The window and door market has become highly competitive in recent years. As a result, it might be challenging to sort through all possibilities. In this post, we’ll walk you through a brief comparison of two window industry giants, Crystal Windows, and Andersen, so you can decide which is best for you.
Table of Contents
Overview of Crystal Windows
Crystal has developed from a start-up in 1990 to one of the top window manufacturers in the United States. The company and its subsidiaries operate over 400,000 square feet of production space at four sites.
New York is home to Crystal’s main production site and corporate headquarters, with satellite factories in Chicago, Louis, and Riverside. At its main plant, regional branches, subsidiaries, and associate firms, Crystal employs around 400 employees. There are Crystal branch offices in Allentown, Chicago, Cleveland, and St. Louis. Crystal items can be found in over 35 states.
Crystal Window and Door System delivers industry-proven quality and state-of-the-art production to serve their customers better. With high-performance, energy-efficient Architectural Aluminum and Residential Vinyl Crystal and Crystal Energy Star Certified products, the company’s comprehensive range of products gives architectural designers fenestration solutions that boost green sustainable design projects.
Crystal has also established strong working ties with professional architects, developers, designers, and government officials to create ENERGY STAR COMMUNITIES using high-quality window management solutions.
Their market consultants work with you to choose the best fenestration goods for energy efficiency, ease of installation, and long-term maintenance compared to other brands. They are dedicated to consulting marketing for the success of your project.
Materials
Crystal windows are made from either of the three materials:
- Vinyl
- Aluminum
- Crystal
Price
Crystal windows have a diverse line of windows that can accommodate any budget. They have budget window lines that go for a couple of hundred dollars per window, right up to premium lines that can cost over a thousand dollars.
Durability
Crystal windows are highly durable. This can be attributed mainly to the construction materials used by this company.
Energy Efficiency
All products made by Crystal are energy efficient.
Warranty
Crystal Windows has a 20-year guarantee on the IGU, which stands for “insulated glass unit.” The frame and mechanical parts like locks and tilt latches are promised to work perfectly for as long as the customer owns the product. The paint finish is covered by a promise for five years.
A new owner can get the warranty, but the company must be informed and a $35 transfer fee paid. Customers should always read the warranty all the way through to make sure they understand the terms and standards, as there are often exceptions.
Overview of Andersen Windows
As one of North America’s oldest window manufacturers, Andersen has spent a long time perfecting the art of window manufacturing. Since its inception in 1903, the company has expanded to employ over 12,000 employees in North America and Europe production locations.
Andersen leads the industry. Their 1932 master casement window was an industry first. It set a standard as the industry’s first fully built window.
Andersen stands out by making eco-friendly, high-quality energy-efficient windows. They have environmental programs to reduce impact. It also want enterprises to use more renewable energy.
They also want enterprises to use more renewable energy.
Price
Even Andersen’s economy windows might cost up to $500 to install. For their top-grade windows, the price might reach over $2000. Andersen’s windows are priced pricier than its competitors due to the high grade of materials used.
Durability
Andersen windows endure. Vinyl is mold- and rot-resistant, although most of their windows are Fibrex. The reused wood and polymer frame outlasts a wooden frame.
Materials
Andersen Windows are available in various materials, making them suited for a variety of applications and uses. These materials include:
- Wood
- Vinyl
- Aluminum
- Composite
- Fiberglass
Energy Efficiency
Andersen is noted for its devotion to environmental sustainability. The frame materials and double-paned glass are the key sources of energy efficiency in this product. As a result, users should expect to save energy, enjoy greater comfort, and reduce their home’s carbon footprint.
Warranty
Andersen Corporation stands out from the competitors because of its outstanding warranty. It comes with a one-of-a-kind Owner-to-Owner warranty. As the name implies, it easily transfers from the old homeowner to the new homeowner. It also doesn’t seem to have many hoops to jump through. Apart from this one-of-a-kind warranty benefit, it comes with a conventional limited lifetime warranty.
Crystal Windows vs. Andersen: Which One Should You Choose?
Because of its excellent value, quality, and warranty, we advise you to go for Andersen. Their higher starting prices are justified for the increased value if it is within the budget. Andersen stands apart from the competitors, especially when it comes to premium windows.
However, Crystal should not be dismissed. They won’t sell you a defective product if you’re trying to save money. However, they aren’t quite at the same level as Andersen’s windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Windows Come with a Lifetime Warranty?
A lifetime warranty is available on some windows. However, you should ask if it is the lifetime of the windows or the lifetime of your life in the home. Because a window’s lifespan might only be five years, the company may characterize it as a lifetime warranty.
What is Unbreakable Windows Made of?
Polycarbonate panels are used to make unbreakable windows. Although these panels resemble glass windows in appearance and function, they are a mix of polycarbonate, acrylics, and other plastic resins. Polycarbonate panels are unbreakable and impenetrable due to the strength and endurance of their material composition.
Conclusion
Whether you have a small or large budget for windows, both companies we discussed in this article are excellent choices for your new house or renovation. Also, when comparing two companies of this caliber, only one or two variables will likely swing your decision because they are both excellent window and door brands.