COMMUNITY FORUM

Just because Anderson bought Silverline doesn't give them credibility and quality.

12 year update on the Silverline 2500 series. We built a new house in 2000 and asked the local window distributer for the windows he would use in his house. He stated that the Silverline windows were the best on the market and came with a lifetime warranty.

So, we placed the order for 28 new windows. These were ordered with all of the bells and whistles. Double hung, Low-E, Argon filled, and internal grates. When the windows shipped they were nothing more than replacement windows with nailing fins attached to the frame.

After the first 5 years most of the sashes were replaced for one reason or another. This biggest issue was they used a rubber seal between the panes of glass to keep the argon gas in failed under fluctuating heat and cold as we get here in New Jersey. When this seal fails the argon escapes and the glass quickly becomes visually streaky because the Low-E film sticks to the glass. The plastic clips that keep the windows in the track have become brittle and have been breaking.

By year 10 the majority of the sashes have failed and have been replaced under warranty. The main problem is that they will not replace the upper and lower sashes in pairs. They will only replace the unit that failed. When the new sash’s were delivered they never matches the original sash. Now we have issues with air gaps and upper sashes that don’t stay up when the windows are opened. Now every time we open a window the upper sash creeps down and the bugs are free to enter the house freely. Lower screen only, no full length screens were available for these windows. I’ve resorted to using white vinyl tape to keep the upper sash in place and keeping the air out.

I called customer service regarding this situation and I was told that since Anderson bought Silverline they had no ability to accurately match up the sash dimensions exactly. I requested that they replace the sashes in pairs and they said this is not covered in the warranty. At year 12, I give up! I’m looking to replace all of the windows in the house (again).

I guess the “lifetime” warranty really isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. I’d crumple it up and throw it out the window, but I can’t open the windows anymore! (Or see out of them either!!!)

BEING IN THE INDUSTRY FOR WELL OVER 20 YEARS, I CAN TELL WITH CERTAINTY THAT SILVERLINE WINDOWS ARE VERY POOR QUALITY. THEY ARE MADE FOR THOSE JUST SEEKING OUT THE 'CHEAPEST PRICE". THE ALSIDE ULTRAMAXX IS ALSO A POOR QUALITY WINDOW IN MY OPINION.IT HAS A HIGH AIR LEAKAGE RATE AND USES A POCKET SILL RATHER THAN A TRUELY WELDED SLOPED SILL. BACK TO SILVERLINE,EVEN THE 9500 SERIES IS FLIMSY AND VERY CHEAP LOOKING. IF YOU WANT TO SEE A SILVERLINE, GO TO HOME DEPOT AND LOOK AT THE AMERICAN CRAFTSMAN; THEY ARE ACTUALLY SILVERLINE WINDOWS.
IF YOU HAVE ANY PRIDE IN YOUR HOME, INVEST IN A HIGHER QUALITY VINYL WINDOW. SOME OF THE HIGHER END Vinyl BRANDS ARE as follows: Okna Windows, Soft LITE WINDOWS, GORELL, SUNRISE,and Starmark.
trust me, looking for the cheap way out is always an expensive mistake. not to mention a cheap looking window like silverline will detract from your home in a big way.

I would recommend Simonton vinyl windows above any other. They are slightly more expensive but well worth it. Even their lower end products are better than most of what is on the market.

I would be suggesting you to get vinyl windows for the replacement. That will be the best choice for you. If you are not familiar with these type of windows you can have a look at them at [url=http://gtawindows.on.ca/]GTA Windows and Doors[\url] for gaining more knowledge about them.

raven469 -- I strongly advise against DIY window installation. There are just too many things that could go wrong, and then the window company gets unfairly blamed. It's worth the money to hire a window professional to do the installation. (Checking their references, of course).