20 Best Window Companies in Tuscaloosa, AL (2024 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Tuscaloosa Saves You Money

By upgrading to energy-efficient windows, you can enjoy several benefits, such as:

• Protect your investment: The older your home is, the more likely you are to benefit from switching to energy-efficient windows. Older homes usually have windows that are outdated, drafty or maybe even damaged in some way. Upgrading your windows could help increase the value of your property if you decide to sell.
• Save money on energy bills: The Department of Energy estimates that heat gained or lost through windows makes up about 25-30% of energy use in your home. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can help lower that amount, which helps you save more on your bills.
• Protect your valuables from fading: The low-emissivity coatings on some energy-efficient windows filter out damaging UV rays, preventing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.
• Reduce your carbon footprint: By using less energy once you upgrade to Energy Star certified windows, you’ll also be cutting your carbon dioxide emissions by about 12%, according to Energy Star.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Tuscaloosa

Let’s take a look at the cost of window installation and the types of services you may need for your home.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

According to our research, the typical cost to replace a single window is around $600. However, window replacement costs can range from $200 to $1,200 a window. These figures vary depending on specific characteristics of your installation, such as material, number of windows, the location of your home, type, size and more.

It’s important to note that windows with the best efficiency may cost more upfront but can save you hundreds of dollars by decreasing your energy bills. Investing in Energy Star certified windows can save Tuscaloosa homeowners $416+ a year when replacing single-pane windows.

Costs will also vary depending on the material of your frame. Aluminum frames are the least expensive. They’re sturdy, light and maintenance-free, but provide poor insulation. Vinyl frames are a bit more expensive and provide good insulation. Composite frames made from wood fibers encased in plastic also offer good insulation and are moderately expensive. Wood frames cost the most and are the most in-demand. They’re also aesthetically pleasing and offer decent insulation for your home.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

When it comes to window installations, in general there are two types that your installer will offer: full-frame and pocket installations.

Full-frame installations require replacing the full window — the sill, frame, trim and all. These are typically done when you want a new style for your windows or when it has significant rot or deterioration. Full-frame installations require more time and labor and will increase overall costs. Pocket installations are on the simpler end and won’t carry as large a bill because they involve simply replacing the window within its existing frame. But if the frame has any damage or rot, you should opt for a full-frame installation instead.

If you’re not sure which type of window installation service you should get, your installer can advise you. Typically, the decision is influenced by factors such as the age and condition of the home, the type of building material, budget and time restrictions.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Tuscaloosa

EcoWatch reviews are different from most reviews since we examine these companies through a sustainability lens. We’ve evaluated the top window installation companies in Tuscaloosa mainly based on energy efficiency, as it’s what’s best for the environment and for you as a homeowner. Energy-efficient windows have been shown to reduce your energy bills by hundreds of dollars. Along with energy efficiency, our rating methodology is based on the following factors:

Service Area

Because this is a guide for Tuscaloosa, we paid more attention to companies that provide services to the city. There are certainly other reputable providers that didn’t make the list because of the low odds that they would serve the average homeowner in Tuscaloosa.

Work Quality

When installing new windows, the quality and breadth of services can often play just as important of a role in overall efficiency and performance as the brand you get. We do rate window installers higher if they offer high-quality products, but we also consider workmanship as reflected in customer feedback.

Customer Reviews

Customer feedback is another super important review factor. If the majority of customers don’t have positive feedback about their service from a certain window installation company, it won’t be featured on EcoWatch.

Cost

Cheaper windows don’t necessarily mean better windows, but we know many of our readers want to keep costs as low as possible. When analyzing the prices of providers, we gave higher scores to companies with reasonable prices and accessible financing rather than “cheaper” services.

Warranty

As discussed, windows are a serious investment, so you’ll want to be certain that investment is protected. Window installation companies that provide lengthy warranties for products, parts and installation (aka workmanship) rank higher with EcoWatch.

Years of Experience

Due to Tuscaloosa’s climate, homeowners need to be wary of water damage, rot and low efficiency. We factored in local experience to reflect the ability of Tuscaloosa window companies to prepare homes for the climate. If a company has less than 10 years of experience, it loses points in this category.