egg over CTA



    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    TOP
    -RATED BY

    Supreme Windows & Doors vs. All Star Home: Calgary Window Companies Review [2024]

    Sep 2, 2015

    Mar 28, 2024

    8 min read

    9

    There is one question that plagues all home renovation projects: do you go with a more established reputable company and pay more, or do you choose a relatively new company and hopefully save some money on your project?

    Just like the age-old chicken and egg question, this one may never be truly resolved as both types of companies have their own pros and cons.

    When it comes to window companies, big manufacturers often have the advantage of a better product but lack in customer service and post-installation care simply because of the volume of customers they deal with. Smaller companies, don’t always have the product to match, but are more intuitive to the homeowner’s needs.

    Big or Small Window Companies – What is Better?

    These may be just generalizations, but if you overlook how old and big the company is, what you’re looking for at the very basic level are three things.

    • Window quality compared to price. Some homeowners are ok with lesser performing windows if they can save money.
    • Quality of the window installation. Whether you’re getting retrofit windows or a full-frame replacement, a bad installation can negate any performance advantages a window has.
    • Warranty and timely service. Assuming a company matches the two criteria above, you technically shouldn’t worry about this. Wrong. Even if your windows are of high quality and are installed properly, that doesn’t mean there won’t be issues down the road. Considering standard window replacement warranties Calgary are roughly twenty years when things go wrong you want somebody that will be there to take care of it like the windows were installed yesterday.

    Today we review leading local window Installers in Calgary – Supreme Windows (now Centra) vs. All Star Home Replacement Windows. So who has better windows and service, a big brand that works across Canada or a smaller yet local company?

    Supreme Window (now Centra Windows)

    • Homestars: 9.6
    • BBB: A+ (accredited since 1976)

    About
    Supreme Windows (now Centra) has been on the Canadian market since 1967. The company is based and manufactures all their windows locally in Calgary. The company opened an all-in-one local manufacture and office facility in 2008, equipped with the latest equipment in window manufacturing technology. Supreme specializes in renovation as well as new construction projects for the residential markets, offering professional window installation and exceptional customer service.

    Product
    When it comes to window material options, Supreme specialises on vinyl windows. The company makes double pane slider windows and offer triple glazing for other window design choices. Vinyl frame options come in the white or desert sand. Although the company only manufactures vinyl windows, they offer a good variety of choices and optimisations whether to suit the look of your home or improve its energy efficiency.

    Certifications

    • Energy Star rated
    • Member of The Calgary Region Home Builders Association
    • HomeStars Best of Awards 2023 (winner 6 times)

    Warranty
    Supreme Windows (Centra) offers a comprehensive warranty – 25 Years on Vinyl Windows and 10 Years on Doors.

    As one of the oldest manufacturers and installers in Calgary, Supreme has a good reputation with their clients. They have few negative reviews on HomeStars, and the company seems to take an involved approach towards resolving issues as their BBB page suggests.

    Centra Windows participates in the ENERGY STAR program and provides information and rating for different performance values. The company also follows CSA guidelines to ensure that their windows perform properly and actually meets the ratings claimed by the manufacturer.

    Comparing Top Window Replacement Companies in Calgary

    Company Window
    Warranty
    Google
    Rating
    BBB Accreditation Reviews
    andersen Andersen Windows 20 years
    N / A
    NOT
    Accredited
    Check review
    ply gem Ply Gem 20 years
    2.6
    NOT
    Accredited
    Check review
    ecoline windows Ecoline Windows Calgary 25-year on product & labour
    4.6
    Accredited Check review
    lux windows Lux Windows 25 years
    4.5
    Accredited Check review
    jeld-wen Jeld-Wen 20 years
    4.4
    NOT
    Accredited
    Check review
    all weather windows All Weather Windows 10 years
    3.3
    Accredited Check review
    weather pro Weather Pro Windows N/A
    4.4
    Accredited Check review
    canadian choice Canadian Choice 25 years
    4.3
    NOT
    Accredited
    Check review
    cissins windows Cossins Windows 20 years
    4.3
    Accredited Check review

    All Star Home Replacement Windows and Doors

    • Homestars: 9.8
    • BBB: A+ (Accredited 2010) 

    About
    All Star Home is a smaller company in the window replacement market compared to Supreme. The company specifies they have been in business for 30 years, serving local homeowners as one of the most reliable and affordable window companies in Calgary. All Star specialises in replacement windows and doors for the residential market.

    Product
    It is important to mention that unlike Supreme, All Star Home doesn’t manufacture their own windows. However, they do claim to get them factory direct. All Star carries Energy Star certified durable windows for Calgary’s weather in all common styles and types. The window pages on the company website have the information about performance and ER ratings provided, so you can see right away how the company compares to others.

    Although it isn’t overtly stated, judging by the window performance information, the company mostly deals with double pane windows. These units are not the most energy efficient windows, double pane models still offer a decent ER rating, and are a great option for homeowners looking for a budget window replacement.

    Certifications

    • ENERGY STAR rated
    • CSA tested and approved
    • 2013 Top Choice Award Winner for Best Window and Door Company in Calgary

    Warranty
    When it comes to window warranties, All Star Home says they offer 20 years non-prorated limited glass warranty and 10 years warranty on installation and labour. In addition, company’s website mentions that factory covers 100% for windows up to 30 years. In addition, the company’s website mentions that the factory provides a 100% warranty for windows up to 30 years. If windows are used for longer periods, customers will need to pay an extra fee to get them fixed in case any issues arise.

    All Star Home has a very positive online presence. Most of the clients compliment the company on professional and courteous service. Their BBB page is also clean of any recent complaints. The negative reviews that do exist, mostly date back several years and are about poor quality product. No recent reviews like that exist, which may mean that the company switched its supplier, or raised attention to quality in their manufacturing.

    The advantage smaller window companies have is that they can work with multiple suppliers, even at the same time, and, therefore, can provide exactly the windows you are looking for. In reality, however, as a customer you have to do the extra research to verify that the supplier a company works with is respectable.

    Conclusion

    As you can see, these two companies are very different in the scope of their work, products they offer, and the scale of projects they work on. Supreme Windows manufactures their own windows locally and has years of experience and business presence to show for their reputation. All Star Home is a smaller company that installs windows manufactured by someone else. So is it fair to compare such vastly different companies?

    In short, this goes to show that when it comes to window replacement, the biggest and most reputable companies, such as Supreme (Centra Windows), are not always best. However, they provide clear warranty terms and manufacture all their windows and doors independently. On the other hand, smaller companies such as All Star Home excel at customer interaction and provide good, honest service when it comes to window replacement.

    At Ecoline Windows, we work with a manufacturing facility that makes windows to the highest quality requirements. All our windows are ENERGY STAR rated, and CSA certified. But besides great product, we also understand the importance of correct installation, customer service, and warranty. We combine the quality of big manufacturers with the personal service of smaller window companies.

    F.A.Q.

    Supreme Windows and All Star Windows both offer high-quality window solutions, but they differ in their product ranges and specialties. However, Supreme (Centra) has its own manufacturing facility, while All Star Windows does not.

    Both Supreme and All Star provide professional installation services in Calgary. Supreme is recognized for its timely and reliable installation process. In contrast, All Star is known for its meticulous installation, emphasising energy efficiency.

    Homeowner reviews typically praise Supreme for its durable products and excellent customer service. On the other hand, All Star often receives exceptional reviews for its energy-efficient windows and ability to customise products to meet specific homeowner needs.

    Both companies offer Energy Star-rated windows with clear information regarding their windows’ energy ratings and performance. However, All Star Home seems to specialise in double-pane window solutions.

    To find the most affordable window companies in Calgary, get multiple quotes from different big or small brands. Check online reviews and ratings to analyze customer feedback. Look for local promotions or discounts, and consider off-season installation for potential cost savings. Additionally, inquire about financing options or government rebates for energy-efficient window installations.