Are Ply Gem Windows Worth It Types Ratings and More

Ply Gem is a window manufacturer that offers vinyl, composite, and wood-clad frames. They also own Simonton, a brand of vinyl windows.

Ply Gem has a wide range of window products, so you can find a suitable line for your needs. Here’s the difference between their window series, customer ratings, and other important information you should know before purchasing.

Are Ply Gem Windows Expensive?

Ply Gem offers windows in different materials and price ranges. Their affordable options feature vinyl frames, such as the Classic Series, 1100, East Pro, and West Pro Series. The aluminum-clad MIRA series, on the other hand, is more expensive.

On average, a standard-sized double-hung window can cost between $100 and $1,200, depending on the line.

Let’s take a look at the pricing of one of the least expensive lines, the Classic Series (please note that prices may vary by location and if you choose to customize the windows).

Ply Gem windows have received an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau, with over 200 complaints in the last three years. Customers primarily complain about the warranty. On Consumer Affairs, Ply Gem has a rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars.

Before choosing Ply Gem, consult local contractors for recommendations. They have the best knowledge of how these windows perform in your area and can provide insight into any issues they’ve encountered.

Ply Gem offers 11 options for vinyl windows, both new and replacement. These windows can be customized with various colors, grilles, and glass packages.

Many of Ply Gem’s vinyl windows are rated ‘Most Efficient’ by Energy Star when you upgrade the glass packages.

Here is a breakdown of Ply Gem’s vinyl window offerings.

1500 Series Windows:

Type: New Construction

The 1500 Series is an energy-efficient vinyl window for new construction with a ‘Most Efficient’ Energy Star rating for 2022.

One of the best things about this line is the range of frame options available, which makes it suitable for both traditional and modern homes. The 1500 Series is available in several colors, including black, bronze, and dove gray for the exterior, and white, beige, and clay for the interior. Additionally, there are other exterior color options such as beige, clay, and dark bronze.

Furthermore, you have the option to customize your windows with features like dual pane glass, argon fillings, Low-E coatings, and even upgrade to triple pane glass if desired. Additionally, the single-hung and casement windows can be equipped with impact-rated glass. You can also personalize the look of your windows by choosing from various grille patterns, grid styles, and hardware options.

The different types of windows available in this line include single-hung, sliding, casement, awning, picture, and specialty shapes.

Classic Series Windows are a type of window that is designed for new construction. These windows have a simple design that can complement any home. They come in three different colors: white, beige, and gray. You can also customize these windows by choosing your own hardware, grille patterns, and grille profiles.

In addition, you have the option to upgrade the glass with features such as a Low-E coating, argon gas filling, laminated glass, or an acoustic glass package for noise reduction. The types of windows available in this series include double-hung, casement, awning, picture, specialty shapes, bay, and bow.

The 1100 Series is another type of window specifically designed for new construction.

The 1100 series offers a vinyl frame and custom sizing. You can combine window styles to create unique configurations.

It comes in five exterior colors: white, black, almond, clay, and bronze. (Black and bronze are only available with white interiors.) The interior colors are clay, almond, or white. You can choose from two types of hardware and nine grille options.

Glass options include Low-E glass, argon fillings, obscure glass, and acoustic glass package upgrades.

The types of windows in this line are single-hung, slider, casement, awning, picture, and specialty shapes.

5000 Series (New Construction)

This series is ideal for casement or awning style windows.

Despite its advantages, one downside of this line is the limited color options for both the interior and exterior, which only include white and beige.

To customize the appearance, you can choose from three grid patterns, three grille profiles, and two types of hardware.

There is a wide range of glass options available, such as tempered glass, Low-E glass, energy-efficient and Energy Star packages, as well as noise-reducing glass.

Window types in this line include casement, awning, picture, specialty shapes, bay, and bow.

The West Pro Series 200, suitable for new construction and replacement, stands out with its slim frames and expansive glass that offer exceptional views. These frames are designed for contemporary homes and have been recognized as one of the “Most Efficient” by Energy Star in 2022.

You can get these windows in various frame options, whether it be new construction or replacement style.

The West Pro Series 200 window offers five exterior color options: white, sand, clay, bronze, and black. The interior color options are white, sand, and clay. (Bronze and black exteriors come with a white interior by default.)

You can customize these windows by choosing from two hardware options, nine grille patterns, and multiple grille profiles. Additionally, there are numerous glass packages available, including standard dual pane, low-E, argon gas fillings, triple-pane glass, noise reduction packages, and more.

Types of windows available in this line include:

– Single-hung

– Sliding

– Picture

– Bay and bow

– Specialty shapes

West 400 Series:

– Type: New Construction and Replacement

The 400-Series is an American-made window by Ply Gem with slim frames for expansive views. These windows are available in new construction and replacement styles.

This series has three color choices for both the interior and exterior: white, sand, and clay. There are also options for hardware, grid patterns, and grille profiles.

The 400 Series offers advanced glass packages with optional Low-E coatings, argon gas fillings, and Energy Star ratings tailored to your area.

Types of windows in this line:

– Single-hung

– Sliding

– Picture

– Garden

– Specialty shapes

West Pro Series 700

Type: New Construction and Replacement

The West Pro Series offers a classic look with extended frame depth and received the “Most Efficient” Energy Star rating in 2022.

The available exterior colors are white, black, sand, clay, and bronze, while the interior colors are white, clay, and sand. If you choose a black or bronze exterior, it will only come with a white interior. You also have the option to add grids for further customization.

For the glass options in the West Pro Series 700, you can select Low-E, argon gas, or upgraded triple pane glass. Additionally, if you live on a busy street, there is a noise-reduction package available.

The window types in this line include Casement, Awning, Skywall, and Bay and bow.

Moving on to the East Premium Series, this is a replacement vinyl window that offers various customizations such as wood-grain-look interiors and designer glass. These windows have been recognized as the ‘Most Efficient’ by Energy Star in 2022.

Exterior color choices for the East Premium Series are white, beige, sandstone, shark skin, earth tone, royal brown, evergreen, dark bronze, and black. The interior options are white beige or one of three wood grain looks – golden oak, natural oak, and colonial cherry. There are six types of designer and obscure glass, along with eight grille patterns, two grille profiles, and two lock types.

The glass can be customized with a Low-E coating, argon gas fillings, and a dual or triple pane insulated glass unit. The window types in this line are double-hung, sliding, casement, awning, picture, garden, specialty shapes, and bay and bow. The East Pro Series is a replacement type.

The East Pro Series is similar to the East Premium series but with fewer customizations. These windows come with optional energy-efficient packages but no designer glass options.

The exterior color choices for this series include white, beige, sandstone, shark skin, earth tone, royal brown, evergreen, dark bronze, and black. There are only two interior color options: white and beige.

You can customize these windows with eight grille patterns and five grille profiles. Upgrade the energy efficiency by choosing Low-E coatings, argon gas fillings, and triple pane glass.

Types of windows in this line:

– Double-hung

– Sliding

– Casement

– Awning

– Picture

– Specialty shapes

– Bay and bow

East 2000 Series

The East 2000 Series offers easy-to-open windows. It won the ‘Most Efficient’ award from Energy Star in 2022, thanks to its optional energy-efficient upgrades.

For color options, you can choose from white, beige, bronze, black, and evergreen exteriors. The interior colors available are white and beige. If you choose a bronze, black, or evergreen exterior, the only available interior color is white.

Customizable features include seven grille patterns and three grille profiles. Optional glass packages include dual or triple pane, Low-E coatings, and argon gas fillings.

The types of windows available in this line are double-hung, double-slider, picture, and specialty shapes.

Moving on to the East 5100 Series…

The East 5100 Series includes an awning and casement window. You can upgrade to an optional Energy Star glass package.

There are white, beige, bronze, evergreen, and black exterior color options. The two interior color choices are white and beige. If you choose a bronze, black, or evergreen exterior, your only interior color option is white.

This series offers three grille patterns and multiple glass package upgrades.

Types of windows in this line:

What Wood Composite Windows Does Ply Gem Offer?

Ply Gem offers three series of wood composite windows for new construction. Their wood composite frames feature cellular PVC that you can paint.

Here’s a breakdown of each series.

200 Series

Type: New Construction

The 200 Series offers a stainable wood interior with a durable exterior cellular PVC frame. These windows are suitable for traditional-style homes, with various casing options for customization.

For the exterior, there is one color option – a primed sash with composite brickmould. You have the freedom to paint the exterior in any color you prefer.

Regarding the interior, you can choose between a stain-ready natural wood or a paint-ready primed interior.

To personalize this line, there are nine grille patterns, nine grille profiles, and two types of locks to choose from. Additionally, you have the option to upgrade the glass with a high-performance package that includes a Low-E coating, argon gas filling, and a choice of clear or obscure glass.

The types of windows available in this line are double-hung, casement, awning, and picture windows.

The 300 Series is a wood composite window with historical styling and detail. The frames are cellular PVC with vinyl sashes. It comes in two color options: white and beige. Customization options include multiple casing options, nine grille patterns, and five grille profiles. Energy Star-certified glass is available, along with optional Low-E glass and argon fillings.

Types of windows in this line include double-hung, picture, and specialty shapes. The 400 Series is another wood composite window option for new construction.

The 400 Series is a composite cellular PVC window that resembles wood. It offers four casing options to complement your house.

These windows have limited options compared to others. They come in white, which can be painted to your liking. You can choose from five grille patterns and five grille profiles.

You can also order these windows with Energy Star glass for your area. Optional upgrades include Low-E glass and argon filling.

Types of windows in this line include double-hung, picture, and specialty shapes.

Ply Gem offers one type of aluminum wood-clad window called the MIRA Series. Here’s what you need to know about it.

MIRA Series:

– Type: New Construction

The MIRA series offers a warm wood interior paired with durable aluminum exteriors. With four casing styles to choose from, these windows can complement both ultra-modern and traditional homes.

The color options for the MIRA series are extensive, with over 38 choices for the exterior. For the interior, you can select stain-ready natural wood, paint-ready primed wood, white, off-white, or black.

Customization options for these windows include 11 grille patterns, seven grille profiles, and two lock types. You can also choose from various glass options, such as Low-E, argon-filled, and Energy Star-rated glass tailored to your area.

Window types available in this line include double-hung, casement, awning, picture, specialty shapes, and bay and bow.

Best Alternatives to Ply Gem Windows

Looking for alternatives to Ply Gem windows? Consider these brands:

• Pella
• Andersen
• Renewal
• Milgard
• Simonton (Owned by Ply Gem)
• JELD WEN
• Alside

Where to Buy Ply Gem Windows

Ply Gem doesn’t sell windows directly to consumers. Instead, you’ll need to order from a local pro or distributor found on their website. You can also find a limited selection at Home Depot.

Ply Gem vs. Andersen

Andersen is a top window manufacturer offering wood-clad, composite, and wood windows. The 400 series is their most popular window, featuring a wood-frame and vinyl-clad exterior.

Anderen’s composite Fibrex window is similar to Ply Gem’s composite windows.

Unlike Ply Gem, Andersen doesn’t carry any all-vinyl windows. So, if you’re in the market for a vinyl window, Ply Gem is your better option. If you’d like a composite or wood-clad window, get quotes from both companies and consult with a local installer.

As of 2022, Andersen has better ratings from the BBB, Consumer Affairs, and J.D. Power.

Ply Gem vs. Renewal by Andersen

Renewal By Andersen is a full-service window company owned by Andersen Windows. They only offer a Fibrex composite window comparable to Ply Gem’s composite window lines.

Renewal by Andersen will measure your windows, provide a quote, and handle the installation. For Ply Gem windows, you’ll need to find a third-party pro for these services.

Renewal by Andersen is the highest-rated window company on the J.D. Power 2022 window satisfaction survey. They also have higher ratings than Ply Gem on Consumer Affairs and BBB.

FAQ

Are Ply Gem windows double panes?

Most Ply Gem windows have double-pane glass and optional upgrades for Low-E and argon gas filling. Some Ply Gem windows even have triple-pane glass upgrades.

Are Ply Gem windows tempered?

Ply Gem windows do not have tempered glass as a standard feature, but some lines offer it as an upgrade.

How to Clean Ply Gem Windows?

You can clean Ply Gem windows with glass cleaner or mild dish soap and water. Wash the frames with mild dish soap and water. Avoid using sharp instruments or harsh cleaners.

Ply Gem offers three hurricane-rated window options – the 1500 series vinyl window, 4700 & 4800 series aluminum windows, and the MIRA series with aluminum clad wood.

Ply Gem windows vary in quality. For example, their budget vinyl windows are lower quality compared to their aluminum-clad wood windows. However, Ply Gem windows generally receive lower consumer ratings than similar brands.

In conclusion, Ply Gem provides a range of window options, and their maintenance is straightforward.

Ply Gem offers a wide range of products that vary in price and quality. They carry vinyl windows, composite, and aluminum-clad wood. The most common complaint about Ply Gem is warranty-related.

If you’re considering purchasing Ply Gem windows, consult a local contractor. They’ll have the best insight into how these windows perform in your area.