Alside UltraMaxx – Replacement Window Review

• Alside is owned by Associated Materials Incorporated (other window companies owned by AMI: Revere, Preservation & Alpine Windows)
• Alside was formed in 1947 by Jerome and Manual Kaufman.
• Alside has over 100 company-owned Supply Centers and 5 manufacturing plants across America.
• Alside produces numerous exterior products including Siding, Windows & Patio Doors, Insulation, Railing and Gutters.

The Alside UltraMaxx window is exactly what it might sound like… Ultra Maxx. This is a “heavy duty” window in almost all respects. The frame is designed with strength in mind during a time when vinyl windows still had a well earned reputation for warping.  Rest assured, those issues have been solved but the giant frame of the UltraMaxx window remains. This is probably not the window that we would recommend to our customers for the replacement of average sized windows.  However, for any large window that might demand triple-pane glass or any other especially heavy glass package, this is the beast to carry it. The UltraMaxx frame is bulkier than almost all other windows of its kind… the amount of visible vinyl is a little wider… a few more “honeycomb” chambers within its herculean frame and counter-balances stacked one on top of the other make this a great choice for anything “scary” sized. However, we are NOT a fan of the “cup” style sill. This is an old design that allowed water to be trapped and funneled through the sill itself and escape through weep-holes at the bottom of the window.  These weep-holes can get clogged with debris or just look ugly and stained from debris being filtered through them.  Like the Volkswagen Micro-Bus, this was a fantastic design when it was designed but no more. Even though Adams Exteriors has installed thousands upon thousands of UltraMaxx windows, there are newer designs like the Mezzo that we would recommend today.  The Bulky frame and strength of the UltraMaxx window was always overkill. Quality windows made by reputable manufacturers do not warp unless they’re painted or laminated a dark color (which absorbs heat).  There is absolutely no reason to pay more for the UltraMaxx unless, like I mentioned, you have a “scary” sized window. Take a look at the Alside Mezzo for all others. The frame is almost as sturdy and strong without being so bulky, the sill is a true “slope” and not the problematic “cup”, and the profile is more slim / attractive and it’s more affordable.

Alside UltraMaxx – Standard Interior Colors

Like most of the windows offered by Alside, the UltraMaxx window is available with many color options both interior and exterior.  HOWEVER, only the white and beige colors are extruded. This means that white and beige are the actual colors of the vinyl itself. These colors are not painted or laminated onto the vinyl. If you were to scratch the window, it would scratch white and be almost entirely unnoticeable (same with beige). There is a slight up-charge over the cost of white windows for the beige option but they are essentially the same price. However, all of the other colors (both interior and exterior) are laminates and are considerably more expensive. The process of laminating a window is time consuming and those costs are definitely passed down. In addition, although it’s very rare, dark exterior laminates and painted window frames have caused windows to warp in extreme heat. Dark colors absorb heat and don’t forget, these are VINYL windows. They’re literally made out of oil.  This warning is not limited to Alside windows. If anything, I would consider Alside a more trusted brand than most but it is widely known that any dark window, made dark by any process, is at risk for warping.

There really aren’t too many options available to replacement windows that Alside doesn’t offer in the UltraMaxx package. There are many grid patterns available with both a flat and contoured design. Full Screens are an option, special hardware can be ordered and customers even have a few choices of obscure and etched glass. Alside offers many different grades of their ClimaTech insulated glass but even the standard ClimaTech package meets or exceeds the 2015 Energy Star guidelines. Double strength glass and Triple Pane is offered. The Alside UltraMaxx is only offered as a Double Hung window (meaning both the top and bottom sashes open and tilt in for easier cleaning).

Our history at Adams Exteriors is primarily centered around installation. This is the one factor that isn’t listed in brochures
or manufacturer reviews. Howa window is built can play a role in how difficult a window is to install. This matters because the installation of your window is half of the deal.  If a window is difficult to install, that increases the chances of it being installed incorrectly. If a window is too rigid, it won’t flex with the natural movement of a home and if the window isn’t rigid enough it will bow out of shape and become impossible to lock. Having said all of that, the Alside UltraMaxx is a hard window to install incorrectly. We can transport this window from the supply center to the job site without ever having to worry.  It is difficult to hurt this monster.  It’s almost impossible to bend this frame even after both sashes have been removed.  With a frame this sturdy and rigid, I would usually worry about the fusion welds cracking with the natural movement of a home.  This can happen when a home forces a rigid frame out of square.  However, having said all of that, we have never seen this problem with the Alside UltraMaxx window.

Alside allows its distributors to set the pricing on their windows but in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area the Mezzo window can be purchased and installed for between $450 – $500 per window. Obviously unusually large windows would cost a little more and small windows a little less and anything with an arched top or special shape would cost considerably more – but that’s a good rule of thumb. As with all other manufacturers, anything that can be labeled “specialty” (color, shape, glass, hardware) can increase the average cost of your windows considerably.