Alside windows review: Cost, services and expert insights

Alside at a glance

Considering Alside? Alside didn’t make our list of the best window replacement companies, but its cheaper windows will undoubtedly appeal to some homeowners. Here’s a bird’s-eye view of what I liked and didn’t like about this company.

Fast facts

What we like

Alside’s customer service was friendly and eager to answer my questions. I waited less than two minutes each time I called. Unlike many window companies, representatives were willing to provide me with ballpark pricing, which is helpful for any homeowner trying to budget for a significant home improvement project like window replacement.

What we don’t like

Alside doesn’t offer installation services. As a window manufacturer, it builds window products and provides repair services only under warranty. This means if you don’t plan on installing your windows personally, you must find and vet a third-party window installer.

*BBB ratings are accurate as of September 2024.

Alside Windows pros and cons

With 77 years in business, Alside has a lot of experience. I found Alside’s windows more affordable than most, but its limited selection may be a deal-breaker for some homeowners.

Pros

Cons

What services does Alside offer?

Alside Window provides customization options, especially for color. You can use Alside’s Distributor Locator tool to find Alside products through an authorized distributor near you.

As a manufacturer, Alside doesn’t offer installation services. Still, its limited lifetime window warranty can deliver some peace of mind. Many of Alside’s products, such as its vinyl windows, come with a one-year labor warranty and lifetime limited warranty on features like the moving parts of your window, vinyl sash frame, window frame and insulated glass. You can only transfer the window warranty once to a new homeowner.

Alside services

Alside customization and add-ons

FrameWorks colors

If you’re looking for a wide range of color choices, Alside delivers with FrameWorks colors. You can find as many as 13 exterior and nine interior options or more for some window lines. FrameWork colors have a matte texture and offer robust durability as the paint is UV-resistant with heat-reflective pigments that can resist extreme heat and cold.

ClimaTech Prime insulated glass package

Some Alside windows come with the option to upgrade to a ClimaTech Prime insulating glass package, which features Low-E glass, argon gas fill and the Intercept Warm-Edge Spacer System. This system meets the latest Energy Star requirements and can help lower energy costs and reduce fossil fuel consumption.

What does Alside not cover?

Alside aren’t available in Alaska or Vermont. This manufacturer also doesn’t provide window installation services, so you’ll need to work with a third-party installer to get your new windows put in.

Like many window companies, broken screens and glass are not included in warranty coverage. Alside also has a limited number of window styles. For example, you can’t buy the following common windows:

Alside windows are also only available in vinyl, so if you’re interested in wood, aluminum or other window materials, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

How much does Alside cost?

As a window manufacturer, Alside doesn’t provide installation services. Unless otherwise stated, all prices are only for the cost of the window, as you’ll need to contact an installer. Prices are determined by your location, window size, frame material and other manufacturing and shipping costs.

When speaking with an Alside representative, I received the following prices. Keep in mind that these don’t include the cost of installation, which is why they are much lower than what other companies offer.

During my secret shopping, I received a quote from Discount Windows, a window installation company, for a double-hung window from Alside’s Mezzo line. A white double-hung window with dual pane, argon gas filled and low-E glass with professional window and trim installation costs $1,141.16 through this installation company. Without installation, this quote dropped to $616.16 for one double-hung window.

Savings and discounts

Individual distributors sell Alside windows, so special sales and promotions are available. Always check with your local distributor for the best pricing.

Alside customer service and experience

Alside Windows has a toll-free phone number (800-922-6009), online contact form and email address, giving you plenty of options for contacting this provider.

When I called the toll-free number, I waited for under two minutes before connecting with an agent who helped answer my questions about pricing.The agent was challenging to understand during one call as they were soft-spoken, and the phone connection wasn’t strong. However, I could get clear answers to all my questions and had virtually no wait time, making this customer experience pleasant.

However, Alside has no live chat, and its phone service has unspecified hours. When I called, it was between Monday and Friday during traditional business hours.

Alside reviews are mixed. Here are two reviews that showcase the wide range of reactions Alside’s products receive.

Alside’s installation process

Alside is a manufacturer and supplier, not a window installation company, and it doesn’t sell directly to the public. Instead, you’ll purchase Alside windows through a distributor and hire a window installation professional to install the windows for you.

I recommend contacting your Alside Window distributor and asking for their local window installer recommendations.

Alside vs. competitors

Alside is solely a window manufacturer. It doesn’t install its windows. So, if you have a preferred window installer in your area, Alside may suit you. Its competitively priced vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free, making them ideal for the busy homeowner on a budget.

For an all-inclusive white-glove service provider, Andersen Windows is our top recommendation. Andersen has certified installers, an extensive service range and a much wider selection of window materials and styles, including wood, fiberglass and single-hung windows.

Another limitation of Alside is that some of its window styles, like garden windows, are only available in the Eastern distribution center. Depending on your needs, this may not suit you, and you may be better off going with Andersen Windows or Champion Windows — both of which offer more extensive and comprehensive window styles throughout the nation.

Competitor comparison

Methodology

Our team of window experts performs a deep dive into each window provider we review. This includes countless hours of research and secret shopping before ranking providers based on the window types available, framing materials, quality assurance, customer support, company reputation and editorial judgment to deliver an unbiased overview of each provider.

FAQs