Windsor Windows Consumer Reviews - Page 3
By tfaleer - WEST DES MOINES, IOWA -- My home is 11 years old and has Windsor wood windows. I have had to have my windows repaired three times already and now have to call again for repair for 11 windows. The springs are broken on some so the windows don't stay open, some have the top sash slide down when opened, some won't open at all, and some have broken locks. One upper stationary window leaked in the corner and ruined my drywall. Also, the windows are drafty, have lots of condensation in the winter and freeze with ice on the inside.
As a result of this, the paint is peeling off, the wood is rotting, and I have black mold on the windows. Some windows have warped so that they now won't lock and seal. The authorized Windsor repairman agreed that the windows are lousy. When I contacted customer service, I had to call multiple times and leave multiple messages before someone would call me back. They just gave me the contact information of a repairman. My warranty is now expired so the company won't cover parts now. I live in a $600,000+ home and expected better windows. Unfortunately, it will cost me $40,000 to replace all the windows.
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We had our new home built about 9 years ago and the builder installed Windsor Windows. We started having leaks at the top of the windows about 2 to 3 years ago but I could not figure out how the water was getting in around the top of the window trim above the window glass itself. I assumed I had leaks in the roof but could not figure out where it was coming from. I finally figured out it was actually getting in at the base of the windows upstairs and leaking down inside the walls, coming out at the top of the first floor windows. I discovered this when replacing carpets.
When we pulled up the old carpet the subfloor had huge water stains under the windows. Upon removing the drywall under the windows, I was horrified to discover the insulation was soaked and the studs and exterior plywood had rotted completely. I was able to pull out all the wooden structural pieces under each window with my bare fingers. The exterior plywood simply crumbled in my hands. The water is leaking through the windows even after I recaulked and sealed them totally shut so that they cannot even be opened anymore.
It has been nine years on a new home but based on the amount of rotting, I figure they must have been leaking inside the walls for several years. I called the company. Instead of offering to send a representative out to see me, they want me to send them information on the model number found printed in the corner of the glass. I cannot even read the small, faint printing. This is the worst home owning experience I have had in 25 years of home ownership. I strongly recommend you stay away from this company.
I am sorry to hear of your frustration. Please know Windsor Windows takes all reviews and customer calls very seriously. The reason we require the glass code from the product is so we can identify when your window was manufactured and which warranty applies.
Because we sell exclusively through distributors, we always recommend that you first contact the distributor who sold your windows. They are authorized and responsible for providing service on our products.
If the distributor is unable to resolve your concerns, you may contact us directly through your website: www.windsorwindows.com or call 1-800-218-6186 and ask for Betty in our Field Service department. We certainly want to provide you with the information and support that you need.
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LAKE ELMO, MINNESOTA -- I built my $500,000 plus dream house in MN and have been fighting icy windows which thaw and consequently destroy the woodwork and have severe mold build-up. I have spent far too many hours with a bucket of bleach water and a toothbrush trying to clean out the mold that forms in the bottom of the crevices. I have been beating myself up for years running around the house every time the outside temperature changes 20 degrees trying to keep up with the Aprilaire humidifier.
I have recently listed my home for sale and the realtor brought this problem to my attention and said I should consider finding out if your windows have been on a recall list. He said it is the worst he has seen in 20 years. I finally called my builder and he said I need to keep the blinds up and check my air exchanger. I was a little skeptical so I thought I would Google it. After reading about other dissatisfied customers, I am over with blaming myself for the icy build-up and subsequent problems. Obviously an inferior product, and I am glad to be soon moving on. I will definitely check the brand of windows in my new house and make sure they are not Windsor.
Perhaps the manufacturer of these windows has a real affinity for Windsor whiskey and decided to name his windows after that. Somebody had to be drunk to create such a lousy product.
Dear "Lake Elmo" -
I am sorry to hear of your frustration. Although it is natural to blame the windows, I encourage you to visit our website for information on why condensation occurs, why it is not the fault of the window and how to combat the issue: http://windsorwindows.com/InTheNews/StoriesofInterest.page?sid=43
Because Windsor is sold exclusively through distributors, many consumers have not heard our name although we have been in business since 1946. Windsor Windows is a mid-sized company, with manufacturing plants in West Des Moines, Iowa, and Monroe, North Carolina. Our parent company is Woodgrain Millwork, a family-owned business and the largest manufacturer of mouldings and interior doors in the United States. Because of our relationship with Woodgrain, we are able to offer one of the best values in the industry. We have exceptional employees that take great pride in their work.
Windsor Windows & Doors is known in the industry as having strong relationships with our distributors, because we produce products of excellent quality and strive to be easy to do business with. Our products have been installed in some of the most magnificent homes throughout North America.
Windsor Windows offers many of the same product features as the higher priced competitors. Our products are tested to the same standards and meet the same certifications and Energy Star guidelines. Some of our specific benefits include:
- Cardinal LoE-366 glass is our standard glazing. This revolutionary, energy-efficient glazing will minimize your utility costs and help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Our wood windows are available in three distinctive wood species... Pine, Natural Alder or Fir. Each of these interior options offers a unique grain that is beautiful when stained. Or if you prefer painted interior trim, our pine windows may be ordered primed or with a painted white pre-finish interior.
- Durable extruded aluminum cladding as opposed to roll-form aluminum cladding that is offered by many of our competitors.
For more information, I encourage you to visit our website at www.windsorwindows.com.
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Hello Trina -
I am truly sorry to hear of your frustration. Since we sell exclusively through distributors, we always recommend you first contact the distributor who sold your windows. They are authorized and responsible for providing service on our products.
Experts agree determining the cause of a structural issue is complicated and it is almost never the result of just one product. Often the windows are blamed when in actuality it is the installation, how the siding or flashing was applied, interior or exterior environmental issues, or a combination of factors. While this may sound like an excuse, it is true.
If you should need assistance beyond what your distributor is able to provide, please contact us at 1-800-218-6186 and specifically ask for Betty in our Field Service department. We certainly want to provide you with the information and support that you need.