Universal Windows Direct
Universal Windows Direct manufactures energy-efficient vinyl windows and other exterior home products, such as gutters, siding and doors.
Our rating: 4.1 out of 5
Best for: Window and exterior home replacement
Average cost: $500 to $2,500 per window
Universal Windows Direct at a glance
Universal Windows Direct provides vinyl windows and other products to match customers’ needs and budgets. It made our list of the best window installation and replacement companies.
Fast facts
- Universal Windows Direct began operations in Akron, Ohio, in 2002.
- Along with windows, Universal Windows Direct sells other home products, including doors, gutters, siding and roofing.
- The company provides mostly custom vinyl products rather than a variety of framing materials.
- Universal Windows Direct has an A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Nearly 500 reviewers through the BBB give the company a 4.12 rating (out of 5).*
What we like
Universal Windows Direct makes our best-of list because it provides a solution for customers looking for affordable replacement windows or window repairs. The company has eight exterior color options, along with custom designs and other products to complement your home, although not all colors are available for all window models. Its products carry a lifetime warranty transferable to new owners for up to 20 years. Online reviews of Universal Windows indicate high customer satisfaction, something not seen in many competitors.
What we don’t like
Universal Windows Direct carries only vinyl windows. Because it’s a young company, it has yet to add to its portfolio of products. Also, the company only sells windows in just 24 states:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
* BBB ratings are accurate as of September 2024.
Universal Windows Direct pros and cons
Universal Windows Direct is less well-known than larger window replacement companies, such as Andersen Windows or Marvin Windows, mostly because it lacks national coverage.
The company sells only vinyl windows, which is problematic for homeowners who prefer frame materials like wood or aluminum. Universal Windows Direct compensates for its vinyl-only offerings by installing other products your home might need, such as roofing, siding and gutters.
Universal Windows Direct offers custom design if you need specific windows, and it has several options to personalize them. The products are more affordable, and Universal Windows Direct offers a lifetime warranty on glass and parts.
Pros
- Custom design options
- Optional triple-paned windows
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Sells only vinyl windows
- Does not sell its windows nationally
- Does not offer single-pane windows
What services does Universal Windows Direct offer?
You can buy the most common window styles from Universal Windows Direct and customize them to the sizes you need. The company offers eight exterior colors and will match your hardware to your paint color choice.
Framing
Exterior colors include bronze, clay, green, beige, brown, white, black, and dark bronze. Customers can also choose from five decorative glass views.
Double-hung, slider, three-lite slider and casement windows all feature plated locks with the following finishes:
- Aged bronze
- Antique/classic brass
- Bright brass
- Satin nickel
- Tan
Glass
Universal Windows Direct can make window glass more efficient. It starts with a base-level glass called Unishield Classic. This level is double-coated low-E glass with argon between two panes. It provides basic efficiency in both insulation and sound transfer.
Universal Windows Direct services
|
Offered?
|
|
|---|---|
| Single-hung | ? |
| Double-hung | ? |
| Casement | ? |
| Awning | ? |
| Bay and bow | ? |
| Hopper | ? |
| Sliding, gliding or rolling | ? |
| Fixed or picture | ? |
| Folding | ? |
| Corner | ? |
| Garden | ? |
| Specialty shapes | ? (Oriel windows) |
| Double-pane window repair | ? |
| Broken window repair | ? |
| Window frame repair | ? |
| Window mechanism repair | ? |
| Window screen repair | ? |
| Emergency/same-day repair | ? |
| Glass warranty | ? (lifetime warranty) |
| Non-glass warranty | ? (lifetime warranty) |
Universal Windows Direct customization and add-ons
One benefit of replacing old windows with new ones is gaining energy efficiency. To this end, Universal Windows Direct offers its customers Unishield Plus and Premium Series windows to provide more insulation. These window series focus on minimizing heat transfer so that the inside pane stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Unishield Plus includes double-coated low-E glass with argon filling and a super spacer to help reduce heat transfer and deter condensation.
- Unishield Premium comprises a triple-pane unit with double-coated low-E glass and argon in both spaces. The three gas-filled panes also help reduce noise.
What does Universal Windows Direct not cover?
Although Universal Windows Direct offers customers multiple window options, it lacks diversity when it comes to frames. Other companies, like Andersen Windows, offer aluminum, wood, composite or fiberglass options in addition to vinyl.
Manufacturing vinyl-only products could be one way Universal Windows Direct keeps costs down. Still, if you’re looking for more choices and have a larger budget, another window replacement company may be better for you.
How much does Universal Windows Direct cost?
The average window costs between $280 and $730 to replace. However, Universal Windows Direct says its vinyl windows cost $500 to $2,500 installed. Several factors contribute to determining the final price.
On its blog, Universal Windows Direct mentions the cost of window replacement may fluctuate because of material, style, color, accessories and the installation process.? Installation costs depend on how difficult it is to reach your windows and the installer’s skill level.
Also, in some cases, installers may need special permits to perform the work. More permits mean more costs.
Savings and discounts
Universal Windows Direct usually offers one or more discounts or has a sale to keep the price of your windows down. It also offers financing to offset the overall window cost, allowing you to pay for your windows over time. At the time of writing this article, the company advertised a “buy two windows, get two windows free” deal.
If you want to replace the windows in your home, but the project seems too expensive, check with Universal Windows Direct for special financing. It once offered five-year financing at 0% interest.
Buying windows in bulk and buying in either the late fall or winter can save you money. Manufacturers are more likely to offer discounts if business is slow or if there is a significant replacement cost.
To learn about current deals and financing information, call for a consultation and speak with a customer service representative when you’re ready to purchase.
Universal Windows Direct customer experience
You can call 855-395-9377 or click the “Contact Us” button at the top of the Universal Windows Direct website homepage and complete the form. If you prefer, the company offers a live chat feature on its website. Alternatively, you can complete the form on the homepage, and a customer service representative will contact you by phone, email or text.
Universal Windows Direct enjoys predominantly good customer reviews; customers have received their windows within six weeks and had quality installations and polite technicians. But not all customers are happy, and a recurring theme seems to be a hard-to-remove sticker. Here are two online reviews about Universal Windows Direct from customers:
Universal Windows Direct’s installation process
Once you schedule your consultation, a sales representative will come to your home. The rep will provide information on the company and discuss options for your home. Next, the rep will measure your windows and give you a cost estimate for your window replacement.
On the day of your installation, Universal Windows Direct will bring your replacement windows and install them from inside your home. In a few special cases windows are installed from outside your home. The project manager will inform you if this is required.
- The installation team arrives and introduces team members.
- The team preps the work area for safety. It will install drop cloths as needed.
- Installation will take one to two days.
- After the project is complete, the team conducts a final walk-through to ensure your satisfaction.
Universal Windows Direct vs. competitors
When compared to the competition, Universal Windows Direct is a top choice for replacing windows. You can compare it to Window Nation, the only other company in our ratings with fewer years in business.
However, a closer look reveals that Window Nation offers more variety in frame material but fewer optional colors and a limited lifetime warranty. Universal Windows Direct, on the other hand, includes a transferable lifetime warranty and more colors and finishes using one framing material.
A more interesting comparison is Universal Windows Direct and Marvin Windows. Marvin Windows has been in the industry for over 100 years and is known for providing its customers with multiple options, including custom designs and up to 19 colors. Universal Windows Direct is only 22 years old and offers significantly fewer color choices.
These two companies are virtual opposites, with Universal Windows Direct creating vinyl-only windows and Marvin making aluminum, wood and fiberglass window frames but no vinyl. Universal Windows Direct wins the match when you check customer ratings and affordability — lower costs and higher customer satisfaction is a winning combo.
Competitor comparison
|
Our score (out of 5 stars)
|
Best for
|
Made in the USA?
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Windows Direct | 4.1 |
Window and exterior home replacement |
Yes |
| Andersen Windows | 4.5 |
Window replacement company |
Yes |
| Champion Windows | 4.3 |
Window variety |
Yes |
| Window Nation | 4.1 |
Customer support |
No |
| Castle Windows | 4.0 |
Window service repairs |
Yes |
| Window World, Inc | 4.0 |
Replacement options |
Yes |
| Harvey Windows | 3.9 |
East Coast homes |
Yes |
| Marvin Windows | 3.9 |
Color options |
Yes |
Methodology
We evaluated 24 companies to develop our list of the best window replacement companies. Our methodology includes the following characteristics:
- Window types available
- Framing materials
- Quality assurance
- Customer support
- Company reputation and reviews
- Editorial judgment
We then analyzed data across each category and formed our base scores. Ratings were calculated and ordered without bias or personal preference for any specific company.
Bottom line
If you want a streamlined process without an overwhelming number of options, Universal Windows Direct could be the window installer for you. Universal window reviews paint it as an affordable option with better-than-average customer service and satisfaction. Although there are some complaints, customers seem to get what they pay for with Universal Windows Direct.
The fact that Universal Windows Direct manufactures only vinyl window products can work for you, especially if you also want door, gutters, siding and roofing work completed at your home.
