Ply Gem Windows & Doors, part of the Cornerstone Building Brands family, is known for selling more budget-friendly windows than many competitors. The company’s Energy Star partnership points to its efficient designs and performance, and we like that its website offers resources to help you select the right windows.
However, Ply Gem doesn’t provide in-house window installation services, and its labor warranty only covers the first year after installation for select window lines. In addition, Ply Gem doesn’t have a labor warranty altogether for other lines.
Our Ply Gem windows review looks at the company’s product selection, performance, pricing, warranty coverage and more. If Ply Gem isn’t for you, check out our full review of the best window brands.
Our thoughts on Ply Gem
We put Ply Gem to the test using our in-house methodology, rating it in categories such as customization options, warranty coverage, customer service and window selection. We gave Ply Gem 4.2 out of 5 stars. The brand gained points for its wide selection of window styles and energy certifications but lost points for its limited warranty coverage, particularly its one-year labor warranty. In addition, we’re happy with the company’s commitment to energy efficiency and multiple window material types.
What we like
Ply Gem is certified by Energy Star and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), which means its products have been thoroughly tested for performance. In 2023, Energy Star included products from Ply Gem’s replacement and new home construction window lines on its Most Efficient list. Any window with the Energy Star sticker meets the performance criteria for the sticker’s displayed climate zone, offering peace of mind to those concerned about efficiency.
We also like Ply Gem’s range of window options to suit differing budgets. You can choose from durable but more budget-friendly vinyl windows, aluminum-clad wood windows that are weather resistant or wood windows that cost more but have classic curb appeal.
Ply Gem doesn’t just sell windows. If you want to upgrade multiple parts of your home, the company makes it convenient by selling patio doors, siding, fencing, shutters, gutters, trim, molding and more all in one place. We’ve seen other window companies manufacture doors and siding, but we haven’t seen them specialize in as many areas as Ply Gem.
What we don’t like
Our biggest concern with Ply Gem is the mostly negative customer feedback we found on its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. Poor customer reviews predominantly report difficulty with warranty claims and unfriendly or unhelpful customer service representatives. However, we’ve found many customers use BBB to file complaints about companies across the window industry, which may explain the poor reviews.
Another drawback is that the brand only offers a limited warranty rather than a lifetime warranty. Limited warranties aren’t uncommon in the industry, but having a comprehensive lifetime warranty is better when making a big home improvement investment.
Additionally, Ply Gem is not a full-service company, meaning it doesn’t handle installation. You can purchase Ply Gem windows, but you’ll need to hire a third-party contractor to install them. Because of this, you’ll have warranties through two companies: a manufacturer’s warranty from Ply Gem and a labor warranty from your contractor. Having two warranties isn’t necessarily a problem, but considering that customer reviews consistently cite warranty issues, it could complicate filing a claim.
Note that certain Ply Gem window lines, such as its Mira series, do include a labor warranty. However, Ply Gem covers labor up to one year, which is less time than other window brands we’ve reviewed.
Compare top window brands
Ply Gem offers a similar number of window types and materials as top competitors, but it lags in warranty coverage and customer satisfaction.
Customer thoughts
On BBB, Ply Gem has a B rating and a customer rating of 1.2 out of 5 stars based on over 120 reviews. We looked on other popular review sites and saw one review for the company on Trustpilot and several hundred on Google Reviews.
The majority of reviews are negative. We read more than 100 customer comments and noticed main themes of poor customer service and warranty discrepancies. Customers consistently point to customer service reps who are unfriendly or unprofessional. They also repeatedly cite issues getting warranty claims filed and honored and say that support reps aren’t helpful with these issues. Customers say they file warranty claims mainly due to window components that arrived damaged or were poorly made.
A Trustpilot review from Grant M. echoed a common complaint of product failures and difficulty getting a resolution with Ply Gem. A BBB review from Allison T. also centered on a warranty issue, stating that Ply Gem wouldn’t replace her broken window due to a stress fracture.
We found some positive customer reviews on Google Reviews for Ply Gem’s local branches, although most were from several years ago. A review from Joe highlighted his positive experience with the production manager of his local Ply Gem branch. He added that Ply Gem’s window quality met his expectations.
What windows does Ply Gem sell?
Ply Gem makes nine popular window types and has eight window lines, so you’ll likely find something that works for your home.
Window lines
Here are the highlights for each of Ply Gem’s replacement window lines:
- 200 Series: composite wood framing, durable PVC exterior
- 300 Series: composite wood framing, PVC exterior, vinyl sash
- 400 Series: composite wood framing, paint-ready exterior, easy customization
- 1500 Series: vinyl framing, energy-saving glass, triple-pane options
- Classic Series: vinyl framing, durable hardware, optional energy-efficiency upgrades
- East/West Pro Series: vinyl framing, energy-saving glass
- East/West 400 Series: vinyl framing, durability
- Mira Series: aluminum-clad wood framing, durability, weather-resistance
Window styles
Ply Gem’s window styles include the following:
- Awning: Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward with the turn of a handle. You can open them to allow air in even during rain.
- Bay and bow: Bay and bow windows jut out from the wall line, creating interior space to install a shelf or bench seat.
- Casement: Casement windows are great for areas where you want ventilation. They open by pushing one side outward and are incredibly energy-efficient.
- Custom: Ply Gem makes custom geometric window shapes, such as circular and arched.
- Double-hung: These are your standard home windows that raise upward and tilt inward for easy cleaning.
- Garden: These windows extend outward and provide added space with shelving for plants or decor. You can open them on the side for ventilation.
- Picture: Picture windows maximize natural light, but they’re not operable.
- Sliding: Sliding windows open side to side and allow you to take in the view.
- Single-hung: Single-hung windows, as opposed to double-hung, have only one moveable sash that raises and tilts inward.
What materials does Ply Gem use?
Most of Ply Gem’s window lines include vinyl or wood options, though one line includes aluminum windows.
Window frames
Windows in Ply Gem’s 200, 300 and 400 series are made of composite wood. Wood is a classic material choice for homeowners who want a warm aesthetic, but they’re typically the most expensive option and aren’t as weather-resistant as other materials. We don’t recommend them for coastal areas where humid, salty air can cause rot.
Aluminum framing is durable but is susceptible to corrosion and rust.
Vinyl windows are the most popular and budget-friendly option. Although vinyl may not have the curb appeal of wood, it’s durable, long-lasting, weather-resistant, low-maintenance, airtight and energy-efficient.
Window panels
Ply Gem makes double- and triple-pane glass options. Double-pane windows are standard in most homes, but triple-pane windows offer more insulation. Triple-pane windows are often installed in homes in colder climates. They’re pricier but more energy-efficient.
Energy efficiency
The Efficient Windows Collaborative reports that replacing inefficient windows with energy-efficient ones lowers heating costs by at least 15% and cooling costs by 11%–37%. That impact on your monthly electric bill is a big reason to look for the Energy Star sticker when shopping for windows.
Ply Gem windows not only have that sticker but also offer several energy-saving features, including the following:
- Low-emissivity (low-e) glass: Low-e glass has an invisible coating optimized for your climate that helps block UV rays and control your home’s temperature.
- Insulated glass and frames: Argon gas injected between window panels acts as an insulating blanket to reduce heat transfer. Some Pella product lines also have foam insulation in the frame for a tighter seal.
- Triple-pane glass: The more layers of glass in your window unit, the more air and noise are kept out.
Proper window installation plays a role in energy efficiency. Even the most efficient windows can only do so much if they aren’t sealed tightly. Keep this in mind when hiring a contractor to install your windows. Look for one that is licensed and experienced.
How much do Ply Gem’s windows cost?
Ply Gem replacement windows vary in price based on type and size. We spoke with a Ply Gem representative who informed us that more standard windows, such as casement and double-hung, typically cost between $150 and $300 before installation. They also said larger, more complicated windows, such as bays and bows, cost between $1,200 and $1,600 before installation.
The best way to learn the cost of the window type you have in mind is to call or go online for a quote. You can request a quote on Ply Gem’s website or call the displayed phone number and speak with a rep. We only needed to provide the type and size of the window we wanted to get a quote over the phone. Since Ply Gem doesn’t handle installation, you won’t get an installation estimate. You’ll need to call third-party contractors for that pricing.
Does Ply Gem offer financing options?
Ply Gem doesn’t offer financing options, but you may have financing options through your installation company. You may be able to opt for a payment plan if you buy windows directly from a retailer such as Home Depot.
You can help finance your window project by getting a window tax credit. Energy Star-certified windows qualify for a tax credit that allows you to claim 30% of the product cost up to $600. Energy Star products often qualify for rebates and special offers.
What is the installation process with Ply Gem?
The easiest way to install Ply Gem windows is to use the company’s Find a Pro form to locate installers in your area with experience installing Ply Gem windows. You can vet and select the installer you want this way. We suggest reading customer reviews and getting quotes to compare pricing before hiring an installer.
Most window installers will visit you for an in-home consultation to discuss your options and take measurements. Once you sign a contract with the installer, the company will order your windows and schedule your installation date based on when the windows will arrive.
On your installation date, crews typically lay down drop cloths to protect your floors and furniture before removing your old windows. They’ll install and seal your new windows and then clean the installation area. Most installers will dispose of your old windows for you.
What are Ply Gem’s warranty options?
Ply Gem’s warranty coverage varies by product line. This is common in the windows industry, but it does raise the question of why some window types are covered longer than others.
We looked at the warranty for Ply Gem’s popular 1500 series. We found that the brand covers glass for 15 years, framing and sashes for as long as the buyer lives in the home, and hardware and mechanical parts for five years. This coverage is middle-of-the-road for the industry. Most window manufacturers cover glass and other components for 10–20 years.
See all of Ply Gem’s window warranties.
Final take: Ply Gem windows are budget-friendly, but not all customers are happy after buying them
We like Ply Gem’s affordability and Energy Star partnership. We also like that the company offers more than one frame material option. However, you get what you pay for with Ply Gem’s limited window and labor warranty. Other window companies charge higher prices for windows but provide more robust warranties.
Whatever brand you choose, we recommend getting quotes from the best window companies to compare pricing. Then, carefully read through warranty details and check out customer reviews.
Our rating methodology for window companies
We research, review and rate window brands to help ensure you pick a window brand that meets your needs and fits your budget the next time you need to install new windows. Our research includes interviewing experts in the window industry, collecting data through proprietary surveys, reading hundreds of customer reviews on third-party websites and reviewing each brand’s website to gather as much information as possible about its services, products and warranties.
We assess each window brand in four key areas:
- Window options and installation services
- Brand reputation and reviews
- Energy-efficiency features
- Warranties
Read our full window methodology for more details and information on how we arrived at our conclusion of the best window brands.
BBB, Trustpilot and Google Reviews ratings are accurate as of July 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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