Ply Gem
Is This Your Business?Average Project Cost: $400 - $1,500
Ply Gem, the #1 vinyl window brand, provides affordable, energy-efficient windows in various styles.Known for ENERGY STAR-certified products,diverse window styles and materials, including vinyl and aluminum-clad wood. Their ENERGY STAR-certified products promote energy savings, and strong warranty coverage adds peace of mind.
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Ply Gem is part of the Cornerstone Building Brands family and offers a wide range of high-quality exterior building products, ranging from siding and windows to shutters and accents. This Ply Gem review will focus on the company’s window products.
Ply Gem is the #1 brand of vinyl windows in the nation and is one of the largest vinyl window manufacturers in North America. Window products are available in a wide range of styles that can meet the needs of nearly any project. Ply Gem also offers energy-efficient windows that meet ENERGY STAR® requirements.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Range of Window Styles
- Variety of Window Materials
- Energy-Efficiency
- Longevity and Durability
- Customizable Window Options
Range of Window Styles
Ply Gem offers a wide range of window styles, including the following:
- Single hung windows
- Double hung windows
- Casement windows
- Slider windows
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Garden windows
- Geometric windows
- Picture windows
Ply Gem windows are engineered for any home style and can meet the needs of any project type, whether you’re replacing your windows or looking for the perfect fit for your new construction.
Variety of Window Materials
While Ply Gem is the #1 brand of vinyl windows and one of the largest vinyl windows manufacturers in North America, the company does offer other high-quality window materials. Some of these additional window material options include the following:
- Aluminum-clad wood — offer the aesthetics of traditional wood windows with the durability of aluminum exterior cladding; also offer increased thermal efficiency and comfort
- Aluminum — offer strength and durability against inclement weather and moisture; also feature a narrow frame design that facilitates more natural light
When choosing a window material, it’s important to consider the climate where you live — aluminum-clad wood windows are ideal for cold northern climates because they offer greater thermal efficiency, whereas aluminum windows are ideal for warm southern climates because they can withstand coastal storms and won’t rot in humidity.
In addition, you’ll want to consider the style of your home before choosing a window material, as some materials offer more versatility than others.
As far as maintenance is concerned, all Ply Gem windows, no matter the material, are designed to be low-maintenance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your home.
Energy-Efficiency
Ply Gem is partnered with ENERGY STAR to provide consumers with energy-efficient windows. Investing in energy-efficient windows can help you conserve more energy and reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Longevity and Durability
Ply Gem’s vinyl and aluminum-clad wood windows are built to last, with an average lifespan of 20–40 years. Vinyl frames resist fading, warping, and cracking, while aluminum-clad options provide additional strength in extreme weather, especially in coastal areas. Ply Gem’s windows are also crafted to withstand environmental stressors, with features like fusion-welded frames that maintain their structural integrity and Low-E glass to further enhance durability and energy savings over time.
Customizable Window Options
Alside offers customizable, durable vinyl windows with advanced insulation options, ideal for maximizing energy savings while enhancing home aesthetics.
The Bad
- No Window Installation Services
- Potential for Higher Costs on Premium Materials
- Variability in Warranty Coverage Across Product Lines
No Window Installation Services
It’s important to note that while Ply Gem offers high-quality products, it doesn’t provide installation services. To install your Ply Gem products, you’ll need to find a qualified contractor in your area that is trained to install Ply Gem products.
Potential for Higher Costs on Premium Materials
Ply Gem’s premium options, such as aluminum-clad wood, generally come at a higher price compared to standard vinyl windows. While these materials offer benefits like increased thermal efficiency and durability, the higher costs may not fit all budgets, particularly for larger-scale projects.
Variability in Warranty Coverage Across Product Lines
Ply Gem’s warranty terms can differ based on the product type and materials. For example, vinyl windows typically carry a limited lifetime warranty, while aluminum-clad wood or aluminum windows may have different coverage periods. Homeowners should carefully review the specific warranty terms for each product to ensure they understand the limitations and coverage.
Ply Gem Window Costs
Ply Gem windows are available in a range of prices to suit different budgets. Here are estimated costs for popular window styles:
- Single-Hung Windows: $200–$600 per window
- Double-Hung Windows: $300–$800 per window
- Casement Windows: $400–$900 per window
- Bay/Bow Windows: $1,000–$3,000 per window
Installation costs vary, typically ranging from $100 to $500 per window, depending on window size, location, and complexity. This pricing structure provides homeowners with options that balance quality and affordability.
Ply Gem Energy Efficient Windows
Ply Gem incorporates advanced features to maximize energy savings and reduce environmental impact:
- Low-E Glass Technology: Ply Gem’s Low-E glass minimizes indoor heat loss during winter and reflects UV rays in summer, which helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and reduces heating and cooling costs. They offer various Low-E glass configurations optimized for different climates, including multi-layer options for enhanced insulation(
- Insulated Glass Units (IGUs): Many Ply Gem windows are available with dual or triple-pane glass options filled with argon gas. This setup provides better insulation by reducing thermal transfer and keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. These IGUs are ideal for improving energy efficiency year-round(
- Warm Edge Spacer Systems: Ply Gem uses non-metallic, warm edge spacers to separate glass panes within the window, which helps reduce heat transfer at the edges. This system minimizes condensation, further enhancing the windows' insulating capabilities
- ENERGY STAR® Certification: Many of Ply Gem’s windows meet or exceed ENERGY STAR standards, indicating they offer excellent energy efficiency suitable for various climate zones. ENERGY STAR certification helps homeowners save on energy costs while supporting eco-friendly practices by reducing overall energy consumption.
Ply Gem offers a limited variety of products that are identified as ENERGY STAR 2023 Most Efficient Products. This line of products offers maximum energy efficiency and cutting edge technology, offering consumers greater comfort and savings on interior heating and cooling.
Ply Gem Window Warranty
Ply Gem offers strong warranty protection for its window products, although specific details may vary by product line. Key warranty highlights include:
- Vinyl Windows: Limited lifetime warranty on vinyl components, covering issues related to defects in materials or workmanship.
- Aluminum-Clad Wood and Aluminum Windows: Generally include coverage for defects in materials and craftsmanship, though terms may vary.
- Glass Components: Coverage for up to 20 years, addressing issues such as seal failure and related defects.
- Transferable Warranty: Ply Gem warranties are transferable to a new homeowner if you sell your home, adding resale value.
- Warranty Registration: Ply Gem offers online registration, allowing homeowners to easily file claims and access personalized warranty assistance.
Homeowners should contact Ply Gem for specific warranty information, as details can vary across product lines.
Ply Gem Comparison to Competitors
Ply Gem is comparable to brands like Marvin and JELD-WEN in affordability and energy efficiency. While Marvin offers premium wood and fiberglass frames, Ply Gem provides high-quality vinyl and aluminum-clad options at a more accessible price point. Known as the top vinyl window brand in the U.S., Ply Gem appeals to homeowners seeking budget-friendly, energy-efficient options with a range of styles, without the high cost of premium wood or fiberglass found in other brands.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for high-quality and energy-efficient windows for your home, Ply Gem may be a top contender for your business. Ply Gem is the #1 brand of vinyl windows in the nation and the company is well-known across North America for its excellent products.
A variety of window styles are available to meet nearly any needs and aesthetic tastes, and all window products are backed by a warranty that will protect your investment for years to come. However, specific warranty details aren’t provided on the Ply Gem website, which may be a drawback for some customers — if you’d like to learn more about Ply Gem warranties, you’ll need to contact Ply Gem and speak with a company representative.
