What to Know Before Buying Champion Windows
Champion Windows is a manufacturer of vinyl replacement windows, sunrooms, sidings, and doors. Unlike other window manufacturers, Champion only has one line of customizable vinyl windows and operates in 23 states.
Champion is a full-service company – they’ll start by visiting your house and giving you a quote. Then, if you purchase windows, they’ll order, make, and install them.
But, before you buy, here’s what you need to know about window types, customizations, and how past customers rate this company.
What Types of Windows Does Champion Offer?
Champion only offers vinyl replacement windows.
They offer the following types of windows:
- Double-hung
- Casement
- Awning
- Sliding
- Bay and bow
- Picture
- Garden
- Glass block
- Basement hopper
- Specialty shapes
Their double-hung windows feature tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning.
What Colors Do Champion Windows Come In?
Champion Windows come standard with a white interior. You can upgrade the interior to ColorBond tan or choose one of their wood-look interior colors: cherry wood, English oak, and dark oak.
The exterior color options include white, tan, adobe, bronze, colonial blue, pebble, and black.
What are the Grid Options for Champion Windows?
You can choose from five grid options inserted between the insulated glass. The grid styles are no-grid, colonial, diamond, prairie, and open prairie. The grid options vary, though, with casement and awning windows having one less type than a double-hung window, for example.
What Kind of Glass Do Champion Windows Have?
All Champion Windows come with their branded Comfort365 Energy Star certified glass. Champion’s Comfort365 glass features dual panes, an argon gas filling, and a Low-E coating.
The Low-E coating on Champion’s windows blocks 94% of UV rays and reflects heat, so your home will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
You can also choose optional privacy glass for bathroom and basement windows.
How Does Ordering From Champion Windows Work?
Champion offers full service from ordering to installation. If you’re interested in their windows, start by scheduling a quote, which you can do online. After scheduling a quote, a salesperson will come to your house. If you accept the quote, they’ll take measurements, order the windows, and install them for you.
What is the Champion Windows’ Warranty?
Champion Windows offers a limited lifetime warranty on all of its products. The warranty covers broken glass, seal failure, parts, materials, waste removal, screen repair, and labor.
Champion doesn’t list the full warranty details online, so you’ll need to consult a rep for more information on how long each aspect of the window is covered.
Are Champion Windows Good?
Champion is rated “F” by the BBB but has a 3.8 out of 5-star customer rating. On Consumer Affairs, Champion has a higher 4.2 out of 5-star rating.
Many negative reviews on the BBB website state that the installation and ordering process took longer than estimated, and many reviewers complain of bad customer service.
Champion did make J.D. Power’s window customer satisfaction survey ranking nine out of ten, with 835 out of 1,000 possible points.
While many customers are happy with the products, there are mixed reviews regarding wait time, installation, and customer service.
What are the Best Alternatives to Champion Windows?
Champion only offers vinyl replacement windows. If you’re looking for more companies with vinyl frames, here are the best brands to check out:
- JELD WEN
- Pella
- Milgard
- Simonton
- Ply Gem
- Alside
Champion vs. Renewal by Andersen
Champion Windows and Renewal by Andersen are both full-service window companies. They’ll help you with every step, from a quote to installation. The big difference is Champion offers vinyl windows, and Renewal by Andersen offers composite windows.
Composite material is stronger than vinyl but also costs more. So, if you go with Renewal by Andersen, expect to pay a higher cost, but you might also get better service.
Renewal by Andersen ranked number one in customer satisfaction on J.D. Power’s window satisfaction survey of 2021. They also have an “A+” BBB rating compared to the Champion Windows “F” rating.
Champion vs. Pella Windows
Pella offers four types of vinyl windows – a budget line, a line featuring easy-care vinyl, and two hurricane zone-rated lines of windows. Pella has fewer frame color choices than Champion but otherwise offers a similar product.
One of the significant differences between Pella and Champion is that Pella is not a full-service company. If you order Pella windows, you’ll need to find a local Pro or install the windows yourself.
Aside from vinyl windows, Pella also offers fiberglass, wood, and wood-clad frames. Champion only offers vinyl windows.
Champion Windows vs. Andersen
Andersen is a top window manufacturer offering wood, wood-clad, and composite Fibrex windows. While Andersen has no all-vinyl windows, they carry a wood frame with a vinyl-clad exterior. The vinyl exterior allows for low maintenance, while the wood interior provides warmth and a paintable or stainable surface.
Champion only offers vinyl windows, although they have TimberBond interior options, which can give your windows a wood look.
Since Andersen uses different materials, most of their windows will cost more than Champions. But depending on the look you want, the cost may be worth it.
Another difference is that Andersen doesn’t offer installation like Champion. Instead, you’ll need to find a local pro to install your windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Who sells Champion windows?
You can only purchase Champion Windows through the company itself. They sell directly to the consumer and provide installation.
Do champion windows come with screens?
ColorBond Champion windows come with a complementary Flexscreen, but the standard white color doesn’t.
Does Champion Windows offer financing?
Champion Windows offers financing with various payment plans. For example, they sometimes offer 60 months of low-interest financing.
What is the Champion YES program?
The Champion YES program is a certificate you can print off to receive a 10% discount on your window quote. To qualify, say “Yes” to your in-home quote and show the certificate to your salesperson.
Final Thoughts
Champion Windows has been in business for over 65 years and offers custom-built vinyl replacement windows, sunrooms, siding, and doors. Their windows are customizable and come in many color and grid options.
Champion Windows offers a full service and will install your windows for you. The downside? They have mixed ratings from customers. While some rave about the windows and service, top complaints state that the process took too long and the customer service was subpar.