Ply Gem is a window manufacturer with many product lines, including Simonton, American Craftsman, Great Lakes, and more. The offerings from each line range in quality from serviceable to premium. Ply Gem offers a variety of Low-E glass and energy-efficient windows in varied styles and builds to suit any homeowner’s need. Read on to learn more about this provider’s offerings.
We recommend the following providers for a range of high-performance new windows and window renovation needs. We’ve vetted each for customer service, quality, and availability to best suit your home renovation requirements.
Our Preferred Window Brands
Today’s Homeowner recommends several window companies to our readers. Below you’ll see our latest suggestions and what makes each provider stand out. You can also explore our review of the best window brands to determine your perfect fit.
4.1
Exclusive Fibrex framing
A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Team of certified installers
4.3
Impressive customer ratings
Lifetime window warranties
Large catalog of additional remodeling services
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing
Outstanding customizability
Seven glass options
Company Pros and Cons
This section covers the company’s high-level pros and cons. Keep these points in mind as you read the rest of the review.
Our Take on Ply Gem Windows
Ply Gem has been an industry presence for decades, and its products garner good reviews for quality and durability. The versatility of Ply Gem’s many window product lines makes the company an excellent choice for differing needs among homeowners. In terms of overall quality, this brand measures up to competitors like Milgard, Pella, Andersen, and more.
However, customers tend to run into issues when dealing with warranty disputes. Before purchasing Ply Gem windows — or windows of any brand — we recommend thoroughly reading and understanding their warranties. Many customers find the wording in Ply Gem’s product warranties somewhat vague, leading to disputes after installation.
Types of Ply Gem Windows
Ply Gem offers numerous window options and configurations to suit most homeowner needs. Though many of its most prominent products are vinyl single-hung windows, Ply Gem offers numerous styles and a limited lifetime warranty for most windows. We’ll discuss its main offerings below.
Many of Ply Gem’s product lines include the following window types:
- Casement windows
- Double-hung windows
- Picture windows
- Single-hung windows
- Windows in varied geometric shapes
- And more
New Construction Windows
If you’re building a new home or adding to an existing structure, Ply Gem’s new construction windows can assist you. These offerings are included in the following product lines:
MIRA Series Windows
Ply Gem’s MIRA series features aluminum-clad wood windows with 46 exterior color options. With numerous glass options ranging from fully transparent to tinted to obscured, you’ll be able to outfit nearly any room. The MIRA series offers 11 distinct grille options, double-hung and casement windows, and more.
200 Series Windows
The 200 series windows are somewhat cheaper and offer a lower-maintenance alternative for new construction. The frames feature vinyl exteriors with hardwood interiors. To suit homeowner needs, the exterior can be painted to match the existing profile of any home or left as is. With the 200 series, you’ll be able to choose from nine distinct grille options, with high-performance argon gas glass packages available.
1500 Series Windows
The 1500 series is meant to reduce energy and cooling costs as much as possible, with some glass packages offering reduced sound and light as a bonus. All 1500 series windows feature all-vinyl construction, which makes for very little maintenance over the lifetime of your home. Per the limited warranty, the hardware used in the installation is covered for five years, while the frame and sash are covered for 10 years. Accompanying glass units on these windows are covered for 15 years.
Classic Series Windows
Classic series windows from Ply Gem also feature all-vinyl construction, with multiple glass packages available. Regardless of your home’s construction, these windows can fit most openings, including all walls built with either 2-by-4 or 2-by-6-inch planking.
Read Also: Review of Ply Gem vs Pella Windows
Replacement Windows
Replacement windows for DIY or contracted home upgrades are a common homeowner purchase. Learn more about Ply Gem’s series of replacement options below.
East Premium Series Windows
East Premium series windows feature PVC construction with high-density insulation filling the frame. This, along with energy-efficient glass packages, makes for windows that can reduce cooling and energy costs for any home. With this series of windows, you’ll have 50 different color combinations and numerous grille patterns to choose from.
East Pro Series Windows
The East Pro Series line is a similar but more durable alternative to the East Premium Series and is one of the best window lines Ply Gem offers. Windows from this line are custom-cut to fit your home and maximize energy-saving potential with Low-E and energy-efficient glass solutions. These windows even come with child locks to ensure optimal safety for all members of your family. You’ll also be treated to a lifetime limited transferable warranty when you purchase this product.
East 2000 Series Windows
The East 2000 Series is another vinyl offering that features triple-pane glass for superior insulation from the elements. These windows are Energy Star certified and come complete with whichever high-performance or specialty glass package you need for your home. This series caters primarily to clients who want double-hung windows, although sliding and picture windows are also available.
East 5100 Series Windows
East 5100 series windows come in casement and awning options, which make them popular for use in kitchens or any room where increased light and ventilation are desired. Conveniently, Ply Gem offers obscured or opaque glass packages with this line of larger windows. You won’t have to choose between natural light and privacy. All East 5100 windows have a lifetime limited warranty and are available in ten different interior and exterior finish combinations.
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing options
Excellent customizability
7 glass options
4.0
Low pricing
Lifetime labor and material warranty
Custom financing
Ply Gem Windows Energy Efficiency
Ply Gem Windows products are all compliant with Energy Star efficiency standards. Each product is built to comply with the climate and requirements of the regions they’re marketed and sold in. Ply Gem recommends its vinyl window line to best comply with energy efficiency needs. Whether you’re looking to buy Low-E or triple-pane glass, you’ll be able to find something that fits your needs with Ply Gem. The company lists its most energy-efficient offerings as follows:
- 1500 Series windows
- West Pro Series 200 windows
- West Pro Series 700 windows
Read also: Insulated Window Selection Guide
Ply Gem Windows Cost and Pricing
When you purchase Ply Gem Windows, your total cost will be dictated by many factors, including the local window retailer you buy your products from. Unfortunately, this manufacturer doesn’t publish much in the way of sample pricing for its various window series. Many Ply Gem windows are marketed as custom solutions, which means you’ll be able to choose hardware, window size, glass packages, color, and more.
When you purchase any Ply Gem new construction or replacement window, you can expect your full installation cost to be between $400 and $650 per window. We recommend going through a licensed retailer and professional window contractor for installation, as you may be treated to labor warranties in addition to the product warranty Ply Gem provides.
Ply Gem Windows Reviews
Ply Gem Windows has a fairly high review score for many of its products on Home Depot’s website. However, its Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is abysmal — as of January 2023, the customer score is 1.08 stars out of 5, and the BBB gives it an “F” grade. Many of the complaints on the BBB website stem from disputes over warranty claims and customer service. This is troubling to see from a window manufacturer that has been in business for as long as Ply Gem has.
This review from Renee via Home Depot reflects the superior quality that Ply Gem products offer over time:
Brian’s March 2021 experience with Ply Gem highlighted some of the warranty issues customers face with this provider’s building products (via BBB):
Alice’s review via Better Business Bureau reported similar issues with the Ply Gem customer service team:
The Good
Ply Gem’s products stand up to the elements and show resilience in the face of time and weather. Customers who purchase these windows compare them favorably to products by Andersen and other industry leaders. Durability aside, the variety of products available from Ply Gem makes it a leading option among window providers.
The Bad
Ply Gem’s warranties are the most commonly cited negative factor in customer reviews. Homeowners and DIYers who have purchased Ply Gem products across many retailers mention that following up for necessary repairs or maintenance was difficult in the best of times. Even if damage was supposed to be covered by warranties, customer service representatives tended to be slow in responding or didn’t get back to customers at all.
Ply Gem Windows Installation Process
Ply Gem offers professional installation for its products, although it isn’t always necessary for customers to pay for this. Before buying, you should look into the warranty terms for your windows of choice. DIY installation could result in warranties being voided for various reasons, depending on the product.
If you opt to go through a licensed retailer and contractor, you’ll have to defer to the labor warranties your individual provider offers. This will mainly apply if you have any issues with your window frame or sealing around the window itself after the installation has been completed.
Ply Gem Windows Availability
Ply Gem Windows are available throughout the United States via a network of local distributors and window professionals. All products offered by Ply Gem via Cornerstone Building Brands are manufactured in the states, which makes for relatively easy distribution. This window provider even offers a store locator on its website to ease your search process.
Final Thoughts: Are Ply Gem Windows Worth it?
Ply Gem markets many lines of windows of varying quality. Your experience with your Ply Gem products will largely depend on the retailer and window installation service you purchase them through. This provider offers “Find a Pro” and “Find a Distributor” functions on its website to make this process easier. Pricing on Ply Gem products also seems to align with industry standards.
Ultimately, Ply Gem could be a good option if you’re going through a reputable installation company. Contracted labor for window installation is not covered under Ply Gem’s product warranties and should be thoroughly vetted before booking. We recommend getting quotes from multiple providers and exploring products before deciding on a line of windows to use for your home. Note that Ply Gem’s low customer service ratings shouldn’t be ignored. If you encounter issues with your windows after installation, you may experience difficulties contacting a representative regarding your warranty.
For more comparisons read our in-depth JELD WEN windows and doors review
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing options
Excellent customizability
7 glass options
4.0
Low pricing
Lifetime labor and material warranty
Custom financing
Ply Gem FAQs
Where Are Ply Gem Windows Made?
All Ply Gem windows are made in the United States through a network of manufacturing locations. This makes them far easier to distribute nationwide.
Are Ply Gem Windows a Fair Price?
Ply Gem window prices often sit between $25 and $60 per square foot, which puts them toward the intermediate to lower end of the cost spectrum.
Is Ply Gem a Reputable Company?
Ply Gem has been in business in one form or another for more than 75 years and is based in Cary, North Carolina. It markets a range of window types, including replacement and new construction windows, which are routinely well-reviewed for their quality upon installation.
How Does Ply Gem Compare To Other Window Companies?
Ply Gem compares favorably to companies like Andersen due to its sheer number of window varieties. It will likely have you covered if you’re in the market for wood, vinyl, aluminum, or more specialty windows. That said, its warranty options and coverages are where this provider falls markedly short. Warranties vary with product and installation method and are notoriously difficult to follow up on, per customer reviews.
Methodology: How We Rank Window Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our window company ratings emphasize what matters most to you—a wide range of well-designed products with reliable installation and great curb appeal.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with renovation and building experts.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories, converted to a five-star scale. We researched dozens of windows installation and replacement companies to develop the following formula:
- Product Offerings (40 points): Window installers can earn the maximum point value in this category if they offer a wide variety of window styles, frame materials, hardware designs, and glass and coating options. Companies earn more points if they design custom windows for your home. We also score the quality and energy efficiency of the windows each company installs.
- Service Offerings (10 points): When evaluating this category, we consider factors such as consultations, post-installation cleanup, and additional product offerings. We also look at each company's installation team structure – including whether it uses certified window installers or subcontractors to complete work – as this can cause variances in quality.
- Affordability (25 points): Our affordability rating considers the provider’s average window prices and how they align with industry averages, as well as discounts and payment plans.
- Warranty and Support (10 points): A best-in-class window installer will back up its work with a solid warranty to give you added peace of mind. Companies receive the maximum point value in this category if they offer lifetime warranties for their products and workmanship.
- Company Reputation (15 points): To ensure we’re recommending worthwhile installers, we check each company’s reputation and standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider how many years of experience it has in the window industry.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
