Let’s face it, windows are expensive. But certain window brands, like Ply Gem, offer affordable window replacement options. We researched the best replacement windows available and found Ply Gem to have some of the lowest pricing. Read on to learn more about its windows, services, and reputation to determine if its quality holds up. 

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Our Take on Ply Gem

Bernard Hewitt founded Ply Gem Industries in 1943. The company focuses on offering affordable windows. In addition to replacement windows, it provides other home services and building products, such as vinyl siding, metalwork, fencing, railings, gutter services, and doors.

Ply Gem is best for homeowners looking for affordable, standard vinyl windows.

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Pros and Cons

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Services

Unlike some window manufacturers, such as Renewal by Andersen, Ply Gem doesn’t offer in-house window installation. Instead, the company works with local, certified contractors to comply with local building code requirements. 

Ply Gem follows standard window installation steps. The company will begin by helping you to design and order windows that match your budget and needs. You can customize your windows by selecting from multiple interior and exterior colors, grille configurations, glass options, and various hardware upgrades for increased functionality. Then, you schedule an installation date with a local installer. Ply Gem’s after-sales customer service team can answer any care, maintenance, or warranty questions following installation.

Ply Gem also offers several other home improvement services and products, including patio doors, siding, stonework, fences, railing, shutters, gutters, trim, and molding.

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Types of Windows and Doors

Ply Gem offers the following window types: 

• Awning windows
• Bay windows 
• Bow windows
• Casement windows 
• Double-hung windows 
• Garden windows 
• Geometric windows 
• Picture windows
• Single-hung windows
• Sliding windows

Ply Gem also offers the following patio doors: 

• French doors
• Multi-sliding doors
• Sliding doors
• Swinging doors

Ply Gem offers both new construction and replacement window lines. You order new construction windows when building a new home or adding a new addition to your home. You order replacement windows when you need to replace or upgrade your existing windows. 

Below is a breakdown of some of Ply Gem’s popular window lines.

• 200 Series Windows: This new construction window line includes composite wood windows that pair wood’s traditional beauty with the low-maintenance benefits of an exterior cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC) frame. 
• 300 Series Windows: Another new construction window line, Ply Gem’s 300 Series offers historically inspired composite wood windows. These windows have PVC exteriors and a vinyl sash on the interior frame.
• 400 Series Windows: These wood composite windows are designed for new construction. They have a paint-ready exterior, making it easy to customize with your preferred exterior color. 
• 1500 Series Windows: This series includes high-end new construction vinyl windows with Energy Star-certified glass, including triple-pane options and low-E glass with insulating argon gas.
• Classic Series: These vinyl windows have simple, timeless designs and durable hardware. You can add efficiency upgrades to reduce your energy costs.
• East/West Pro Series 200 Windows: These vinyl windows work with new construction or replacement projects. Their minimal frames bring more natural light into your home, while their regional-tailored glass helps to conserve energy and lower heating and cooling costs.
• East/West 400 Series Windows: This dual new construction/replacement window line provides high-quality vinyl windows.
• MIRA Series Windows: These new construction aluminum-clad windows offer the warmth and style of wood but the durability and weather resistance of aluminum.

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State Availability

Ply Gem operates in all 50 states, as well as Washington D.C. However, its window line availability varies by ZIP code. Ply Gem works to supply window lines tailored to your regional climate and common weather conditions. We recommend visiting Ply Gem’s website to find your nearest certified installer or distribution center. 

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How Much Do Ply Gem Windows Cost?

Ply Gem window prices vary significantly due to the company’s large catalog of window lines and styles. Based on our research, the company’s vinyl windows, such as its Pro Series 200 windows, start at $150 per window excluding installation. The company’s more premium and unique options, such as its bay windows, can cost up to $1,500 each. Overall, Ply Gem’s price range is on the lower end of average replacement window costs.

Many of Ply Gem’s windows are available at popular retailers such as The Home Depot. You may have to contact the company directly if you want its premium windows, such as its MIRA Series.

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Customer Service

Ply Gem offers customer support by phone or via an online consultation form. The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an F rating* on the site. Because it uses a network of local installers, experiences may vary widely according to location. Overall, Ply Gem received only a handful of positive reviews. Negative reviews mention poor communication and warranty issues.

Below is a sample of customer reviews for Ply Gem’s headquarters in Cary, North Carolina.

“Best vinyl windows made and [a] great warranty.” —Steve Watt via Google Reviews

“Windows look good years after installation but developed significant problems with wind and opening for cleaning. Took another few years and bad reviews to get them to see the windows along with the installers. Ply Gem / Simonton Windows told the installers that there were small issues with the windows that were easily fixed with new felt and plastic windshields, fixing some screws, and how to fix windows that come off track. Fixing all of these issues[,] and the windows are in great shape again.” —Sandra Schoen via Google Reviews

“I ordered windows and [a] sliding glass door for a renovation about one year ago. They malfunctioned since the minute they were installed. The sliding glass door looked like it had been through hell and back when it was installed. We are still waiting for the replacement windows to be serviced since they still do not work[,] and waiting for our siding door to be replaced. I have reached out … but still can’t get anyone to give answers or updates.” —Christine S. via BBB

“Very poor customer service. I opened a warranty claim 4 months ago[,] and no one contacted me to repair their product. [I l]eft messages once a week and even left messages to the supervisor with no response. They claim they are backed up[,] but all I am getting are lies and the stalling to get the repair done.” —Alice M. via BBB

*Better Business Bureau information accurate as of December 2022.

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Our Conclusion

Ply Gem offers a comprehensive selection of affordable window options. It also offers additional home improvement services to help homeowners tackle multiple projects. However, it has a negative reputation for communication and customer service. We recommend calling and speaking to a representative to gauge the experience before making a decision.

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FAQ About Ply Gem Windows

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Our Rating Methodology

We back up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, analyzing window line specifications, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for window variety, value, trustworthiness and transparency, window features, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale. 

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.