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Ply Gem 1500 Windows Reviews
The Ply Gem 1500 window is the company's lower end "collection" that they market towards budget conscious consumers. The 1500 Vinyl Collection is marketed on it's own website and is supposed to be viewed as a stand alone window collection. Consumers can choose from three frame options that include a brickmould, beveled and flat design.
In terms of color, the interior comes in a white, beige or clay, while the exterior can be ordered in a white, beige, clay, or dark bronze. The 1500 series comes in a low-e, low-e with argon or as a triple pane glass option. The company offers their HP, HP2 and HP3max glass options that will have significant effects on the performance numbers (see our ratings section below).
Standard features include a block and tackle balancing system, dual lift rails, interlocking sashes, a recessed tilt latch and resistant locks. It is available as a single hung, slider, casement, and as a sliding patio door. All in all, the 1500 Vinyl Collection doesn't offer the sort of durability and performance ratings that I would suggest for most consumers. Take a look at our cheap replacement windows page for a list of the budget windows that I would recommend (the list does include the Ply Gem Pro model).
Review By - Site Editor - Updated In 2024
Ply Gem 1500 Prices
Consumers can expect Ply Gem 1500 replacement window prices to run $25 - $35 per square foot for the Ply Gem window itself. Comparable windows include Reliabilt 3900 window prices and Viwinco Cambridge windows.
-- Window Itself: $25 to $35 per square foot --
» More On Ply Gem 1500 Window Prices
Ply Gem 1500 Ratings
The Ply Gem 1500 window ratings will vary according to the window style, glass and upgrades you select. With their standard low-e glass, you can expect a U-value of .35 (not very impressive). Upgrading to the low-e with argon fills will get a .31 U-value (better but still not very impressive). The HP2+ glass package will get this down to .27. In terms of air infiltration, the 1500 Collection should come in near the Ply Gem Contractor window, which gets around a .19.
The company offers a triple pane glass option that can get you down to .25, which is a good number. I wasn't able to find any air infiltration numbers, but I wouldn't imagine them to be all that impressive for this low end vinyl window. Triple Pane Windows Prices
Ply Gem 1500 Warranty
The Ply Gem 1500 window comes with a lifetime limited warranty on the vinyl frame and components. There is a glass breakage provision that lasts for 1 year from the date of purchase. All hardware and insect screens carry a 10 year warranty provision. The insulating glass unit carries a 20 year provision.
Like all warranties, this one includes a number of limitations and exclusions, which is why we ALWAYS suggest that you read the document in its entirety prior to purchase.
Ply Gem 1500 Windows Reviews
Do you have a Ply Gem 1500 series review to share with our users? We would love to hear your opinion on this vinyl window.
Questions about the Ply Gem 1500 series windows? Our editors, Jim and John, are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about this Ply Gem vinyl window.
Ply Gem 1500 Windows In A Sunroom
We are considering Ply Gem 1500 fixed upper windows in a sunroom we are having built. The room will have a mini split HVAC unit but has a southern facing. We want to know about the quality and suitability of this window in this sunroom? The remaining windows and doors are Jeld Wen sliders.
Eugene - Homeowner - May, 2020
Website Editor's Answer
Eugene, Ply Gem 1500 windows are low to mid range vinyl windows. I wouldn't put them in my home if I were staying here long term. I would look for a good mid range vinyl window instead. Sunrise Classic, an Okna 400 series, Soft-Lite Classic or Pro series, Kensington Huntington, a Harvey Classic, Milgard Tuscany, Zen Nirvana, and Simonton Reflections 5500. Surely a few of these brands are offered from local window installation companies.
Editor John M. - May, 2020
Ply Gem 1500 vs. MI 4340
Can you please tell me what window is better: Ply Gem 1500 or MI 4340.
Could you compare the both?
Brandy - Homeowner - February, 2020
Website Editor's Answer
These two windows are pretty even. Both are entry level single hung windows that are definitely cheap to buy, but might not provide the best long term value for your buck.
Editor Jim R. - February, 2020
Ply Gem 1500 Series Window
My research has led me to the conclusion that Ply Gem has 3 levels of window quality—Builder/contractor grade, Ply Gem Pro series and Ply Gem Premium series quality windows.
Most sources seem to indicate that the Ply Gem 1500 series window is the best of the builder/contractor grade windows. It is not at the same quality level as the mid grade Ply Gem Pro, or Ply Gem Premium series.
Is this accurate or am I misunderstanding the insights and comments concerning the quality of the windows as offered by other sources on the internet?
John - Homeowner - January, 2020
Website Editor's Answer
John, the Ply Gem 1500 is the company's better new construction single hung vinyl window over the 1100 model. I would say it's a mid grade vinyl window. I would probably rate the Ply Gem 1500 as a bit better than the Pella 250 series, but not by a whole bunch. If this were my project and I was planning to be in my home long term, I would keep looking for a better window. If I was planning on moving in 10 years or less, than the Ply Gem 1500 window would be an acceptable option.
Ply Gem does have a number of different products, here is a complete list. -- https://www.plygem.com/windows-doors/brands/ply-gem/
The 1500 is new construction, while the Pro and Premium are replacement windows only. In general, the 1500 is a decent to good builder grade new construction vinyl window.
Editor Jim R. - January, 2020
Ply Gem 1500 Series Windows
Is the Ply Gem 1500 series widow a contractor or Builders grade window?
How does it compare to a Pella 250 series?
Thank you for your help
John - Homeowner - November, 2019
Website Editor's Answer
John, the Ply Gem 1500 is the company's better new construction single hung vinyl window over the 1100 model. I would say it's a mid grade vinyl window. I would probably rate the Ply Gem 1500 as a bit better than the Pella 250 series, but not by a whole bunch. If this were my project and I was planning to be in my home long term, I would keep looking for a better window. If I was planning on moving in 10 years or less, than the Ply Gem 1500 window would be an acceptable option.
Editor John M. - November, 2019
Plygem 1500 Series Window
It appears that the Plygem 1500 series window is a Builders Or Contractors grade window. The Pro grade their mid series and Premium the better product. Consequently I’m inclined to avoid the 1500s on my new home. How do they compare with the Pella 250 series?
John - Homeowner - September, 2019
Website Editor's Answer
John, I'd put the Pella 250 series above the Ply Gem 1500, but not by much. I'd probably put the Pella 350 against the Ply Gem Pro. The Ply Gem Pro and Premium are both pretty good quality vinyl windows.
Editor Jim R. - September, 2019