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Whether you’re trying to pick out windows for a new construction home or are ready to upgrade your house with new replacement windows, it is critical that you select high-quality models that will meet your expectations. This leads many homeowners to consider Alside Windows — some of the best options available on the market.
We’ll detail everything you need to know about these windows, point out some of the optional upgrades Alside makes available, and share a few tips for making the best choice for your situation.
Getting to Know the Manufacturer: Alside
A long-established American manufacturer of exterior building products, Alside is best known for its vinyl windows, patio doors, and siding systems. The company was founded in 1947 and immediately began shaking up the home exterior market by offering the first residential baked enamel aluminum siding products.
Since that time, they’ve grown into a leader in the home improvement industry and expanded operations considerably. The brand is headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, but operates via a network of more than 100 supply centers and distributors spread across the United States.
Alside is part of the Associated Materials, LLC corporate family — a major North American producer and distributor of building materials that also includes other exterior brands. This corporate backing gives Alside a strong manufacturing footprint and widespread distribution reach.
Window Styles Available from Alside
One of the things that makes Alside Windows so popular with homeowners, builders, and home exterior professionals is the fact that they’re available in a variety of styles. This means that there should be an Alside Window available for just about every situation you’re likely to encounter.
Some of the window styles included within the Alside product lineup include:
- Single-Hung Windows: Single-hung windows feature a fixed upper sash that does not move, along with a lower sash that opens vertically. They offer a simple, cost-effective design that relies on fewer moving parts, making them a popular choice for traditional homes.
- Double-Hung Windows: Double-hung windows have two operable sashes that slide up and down, allowing fresh air to enter from the top, bottom, or both. This design provides greater air flow control than single-hung windows and makes cleaning easier, especially when the sashes tilt inward.
- Sliding (Gliding) Windows: Sliding windows open horizontally, with one sash gliding past another on a fixed track. These types of windows provide wide views, and they are both easy to operate and well-suited for areas where vertical window clearance is limited.
- Picture (Fixed) Windows: Picture windows are fixed in place and do not open, making them ideal for showcasing unobstructed views and maximizing natural light. Because they have no moving parts, they are often highly energy efficient and require very little maintenance.
- Casement Windows: Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward using a special crank-style handle. When closed, they create a tight seal that helps enhance energy efficiency and provide better ventilation control than some other windows.
- Awning Windows: Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom. Their design allows fresh air to enter even when it is lightly raining, making them a practical option for bathrooms, basements, and locations situated above or below other windows.
- Bay and Bow Windows: Bay and bow windows extend outward from the home, creating a larger interior space while allowing more natural light to enter. While similar, bay and bow windows feature different numbers of panes, with bow windows offering a rounder look than the angled appearance bay windows provide.
Alside Windows: Available Products
Alside breaks their products down into two key categories: windows intended to replace the existing windows in your home and windows designed for fresh installation in a new construction home. We’ll detail the products offered in each category separately.
Alside Vinyl Replacement Windows
Alside currently offers the following vinyl replacement windows:
- Sovereign Ultra-Premium Vinyl Windows: Alside’s top-tier replacement windows, Sovereign Ultra-Premium Vinyl Windows are designed to provide maximum performance, durability, and flexibility. They offer energy-efficient construction, enhanced structural strength, and a wide range of styles and customization options.
- Mezzo Energy-Efficient Vinyl Windows: Mezzo Energy-Efficient Vinyl Windows balance strong thermal performance with modern styling and affordability. They are a popular choice for homeowners seeking dependable energy savings, ease of operation, and a variety of design options.
- Vero Vinyl Windows: Designed to deliver dependable performance and everyday value without unnecessary complexity, Vero Vinyl Windows provide solid insulation, durable vinyl construction, and practical style choices that are suitable for a wide range of homes and aesthetic tastes.
- Fusion Vinyl Windows: Fusion Vinyl Windows are designed with a focus on construction quality and long-term reliability, while maintaining a mid-range price point. They combine durable materials with efficient operation, making them a practical option for homeowners looking to upgrade older windows.
- ValuePro Vinyl Windows: ValuePro Vinyl Windows are Alside’s most budget-friendly replacement option, offering excellent performance and vinyl durability at an accessible price. They are ideal for homeowners prioritizing cost-effective window replacement while still gaining improved insulation and functionality.
Alside New Construction Windows
Alside currently offers the following windows for new construction or full-frame window installations:
- Fairfield 80 Series Vinyl Windows: Designed for new construction and full-frame installations, Fairfield 80 Series Vinyl Windows offer enhanced energy efficiency and durable vinyl construction. They are built to meet modern building standards while providing reliable performance and a clean, traditional appearance.
- Fairfield 70 Series Vinyl Windows: Fairfield 70 Series Vinyl Windows provide a value-focused option for new construction projects that still require dependable performance and solid insulation. They are well-suited for builders and homeowners looking for practical functionality at a more accessible price point.
- 1700 Series New Construction Windows: 1700 Series New Construction Windows are engineered for versatility and ease of installation in residential building projects. They offer durable vinyl frames and dependable thermal performance while being available in a variety of styles to suit a wide range of home designs.
- 1900 Series New Construction Windows: 1900 Series New Construction Windows represent Alside’s higher-performance new construction offering, combining enhanced energy efficiency with refined design options. They are ideal for projects where long-term durability, comfort, and upgraded performance are priorities.
Alside Window Upgrades and Color Options
Picking the perfect Alside windows for your home doesn’t end when you choose a style and specific product line; you will also have the opportunity to select from several optional upgrades. We’ll outline some of the most popular options homeowners choose below, but understand that not every upgrade option is available for every window style or product line.
Energy-Saving Upgrade Options
- Low-E Glass: Low-E (low-emissivity) glass features a microscopically thin coating that reflects heat while still allowing natural light to pass through. This helps keep homes cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and more energy efficient year-round.
- Argon Gas Fills: Argon gas fills are used between the panes of insulated glass to reduce heat transfer and improve thermal performance. Because argon is denser than air, it helps slow energy loss and enhances the overall efficiency of the window.
- Warm-Edge Spacer Systems: Warm-edge spacer systems separate the panes of insulated glass while reducing heat loss at the edge of the window. They help improve energy efficiency, reduce condensation, and contribute to a more comfortable interior environment.
Other Glass Options
In addition to the energy-saving options, you can also get Alside Windows with other options, including:
- Internal Grids: Internal grids are decorative strips placed between the panes of insulated glass, giving the appearance of divided panes without affecting cleaning or energy efficiency. Because they are sealed inside the glass unit, they require no maintenance and never collect dust.
- External Grids: External grids are applied to the surface of the glass to create a more traditional, true divided-pane appearance. They add architectural character but may require more cleaning since they sit on the exterior of the window.
- Simulated Divided Lite (SDL): Simulated divided lite windows combine internal grids with applied exterior muntins to closely replicate the look of true divided glass. This option provides classic aesthetics while maintaining modern insulated glass performance.
- V-Grooved Glass: V-grooved glass features decorative grooves etched into a single pane of glass to create the appearance of divided lites. It offers a clean, traditional look without additional grid components or impact on energy efficiency.
Hardware Options
Alside also offers options relating to window hardware, such as:
- Locking Hardware: Locking hardware is designed to secure the window when closed, helping improve home security while also ensuring a tight, weather-resistant seal. Quality locking systems contribute to smooth operation and long-term durability.
- Specialty Operator Handles: Specialty operator handles are used on windows like casement and awning styles to control opening and closing. They offer ergonomic operation and are available in different finishes to complement the window’s overall design.
Alside Window Warranty Coverage
Alside stands behind its windows with a Lifetime Limited Warranty, giving homeowners long-term assurance that the product is built to last. This warranty is offered to the original purchaser/property owner and remains in effect for as long as that owner lives in and owns the home where the windows were installed, covering many key components against manufacturing defects.
Under normal use and care, Alside’s warranty typically includes:
- Protection against cracking, warping, peeling, blistering, or corrosion of the sash or frame materials.
- Moving parts of the window (balances, locks, sliding mechanisms) for the life of ownership.
- Protection against rot or rust in the screens or screen frames caused by manufacturing defects.
- Protection against seal failure that leads to visual obstruction in sealed glass windows.
- Labor costs for warranty repairs are covered at no charge for the first year after installation.
Do note that warranty coverage can vary by product line and region, so homeowners should always review the specific warranty documentation provided at the time of installation.
Choosing the Best Windows for Your Home: Helpful Tips
As you can see, there are certainly a number of options available within Alside’s window lineup. Just keep the following tips in mind to help ensure you select the exact model (and options) for your home:
- Your Application: You’ll need to start by considering whether your project involves replacement windows or new construction windows. Replacement windows are ideal for updating existing openings, while new construction windows are better suited for new builds, additions, or full-frame replacements.
- Climate Concerns: You should also think about your energy-efficiency goals and local climate. Upgrading to Low-E glass, argon gas fills, or advanced insulated glass packages can improve comfort and reduce heating and cooling costs, especially in areas with extreme temperatures.
- Use, Durability, and Functionality: It’s important to evaluate how you use each room and choose window styles that match functionality needs. For example, double-hung windows offer flexible ventilation, casement windows provide tight seals and easy operation, and picture windows are ideal for maximizing natural light and views.
- Visual Factors: Aesthetics are certainly important for windows, so take time to consider frame colors, grid patterns, and decorative glass options that complement your home’s architectural style. Alside’s FrameWorks color options and grid configurations allow you to balance curb appeal with personal preference.
- Overall Value: It’s always important to factor in your budget, long-term value, and warranty coverage. While premium upgrades and higher-tier window lines may increase upfront cost, they can offer better durability, energy savings, and peace of mind through Alside’s lifetime limited warranty.
Alside Windows: FAQ
Still have questions about Alside Windows? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions our clients have and answered them below.
Are Alside good windows?
Yes – Alside Windows are widely considered to be some of the best windows available at the mid-level price point.
Who manufactures Alside Windows?
Alside Windows are manufactured by Associated Materials, LLC.
How much does an Alside window cost?
Most simple Alside Windows cost between $250 and $1,000, though bay and bow windows may cost up to $3,500 or more.
How does Alside compare to other brands?
Alside Windows compare favorably to most bargain-priced and mid-tier replacement windows. They typically provide better wind resistance, impact protection, and energy efficiency than others at these price points.
Do Alside windows meet Energy Star requirements?
Many Alside window configurations can meet Energy Star requirements when properly specified for the local climate zone.
Does Alside sell to the public?
No, Alside does not sell directly to the public; they make their products available via wholesalers, retailers, and select contractors, such as Schoenherr Roofing.
How long has Alside windows been in business?
Alside has been producing windows and other home exterior products for more than 70 years.
Let Schoenherr Roofing Install Your New Alside Windows
No matter which Alside Windows you think would be perfect for your home, it’s important to partner with an expert contractor who can ensure they’re installed correctly. This will not only result in better performance and aesthetic results, but it will also prevent you from experiencing warranty problems down the line.
If you’re considering a window upgrade project or need windows installed in your new construction home, reach out to the professionals at Schoenherr Roofing. We’ve been providing unmatched home exterior services since 1995, and we’ve helped thousands of homeowners achieve the house of their dreams over this time.
Contact us today to discuss your needs with one of our window specialists and receive a free, no-obligation estimate. Whether you’re in Birmingham, Clinton Township, Franklin, Highland Park, or anywhere else in the State of Michigan, Schoenherr Roofing is here to help!
