Are Ply Gem Windows Worth It? Types, Ratings and More
Ply Gem is a window manufacturer with several lines of vinyl, composite, and wood-clad frames. They also own Simonton, a brand of all vinyl windows.
Ply Gem has such a broad offering of products that you can likely find one of their window lines to meet your needs.
Here’s the difference between their series, customer ratings, and other important info you should know before making a purchase.
Are Ply Gem Windows Expensive?
Ply Gem offers a range of windows and materials – some are affordable and others more expensive. Their lowest-cost windows are vinyl frames, including the Classic Series, 1100, East Pro, and West Pro Series. One of their more expensive lines is the aluminum-clad MIRA series.
On average, you can expect a standard-sized double-hung window to cost from $100-$1,200, depending on the line.
Here’s a sample look at the pricing of one of the least expensive lines – the Classic Series. (Prices will vary by location and change if you customize the windows.)
| Series | Type | Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (Vinyl) | Single-hung | 35.5” x 47.5” | $176 |
| Classic (Vinyl) | Sliding | 23.5” x 23.5” | $109 |
| Classic (Vinyl) | Sliding w/ grilles | 47.5” x 47.5” | $229 |
| Classic (Vinyl) | Single0hung | 35.5” x 35.5” | $134 |
Is Ply Gem a Good Company?
If you’re getting ready to purchase Ply Gem windows, it’s important to know that this company has an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau. Customers have filed over 200 complaints within the last three years. The main complaints are warranty related.
On Consumer Affairs, past customers rated Ply Gem 3.0 out of 5 stars.
So, before going with Ply Gem, get recommendations from local contractors. They’ll have the best knowledge of how these windows perform in your area and can give you insight into any troubles they’ve had.
What Types of Vinyl Windows Does Ply Gem Offer?
If you’re after a vinyl window, Ply Gem supplies 11 new and replacement options. Ply Gem’s vinyl windows allow for customizations, including various colors, grilles, and glass packages.
Many of the vinyl windows from Ply Gem are rated ‘Most Efficient’ by Energy Star if you upgrade the glass packages.
Here’s a breakdown of all the vinyl windows from Ply Gem.
1500 Series Windows
Type: New Construction
The 1500 Series is a new construction vinyl window with energy-efficient glass and a “Most Efficient” Energy Star rating for 2022.
One of the best things about this line is the multiple frame options to choose from, making it work for traditional or modern homes.
The 1500 Series comes in several colors. You can select a black, bronze, or dove gray exterior with a white interior. Other exterior color options include beige, clay, and dark bronze. Interior colors include white, beige, and clay.
These windows come with dual pane glass, but you can add argon fillings, Low-E coatings, and upgrade to triple pane glass if you’d like. You can also get the single-hung and casement windows with impact-rated glass.
You can customize the look, choosing between multiple grille patterns, grid styles, and hardware.
Types of windows in this line:
- Single-hung
- Sliding
- Casement
- Awning
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
- Bay and bow
Classic Series Windows
Type: New Construction
The Classic Series offers a simple design that goes with most homes.
You can get the Classic Series windows in three interior and exterior colors: white, beige, and gray. You can customize these windows by picking your hardware, grille patterns, and grille profiles.
You can upgrade the glass by adding a Low-E coating, argon gas filling, choosing laminated glass, or going with an acoustic glass package to reduce noise.
Types of windows in this line:
- Double-hung
- Casement
- Awning
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
- Bay and bow
1100 Series
Type: New Construction
The 1100 series features a vinyl frame and custom sizing. You can combine multiple window styles from this line to create unique configurations.
The 1100 series comes in five exterior colors: white, black, almond, clay, and bronze. (Black and bronze are only available with white interiors.) The interior colors are clay, almond, or white. You can choose from two types of hardware and nine grille options.
Glass options include Low-E glass, argon fillings, obscure glass, and acoustic glass package upgrades.
Types of windows in this line:
- Single-hung
- Slider
- Casement
- Awning
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
5000 Series
Type: New Construction
The 5000 Series is the way to go if you prefer casement or awning style windows.
But, one of the cons to this line is that there are only two interior and exterior color options – white and beige.
You can customize the look by choosing from three grid patterns, three grille profiles, and two types of hardware.
The glass options are plentiful – you can choose from tempered glass, Low-E glass, energy efficient and energy star packages, and noise-reducing glass.
Types of windows in this line:
- Casement
- Awning
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
- Bay and bow
West Pro Series 200
Type: New Construction and Replacement
The West Pro Series 200 features slim frames and expansive glass for the best views. These frames fit contemporary homes and were named one of the “Most Efficient” by Energy Star in 2022.
You can get these windows in several frame options and new construction or replacement style.
The West Pro Series 200 window has five exterior color options: white, sand, clay, bronze, and black. The interior color options are white, sand, and clay. (Bronze and black exteriors come standard with a white interior.)
You can customize these windows by choosing from two hardware options, nine grille patterns, and multiple grille profiles. In addition, there are many glass packages, including standard dual pane, low-E, argon gas fillings, triple-pane glass, noise reduction packages, and more.
Types of windows in this line:
- Single-hung
- Sliding
- Picture
- Bay and bow
- Specialty shapes
West 400 Series
Type: New Construction and Replacement
The 400-Series is an American-made window from Ply Gem offering slim frames for expansive views. You can get these windows in new construction and replacement style.
This series has three interior and exterior color choices: white, sand, and clay. You can pick from two types of hardware, five grid patterns, and a few grille profiles.
The 400 Series offers advanced glass packages with optional Low-E coatings, argon gas fillings, and Energy Star ratings for your area.
Types of windows in this line:
- Single-hung
- Sliding
- Picture
- Garden
- Specialty shapes
West Pro Series 700
Type: New Construction and Replacement
The West Pro Series offers a classic look with extended frame depth and received the “Most Efficient” of Energy Star in 2022.
The exterior color options are white, black, sand, clay, and bronze. The interior colors are white, clay, and sand. If you want a black or bronze exterior, you can only get it with a white interior. To customize, you can add grids.
The glass options for the West Pro Series 700 include Low-E, argon gas, and upgraded triple pane glass. You can also choose a noise-reduction package if you live on a busy street.
Types of windows in this line:
- Casement
- Awning
- Skywall
- Bay and bow
East Premium Series
Type: Replacement
The East Premium Series is a replacement vinyl window with many customizations, including wood-grain-look interiors and designer glass. These windows have been awarded as ‘Most Efficient’ by Energy Star in 2022.
The exterior color choices for the East Premium Series include white, beige, sandstone, shark skin, earth tone, royal brown, evergreen, dark bronze, and black. The interior color choices are white beige or one of three wood grain looks – golden oak, natural oak, and colonial cherry.
You can choose from six types of designer and obscure glass. In addition, there are eight types of grille patterns, two grille profiles, and two types of locks.
The glass is also customizable with options for a Low-E coating, argon gas fillings, and a dual or triple pane insulated glass unit.
Types of windows in this line:
- Double-hung
- Sliding
- Casement
- Awning
- Picture
- Garden
- Specialty shapes
- Bay and bow
East Pro Series
Type: Replacement
The East Pro Series is similar to the East Premium series but with fewer customizations. These windows come with optional energy-efficient packages but no designer glass options.
The exterior color choices for this series include white, beige, sandstone, shark skin, earth tone, royal brown, evergreen, dark bronze, and black. There are only two interior color options: white and beige.
You can customize these windows by choosing from eight grille patterns and five grille profiles. You can upgrade the energy efficiency of these windows by choosing Low-E coatings, argon gas fillings, and triple pane glass.
Types of windows in this line:
East 2000 Series
Type: Replacement
The East 2000 Series features a line of easy-to-open windows. There are optional energy-efficient upgrades, and this window was named ‘Most Efficient’ by Energy Star in 2022.
The color options for the East 2000 Series include white, beige, bronze, black, and evergreen exteriors. There are two interior color options – white and beige. If you choose a bronze, black, or evergreen exterior, your only interior option is white.
You can customize these windows by choosing from seven grille patterns and three grille profiles. Optional glass packages include dual or triple pane, Low-E coatings, argon gas fillings, and more.
Types of windows in this line:
- Double-hung
- Double-slider
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
East 5100 Series
Type: Replacement
The East 5100 Series features only an awning and casement window. You can upgrade to an optional Energy Star glass package.
The exterior color options are white, beige, bronze, evergreen, and black. The two interior color choices are white and beige. If you choose a bronze, black, or evergreen exterior, your only interior color option is white.
There are three grille patterns for this series and multiple glass package upgrades.
Types of windows in this line:
- Awning
- Casement
What Type of Wood Composite Windows Does Ply Gem Offer?
Ply Gem offers three series of wood composite windows, all new construction. Their wood composite frames feature cellular PVC that you can paint to your liking.
Here’s a breakdown of each series.
200 Series
Type: New Construction
The 200 Series features a wood interior you can stain with a durable exterior cellular PVC frame. These windows work well for traditional-style homes, but since there are so many casing options, you can make this window fit any type of house.
There is one exterior color choice for the 200 Series – a primed sash with composite brickmould. You can paint the exterior any color you’d like.
The interior options are stain-ready natural wood or a paint-ready primed interior.
You can customize this line by choosing from nine grille patterns, nine grille profiles, and two types of locks. In addition, you can upgrade the glass to a high-performance package with a Low-E coating, argon gas filling, and pick clear or obscure glass.
Types of windows in this line:
- Double-hung
- Casement
- Awning
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
300 Series
Type: New Construction
The 300 Series is a wood composite window for homes that need historical styling and detail. The frames are cellular PVC but feature vinyl sashes.
This line has two interior/exterior color options: white and beige. You can customize this window, choosing from multiple casing options to accent your home’s exterior. There are nine grille patterns and five grille profiles to choose from.
You can order these windows with Energy Star-certified glass for your area and upgrade to optional Low-E glass and argon fillings.
Types of windows in this line:
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
400 Series
Type: New Construction
The 400 Series is a composite cellular PVC window with a wood look. You can pick from four casing options to complement your house.
These windows come with fewer options than the others. The only interior/exterior color choice is white, which you can paint to your liking. You can also choose from five grille patterns and five grille profiles.
You can order these windows with Energy Star glass for your area. There are also optional Low-E glass and argon filling upgrades.
Types of windows in this line:
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
What Type of Aluminum Wood-Clad Windows Do Ply Gem Offer?
Ply Gem offers one type of aluminum wood-clad window: the MIRA Series. Here’s what you need to know.
MIRA Series
Type: New Construction
The MIRA series offers a warm wood interior with the durability of aluminum on the exterior. Best of all, there are four exterior casing styles, so these windows can work with ultra-modern or traditional homes, depending on your needs.
The color choices for the MIRA series are vast, with over 38 exterior color options. You can choose stain-ready natural wood, paint-ready primed wood, white, off-white, and black for the interior.
You can customize these windows by choosing from 11 grille patterns, seven grille profiles, and two types of locks. In addition, there are several glass options, including Low-E, argon fillings, and Energy Star-rated glass for your area.
Types of windows in this line:
- Double-hung
- Casement
- Awning
- Picture
- Specialty shapes
- Bay and bow
What are the Best Alternatives to Ply Gem Windows?
Looking for alternatives to Ply Gem windows? Check out these brands:
- Pella
- Andersen
- Renewal by Andersen
- Milgard
- Simonton (Owned by Ply Gem)
- JELD WEN
- Alside
Where Can You Purchase Ply Gem Windows
Ply Gem doesn’t sell windows straight to consumers. Instead, you’ll need to order from a local pro or distributor, which you can find on their website. You can also find a limited selection of Ply Gem windows at the Home Depot.
Ply Gem vs. Andersen
Andersen is a top window manufacturer offering wood-clad, composite, and wood windows. Their most popular window is the 400 series featuring a wood-frame and vinyl-clad exterior.
Anderen’s composite Fibrex window is similar to the composite windows offered by Ply Gem.
Unlike Ply Gem, Andersen doesn’t carry any all-vinyl windows. So, if you’re in the market for a vinyl window, Ply Gem is your better option. If you’d like a composite or wood-clad window, get quotes from both companies and consult with a local installer.
As of 2022, Andersen has better ratings from the BBB, Consumer Affairs, and J.D. Power.
Ply Gem vs. Renewal by Andersen
Renewal By Andersen is a full-service window company owned by Andersen Windows. Renewal by Andersen only offers a Fibrex composite window comparable to the Ply Gem composite window lines.
Renewal by Andersen will come to your house, measure windows, provide a quote, and handle the installation. For Ply Gem windows, you’ll need to locate a third-party pro for the same services.
Renewal by Andersen is the highest-rated window company on the J.D. Power 2022 window satisfaction survey. They also have higher Consumer Affairs and BBB ratings than Ply Gem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Are Ply Gem windows double panes?
Almost all Ply Gem windows come standard with double-pane glass and optional Low-E and argon gas filling upgrades. Many Ply Gem windows also offer triple pane glass an upgrade.
Are Ply Gem windows tempered?
Ply Gem windows don’t come standard with tempered glass, but some lines offer it as an upgrade.
How to Clean Ply Gem Windows?
You can clean the glass on your Ply Gem windows with a standard glass cleaner or a mix of mild dish soap and water. You can wash the frames with mild dish soap and water. Avoid cleaning with sharp instruments or harsh cleaners.
Are Ply Gem windows hurricane rated?
Ply Gem offers three types of hurricane-rated windows – the 1500 series vinyl window, 4700 & 4800 series aluminum windows, and the MIRA series featuring aluminum clad wood.
Are Ply Gem windows good quality?
Ply Gem windows come in a range of quality. For example, their lowest budget line of vinyl windows won’t be as high-quality as their aluminum-clad wood. But, overall, Ply Gem windows get lower consumer ratings than comparable brands.
Final Thoughts
Ply Gem offers a wide range of products that vary in price and quality. They carry several lines of vinyl windows, composite, and aluminum-clad wood. The most common complaint about Ply Gem is warranty-related.
If you’re thinking of purchasing Ply Gem windows, consult with a local contractor. They’ll have the best insight into how these windows perform in your area.