How to Identify Your Window Manufacturer: 7 Ways to Find Out Your Window Brand
Finding your window manufacturer is easier than you might think
Knowing your window manufacturer makes getting replacements simple.
Some large manufacturers stamp their logos on the window frame for easy identification.
Your HOA or neighbors might be able to help in some cases.
A window professional can ID your windows with a simple inspection.
Windows protect your home from the elements and add to your curb appeal, but if you weren’t around when they were installed, how do you identify the window manufacturer? You may not think you need to know, but it can be important information to have down the line.
Why You Should Know Your Window Manufacturer
It might not seem important to know what company manufactured your windows. After all, regardless of the brand, they keep the rain and snow out and the conditioned air in. However, knowing how to identify the brand of windows you have in your home can come in handy in a few situations:
You need replacement windows. Provided you measure your windows properly and buy the same size, you can replace any brand with another one. However, some homeowners who enjoy the functionality or appearance of their existing windows—or want to buy new windows to match the others in their home—might want or need to know the brand they currently have to ensure they get the same ones.
You need window repair. Similarly, you can have any window repair professional carry out repairs, regardless of the brand. Some homeowners prefer to have the manufacturer recommend a certified repair expert, and some manufacturers offer a longer warranty if you only get service from their experts.
You need information on your window warranty. If you know or suspect that a damaged portion of your window is still under warranty, you’ll need to know the brand in order to contact the company for repair work. Otherwise, you’ll pay out of pocket for the work.
You want to upgrade to energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows can save you money down the road. To make sure all your windows look and operate the same, buy your new windows from the same manufacturer.
You want insight on window quality. If you’re budgeting for the cost to install blinds, it’s important to know details about the window itself as this can dictate the type of material and blind you choose. For example, the cost of plantation shutters may be worth it if your home has low-budget single-pane windows.
How to Identify Your Window Brand
There are seven different things you can do to find your window manufacturer, all of which should only take a few minutes of your time.
1. Look for a Stamped or Metal Logo
Many window manufacturers, including Andersen, will engrave or nail a small metal logo onto the window for easy identification. If the window frame is wood or fiberglass, you’ll likely see a stamped logo burned into the frame material. You may find a metal branding logo if the window is vinyl or aluminum.
You might also see a logo or brand name on the window hardware. Inspect your windows from the inside and outside—if it’s safe to do so—and look for branding in the following areas:
Along the bottom rail
Along the top rail
On the sash lock
On the window lift
On the crank handle of casement windows
2. Find Identifying Stickers
If you don’t see any obvious logos or brand names on the parts of the window mentioned above, you can check for manufacturer stickers that remained on your window through the installation. These stickers are often hidden to prevent them from detracting from the appearance of your window, so check the following areas for them:
On the underside of the bottom rail
On the top side of the top rail
Inside the jamb
On the side, top, or underside of the moveable sash
On the screen frames, if you know the screens came from the manufacturer
Sometimes, these stickers will have a brand name on them, but if they don’t, write down any numbers or letter sequences you find and do a quick online search for them. This might lead to a product page corresponding to a specific manufacturer.
3. Check the Glass for Etched Branding
In rare cases, window manufacturers might etch a small logo or brand on the face of the glass itself. This can be hard to see, so take a few minutes to check the entire surface of the glass to see if you can find any markings. You may also only find a serial number or other sequence rather than a brand name, but you can search online for this series to see if you can identify the manufacturer.
4. Search for Window Certification Information
Some windows are certified by organizations like the National Accreditation & Management Institute (NAMI), the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), or Energy Star, often with a product number from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
Some manufacturers who get certification for their products will place small, metallic stickers on a hidden portion of the window, like on the sides of jambs or moveable sashes. You might need to open your window or remove the sashes to find them.
If you find a sticker from one of these organizations, you should be able to locate a manufacturer or series code. You can search for these online using the following resources:
5. Ask Your Neighbors or HOA
If you live in an area where a builder recently constructed multiple homes or the homes were built around the same time, you can ask your neighbors about their window brand. If they know and have the same windows you do, you can narrow your search based on their brand.
Additionally, live in a homeowner’s association (HOA). The HOA governing body might have rules and regulations about the brands and types of windows allowed in the community. Even if there are no regulations, they may have brand information to share with you if they keep their own records on new construction and renovations in the area.
6. Consult Your Home Purchase Documents
When you purchased your home, you may have gotten documentation about different parts of the house, including appliances, doors, flooring, roofing, and windows. Check the documents you have on file to see if there’s any confirmation of the brand of windows you have, including warranty information that the previous owner may have passed on to you.
If the previous owner installed new windows at some point, you might also have receipts for the windows and the installation labor. These will indicate the brand of windows you have.
7. Ask a Professional
Finally, if all else fails, you can always ask a window company in your area for help. Some installers are so familiar with windows that they can identify the brand just by inspecting the materials. They might also be able to disassemble parts of the window—especially if you already have them on site for a repair or to install replacement windows—to find branding or certification stickers you might have missed.
Look for stickers at the top or inside of the frame, like in the tracks when the window is open. Some brands also stamp their name onto the frame itself or place it between the panes of glass, although this is less common. If you can’t find the info on the window itself, consider asking your neighbors or HOA.
Sometimes, you can buy windows directly from the manufacturer, and it may be cheaper than buying through a third party or wholesaler. Manufacturers may also offer more options, including custom shapes and features, or better warranties if you purchase through them directly.
However, some companies limit the ability to buy from them, especially if you need standard pre-fabricated sizes, so don’t expect this service from every manufacturer.
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