Loewen Windows Review
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Loewen is a Canadian window company with locations across North America. It’s known for its high-end wood materials, designs, and craftsmanship, but its level of quality and fine detail comes at a high price.
We used key factors to compare Loewen to leading names in the window industry, such as Renewal by Andersen, Castle, and Champion. To form our recommendation, we read technical documents about each of Loewen’s product series, reviewed its warranty policy, read customer reviews, called a local showroom, and watched its manufacturing videos to see what sets it apart.
We love the brand’s luxury wood options, energy efficiency features, and commitment to sustainability. However, Loewen is definitely for a particular kind of buyer—one who isn’t on a tight budget. It’s also not for those who want in-house installation or a quick turnaround. We explore these factors and other pros and cons in our review below.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Made of real coastal Douglas fir, Honduran mahogany, and white oak
- Sells luxury, handcrafted, made-to-order custom designs
- Has an impact window line rated to resist the highest winds and flying debris
Cons
- Is one of the most expensive window brands we’ve reviewed
- Can take a while to receive custom orders, according to some online reviews
What You Should Know
Our rating: 3.1/5
Price range: $600–$2,300
Warranty: Limited 20/20/20
State availability: 35
Window Types Available
Loewen has a more limited range of window styles than other brands. Whereas many other companies sell seven to 10 window types, Loewen makes just five. It leaves out certain homeowner favorites, such as bay, bow, and garden windows. Loewen does make other classics, though. Here’s what you can order from the manufacturer:
- Awning windows: These windows open upward from the bottom, allowing in fresh air while creating an awning that keeps out rain. Loewen’s awning windows come in Douglas fir or Mahogany and have two layers of weatherstripping.
- Casement windows: Casement windows open outward from the side. Loewen offers two types of weatherstripping for added insulation.
- Double-hung windows: A double-hung window can open from both ends. The bottom sash lifts up, and the top sash lowers down. These windows also tilt inward for easy cleaning. Loewen offers the option to triple-glaze the glass for increased energy efficiency.
- Picture/direct set windows: Loewen’s picture windows have a solid wood frame, narrow framing for wider sightlines, and water deflection. They come in a variety of sizes. Because it’s a direct set window, it doesn’t open.
- Single-hung windows: Loewen’s single-hung window has similar features to the double-hung, though it only opens from the bottom sash.
All of Loewen’s windows include real-wood framing and extruded aluminum cladding in various colors. You can also choose primed wood or clear fir exterior.
Our Take on Loewen
Loewen is for homeowners who care about beauty and craftsmanship and aren’t concerned about price or timeline. The company prides itself on real wood windows made by skilled craftspeople; it never uses wood veneers. Its hardware is made from genuine bronze, brass, zinc, and stainless steel—no imitations. This is a luxury brand for those whose home is their showpiece.
Loewen’s many customization options give you the opportunity to truly make its windows your own. We also like Loewen’s commitment to sustainability. According to its website, the company buys ethically produced materials and reuses and reengineers whenever possible. It recycles nearly all wood waste created during manufacturing and all metal that goes unused.
On the downside, we expected a longer warranty. For such an expensive, luxury item, we feel Loewen should provide a true lifetime warranty, which means covering all components for the expected lifetime of your window (typically 20–30 years). Instead, Loewen covers different window components for different lengths of time. For example, some glass and window spacers are warranted for 20 years and others for 10.
This limited warranty, combined with the lack of online customer reviews compared to other window manufacturers, makes us hesitant that the durability and longevity of Loewen’s windows match their beauty. However, we did see a contractor on Reddit say that he’d installed Loewen windows and they were always well-made.
We also don’t like that Loewen doesn’t have an in-house installation team trained to install its windows. Instead, you’ll have to arrange installation through a third-party dealer. While this is common in the window industry, we prefer companies with in-house installers, such as Renewal by Andersen and Champion. Working with an in-house team fosters better communication and eliminates the possibility that if something goes wrong, the windows manufacturer and the dealer will point fingers at each other about which party is responsible.
We Recommend Loewen If You:
- Value handcrafted, luxury designs
- Are comfortable paying above-average prices
- Want high-quality wood windows
We Don’t Recommend Loewen If You:
- Want your window order quickly
- Want installation handled in-house
- Want vinyl or fiberglass windows
Cost of Loewen Windows
According to our 2024 survey of 1,500 window buyers, Loewen’s average cost per window is $1,513. This isn’t dramatically higher than the average we found across other brands, which was $1,234 per window or $1,244 for wood windows specifically. However, if you’re buying multiple windows for your home, paying a few hundred dollars more per window can add up quickly. Using these averages, installing 10 Loewen windows would mean paying an extra $2,790.
Your pricing will vary depending on your chosen window size, shape, and style, plus wood type and customizations. Don’t forget to budget for installation, too. Since Loewen doesn’t do in-house installation, you’ll have to pay for the labor to have each window installed. According to data Angi collected from real homeowners, this costs an additional $100–$300 per window on average.
Financing Options
Many window manufacturers partner with banks to give you attractive loan terms that make financing easier. This could be 12 months of no interest or no payments for 12 months. Loewen makes no mention of any financing partnerships or perks on its website. We looked at three of its dealers’ sites and found no financing incentives there either. This doesn’t surprise us, given how high-end the brand is. At this price point, many buyers likely aren’t that concerned about getting financing help or may be paying cash upfront.
Discounts
We also didn’t see any discounts advertised by Loewen. Windows manufacturers often offer deals such as buy one, get one or seasonal discounts of 30% off. Again, Loewen’s target clientele is likely not choosing the company to save money.
Warranty
Loewen describes its windows as having “cradle-to-grave performance.” If that’s the case, we’d expect to see a lifetime warranty on its products. Instead, Loewen has a limited warranty covering glass, paint, and wood components for 20 years for all metal-clad products. Some glass and window spacer types are warranted for only 10 years.
We read through its coverage exclusions and didn’t see any red flags. The limitations are pretty standard for the industry. As with other brands, basically anything done to the window not completed by Loewen or a Loewen affiliate can void your warranty coverage. That means if you hire an outside contractor to install the windows instead of going through a Loewen dealer and that contractor damages or incorrectly installs the product, Loewen won’t cover it.
We did see one thing in the warranty we don’t often see in writing—that using inappropriate cleaners can void your warranty. If you use a chemical cleaner that damages the glass or wood, Loewen won’t cover that either, so make sure you’re aware of recommended window products.
Materials
Loewen prides itself on high-quality window materials. Here’s a look at what they’re made of.
Window Framing
Loewen windows are primarily made from three wood species: coastal Douglas fir, Honduran mahogany, and white oak. Coastal Douglas fir is the premium grade of Douglas fir. It has a rich, warm texture and is highly durable and resilient. It also naturally resists moisture absorption, decay, and insect infestation.
Loewen uses genuine Honduran mahogany that’s also decay-resistant and has a swirled grain pattern. Its colors range from rose to light brown. As it ages, it develops a deep reddish-brown tone. White oak is a strong and straight-grained wood that’s durable and takes stain well.
While these are Loewen’s standards, the company also offers Accoya, a type of improved wood made from radiata pine. Its molecular structure is modified to create a strong, stable material. Cherry, walnut, and other wood species are also available upon request.
Lastly, Loewen uses extruded aluminum cladding to reinforce its window frames. Cladding is a protective layer of material added around the window frame’s exterior to increase durability and weather resistance. Extruded means it’s set away from the underlying wood, creating an air space that improves thermal performance and allows moisture to escape. This material can take heavy impact but is also malleable enough to fit many window sizes and shapes.
Window Hardware
Loewen’s hardware is made from solid metals, including bronze, brass, and steel. It comes in several designs and finishes, whether you want a contemporary look or something historically accurate.
Energy Efficiency
The main factors we look for when evaluating a window’s energy performance are Energy Star certification, low-emissivity (low-E) glass glazing, gas filling between panes, and double- and triple-pane window options. Loewen checks every box.
Not only do Loewen’s products meet Energy Star performance requirements, the company is a founding member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficient Windows Collaborative. It’s also certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council and Window and Door Manufacturers Association, two highly revered organizations in the industry.
Loewen’s glass options can be tailored to meet varying standards of thermal transference, solar-energy transference, and light transmittance. We recommend its low-e glass, which is now the gold standard for windows when it comes to energy efficiency. This coating is applied to the window glass to prevent heat transfer, meaning the sun won’t heat your home in summer, and your home’s warmth won’t escape in winter either.
Loewen’s windows are also made with another energy must: gas filling. Efficient windows include a nontoxic gas—typically argon—between the glass panes for extra insulation. The gas is colorless and odorless and not only makes your windows more insulative but also more soundproof and impact-resistant.
Another offering we like is Loewen’s StormForce product line. These windows are highly weather- and impact-resistant. They’re certified for Wind Zone 4 conditions, the most stringent hurricane-zone certification. If you live in a storm-prone area, we recommend upgrading to storm windows for more protection and energy efficiency.
While wood isn’t the most energy-efficient window material (fiberglass holds that title), we consider Loewen windows to be high-performing overall for U.S. climates.
Loewen Customer Reviews: Reddit, BBB, Yelp, and More
It was difficult to find many customer reviews for Loewen, likely because its price point puts it out of reach for many homeowners. It’s also challenging because the company outsources installation to its dealers, so many reviews are about the installation experience rather than Loewen’s actual products. We typically check the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to see what customers have to say, but we had to dig a little deeper for Loewen, though we did see that it has an A+ rating on the BBB.
The positive feedback we read mostly had to do with Loewen’s material quality and beauty. Customers love the look of the wood and the handcrafted designs.
Negative reviews include shock over the price, though that should be a given when picking Loewen windows. We also saw frustration about how difficult it can be to get in touch with customer support at Loewen, along with mixed reviews about working with local dealers.
“These windows are made from old-growth Douglas fir from British Columbia, inside and out. They come with great hardware and a wide option of styles. You can get them custom-made to your dimensions. One great option on casement windows are integrated pull-down screens. Beware that they often take 9–10 weeks to receive.” — HeliosTheGreat, Reddit
“Loewen in Manitoba was an absolute disaster in the ordering, shipping, mullion details, and everything else that surrounded the job, like they were deliberately trying to sabotage the order.” — Jane-Smith-Williams, Reddit
We recommend seeking out reviews of your local Loewen dealer, as well as asking family, friends, and neighbors if they’ve had any experiences with the brand.
Window Series
Beyond its standard wood with aluminum cladding options, Loewen has three collections for customers wanting something extra.
Series | Features | Window Types | Materials | Recommended For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cyprium | Artisan-applied bronze or copper patina | Awning, casement, picture | Bronze, copper | Those who want old-world architecture |
StormForce | Impact resistance and top hurricane-zone certification | Awning, casement, double-hung, picture, single-hung | Wood, aluminum | Those in hurricane zones or who want extra impact- and sound-resistance |
Timber Curtain Wall | An operable wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling window system | Customized to your wall | Wood, aluminum, bronze, copper | Those who want as much natural light, fresh air, and outdoor views as possible |
Other Products
Loewen also makes doors in addition to windows. Styles include the following:
- Bifold
- French
- Liftslide
- Multislide
- Sliding patio
- Swinging terrace
The brand’s doors are made with the same quality materials, artisanal beauty, and attention to detail as its windows and are available in all collections noted above.
Loewen differs from many popular window brands in that it doesn’t extend its products and services into other home features such as siding, gutters, or shutters.
Quote and Installation Process
As mentioned, Loewen doesn’t install the windows it makes. Instead, it has a network of dealers across 35 U.S. states that you’ll need to contact for your consultation, quote, ordering, and installation. This is common in the windows industry. Of the window companies we’ve reviewed, about half have their own in-house installation team while the others outsource to a dealer network or leave it to you to hire an outside contractor.
Loewen does make it easy to find a dealer in your area, though. Using the Find a Dealer page on its website, you can simply enter your city or ZIP code and be shown locations nearby. From there, you can visit the dealer’s linked page to call and arrange a consultation or ask questions. As some customers mentioned in reviews, reaching a dealer via phone isn’t always easy and may take some persistence. For example, we called the nearest dealer three times in a week’s span and didn’t reach anyone.
How Loewen Compares to Other Top Window Companies
Loewen’s price point and elevated designs make it stand out from most window companies we’ve reviewed. It puts a bigger emphasis on beauty, luxury, and craftsmanship. While this may be what some buyers are looking for, if you’re looking for standard windows at a more affordable price that still perform well, we recommend one of the companies in the below table.
These companies cost an average of $300–$700 less per window than Loewen, according to our survey data. They’re all Energy Star-certified and use today’s leading efficiency practices, such as low-e glass and argon gas insulation. Most have more window styles to choose from and products such as doors and home siding. They’re also much more common and, therefore, easier to find customer reviews about online. However, they can’t beat Loewen’s high-end wood materials and impressive architectural look if that’s what you’re most interested in.
*The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a third-party organization that evaluates businesses’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of November 2024.
**“Not rated” means the BBB is currently reevaluating the company’s score.
Advice from a Homeowner
If you’re just starting your window search, you may be unsure what factors are most important. We spoke with Jacqueline C., a homeowner in Medfield, Massachusetts, who said she felt overwhelmed when beginning the window-buying process. “I didn’t know before I got windows that there were all these options and types and shapes and sizes. You should do your own research beforehand so nobody tries to sell you something you don’t need.”
Jacqueline also said you should consider your local weather. Getting the right windows for your climate will prevent your HVAC system from working too hard, in turn lowering your energy bills. “Our heating bill was outrageous, and we knew a significant part of that was the draftiness from our windows being so old,” said Jacqueline. “Our electric bill went down [after getting new windows]. And it’s much more comfortable in the basement. The family all hangs out down there now.”
If you live in a cold, northern climate, we recommend looking for fiberglass windows, which are highly weather-resistant and energy-efficient. If you live by the coast, avoid wood windows, which are vulnerable to warping when exposed to consistent humidity and salty air. And if you’re in a storm-prone area, look for impact-resistant windows. To check if your windows are right for your climate, look for the Energy Star sticker to see which regions it’s recommended for.
How We Evaluated Window Brands
To determine the best window brands, we surveyed 1,500 homeowners to learn which factors mattered most to them, as well as what they like and dislike about the windows they chose. We also spoke with window experts to learn what to expect when buying and installing windows, and we carefully reviewed company websites and sample warranties. Finally, we read over 1,000 customer reviews to spot themes about each brand’s product and service quality.
Our Rating System
We evaluated companies on six factors that matter most to customers: value, performance, selection, services, customer support, and reputation. Here’s how we approached scoring for each company using these categories:
- Value (20%): We evaluated cost and financing offers to assess your investment versus return. We gave more points to companies with below-market pricing of $1,400 or lower. If you’re buying several windows at once, you’ll likely consider financing them and paying the purchase off monthly. Some window manufacturers leave you to figure out financing on your own with your bank. Others have in-house financing options that come with incentives, such as 0% interest rates, no money down, or no payments for the first year. We rated companies with these benefits higher.
- Performance (25%): We looked at energy efficiency and warranty coverage to score performance. We gave the most points to companies with Energy Star-certified windows and lifetime warranties, as we feel these give buyers the best return on investment.
- Selection (20%): To rate product selection, we looked at available materials, window types, and customization options. Window brands typically score similarly in this category because they offer many of the same things.
- Services (10%): We awarded more points to companies that offer in-house window installation because this reduces scheduling hassles, miscommunication, and warranty disputes. We also awarded points to companies that offer products beyond windows, such as doors, siding, and gutters. We think this is more convenient and cost-effective for customers doing big home improvement projects.
- Customer Support (10%): We looked at brands’ support hours and website features to score this category. We awarded points for 24/7 customer support, a website chat feature, an online service request form, and online maintenance and how-to guides for convenient answers to common questions.
- Reputation (15%): Lastly, we assessed how companies fared on review sites. We looked at ratings on the BBB and Trustpilot, giving more points for a higher BBB letter rating and customer scores.