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The Polaris ValuSmart is their entry level vinyl window that gets okay reviews from contractors. The ValuSmart window has thin frame lines and consumers can expect to get around a .33 on U-factor and .06 on the air infiltration.
-- Window Itself: $400 to $500 --
-- Installation: $75 to $250 per opening --
-- Window & Installation: $550 to $750 -- *
Polaris ValuSmart Reviews
The Polaris ThermalWeld is their mid range vinyl window that is considered a very nice mid range option, although not in the same league as the UltraWeld. Consumers can expect better numbers out of the ThermalWeld, including a .29 U-value, .28 SHGC, and .05 air infiltration.
-- Window Itself: $500 to $600 --
-- Installation: $75 to $250 per opening --
-- Window & Installation: $700 to $850 -- *
Polaris ThermalWeld Windows Reviews
The Polaris UltraWeld is the company's high end vinyl window and one of the top rated vinyl windows on the market. The UltraWeld has the same upgraded frame as the ThermalWeld, but with a foam fill in the multichambered extrusion. Expect a .28 U-value and an .01 air infiltration. Excellent performance numbers.
-- Window Itself: $550 to $700 --
-- Installation: $75 to $250 per opening --
-- Window & Installation: $750 to $950 -- *
Polaris UltraWeld Windows
The Polaris window warranty carries a lifetime warranty that applies to the sash and mainframe. The insulated glass unit carries a 30 year warranty period. The warranty doesn't cover either damage or accidental glass breakage. Exterior paint on the frame carries a 20 year warranty against fading, blistering and peeling.
The Polaris warranty is, to the best of my knowledge, transferrable to a subsequent owner and the the warranty is good for 30 years from when the windows were purchased. As with all warranties, consumers are strongly urged to read them completely prior to purchase.
Submit your Polaris windows reviews and help others better understand the strengths and weaknesses of these products and the company itself.
Do you have questions about Polaris windows that you'd like to ask our editors, Jim and John? They can answer many of your questions regarding this premium vinyl window. Be sure to include your email so we can get back directly - we will never use your email for any other purpose other than to answer your question. We promise.
Curious if you could offer me your advise. offer me your suggestions! I have 1 patio slider and 5 windows to replace. Two bids to decide between.
Polaris ThermaWeld: $6.1K
Harvey Tribute: $6.6K
Traci - Homeowner - October, 2023
Traci, these are both solid bid prices and both quality brands. I think I might go with the ThermalWeld, which is close in craftsmanship with the Tribute. However, it would come down to the installation company and how well they were rated online. That would be the deciding factor for me over the small difference in price.
Editor John - August, 2023
John, I have several proposals for double hung replacement windows, and am quite confused at the difference in the cost. I had Polaris windows, double hung, 14 Polaris windows at a total of $17,990.00, installed. Weatherseal windows also a Polaris window, with a full screen, for $13,520.00 installed. Vinylmax Edison double hung, triple pane w/low e argon gas, neopor foam filled frames , super spacers and exterior coil trim cap. Insulate around the frames at a cost of $9990.00. Another quote was for Thermalweld plus double hung with ½ screens for $10, 760 for the 14 windows.
There is such a difference is the cost your opinion would help me make a decision. Also any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Marie - Homeowner - July, 2022
Marie, those are widely varying bids. The Polaris ThermalWeld is quite a good window -- not quite what the UltraWeld is, but close enough that I would suggest taking a hard look at the bid for $10,760. A very good window and your lowest bid. However, I would suggest doing some internet snooping on the installation company and seeing how their reviews/ratings are. Google "[company name] reviews" and see how they do on google and homeadvisor -- any non biased ratings site to get an overall picture of what kind of a job you can expect from them.
Editor John M. - July, 2022
I have received two quotes, my question is the quality of the windows (not the price)…is one better than the other? If so, which and why?
Quote #1:
Polaris Thermalweld Plus or Ultraweld Vinyl replacement windows with low E argon insulated double pane glass. Interior trim will remain in place. All windows wrapped around perimeter with insulation on install. All exterior openings capped off in aluminum trim coil and caulked to match trim color. All job related debris removed on completion.
Quote #2:
GrandView Double Hung
Configuration: Equal Sashes
Grids: None
Glass: Extreme 2 Pane/Low-E & Argon
Screen: Half Screen
Color: Interior White/Exterior White
Elizabeth - Homeowner - July, 2022
Elizabeth, the clear answer for me here is the Polaris Thermalweld Plus or Ultraweld. The Ultraweld in particular is a fantastic window with performance data to back this up. The Grandview is a solid window, but the Polaris brand is very strong in my opinion. The construction, materials, and factory processes that Polaris uses produces a better made window than the Vytex option.
Both good choices, but if the bids are similar, then I'd go with the Polaris option. One final thought, half of the battle here is the actual installation -- so make sure to choose the company with the strongest ratings/reviews. I like to google "[installation company name] reviews" and see what the different rating systems come up with -- I try to aggregate the reviews to get an overall picture of what I can most likely expect from the company doing the actual work.
Editor John M. - July, 2022
I have 10 windows that I'm replacing quite soon and I thought I would share my four bids that I've collected thus far.
Polaris Thermalweld Plus Bid: $7,445
Alliance Belmont Bid: $6,300
American Window Bid: $8,780
Ray - Homeowner - September, 2021
Looking to replace 11 full frame replacements with the following dimensions. 2 - 43x49 double hung, 4 - 69x49 sliders, 4 - 65x24 awning, 2 - 34x49 double hung, and 1 - 84x54 fixed frame with casement flankers. I live in Milwaukee.
Zen Lotus (double pane): $13,800
Zen Lotus (triple pane): $15,600
Okna 500 (triple pane): $25,000
Polaris ThermalWeld: $20,000
Okna 500 (double pane): $23,000
Thanks.
John - Homeowner - February, 2021
Jim, the quote came in for the Polaris Ultraweld Sliders (12) for over $9200 to $9300, would you take these over the Okna 600's at $9027?
Donny - Homeowner - January, 2021
Donny, if this were my home project, I would go with the Okna 600 over the UltraWeld. Both excellent windows! Honestly, I would be more focused on the company doing the install than which of these two great windows was going in. At this point, this is the bigger factor for me.
Editor Jim R. - January, 2021
What are the different levels of windows made by Polaris and what are the "value" differences?
Jon - Homeowner - March, 2020
Polaris sells the ValuSmart Series, ThermalWeld Series, and the UltraWeld Series.
The ValuSmart is not the window I’d go for, the Thermal and Ultraweld are the best long term values. The ThermalWeld probably offers better value for the buck but different dealers get different prices on them so the dollar difference would be required. The UltraWeld is a very good window.
Editor John - March, 2020
Wanting to know if we can purchase replacement part for our Polaris window, the rod that is inserted from window pane to outer frame? One side is broken , can we just replace part instead of entire window?
Nicola - Homeowner - June 1, 2018
Nicola, I would start by finding your local Polaris dealer and giving him a call. He should be able to tell you where you can find parts for the window. If that doesn't work, my advise would be to call up a local window repair service and ask for a bid to replace the window. When he comes by, ask if its even possible to simply order the part without having to replace the whole window. I think one of these two options should work for a minimum cost.
Editor John M. - June 1, 2018
Hello Tim, I’m interested to know what you think of the new Polaris 7400 Series. (The sales person said it’s an upgrade of their ThermalWeld Series.)
I’m replacing three windows: Double Hung (30x45), Double Hung (36 x45), Slider (38x39). Three panes will have privacy glass and each window will have a full screen.
I received the following quotes:
1) Polaris 7800 (foam filled with supreme2 glass): $1,600
2) Okna Eco-Pro 600 Series (HeatSeal glass deluxe package): $2,150
In your opinion, are the Okna windows work the extra $550 or $183/window?
If I was to get a third quote from a Soft-Lite installer, what would be the most similar level/series to quote?
Matt - Homeowner - May, 2018
Matt, I haven't yet seen the Polaris 7000 series. I searched for information online, but wasn't able to find anything. If it's an upgrade on their ThermalWeld Series, that's great. I'd ask for some performance data, but I'm assuming it's in between the ThermalWeld and UltraWeld. If that's the case, I'd have say that this window would be as good if not a bit better than the Okna Eco-Pro 600 (although the deluxe package is quite nice).
I would probably say the Polaris 7800 with the foam fill and upgraded glass package would be a great option. As long as the installation is solid, you can probably save yourself the $550.
Editor John M. - May, 2018
What is the best quality window you have?
Diane - Homeowner - June 1, 2017
Diane, we don't sell windows, instead we try to help consumers find the best window for their budget and project requirements. For my money, Okna, Sunrise and Soft-Lite are the three best vinyl window manufacturers. Followed by Polaris, Kensington, and ProVia windows perhaps. On the West Coast, I'd recommend Milgard, Anlin and Amerimax.
I would also suggest not buying an entry level model, but instead to upgrade to a mid range vinyl window series for the best value. Once you receive a few bids from several top window makers, feel free to send me your bids and I can help you sort through the best options I see for your project. Check out our article on window capping cost for additional information.
Editor John M. - June 1, 2017
Hi John, I obtained quotes for Polaris and Soft-Lite. I have attached the Soft-Lite quote $5,743.00. I also clarified that the quote is for the "Double-Pane with Super Spacer". The polaris quote was $6,548.00 for "Energy Smart Supreme2". I was advised to stay away from Stanek due to their multiple bankruptcies where they do not then honor warranties? At this point, I am leaning toward the Soft-Lite. I appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.
Laurie - Homeowner - October 22, 2016
Laurie, Soft-Lite has a number of window models, as does Polaris -- the Energy Smart Supreme2 is just the glass option -- can you find out what model or series the Soft-Lite and Polaris rep are selling you -- this is a huge component in terms of quality, features and components.
Yes, Stanek did go through a bankruptcy and although they were purchased by a large company that has done a good job with the transition, you make a good point of "why risk it." Without knowing the models, I am leaning towards the Soft-Lite as well, but you need to get clarification on this point before you can make a definitive answer.
Response From Editor Jim R. - October 22, 2016
John, the Soft-Lite bid is on the Imperial LS window model. The Polaris is on the Thermal Weld.
Laurie - Homeowner - October 24, 2016
Laurie, the Soft-Lite Imperial LS is the better window in that comparison. Go with the Soft-Lite for sure!
Response From Editor Jim R. - October 24, 2016
I have quotes from both Polaris and Soft-Lite. The Soft-Lite quote -- which is for the double pane with the super spacer was $5,745 for 9 windows. The same quote for Polaris was with the Energy Smart Supreme2 and came to $6,550. I had been considering Stanek, but then a friend told me that they'd gone into bankruptcy and to stay away from them. I was curious what you thought.
Laurie - Homeowner - August 21, 2016
Laurie, Stanek did go through a bankruptcy and although I like their windows, I think your point is well taken -- why risk going with a company with a more shaky track record than one with a solid track record? I would tend to rate Soft-Lite above Polaris so the fact that the Soft-Lite quote is lower than the Polaris seems pretty clear to me that the SL is the way to go.
Editor Jim R. - August 21, 2016
Good afternoon, Jim and John I am looking for a reliable distributor to purchase and installed a Polaris replacement unit. I initially found out about this product from the owner of Universal Windows Direct in central NJ. Unfortunately,when he responded to me via email, he was extremely rude and very unprofessional. Also, I don't appreciate be told "it is only money". Sorry if I aired my dirty laundry, since installation is important I need to find a company is reliable. Thank you in advance for taking my question.
Tricia - Homeowner - April 25, 2016
Tricia, I don't know who the Polaris rep is in your area, besides Universal Windows Direct, but I would suggest you call up Polaris headquarters, tell them you are interested in buying their windows, and see who else services your area. Get a bid from them, I would suggest also trying to see if Okna and Sunrise windows have reps in your area and getting a free bid from them as well for comparison.
It sounds like you were trying to negotiate price, which I agree with you, it's not only money -- it's your hard earned money! Trying to get the best price on the windows and installation is both tough and necessary, most sales people would rather make more money than less money, it's your job to get them to a lower dollar amount. Good on you for trying!
Response From Editor John M. - April 25, 2016