Anonymous
map-marker Howell, New Jersey

Alside Window - Window Replacement Review from Howell, New Jersey

We had a large window replaced in the front of the house. Condensation builds up because the seal was broken and water pours in the house when it rains heavily. Apparently this company doesn't care about their customers once a sale is made because nobody will take responsibility and fix this problem which has been going on for about a year now. Very disappointed.
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2 comments
Guest

We apologize for your frustration. You may send your contact information to alsidesocialmedia@***.com and we would be happy to help you with your issue.

Guest

Just FYI - window "fogging", or seal failure, has nothing to do with water pouring into the house. A physical presence of water running into the house is an installation problem, notably flashing, caulking, window capping on sills, or siding issues up above.

My mantra has always been: windows don't leak, it's everything around the window that leaks.

The seal failures are common to almost every manufacturer, and the test of a good company is how they handle the claim. Alside's warranty clearly states that labor is not included after one year (which puts a serious damper (sic) on the "lifetime" warranty presentation).

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Anonymous
map-marker Indianapolis, Indiana

We've had good luck so far... NO issues

We had 15 various Alside Excaliber (I think this line has been discontinued and replaced by the Mezzo line) 4 years ago in 2010 and have had NO issues since. We had some sliders, a LARGE picture window, regular windows, some with obscured glass...

we've been nothing but happy with them. We are getting ready to have an Alside patio slider door installed (a 6100 or higher) and 2 of the Mezzo sliders to replace basement casement windows. We were looking at Pella, but the reviews of their customer service honestly scared us off. We DID have some minor cosmetic issues right after installation, but the installer (same as we're using now) took care of the issue immediately.

Could be that most problems are caused by the outfit doing the install vs. the product. Since my installer is NOT Alside, they probably stand more on THEIR work and getting it right as they do install other brands.

I guess it's about as broad as it is long, but we've been happy with the windows we have. I'd think if the brand was bad, the installer wouldn't use them.

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2 comments
Avon Ubh

We are happy that you are satisfied with your windows. Please contact us alsidesocialmedia@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Guest

Too soon to make this call. Most seal failures occur after 5 years. Warranty is lifetime, so keep us informed - if you are still happy, you will be in the minority

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Anonymous
map-marker Augusta, Georgia

Broken Seals

I am a contractor and have had several issues with broken seals with several manufacturers and have never had a problem getting warranty service. Even thought they say the warranty is only good for so many years, they have always sent replacement parts without a charge.

They however do not pay labor. Vista and Alside windows.Alside has now realigned their product line to also meet the new energy requirements.

I believe Vista has already done that and they offer a superior product with 1 inch glass and tripple weatherstrippin g on the sides where most others are double. Vista was purchased by Siminton a while back.

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Anonymous
map-marker Saint Louis, Missouri

Cracked window and rust frozen rollers on patio door. Still waiting on warranty department to reply.

All of these complaints about AlSide products are not encouraging. About eleven years ago we had our siding, front door, patio door and six windows replaced with AlSide products by a contractor now no longer in business.

In January we noticed one of the windows had a cracked, inside pane, causing moisture to build up between the windows. Several years ago the rollers on our patio door rusted solid and we have to grease the track to make the door slide easier. I contacted AlSide to find out where we can get a replacement sash since no contractors in our area advertise handling this product. About three weeks later we received a warranty claim packet from their parent company (Associated Materials) and after not receiving any answers from then about our questions, we mailed the information back to them.

It has been about a month and no word from them.

Their paperwork said it could take 30 days for a response which means one more week. After reading the complaints on this site, I feel like we may not get this resolved easily.

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2 comments
Guest

Still need your patio door fixed call me i can fix most Alside products John at 314 565****

Guest

i had a crack on the inside glass and the pivot pin is broke.. My alside dealer is not in business..

so i ended up replace the glass at my local glass and window company.. The cost was$125..

I learned a big lesson.. BUY LOCALLY..

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Anonymous
map-marker Rochester, New York

Windows "whistle" when ANY wind blows. I hate the noise!!

We had new Alside windows put in our house September 2013. The noise was incredible!!

We contacted the guy who put them in and his response??-He's heard that windows 'whistle" and we never heard from him ever again. We should have been told about this problem/complaint, but we never were told. I went to Alside company and complained about the "whistling "in October 2013. The company did NOTHING-not one thing.

They said they would look at windows, make sure they were installed the right way and then call me; they did neither. We had siding done same. Siding is fine. The windows at the back of our house make an AWFUL "WHSTLING, LOUD" NOISE.

That's 4 windows I can't open or use!!. I wanted to open the windows on this nice spring day, but CAN'T because of the noise; even if windows are open as small as thumb width they make noise! Tried opening both sides-still that 'awful, whistling' noise. I hate the noise!!

We had all 4 windows open in October & couldn't hear TV!!I would not recommend these windows EVER!! With the noise and bad company customer service this company SUCKS!!!

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1 comment
Guest

Without looking at it, I obviously can't say 100% certain. However, more than likely the problem is not the window.

I know you don't want to hear that. The problem more likely lies with the adheasive (caulk/ silicone) used when installing the window. If they used silicone on the exterior usually where the capping comes back and meets the vinyl frame of the window, and then it was tooled too thinly. That thing part of the bead of silicone doesn't adhere correctly if it's too thin, then it is flapping in the wind, acting like a reed or a piece of grass when wind blows across it.

It appears that all 4 of these windows are on the same side of the house, which tells me my thoughts are correct on this when the wind is blowing it's effecting that side, and not the others. The fix is to simply cut out the silicone that is currently there with a razor blade, and re-caulk it, however do not tool it as thin as it was before?

Anonymous
map-marker Minneapolis, Minnesota

Window cracked in extreme cold not covered under warranty.

After speaking with the Warranty Department, I was informed that the crack in my window (Model 0971 - Casement) was not covered by the warranty, as the warranty does not cover breakage of glass.

The glass cracked however, on day when in Minneapolis it was -20 degrees and I believe there was a defect within the hermetically sealed insulation that failed. The window was only 2 1/2 years old.

I was told by a contractor that warranties from other window companies would cover this circumstance, but Alside did not. Will replace with another company. Their warranty is very poor.

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4 comments
Guest

I pretty much knew after two windows that my contractor sold me a bill of good with Alside windows. In my opinion, they are substandard and if I knew what I knew now I would never have bought these knock offs.

They do not offer anywhere near the heat retention they claim. The furring seals often become misaligned after a few cleanings because they are cheaply attached to the window itself. Within 2 years I had 3 out of 15 windows I couldn't tilt in to clean because of that.

As for the 3 other windows that had the seals fail in February, Alside has yet to return several phone calls. I did send them all the pictures and forms they requested that i send them.

Alside's warranty isn't worth the paper it is printed on.

Guest

Same Problem here in Ohio. Bought Alside casement windows specifically to support local economy. Never again.

Guest

Im a contractor and I deal with Alside windows. I'm very impressed with the warranty that Alside offers.

You should always contact the contractor that installed the windows and not the warranty department. I offer a glass breakage package and my customers call me when there is a problem with the window.

I can get a replacement window sash from warranty from Alside. Alside stands behind there window and I highly recommend an Alside window, they are on top when it comes to the window industry!

Guest

We experienced a crack also, but have not yet been able to get a hold of Alside warranties to determine if it may be covered or not.

Clearly, if you are buying WINDOWS you want the entire WINDOW - including obviously the glass - to be covered. If the above is true, no one should buy Alside windows.

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Cordie Yje

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Salt Lake City, Utah

Sent back a packet with all the information they required on a foggy window.

Haven't heard anything back. This was in November 2013.

Claim Number is 937714. This was sent to Window Warranty Services, PO Box 2010, Akron, OH 44309. This is more than enough time to take care of this window. This was a window installed by Nye Glass or Morgan, Utah and was supposed to be guaranteed not to fog.

I sent a picture of the window, Sizes, address, which is 6115 W. Canyon Drive, Morgan, UT 84050.

All the paperwork was filled out according to the instructions given. The serial number for the window is C276IASTME77 4CB A N (N or H?) AMI

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Loss:
$300
2 comments
Guest

I've had a more positive experience with the warranty service. My Alside windows were installed in 2007.

Since that time I've had two windows replaced under warranty due to broken seals which created fog between the glass. I have now just submitted my third claim and I expect to have the replacement window in a few weeks. You should call the warranty service and express your concerns.

The number is 800-489-****. Good luck.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-774251

I had 10 alside double hung windows installed 3/2007. One sash had a seal failure in early 2012 which the window installation company (American Window Systems (AWS) in Fairfax Va.) took care of on their full 5 year warranty.

Then 2 more sashes failed in 2013. Took about 3 months of sending letters (with forms, pictures....) and phone calls to Associated Materials Warranty service and then finally a verbal statement that I would be filing a breach of contract suit in Fairfax small claims court (got tired of getting the "run-around" each time I called) before they finally processed my claim. The rep finally took some action and the two sashes were manufactured and delivered to the local Alside warehouse (about 15 miles away) within 2 weeks where I picked them up. Now I have another sash totally glazed inside and have started the process again (got my claim# yesterday).

I am dreading going through the same "process" with Associated Materials warranty services again, and probably every year now to eternity.

Interestingly enough AWS no longer lists Alside windows on their website.

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Anonymous
map-marker Greenville, South Carolina

A broken window

I was cleaning my window and it just broke. I called the company and was ask if I bought the breakage policy.i should not have had to because they are supposed to not break.we bought windows for all the other windows from window worold and they are right there if we have a claim. I was told I would have to fill out paperwork to see if my windows are coverd or not .I tried to contact the company that installed them and the are no longer in business.i would never tell anyone to buy windows from this becauce they are not worthy of there service or there windows
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Loss:
$179
2 comments
Guest

come on it just broke....they use extra strength glass double pane

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-713361

If materials are substandard or windows are constructed/installed improperly, yes...they just break. Dealing with this exact issue on my parents windows! And...the company tells them that they "can't honor the 'Life Time Transferable Warranty'!"

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Anonymous
map-marker Beaverton, Oregon

Horrible Warranty Process - A 12 month headache!

We've lived in our home for 10 years. In July of 2012 one of my larger windows broke (would no longer go up and down) so I initiated a claim with Alside. After 11.5 months and 4 installers later, I FINALLY got the new rails so that my window would work. This has been the most ridiculous time suck in my entire life! Once I submitted my claim, I called the company to ensure they received the paperwork. When I called, I was encouraged to follow up in a couple of weeks to make sure things were rolling on Alside's end. Geesh! That's not my responsibility! Within the 11.5 months of dealing with this ***, I went through 4 different installers. The first came out and measured my second story window from the OUTSIDE, and mis-measured. When he brought my rail to install, it was too long. Had to re-order. So, I waited, and waited, and waited and waited - 7 months! I called all the time to check on the new parts status, and his cellular voicemail was always full, so I couldn't leave a message. I constantly called Alside to complain, they would call him and stated that he would call me back. Never did the installer call back. I went through being assigned to two more installers. Again. Voicemail full and couldn't leave a message. I think these guys are overworked and can't keep up. FINALLY...after a ZILLION phone calls to Alside, and whichever installer I was dealing with at the time, I was assigned my 4th installer who took great care of me (but isn't contracted by Alside). My 3rd installer who operates in a different state (but came by to remeasure for me) hired the 4th installer (who was local) to get the job done. Just got this replaced this week. Nearly 12 months later!! Now...I just found out that two of my windows have leaky seals that need to be replaced. Ugh...Here we go again! I'm dreading this whole process all over again. Good luck!!
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Loss:
$2000
Anonymous
map-marker Cincinnati, Ohio

The Warranty is worthless.

13 years ago, we replaced our 23 Windows with Alside. 2 weeks after the installation, a window was accidently broken and replaced within a week by the installer. 7 years ago, I contacted the installer and I had 3 windows replaced within a week. 3 years ago, I contacted the installer and a window was replaced within 2 weeks but I had to pay a $75 installation fee. I have 5 windows that are now defective and the installer is not allowed to replace without permission from the new Warranty company. I have been timely submitted all of there paperwork requests, and now nobody will communicate with me 6 weeks later. It's obvious to me that Alside is made a business decision a f ew years ago to no longer provide any warranty help to save money, especially since it's equally obvious that their product isn't any good. (13 years: 39% of the windows are defective.)
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Loss:
$1500
5 comments
Guest

After 13 years windows just don't become "defective"

Guest

10 year and replaced half under warranty and now they want 50 percent to replace this one. What lied too.

they said if I sold it it would be a limited warranty. Original owners beware. fraud junk I cant take it anymore!!!!!

:x Same problems as the rest of the fleece people too. :sigh

Guest

13 years for vinyl windows? Quit your whining, that's about all they last from anyone.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-669275

If that's the case, why is Alside offering a "real lifetime warranty"?? I was supposed to start marketing Alside window TODAY.

After reading this ... I have to find another job offer.

Guest

Which model window are you having these problems with?

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Jahna Rog
map-marker Basking Ridge, New Jersey

No customer service-no warranty

I purchased 20 Alside windows in 1996 and had the glass break on one last year. I tried for two months to contact Alside to purchase a replacement. Each time the rep would tell me they had to research the part and would get back to me. I waited 4 or five days between calls before calling back and getting the same run around. It seems they have a group that deals with warranty services but no customer service department so no one knows what to do. The warranty group said the distributor should handle and the distributor said the warranty group should handle the problem. I went back and forth three times on this. Apparantly no one has ever called the company to purchase a replacement part. I even contacted the company CEO and got no response from him. Eventually I went to a local window manufacturer (a competitor) who was able to fix the problem. Not sure that a business that turns away business can survive these days. Also makes me assume that the warranty from this company is worthless
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Anonymous
map-marker Cleveland, Ohio

Customer Service Mgr

My Allside windows were installed in Oct 1998 (7 of them). I have never been happy with them, but because they are not all working properly, I have had to open the largest one recently. The plastic releases to pull the window up and then tip in broke off. Only one window actually works correctly, but from the sound of complaints to you there is no use filling out a complaint. One is completely off the track, another wont stay up if I dont lock it. They are impossible to handle for a senior citizen and best way to wash them is the old way with a ladder outside. Is it possible to just have you send 2 plastic things so I dont have to use screwdrivers? Lou A Wilson 330-454-****
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Loss:
$2400
Anonymous
map-marker Boston, Massachusetts

Windows thermal hardware failing

Alside Window - Windows thermal hardware failing

We had Sears Home Central replace our bedroom picture window. The AlSide Window has three components, a central stationary pane with flanking side crank out windows.

The side windows have an aluminum spacer between the the two sheets of glass. These are bowing inward to the point you can see daylight on the inside of the bow. We submitted pictures to Sears and they concur the window has failed. They wanted $100 to come out to "survey" and verify they have failed.

Then we have to pay additional labor charges to install the replacement "Window Packs". These windows are thermally inferior to our Pella and Anderson windows.

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Loss:
$2076
Anonymous
map-marker Norfolk, Virginia

7 out of 12 windows had seal leaks, warranty difficult to deal with

like the subject line says. 3 year old windows, 7 have seal leaks, coatings on inside are all streaking off. Warranty company sent me replacements after 3 months. Warranty department expects consumer to do all the legwork (taking photos, filling out lots of forms, etc.). No labor provided by warranty department. Most of the sashes went in easy so this wasn't an issue, but one of the large sashes came in glass only. So it appears the warranty department expects me to disassemble the cemented together frame (no screws), take out the glass, and reassemble the frames back onto the new glass. I'm an engineer and am usually good at this stuff, but this product is pretty much impossible to disassemble without destroying half of the frame. Back to the warranty department.
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Loss:
$300
1 comment
Guest

We have replaced at least one part or another and in some instances both sashes on all 14 replacement windows due to gas leakage. Now have another one and am dreading jumping through the hoops yet again.

And once replaced, they are extrememy difficult to raise up and down...no better than our original windows! Very discouraging for sure.

Anonymous
map-marker Cranston, Rhode Island

Replaced drafty windows with condensation only to get the replaced with the same thing.

I purposely had my windows replaced because of the draft and condensation on them. Well I was told that the new windows I was getting would not have any of that. Well Bull...

When the contractor put them in, the next day there was a breeze and condensation on them. He immediately came over to see it and said it is coming from outside. I had put up a single piece of hair taped to the window to show I was not just imagining it. He called the window company and was told that is normal and there is no such thing as airtight windows!

They have those breezes/drafts so they can breath. Well then there is no sense in replacing windows!

I am trying very hard to find someone to verify that windows are supposed to be airtight.

Don't be fooled. Get in writing from the contractor/company before you buy them.

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5 comments
Guest

Windows won't be "air tight" thats why every single window made has an "air infiltration rating." However with that being said, the rating usually shows how little air will come through the window. 99% of the time when we have a complaint of air infiltration it ends up being because of poor installation not quality of window.

Now air usually will enter one of two places, either through the weep holes (not likely) or in the gap at the very right, and very left of the meeting rail (where the top and bottom sash come together. If this is the case it is usually because the felt pads are located incorrectly. I have seen this come from the factory, as well as caused by an installer that isn't familiar with this? The condensation issue, where is the condensation?

On the inside pane of glass, outside pane of glass, or on the trim of the inside of the window. If it's the outside that is normal, look at anything in the morning that has exposure to the weather and it is usually wet, as soon as the sun comes out this will dry up. If it's on the inside, then you typically won't have any air infiltration because that will dry it up (conflict in your story).

If it's on the trim that is 99.9% of the time caused by installation. And I will venture to guess the company that installed your windows hasn't even been to the house to look at it, they just got on the phone and made a call, not even inspecting the issue?

Guest

In 2007, I replaced all of my windows with Alside Excalibur double hung. One day I noticed the cellular shades moving and lightly clanging as they hit the window frames.

I put my face close to the window and felt strong, steady air flow coming from both corners where the top and bottom windows meet. I held a piece of paper flat against the top window above one of the corners and WOW, the paper was moving almost parallel with the floor. I looked at and felt the rest of the windows and they were all doing the same.

Each double hung has two gaps (one on right and left) where the top and bottom windows meet, which I deem to be a design flaw.

As the other commenter stated, they have fuzzy pads in between those gaps, but that does nothing to prevent the unacceptable amount of (winter) air into the house.

You can actually see daylight through the gaps if you hold your head close to the window and look into the gaps.

I understand that no double hung, or windows in general, are airtight, but the amount of cold air penetrating my house from each window is unacceptable and a flawed design costing me money and comfort.

Guest

There is no such thing as a air tight window. All window companies try to get as close as they can and every single window will have a point that at 40 mph or higher any window will have a little leak.

Now for the condensation on the inside of the window. Condensation on the inside is also normal, it has to do with the humidity on the inside of the house. For example if the weather outside is super cold and you have a blanket up as curtains, the cool air will get caught between the blanket and the window in turn water will build up and then turn to ice.

There was a study done in Minnesota about this situation and the window is doing it's job. Now if there is condensation in between the panes of glass then there is a seal failure and the sash needs to be replaced!

Guest

I purchased Alside windows throughout my house and the breathing hole or whatever you want to call It, let in a great deal of outside air. After several calls and emails, I was sent a bag full of little sponges to insert in these slots.

Evidently they are the only solution they had for my NEW windows. There is still a draft, but not as much and their sponges aren't as visible as the yellow sponges I cut and plugged them with (necessity is the mother of invention). I still find it hard to believe that an energy efficient window would allow air in. I received credit on my taxes for these.

Does the government know how inefficient these efficient windows are?

Guest

Any window with a sliding sash i.e. double hung or slider is going to have some air infiltration.

The NFRC measures this as part of its performance testing. Most importantly if a window is not squared and shimmed properly when installed it will allow more infiltration than it was designed for. Check for square by measuring the diagonals on the main frame or opening a sash and closing it until there is a small gap between the main frame and sash. This gap should be even along the length of the sash.

If you have a double hung window check the gap between the sides of the sashes and the frame. This gap should be even from top to bottom.

If it gets wider near the center of the window the frame needs to be shimmed. Most double hung windows will have jack screws in the frame near where the sashes meet for this purpose.

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