So I recently had Ply-Gem windows installed in Anchorage, AK. We had 15 done, mostly medium and large. The company here in Anchorage did a great job quoting and installing the windows (although they didn't send any touch up paint with the installation crew, which I'm still waiting for as the new windows look a bit dilapidated from the outside due to the chipping that occurs during install), with a great warranty. After the windows were installed, cracks appeared on four of the windows, which I was very disappointed with. This is just under a 30% failure rate. So, the company I used for the quote and install here in Anchorage came round to take a look and take photos. I showed them the cracks, and also the poor finishing in the exterior brick-mold (they didn't send up any touch-up paint for the exterior after install...which is on the installation company). The PlyGem rep came to the house as they said this was very unusual, based on the number of windows sold. I told him, for me, in my experience with PlyGem, they have a near 30% failure rate, which is more important to me than the 'who cares' how many they sold last year. I told him I was thinking about having my patio doors replaced and had a quote from the company here in Alaska to do just that. However, I told him that I was reluctant to go with PlyGem based on my experience with the windows. He told me that PlyGem would give me triple for double at no extra charge for the patio doors, but I had that deal already with my existing quote, so I pinned him down to agreeing that they would get me free triple glazing for the doors and I'd pay for the installation company's time and materials, less the cost of the glass. We shook hands and agreed that deal, with me reiterating the agreement as we shook hands and he left. Now, 2 weeks later, I'm still waiting to see if they honor that deal, or if the PlyGem Rep. lied to my face, which I would be furious about as the agreement we made for the free glass couldn't have been clearer. I will update as soon as I hear back from my installation company here in Alaska. So, I'd wait until you hear back from me as to the professionalism of PlyGem to stand behind their product...and promise (in person) prior to making any order with them. If they don't, I'll tell you exactly who I would go with in future and for the reasons also. ...............to be continued!!!!

That seems to be a little high to me, but is still a much better deal than the others. The contractor series isn't the worst window but the Premium is a lot nicer. I would suggest at least looking at the windows in person and then decide if it is worth the upgrade. If they are larger sized windows I would definitely go with Premium.

I’ve worked for THD for almist 4 years now, the 6500 which is exclusive to THD is ”close” in design to the Reflections 5500 (Consumer Reports #1 vinyl window 2/23) BUT with two major differences! Our 6500 has two ”standard” features that would be considered ”upgrades” on the 5500. The first is the 6500 uses the Supercept spacer system vs the Intercept used on the 5500. Secondly, the 6500 comes standard with 7/8 IGU, Double Double-Strength glass, which significantly reduces external noise penetration and accidental glass breakage. This is an upgrade option on the 5500. We also offer a doulble lifetime, transferrable warranty on the 6500 with Accidental glass breakage covered for the first 5 years. A unheard of lifetime labor warranty called ”the promise” which states you will never have to deal with the manufacturer or the installer (as ALL the other companies do by having a 1-3 year labor warranty) you have a problem you call the Home Depot and we’ll take care of it. And you’ll never have to worry about us retiring or going out of business in the next 15+ years!

All the warranties will be fairly comparable. All of them are pretty good windows. How were the different companies on the install end of things.