Choosing the right windows is an important decision when it comes to home improvement.
Not only do they provide ventilation and natural light, but they also impact your home’s energy efficiency and overall aesthetic.
With so many brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to navigate the options.
Unfortunately, some companies have a reputation for producing subpar products, leaving homeowners with frustrating and expensive problems.
So if you’re in the market for new windows and want to avoid the headaches of bad products, here are the worst window brands to avoid at all costs.
Table of Contents
- List of Worst Window Brands
- 1. American Craftsman
- 2. Amcraft
- 3. Atrium
- 4. Lincoln
- 5. Crestline
- 6. MI Windows
- 7. Window World
- 8. Woodbridge
- 6 Signs to Identify a Bad Window Brand
- 3 Most Reliable Window Brands
- 1. Andersen Windows
- 2. Cascade Windows
- 3. Alside Windows
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: How long do cheap windows last?
- Q2: Are Quaker Windows Worth Buying?
- Bottom Line
- Crystal Hafley
List of Worst Window Brands
Our research and customer reviews show that the worst window brands to avoid are American Craftsman, Amcraft, Atrium, Lincoln, Crestline, and a few others.
Read the following blogs to find out other worst products:
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- Worst Kitchen Faucets
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- 8 Worst Travel Trailer Brands To Avoid in 2023
1. American Craftsman
I recommend avoiding American Craftsman if you’re looking for new windows. As someone who has personally had a negative experience with this brand, I can attest to the poor quality of their products.
My American Craftsman windows suffered from warping and cracking, leading to higher energy bills and a less comfortable home.
In addition to the poor quality of the windows, the company’s customer service was also lacking. Getting a hold of customer support was difficult, and the response times were slow.
2. Amcraft
Amcraft is the worst window brand that homeowners should avoid at all costs. This company is known for producing low-quality windows prone to warping, leaking, and condensation.
Amcraft’s windows fail to provide the energy efficiency and durability that homeowners need, and the company also has a reputation for poor customer service.
Negative customer reviews reveal a pattern of delayed delivery, installation issues, and difficulty obtaining warranty support.
In short, if you’re in the market for new windows, steer clear of Amcraft and opt for a more reliable and trustworthy brand.
3. Atrium
Atrium is another bad window brand to avoid due to the numerous reports of product issues.
Customers have reported problems such as air leakage, water infiltration, and faulty seals, which can lead to costly repairs and damage.
The brand also has a reputation for poor customer service, with reports of delays in warranty support and difficulty getting in touch with representatives.
Additionally, their windows have a lower energy efficiency rating than other brands, leading to higher energy bills.
If you’re considering Atrium Windows, it’s best to steer clear and opt for a more reliable brand with better customer satisfaction and product quality.
4. Lincoln
Lincoln is a brand you’ll want to avoid if you’re looking for high-quality windows. Despite their claims of being a high-end brand, their windows are known for being poor in quality and overpriced.
Customers have reported issues such as air leakage, water infiltration, and difficulty opening and closing windows, which can be frustrating and costly to repair.
To make matters worse, their customer service could be more responsive, leaving customers to deal with the consequences of their faulty products on their own.
5. Crestline
Crestline is also among our worst window brands to avoid if you want high-quality and reliable products.
Their windows are prone to warping and air leakage, leading to higher energy bills and a less comfortable home.
On top of these product issues, their customer service could be better, with customers experiencing delays in warranty support and difficulty getting in touch with representatives.
6. MI Windows
I had a terrible experience buying MI Windows. Despite being marketed as a reputable brand, I encountered numerous issues, including air leakage, warping, and breakage.
To make matters worse, their customer service was subpar. It was difficult to get in touch with representatives, and when I finally did, the response times were slow.
7. Window World
Window World is also a bad window brand that should be cautiously approached.
While they offer seemingly affordable prices, customers have reported numerous product issues.
The top defects include poor insulation, window seals failing, and lack of performance in winter conditions.
Additionally, their customer service is reported as unhelpful and unresponsive, making it difficult to get warranty support.
8. Woodbridge
Some people would be shocked to find Woodbridge under our worst brands of windows list. Well, we have our reasons.
While they claim to be a high-end brand, many customers have reported issues with their windows, such as mildew, condensation, and difficulty opening and closing.
These problems affect the comfort of your home and can lead to higher energy bills.
6 Signs to Identify a Bad Window Brand
Identifying a bad window brand can be tricky, but you can search for the below-mentioned signs.
Poor quality Materials: Look for signs of low-quality materials that can lead to issues such as condensation, leaks, and warping.
Lack of Energy Efficiency: Check if the brand is Energy Star Certified to ensure it won’t drive up your energy bills.
Negative Customer Reviews: Research the brand’s reputation and read reviews from other customers to see if they have had negative experiences with the brand’s windows and customer service.
No Warranty or Limited Warranty: Ensure the brand offers a comprehensive warranty to protect against defects and damage.
No Professional Installation: Verify that the brand has a network of certified installers who can properly install the windows and provide warranty support.
Cheap Price: Some prices are too good to be true. So if you are getting windows at below-competitive rates, that is a red flag.
3 Most Reliable Window Brands
Investing in new windows is a big decision, and choosing a reliable and reputable brand is important to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Reliable window brands offer high-quality, energy-efficient windows that can withstand the test of time. Here are some of the most reliable window brands on the market:
1. Andersen Windows
After having a miserable experience with MI Windows and American Craftsman, I opted for Andersen Windows.
With over 100 years of experience in the industry, Andersen is a trusted brand known for its durable and energy-efficient windows.
What impressed me most was their wide range of window styles and materials, including wood, vinyl, and composite, allowing me to find the perfect fit for my home.
Additionally, the exceptional customer service I received from Andersen made the entire process smooth and stress-free.
I can confidently say that investing in Andersen Windows was a great decision.
Also Read: Worst Paint Brush Brands
2. Cascade Windows
Cascade Windows is a reliable window brand that I recommend to anyone in search of top-quality windows.
Their windows are manufactured using advanced technology, making them highly energy-efficient and durable.
The brand offers a wide range of styles and materials, allowing me to customize my windows to match the unique style of my home.
If you’re looking for high-quality and reliable windows, look no further than Cascade Windows.
3. Alside Windows
When it comes to reliable and high-quality windows, Alside Windows stands out as a top-performing brand.
The windows are crafted using state-of-the-art technology and high-quality materials, resulting in products that are energy-efficient, durable, and built to last.
The company offers a wide range of window styles and options, making finding the perfect match for your home easy.
What truly sets Alside apart is its unwavering commitment to customer service.
Their team is highly knowledgeable and always ready to assist, whether you need help selecting the right windows or have questions about the installation process.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy window brand, Alside Windows is definitely a top contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long do cheap windows last?
The lifespan of cheap windows can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of materials used, installation technique, and maintenance given over time. Generally, cheap windows can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years.
Q2: Are Quaker Windows Worth Buying?
Quaker windows are generally considered high-quality windows with excellent energy efficiency and durability.
The company offers various window styles, including casement, awning, double-hung, and sliding windows. They also offer a variety of materials, including vinyl, wood, and aluminum-clad wood.
Bottom Line
Choosing good windows is crucial for improving your home’s overall energy efficiency, aesthetics, and comfort.
While there are numerous options on the market, it’s important to steer clear of worst window brands that have a reputation for producing subpar products and providing poor customer service.
You can avoid the frustration and expense of bad windows by paying attention to warning signs such as negative reviews, lack of warranty, and cheap pricing.
Instead, you can invest in reliable and trustworthy brands that offer high-quality, energy-efficient windows that can withstand the test of time, ultimately adding value and comfort to your homes.
Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.
With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.
We would not choose Anderson again. Our windows are leaking badly. The warranty covers parts for 10 years but the cost ti install parts is prohibitive, Anderson does not cover the cost of installation for faulty parts. VERY disappointed with Anderson.