| STYLES |  |
FRAMES | |
REVIEWS | |
PRICES | |
ARTICLES |
Home : Replacement Window Companies : Great Lakes
Great Lakes Windows Prices And Consumer Costs
Great Lakes windows prices will vary from $350 for their Bayshore to $600 for the EcoSmart double hung installed. GLs are considered relatively expensive compared to their quality that they provide (although the prices listed below are good target prices that consumers should be happy with).
Great Lakes is owned by Ply Gem, although they still sell windows under their own name. They discontinued their Grandview Series, although a very similar version is now sold as the Ply Gem Premium Series. Read reviews on Great Lakes.
Tom - HWRC Editor
Explore Our Great Lakes Windows Reviews
Table Of Content
ComfortSmart Series
HarborView Series
Great Lakes Windows Reviews
Great Lakes Windows Prices | ComfortSmart
The ComfortSmart series is the company's step up window over the HarborLight. Not quite the ecoSmart, but a good mid range vinyl window in general.
Comfort Smart Series
16 Double Hung
Dimensions: Standard
Cost Quote: $9k
Included All Project Aspects
Location: Oklahoma
Bid From: 2023
Great Lakes Window ComfortSmart Series
11 Double-hungs (Grilles Between Glass)
Sizing: Standard
Pricing Quote: $8.7K
Included Everything
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Project from 2022
Great Lakes Windows Cost (ComfortSmart Series)
17 SHs And DHs
Sizing: Varied
Pricing Quote: $18.1K
Included Everything
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Project from 2022
Great Lakes Comfort Smart vs. Apex Energy Solutions
We've got 12 double hung windows on the front south side of our NC home and 28 casement windows on the back of the house. The Apex Energy Solutions guy told us that his regular deal and that of Pella would run about $60k, but he offered a showcase deal that is supposed to be an at cost price of $27.7k.
We had another window company come in and they recommended and priced the Great Lakes Comfort windows at $16k without any special arrangement. After getting the Great Lakes offer, I asked the guy to also price out Pella Windows, but I feel like the Apex guy lied about what the budget for this job would be had I chosen Pella.
So how would you rate these replacement window solutions and do you think that $60k could ever be a reasonable price for windows in my home.
[Site Editor's Answer]
Chuck, that's a standard line/approach from Apex Energy Solutions, kind of their stock in trade. In terms of what Pella would charge for 40 windows, I couldn't say as they have multiple lines of windows in a number of materials.
Apex Energy Solutions is charging you roughly $690 per window. Apex Windows Price List
If this were my project, I would ditch both of these companies/bids (Pella tends to overcharge for what amounts to a decent but certainly not great vinyl window). Here's my list of good and great windows. In many cases they will be equal to what your bid is currently, but you'll be getting a better window than the Alside 8000 (this is what Apex actually sells).
Tom - HWRC Editor - from 2020
[Chuck's Answer]
Thanks but you didn'tmention Great Lakes? Are their comfort windows good? Also Apex was pushing their Insignia window solution. The other thingthat I did not like about Apex was that they wanted to convert a hinged door to my deck into a sliding glass door. I just wasn't sure if that would work right.
Chuck - Homeowner - from 2020
[Site Editor's Answer]
Chuck, the Comfort Smart window line is a nice mid range vinyl window. I would prefer that window to the Apex Insignia.
Tom - HWRC Editor - from 2020
Great Lakes Comfort Smart Pricing
Hi Tom, love the site, very helpful and informative. I?ve narrowed down my choice for replacement windows to 2 different companies, both of which have outstanding customer reviews and strong local reputations.
We have 29 windows to replace, all double hung except a large picture window. 5 windows need tempered glass in accordance with local codes.
The larger local company that employs a sales staff wants to sell us Provia Endure vinyl replacement windows because we want a beige exterior color with a white interior. After weeks of negotiation and discussion the absolute best price they can give me is $21,580 (down 16% from $25,693.) They carry the cheaper Provia Eco-Lite too but it only comes one color inside and out and by the time we prime and paint the outside of the windows the price difference is minimal. Also this company will test for lead paint on all windows which could add an additional cost of $1015 if all windows test positive. This is also a at a discount price of $35 per window (their actual cost), down from the usual $50. Provia Endure Windows Cost
The second smaller local company (where one of the owners is actually my sales rep), wants to sell us Great Lakes Comfort Smart vinyl windows for $15, 850 (which includes lead abatement, tempered glass, etc.). The GL windows actually look better to me in person, as they have a slimmer profile and a smooth white interior. Plus they can be raised higher as they don'thave the large plastic bumpers on the top of side rails. The Endures only come in a textured white interior that I don'tparticularly like the look of (due to the laminate process they use to cover the extruded solid color with a different interior color).
Now, I've done a lot of research on both window manufacturing companies and I have no doubt that the Provia product is better in materials, workmanship, has a much better warranty, superior spacer system, more layers of Low E, better U-Factor (though SHGC is better with the Great Lakes product actually), and will ultimately give us better energy retention, etc. I just can'tsee if they will be $6-7K better, and I don'tthink they actually look as good either. But I?ve read horror stories about GL customer service on your site and others, yet the local seller says I?d go to him if/when problems arise. Both installation companies are great and seem reliable and professional so I don'tthink that?s an issue either way.
Is it worth the extra cost for Provia you think? I can'tsay with certainty that we?ll be in this house forever, but as a 50-year old with early teen kids I don'tsee us selling within the next 10-20 years either. I could do a lot of other home improvements with that extra cash to be honest, but I?m the type who will also pay extra within reason for a superior product when it makes sense.
Thanks for your time and input.
Lance - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
Lance, you've obviously done lots of research on both of these windows. The ProVia Endure is the better window in my opinion over the Great Lakes Comfort Smart. I would say the price difference is about what I'd expect. Since you like the look of the GL better and you are having the install done by a well respected company, I'd say go with the Great Lakes and save the money. Just keep all the paperwork so if you have an issue, he can resolve it for you. You can have issues with even the best of windows, but Great Lakes makes a quality window and with good installation, you should be fine. ProVia Windows Reviews
Tom - HWRC Editor - from 2019
Great Lakes Patio Door Prices
Great Lakes Patio Doors vs. PGT
Hi Tom, I own a condo in Ocean City, Md and am looking to replace a sliding glass door and two sliding windows. I received a quote on a Great Lakes Sliding Patio Door for $2100 installed and $500 for each installed HGI CON 800 sliding window for $545. They have a DP rating of 60. I was looking at a PGT sliding glass door, series 5470, for $1620 (still waiting on the installation cost). Do you have any questions or thoughts to help me decide what window/door may be better for a coastal property?
Paul - Homeowner - from 2018
[Site Editor's Answer]
Paul, Great Lakes makes good vinyl windows and doors.
I have no idea about that second company you mentioned, I couldn't find anything on "HGI CON 800."
PGT makes a good sliding glass door, I'm assuming it would be similar in price to the Great Lakes once you get the installation costs.
If it were me, Would go with the PGT only because they tend to make durable windows and doors that are built to be in coastal settings.
Tom - HWRC Editor - from 2018
Great Lakes Windows Prices | HarborView
Great Lakes Harbor View Series
Hi Tom, I am replacing 12 windows in Westchester County New York. I had multi quotes and a wide range of options. In the end I have decided on a Great Lakes harbor light window. Fully installed the price is $600 a window. This was not my cheapest option and it was not my best u-value but it is a reputable installer. The glass package I went with has a .30.
Having signed the contract today I am concerned I have made a mistake. Should I go back to the installer and discuss a new window before it is too late. For context, they originally wanted $650 per window.
Nick - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Nick, the Great Lakes Harbor Light window is their more entry level window if I'm not mistaken. I like the fact that you got a reliable installer, but it does seem a bit high to me. I of course know nothing about the project details, but $600 to $650 a window should get you the high end vinyl window from Great Lakes I would think. Did you have him price out the eco-Smart or Comfort Smart windows series as well?
Tom - HWRC Editor - from 2017
[Nick's Answer]
Thanks for the response. I did not have him price those windows but I did get a price on Sunrise. That was $700 a window and a little out of my budget. I asked if there was something in the $600 range. He offered Kensington at first and then Great Lakes after I said I was nervous about the Kensington ownership history (thanks to your site!).
My quotes were all over the place from various people. $400 for a Slocomb window from a less reputable installer, $900 for an Andersen wood replacement, $500 for a Pella, $600 for a Harvey, and then $600 for this Great Lakes.
I am not getting the best glass option or U-value I have seen, I am not having them put aluminum on the outside casing, they are doing a low pressure spray foam insulation, and they are giving me a great warranty in addition to the one from Great Lakes. The house currently has vinyl frames from the old windows so not new construction.
I think the higher price is due to me being 5 miles outside New York City. I also am paying for the reputation of this particular installer. I suppose I am not too concerned with entry level as long as I get a solid warranty and a good install. They windows look fine.
I appreciate your thoughts and, most importantly, I appreciate your site. I would've been lost without it. It truly was an asset and even if I don't end up getting the best deal I at least feel like a much more educated consumer.
Thanks again,
Nick - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Nick, at the end of the day, Great Lakes makes a good window. Assuming proper installation, I think you should fare quite well. Best of luck in your upcoming project!
Tom - HWRC Editor - from 2017
Great Lakes Windows Prices | Bayshore
The Bayshore is their entry level window and from what we can tell uses the same basic design and frame as the upgraded windows from Great Lakes, but is essentially a stripped down version. It does not carry the same warranty terms such as transferability as their other series. The window has a U-factor of 0.47 and an SHGC of 0.48. Most homeowners should look at the Seabrook series or better to get the performance numbers and features that are going to provide them with long term value.
Tom - HWRC Editor
Bayshore Series
16 Double Hungs & Sliders
Size: Standard
Price: $330 each
Included installation.
State: Massachusetts
Project completed in 2010.
Great Lakes Windows Prices | Seabrooke
The Seabrooke is their mid grade window that includes some nice upgrades and features from the Bayshore, including meeting rail fiberglass reinforcement that makes for a much sturdier frame. It comes as a bay, bow, casement, double hung, garden and slider. The window has a U-factor of 0.45 and an SHGC of 0.44. This window is fairly comparable to the Simonton 5500 (Platinum Series).
Tom - HWRC Editor
Seabrooke Series
11 DH, 2 Sliding Doors
Sizes: Standard
Cost: $9,800 total
Included full frame installation and wrapping.
State: Wisconsin
Bid from 2010.
Seabrooke Series
14 Double Hungs
Size: Standard
Price: $420 each
Included installation.
State: N/A
Project completed in 2009.
Seabrooke Series
16 Double Hungs & Sliders
Size: Standard
Price: $380 each
Included installation.
State: Massachusetts
Project completed in 2010.
Great Lakes Windows Prices | Lifestyle
The Lifestyles Series from Great Lakes is roughly equivalent to the Seabrooke series. The Lifestyles horizontal slider has a U-factor of 0.45 and an SHGC of 0.45.
Tom - HWRC Editor
Lifestyles Series
9 Double Hungs
Size: Standard to Large
Price: $685 each ($6200 total)
Included installation.
State: New York
Project from 2009.
Lifestyles Series
4 Double Hungs, 4 Picture Windows, 2 Custom Shapes
Size: 36"W x 60" (DHs and Pictures)
Price: $1,000 each ($10,000 total)
Included installation.
State: Pennsylvania
Bid from 2009.
Great Lakes Windows Prices | UniFrame
The UniFrame is a decent window in its construction and design. It uses fusion welds that create a uniframe that most manufacturers now use. The EuroSlider in this series gets good marks for its versatility as a tilt in slider (also comes as a double hung, casement, bay or bow and garden window).The window has a U-factor of 0.42 and an SHGC of 0.39. This window is often sold at an "A" quality window price so homeowners should be sure that the price point on the window is appropriate.
Tom - HWRC Editor
Great Lakes EcoSmart Series
The EcoSmart Series is a composite window frame that is their high end energy efficient line (incidentally it is not listed on the Great Lakes site itself). It uses a one piece welded sloped sill, a non metallic space (I-Core), quality die cast aluminum hardware, quality seals and weatherstripping. Performance wise it is impressive, with a U-factor of 0.26 for the double hung (this drops to 0.15 with the ecoMaxKR glass upgrade) and an air infiltration rate of .06 (there seems to be some disagreement on this number, but this is what we found).
Tom - HWRC Editor
Replacement Windows Prices