should we ask him to find us some other options?"
Stan - Homeowner - from 2026
Editor's Advice:
Stan, generally MI windows are not considered a very good vinyl window. They are mainly sold to builders who are looking to put in a lot of windows at a low per window cost. MI makes an Energy Core window that is quite good, but besides that I would pass on these options.
Texas has some nice options though. Don Young makes a very good aluminum window. Their vinyl windows are quite good as well.
There could be a Sunrise dealer near you. The Restorations series is extremely good and their classic or standard series is good.
There could be a Zen dealer as well. Their Zen Lotus and Zen Lotus Plus are both very good windows, on par with the Sunrise models I mentioned.
Finally, Simonton ought to be available in Texas -- the 9800 or Reflections 5500 series are the two I would go with.
Tim - Website Editor - from 2026
2024 MI V5500 Window Price Quote
| Window Series | Quoted Installed Cost Per Window | Editor's Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| MI V5500 | Approximately $875 | Editor Considers The Window And $875 Price A Strong Option |
"I was reading your page entitled MI Windows are junk. I was wondering what you thought of the MI V5500 series. We have a bid from them which equals approximately $875 per window fully installed. Thank you so much."
Roberta - Homeowner - from 2024
Editor's Advice:
Roberta, the MI 5500 series is actually a very good window. A few years ago, I purchased Sunrise windows and doors and this is now their premium vinyl window offerings. The 5500 series is worth $875 per window. More traditional windows are not high quality series, and therefore would not be worth anywhere near that price point. But the top-of-the-line Sunrise, the restoration series, is certainly worth this price. I still think you should get a few more bids to see how they compare, but I think you’ve got a great bid on one of the best vinyl windows on the market.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2024
Compare Prices from Local Installers • No Obligation • 100% Free
2023 MI Windows Are Junk - Homeowner Review
| Window Brand / Series | Ownership Period | Homeowner-Reported Problems |
|---|---|---|
| MI Windows - Series Not Provided | Purchased In 2012 - Reviewed In 2023 | Window Failures And Concerns About Original Installation |
"I bought these back in 2012 and they are failing all over the place. The contractor who put them in was all bully bully on them, but he was a jackal it turned out. He didn't know what he was doing and now we have a house full of crappy windows. I'd run from these!"
Tommy - Homeowner - from 2023