If you’re replacing the windows in your home, choosing the right manufacturer can be just as important as choosing the right style, glass package or installer.
With so many window brands available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the choices.
So, what are the top 3 window brands?
For homeowners in Canada—and particularly those in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario—three brands worth putting on your shortlist are North Star, Andersen and JELD-WEN.
Each manufacturer has different strengths. Andersen offers a broad range of premium window materials and designs, JELD-WEN has an extensive selection across different price points, and North Star has a particularly strong focus on energy-efficient vinyl windows designed for Canadian homes.
For many Ottawa homeowners looking for replacement windows, North Star deserves particularly close consideration.
Here’s how the three brands compare.
The Top 3 Window Brands at a Glance
| Window Brand | Best Known For | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| North Star | Canadian-made vinyl windows and energy efficiency | Ottawa homeowners looking for efficient, low-maintenance replacement windows |
| Andersen | Wide range of materials, designs and premium products | Homeowners wanting extensive design and material choices |
| JELD-WEN | Broad product selection and value | Homeowners looking for different options across price points |
It’s important to point out that there isn’t one window brand that is automatically the best for every home.
The right choice depends on your home’s architecture, your budget, energy-efficiency goals, preferred materials and how long you expect to stay in the home.
1. North Star Windows
A Strong Choice for Ottawa Homes
North Star is an Ontario-based window manufacturer with a strong focus on vinyl windows and doors.
The company says its products are proudly made in Canada and designed for Canadian homes and conditions. North Star also offers ENERGY STAR-compliant glass options across its product lines.
That makes North Star particularly interesting for Ottawa homeowners.
Ottawa homes have to deal with substantial temperature swings throughout the year. A good replacement window needs to help manage heat loss during the winter while also providing protection from summer heat.
North Star’s product line is designed around those priorities.
Why Consider North Star?
There are several reasons North Star stands out:
- Canadian manufacturing
- Energy-efficient glass options
- Low-maintenance vinyl construction
- Custom-built windows
- Multiple colours and grille options
- A wide range of window styles
- Transferable limited lifetime warranty
- Products designed with Canadian conditions in mind
North Star states that its windows are custom-built and available in different shapes, colours and grille configurations. Its warranty is also transferable to a subsequent homeowner.
For a homeowner replacing older windows throughout an Ottawa home, that combination of energy efficiency, low maintenance, customization and warranty protection can be very appealing.
North Star May Be the Best Fit If You Want:
- Energy-efficient replacement windows
- Low-maintenance vinyl windows
- Canadian-made products
- Custom sizing and styles
- Long-term warranty protection
- A practical solution for Ottawa’s climate
2. Andersen Windows
A Premium Brand With Extensive Options
Andersen is one of the most recognized names in the window industry and offers a considerably broader range of materials and product lines.
Its portfolio includes the 100 Series, 200 Series, 400 Series and A-Series, among others. The materials vary depending on the product, including Fibrex composite and wood-based construction.
This variety is one of Andersen’s biggest strengths.
For example, Andersen’s 100 Series uses Fibrex composite material, while the 400 Series is designed around a wood interior and exterior cladding.
Andersen also offers triple-pane options on selected products and emphasizes energy efficiency across its product range.
Why Consider Andersen?
Andersen may be an excellent choice if you’re looking for:
- A broad selection of materials
- Premium architectural options
- Wood interiors
- Fibrex composite windows
- Extensive design flexibility
- High-performance glass options
- A well-established manufacturer
Andersen also offers transferable Owner-to-Owner limited warranties, although coverage varies by product line.
For homeowners undertaking a major renovation or looking for a particular architectural style, Andersen’s broad product selection can be a significant advantage.
Andersen May Be the Best Fit If You Want:
- More material choices
- Premium architectural windows
- Wood interiors
- Fibrex composite construction
- Extensive customization
- A wide range of product lines
3. JELD-WEN Windows
A Broad Selection Across Different Price Points
JELD-WEN is another major window and door manufacturer with a significant presence in Canada.
One of the company’s strengths is the breadth of its product selection. JELD-WEN offers vinyl, hybrid and other window products, with different configurations, glass options, colours and styles.
For example, its DF 7500 vinyl window offers ENERGY STAR-certified options, dual- and triple-pane glass, Low-E glass and a limited lifetime warranty.
JELD-WEN describes itself as a full-line manufacturer offering products across different price points.
Why Consider JELD-WEN?
JELD-WEN may be worth considering if you want:
- A broad selection of windows
- Vinyl options
- Different price points
- ENERGY STAR-certified options
- Multiple glass configurations
- Custom sizes and designs
- A large established manufacturer
The company also provides warranty and after-sales service information for Canadian customers.
JELD-WEN May Be the Best Fit If You Want:
- More choices at different price points
- Vinyl window options
- Different glass configurations
- A large manufacturer with a broad product range
Which Window Brand Is Best for Ottawa?
This is where things get more interesting.
All three brands have legitimate strengths. But when you’re replacing windows in an Ottawa home, you should consider more than brand recognition.
Ottawa’s climate makes energy efficiency, durability and low maintenance particularly important.
North Star’s focus on Canadian manufacturing and energy-efficient vinyl windows makes it a particularly strong candidate for many Ottawa replacement projects. North Star says its windows are designed for Canadian conditions and offers ENERGY STAR-compliant glass throughout its product lines.
That doesn’t mean Andersen or JELD-WEN are poor choices.
Far from it.
The better way to think about it is:
Which manufacturer’s products best match your home’s needs?
What Should You Look for in a Replacement Window?
Brand is only one part of the decision.
Before choosing your windows, look at the actual specifications of the product being quoted.
1. Energy Efficiency
Look at the window’s energy-performance ratings rather than relying solely on the brand name.
Glass type, frame construction and the overall window configuration can all affect performance.
ENERGY STAR certification can provide a useful starting point when comparing products.
2. Frame Material
Different materials have different characteristics.
Depending on the manufacturer and product line, you may encounter:
- Vinyl
- Fibrex composite
- Wood
- Clad wood
- Hybrid materials
For many homeowners, low-maintenance vinyl provides an excellent balance between performance, durability and affordability.
3. Glass Package
Don’t simply ask whether a window is “double pane” or “triple pane.”
Ask about the complete glass package.
Depending on the product, options can include:
- Low-E coatings
- Argon gas
- Triple-pane glass
- Warm-edge spacers
- Different solar heat-gain characteristics
The right glass package for an Ottawa home can depend on the orientation of the windows and the home’s heating and cooling requirements.
4. Warranty
A good warranty provides important long-term protection.
But don’t compare warranties based solely on the phrase “lifetime warranty.”
Read the actual coverage.
Find out what’s covered, for how long, whether the warranty is transferable and what exclusions apply.
For example, North Star offers a transferable limited lifetime warranty, while Andersen’s warranty coverage varies by product series.
5. Installation
This is one of the most overlooked parts of buying replacement windows.
Even a high-quality window needs to be properly measured and installed.
Poor installation can lead to:
- Drafts
- Water infiltration
- Operational problems
- Poor insulation
- Premature deterioration
When comparing quotes, don’t just compare the window brand.
Compare the window and the installation.
North Star vs. Andersen vs. JELD-WEN
So how do the three brands stack up?
North Star
Best for: Ottawa homeowners looking for Canadian-made, energy-efficient, low-maintenance vinyl replacement windows.
Key strengths: Canadian manufacturing, energy efficiency, customization and transferable limited lifetime warranty.
Andersen
Best for: Homeowners looking for extensive material choices, premium designs and architectural flexibility.
Key strengths: Broad product range, Fibrex composite, wood products and premium design options.
JELD-WEN
Best for: Homeowners looking for a broad selection of products across different price points.
Key strengths: Product variety, vinyl options, ENERGY STAR-certified choices and multiple glass configurations.
So, What Are the Top 3 Window Brands?
If you’re researching replacement windows for an Ottawa home, North Star, Andersen and JELD-WEN are three brands worth considering.
But choosing the “best” brand depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
If you want premium architectural options and a broad selection of materials, Andersen may be the right choice.
If you want a wide range of products and price points, JELD-WEN may be worth investigating.
But if your priorities are energy efficiency, low maintenance, Canadian manufacturing and long-term value, North Star is a particularly strong option for Ottawa homeowners.
And that’s why North Star is one of the brands we recommend homeowners consider when replacing windows in the Ottawa area.
Looking for the Best Replacement Windows in Ottawa?
Choosing the right window is about more than finding a recognizable brand.
At Canadian Comfort, we can help you compare your options and determine which replacement windows make sense for your home.
Whether you’re replacing a few windows or upgrading your entire house, we’ll help you look at the product, glass options, installation and overall value.
Ready to replace your windows? Contact Canadian Comfort for a replacement window quote in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 3 window brands?
Three strong brands to consider in Canada are North Star, Andersen and JELD-WEN. Each has different strengths, so the best choice depends on your home’s requirements, budget, preferred materials and energy-efficiency goals.
Are North Star windows good quality?
Yes. North Star offers energy-efficient vinyl windows with ENERGY STAR-compliant glass options and a transferable limited lifetime warranty. The company also states that its windows are custom-built for individual homes.
Is Andersen better than North Star?
Not necessarily. Andersen offers a broader range of materials and product lines, while North Star focuses heavily on vinyl replacement windows. For an Ottawa homeowner looking for an energy-efficient, low-maintenance vinyl window, North Star can be an excellent fit.
Is JELD-WEN a good window brand?
JELD-WEN is an established manufacturer offering a broad range of windows and doors. Its Canadian product line includes vinyl windows with ENERGY STAR-certified options and different glass configurations.
What is the best window material for Ottawa?
There isn’t one material that’s best for every home. Vinyl is a popular choice because it offers low maintenance and good energy-efficiency potential, while composite and wood products can provide different aesthetic and performance characteristics.
What is more important: the window brand or the installer?
Both are important. A high-quality window needs to be properly measured and installed to perform as intended. When comparing replacement window companies, consider the product, installation process, warranty and reputation together.