There are many window installation companies in the market these days. With all the options, it can be hard to decide which is the right one for you. In this article, we’ll be going over Alpine Windows reviews, Washington state’s premium window manufacturers.
Learn more about this Washington local company and see if it checks all your window installation needs.
Alpine Windows Overview
The company is situated in Fife, Washington, a 9-hour drive south of Seattle. Alpine Windows’ main focus is to supply windows and doors for newly-built houses and after-market replacements and additions. It provides custom-made house openings in all shapes, sizes, and styles.
The company is a subsidiary of Associated Materials, the parent company of various external building materials producers in North America. Alpine Windows’ motto is “the quality you expect, the value you deserve.”
All products are equipped with the company’s trademark insulating glass technology called Solar Therm. The patented innovation increases thermal efficiency and lessens energy costs. They’re also made to withstand changing weather, especially in Washington, where it’s always rainy. Here are the company’s products:
Montrose Vinyl Replacement Windows
Alpine Windows boasts itself with its high-quality vinyl windows and one of which is the Montrose Windows. It has five different styles, ranging from dual-sliding to awning. You can also choose from five different colors, nine grid options, and five obscure glass choices.
New Construction Series Windows
You cannot have alpine windows reviews without its new construction series. It has two models, 70 series and 80 series, and the two are almost the same. They differ on the number of window styles and color options, of which 80 series have more.
Westbridge 6500 Series Sliding Patio Doors
The Westbridge 6500 series has three sliding door styles: contemporary, classic, and french. It has different handle options for each type and has six color choices. You can also have the Westbridge 6500 series in nine grid preferences.
170 Sliding Patio Doors
The 170 sliding patio doors are more modern than the Westbridge 6500 series. It has seven color options while having the same grid and obscure glass options as the other products.
Is Alpine Windows Worth Installing in Your Home?
When it comes to purchasing windows and doors, there are so many options available. It can be difficult to choose products that will suit your needs and budget. There are so many things you need to consider. You need to think about the style of the windows and doors, the material they’re made of, their energy efficiency, their durability, and more.
When you have picked your supplier, they will not be without advantages and disadvantages. Alpine Windows’ products are made from high-quality materials and have trademarked innovations. However, uniqueness can be relative merit as it could go the right or wrong way.
General Benefits
Alpine Windows makes sure every product in their catalog is cost-efficient (in the long run), energy-saving, and weather-tight. They have different patents for every nook and cranny:
- SolarTherm™ – insulated glass keeps heat penetration to a minimum during warmer months while preventing heat from seeping out during colder months.
- Horizon™ – creates a narrow-line frame and sash to improve durability and rigidity.
- Triton™ – boosts the locking system.
- SmartCore™ – has a non-conductive core that increases thermal function.
- Barrier™ – makes the products weather-tight while improving stability.
- Cascade™ – Alpine Windows’ true sloped sill, which creates a perfect and effective drainage system.
- InterSync™ – makes the sash sit perfectly in the sill to reduce bowing when there are extreme winds.
- OcuSeal™ – enables easy installation while blocking any light between the window frame and screen.
Disadvantages
Although it has several innovative benefits, the company is not flawless. One of its biggest downfalls is fogging. Though it is a problem for most glass window and door manufacturers, Alpine Windows can’t seem to shrug it off.
Moreover, having different parts that are only available from a single manufacturer can be detrimental to the consumers. The buyers will exert more time and money to ship, replace, and travel Alpine Windows just to get the parts.
Alpine Coverage and Warranties
From the consumer point of view, there are two important details when picking out a manufacturer. One of them is a warranty.
Alpine has a limited lifetime warranty. You may have heard about this one (or maybe you don’t), but it’s a simple term. However, manufacturers have different provisions, even if they have the same warranty name.
Alpine Windows’ limited lifetime warranty entails that all vinyl windows and sliding patio doors are subjected to the warranty. It includes the moving parts, fiberglass, screen frame, and insulating glass.
Some basic information about the warranty is as follows:
- No charge for any repairs or replacements
- Exterior color has a 10-year warranty (3 years for commercial application)
- The warranty is transferable but only within the first ten years from the date of installation
Alpine’s limited lifetime warranty only covers a specific year. Products manufactured in Bothell, WA or Yuma, AZ after December 1, 2008, are qualified. The same goes for products manufactured after September 1, 2017, in Fife, WA.
How to Spot Faulty Alpine Window Installation
Some think that after installation, everything is easy breezy. However, you need to check if the contractors did it correctly. Here are some tips on spotting faulty installation:
Difficulty and Noise in Operating
When you hear any cracking, squeaking, or creaking when you open the door or window, that means they’re poorly installed. Also, it sometimes means that the materials used are of low quality.
Gaps and Unsealed Joints
Gaps on top or below the window frames are tell-tale signs that the contractors put the wrong-sized ones. These gaps and unsealed joints will decrease energy efficiency as the air seeps in and out of the house.
Water Damage
Leaking, slight dampness, and mold formation result from an unleveled window. Water damage can also damage the floor and walls around the installation.
No Post-Installation Clean Up
Installing windows and doors always involves mess, but manufacturers make sure that they always clean up afterward. Make sure to ask the manufacturer to double-check if they miss anything when cleaning up, especially on the glass.
Care And Maintenance
Alpine Windows have listed basic ways you can preserve their products in tiptop shape:
Glass Cleaning
Use a blend of mild dish soap and water when cleaning the glass. Rinse the soap with clear water and dry the glass with a soft cloth. Don’t clean it in direct sunlight, and don’t use petroleum-based cleaners or caustic chemicals.
Main Frame and Sashes
Employ a vacuum when cleaning the sill and track area before putting the diluted mild dish soap. Use the mixture when cleaning any vinyl material. Always rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
Screen
Detach the screen before washing it. Make sure to clean it on a flat surface with a soft brush and mild soap. Dry the screen before reattaching it to the window or door.
The Modern Appeal of Alpine
Alpine Windows is the perfect company that manufactures and installs quality vinyl windows and sliding patio doors. Although a big company backs it, its reputation still doesn’t reach most consumers. It is mostly suitable for people within its locality, but it still met with competition even there.
