The Difference Between Cheap vs. High-Quality Windows

Kim Hanke • Dec 13, 2022

New windows are one of the best investments you can make in your home's value and curb appeal. Selecting the less expensive window option may seem like the obvious choice, but have you ever considered why some windows are so much cheaper? It all comes down to quality: a cheaper pricepoint often means cheaper quality, which will serve your home poorly in the long run!


You deserve the best of the best! And investing in your home today is an investment in its future value (as well as your current energy savings). Here at Hanke Brothers, we don’t cut corners.
When it’s time to replace your windows, here’s why opting for higher quality is a worthwhile investment — and why we don’t cut corners at Hanke Brothers. 


High-Quality Windows = High-Quality Materials

There is a reason high-quality windows come at a higher price: they’re made with much better materials! From beautiful, sturdy hardware that won’t snap or warp, to consistent color and scratch resistance, to longevity and aesthetic — materials matter for your new windows.


Cheap windows are made with low-grade PVC frames and sashes that easily bend, bow, and discolor. In contrast, our Hanke Brothers windows are made with fine quality, un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) that withstand harsh weather conditions and wear and tear. These windows will last significantly longer than the cheaper materials our competitors use.


Sturdy Manufacturing

Metal and wood windows are traditionally stapled or screwed together at the corners due to the nature of the material. Many vinyl windows are secured this way as well, which isn’t as effective for keeping the corners connected over time. As the corners inevitably separate, air and even water can leak through into your home! That’s a recipe for disaster.


Vinyl windows should be welded together to avoid this separating issue, but many are welded using old single and double-weld machines. This can cause the same separation issue as stapling and screwing! This is one reason why cheaper windows won’t last.


At Hanke Brothers, we prioritize superior manufacturing methods, using robotic four-point welding equipment that permanently fuses windows together for a weather-tight seal that is guaranteed to hold for the lifetime of your windows!


Thick, Insulated Glass

Thin glass means both easy breaking (no one wants shattered glass when they close a window!) and reduced insulation throughout your home. When severe weather conditions roll in, you want your home to protect you from the elements rather than buckling under the pressure. 


Cheap windows can also cost you more in the long run, as the thinner glass is less insulating, making your heating and cooling systems work even harder. This poor insulation can significantly drive up your energy costs, which adds up very quickly! 


Our windows are built with multiple layers of sturdy glass manufactured with argon or krypton insulating glass that is condensation-resistant and built with “warm edge” sealing technology to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Investing in high-quality windows now means you will save a significant amount on energy bills later!


Custom Fitting and Sizing

Standard prices mean standard sizing options, which don’t work for most homes! If you purchase stock windows, your options will be limited for your unique home and window needs, resulting in gapping around the edges that will need to be patched and painted. This also won’t give you a long-lasting, weather-tight seal!


We don’t like to cut corners, which is why all of our windows are custom-made to the exact specifications of your home! Our highly skilled craftsmen (who, by the way, work exclusively as window installers at Hanke Brothers) will expertly measure your home before ordering your custom windows for better-looking and better-performing results. 


The result is stunning windows that are perfectly aligned to always open and close properly with a secure seal to prevent air leaks. We even go the extra mile by thoroughly cleaning your new windows and putting your curtains and blinds back up before we leave!


Quality Matters!

When it comes to replacing your windows, you really do get what you pay for. Premium prices mean premium quality, premium materials, premium manufacturing, and premium service. Of course, we understand that price matters too. Our mission is to give you the quality service and products you deserve while staying within your budget, which is why financing is available, in addition to our affordable prices on high-quality windows.


If you’re looking for replacement windows in Arkansas that are made to last and can save you a large chunk of change in energy costs,
contact us today and let Hanke Brothers make your vision a reality!


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Double-hung windows are one of the most popular styles among homeowners today, preferred for their dual combination of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. If you’re considering double-hung windows in Arkansas but aren’t sure what to expect, we have you covered with this complete guide. What are Double-Hung Windows? Double-hung windows feature two vertically sliding sashes, giving you more flexibility in how you open your windows to let in the fresh air. When it’s time to install new windows , many homeowners opt to upgrade to double-hung windows because they offer so much more variety in use and design. All of our custom vinyl double-hung windows include the popular tilt-in function to make cleaning even easier and keep your perspective crystal clear! Single vs. Double-Hung Windows Single-hung windows often look similar to double-hung except for one key difference: they only have one sliding panel, leaving the other fixed in place. 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