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Universal Windows Direct Review 2024

Modernize Rating: 4/5

Average Cost: $550 - $850

Universal Windows Direct has grown into one of the nation’s largest home improvement contractors, offering a wide range of products including replacement windows, exterior doors, vinyl siding, asphalt shingles, aluminum gutters, gutter guards, and attic insulation. Primarily serving the Midwest and select cities across the country, Universal Windows Direct is known for its comprehensive service and high-quality products. The average cost for their replacement windows ranges from $550 to $850 per window, depending on various factors.

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Founded in 2002, Universal Windows Direct has grown into one of the nation’s largest home improvement remodeling contractors. Universal Windows Direct offers a wide range of products including replacement windows, exterior doors, vinyl siding, asphalt shingles, aluminum gutters, gutter guards, and attic insulation. Primarily serving the Midwest and select cities across the country, Universal Windows Direct is known for its comprehensive service and high-quality products. In this Universal Windows Direct review, we’ll discuss the potential pros and cons, costs, and factors that can affect your remodel budget, focusing particularly on their replacement windows to help you decide if Universal Windows Direct is the right choice for your renovation project.

Universal Windows Direct logo

Pros and Cons of Universal Windows Direct

When you get a quote from Universal Windows Direct, an estimator will come out and determine what type of windows you need and which installation process is best for your home. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of using Universal Windows Direct for your window upgrade project:

  • Pros

    • High Quality
    • Experience
    • Options
  • Cons

    • Limited Service Area
    • Lack of Variety
    • Varied Installation Experiences

Pros

  • High Quality Products: Universal Windows Direct offers the P-Series line of windows made by UniShield. These windows feature double-coated low-e glass with a layer of Argon gas to maximize insulate and reduce heat transfer.
  • Experience: Universal Windows Direct has been in the remodeling industry for more than two decades, and many professionals within its network of authorized installers have worked in the building trades industry for even longer.
  • Options: Universal Windows Direct offers a range of home improvement services, making it a one-stop-shop for new siding, gutters, windows and doors. Having just one contractor handle the entire range of renovation work can simplify larger renovation projects.

Cons

  • Limited Service Area: Universal Windows Direct only operates in select states and may not be available in your region.
  • Lack of Variety: Universal Windows Direct only offers vinyl-framed windows and does not sell fiberglass or wood windows.
  • Professional Installation Service Can Vary: Since the company relies on a network of professional installers, the installation experience can vary from one job to the next depending on the experience of the independent contractor that works on your home.

What Does Universal Windows Direct Offer?

Universal Windows Direct has dealer locations in key markets such as Phoenix, Boise, Detroit, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, as well as many tertiary markets such as Waco, Texas; Spokane, Washington; Syracuse, New York; and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. The company is an exclusive distributor of UniShield energy-efficient windows, offering three types:

UniShield Classic

This entry-level replacement window features double-pane glass sandwiching a layer of Argon gas that boosts energy efficiency and helps lower utility bills.

UniShield Plus

This product line is a slight upgrade from the Classic series and offers increased energy efficiency and UV protection.

UniShield Premium

Universal Windows Direct luxury lineup of replacement windows features triple-pane glass and a double layer of Argon gas.

Each type of window is highly customizable. Vinyl window frames can be ordered in nearly a dozen colors, though color choices do vary by region. Universal Windows Direct offers many different types of glass for your new replacement windows, including decorative and etched glass and a variety of window grid systems that are all factory-installed. Window hardware, meanwhile, is available in antique, classic or bright brass, satin nickel, aged bronze, or tan.

Additionally, Universal Windows Direct has extensive product offerings in entry and exterior doors and vinyl siding. Contact a local Universal Windows Direct representative to learn more about what products are available in your area.

How Much Does Universal Windows Direct Cost?

Universal Windows Direct has forged a strong reputation in the remodeling industry by providing affordable replacement windows. Prices will vary between renovation jobs, but homeowners can expect to pay between $550 and $850 per window, on average, when using Universal Windows Direct for replacement windows.

For instance, UniShield Classic windows typically range from $550 to $650 per window, UniShield Plus windows range from $650 to $750 per window, and UniShield Premium windows range from $750 to $850 per window.

The final cost of your windows will depend on factors such as the type of window chosen, the size and style of the windows, additional features like decorative glass and grids, the installation method, and your location. Factors like regional labor costs, seasonal demand, and any ongoing promotions or deals can also impact the total cost.

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Factors Affecting the Cost of Universal Windows Direct

UniShield’s P Series Windows are highly customizable, so you can create a look that matches your existing architectural and window styles. However, options such as decorative glass and window grids can significantly increase the cost of each replacement window.

The type of window you choose significantly affects the total cost of Universal Windows Direct’s replacement windows. Each style varies in price based on its type, size, and the amount of hardware installed. Universal Windows Direct offers a variety of window types, including:

These different styles come with varying price points, influenced by their specific features and installation requirements.

The installation method greatly affects cost as well. Universal Windows Direct’s professional window installers can replace your old windows in one of two ways: Full-frame or pocket installation. With a full-frame installation, you’ll have an entirely new vinyl window installed. With a pocket installation, universal windows direct will install new glass into the existing window frame. The latter is a considerably less-expensive installation method.

Benefits of Choosing Universal Windows Direct

Universal Windows Direct is an excellent option for homeowners who want affordable vinyl replacement windows.

Homeowners will benefit from the company’s streamlined expert consultation process. An estimator will come to your home and help you determine which Universal Windows Direct products are best for your renovation project. Once you’ve settled on replacement windows, another worker will come to your home and take exact measurements for the installation team, which helps eliminate issues associated with ordering the wrong-sized materials.

Additionally, since Universal Windows Direct sells additional building products such as entry doors, vinyl siding and gutters, homeowners who want multiple upgrades on their homes only need to work with one company to get the entire scope of work done.

Financing is yet another way working with Universal Windows Direct can help homeowners realize their dreams of replacing dated single-pane windows with new luxury and energy-efficient vinyl windows. Universal Windows Direct has partnered with GreenSky, the country’s largest lending platform for home improvement loans, to provide homeowners with a range of financing options for their home renovation projects.

Modern home exterior

Brand Comparison: Universal Windows Direct vs. Competitors

The replacement window industry is an extremely competitive market regardless of geographical location. Here’s how Universal Windows Direct stacks up against other main players.

Universal Windows Direct vs. Renewal by Andersen

Universal Windows Direct and Renewal by Andersen operate in much the same way. An experienced sales professional will conduct an in-person visit to go over all aspects of your window upgrade project and help you choose the replacement windows that best match your budget and needs.

Renewal by Andersen was founded in 1995 and operates in 48 states, making it one of the biggest window replacement companies in the U.S. The company is a subsidiary of the Andersen Corporation, which has manufactured windows and doors for nearly 120 years and subsequently is synonymous with quality and performance.

One area where Renewal by Andersen excels over Universal Windows Direct is manufacturing technology. Universal Windows Direct sells high-quality vinyl windows, but Renewal by Andersen sells windows made using Andersen’s proprietary Fibrex polymer blend that’s 40-percent recycled wood and 60-percent high-strength plastic. Fibrex has been proven to better withstand thermal expansion and have greater overall strength than vinyl.

Bottom line: Renewal by Anderson sells a higher-quality replacement window, but costs are higher as well.

Universal Windows Direct vs. Window World

Window World has more than 200 locations worldwide and provides replacement windows along with exterior, garage, patio and storm doors, siding and shutters.

Window World offers a wide range of replacement windows that are fully customizable to match your home’s architectural style and personal preferences. Like Universal Windows Direct, Window World’s replacement windows excel in energy efficiency thanks to the use of low-e glass and Argon insulating gas; however, Window World premium energy efficiency windows use Krypton rather than Argon.

Bottom Line: Universal Windows Direct tends to be a little less expensive, while Window World offers a slightly larger product line. Window World’s products also are available to a much larger part of the country.

Universal Windows Direct vs. Champion Replacement Windows

Champion was founded in 1953 in Cincinnati, and by 1975 it had become an industry leader in the vinyl replacement window industry. Both companies are only available in limited geographical regions — Champion Replacement Windows operates in 29 states, while Universal Windows Direct operates in 13 states.

Like Universal Windows Direct, Champion sells more than just replacement windows, making it a one-stop shop for many home improvement projects. Champion sells nine different types of customizable windows across two product lines: ColorBond and TimberBond. ColorBond vinyl window frames come in eight colors, while TimberBond comes in cherrywood, dark oak and English oak. Champion Replacement Windows also uses GreenSky for homeowners who require financing.

Champion windows can vary greatly by price depending on size and style, but overall prices are comparable with Universal Windows Direct.

Bottom Line: Both companies should be able to expertly handle your window upgrade project regardless of size or complexity. The main difference is whether or not there’s a licensed company affiliate in your area.

Is Universal Windows Direct Right for Me?

The replacement window industry is dominated by a few heavyweights, including Universal Windows Direct.

Homeowners who want to upgrade their outdated windows to energy-efficient, double-pane vinyl windows should be able to rest comfortably after hiring Universal Windows Direct. The company has honed its craft for several decades and has streamlined and simplified the replacement process for homeowners. The company is known for selling high-quality windows manufactured by UniShield and offers an extensive lineup of windows in various styles, sizes, shapes, colors and customization options.

Homeowners may find that Universal Windows Direct is slightly less expensive than some of its more well-known competitors, and Universal Windows Direct offers a lifetime limited warranty on its products. It also can help with siding, roofing, door, and gutter upgrades, so you only have to use one company for all your renovation needs.

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