Alside Ultramaxx Windows Reviews

Update: this Alside Ultramaxx window review has been updated in 2023. 

Disclaimer: We recently started offering Alside windows (almost) nationwide for you to install yourself or with professional installation by the manufacturer.  We do it all with no in-home salespeople.  Details here. 

For our Alside Ultramaxx window review we’ll compare the Ultramaxx to the other Alside window products.  The Ultramaxx windows sit near the top of the Alside window line.  Very similar products are sold under various brand names including Alside Sheffield and Comfort World 6000 series.  When we say they sit near the top of the line that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s  a better product than anything else, but it does tend to cost more than some other products out there.

When comparing and reviewing Alside windows, the Alside Mezzo window (which we reviewed recently) stacks up pretty well.   The Ultramaxx doesn’t compare very well except in a few specific situations.  For example, the Alside Ultramaxx window is available with triple pane glass while the Mezzo window was not available with this option when initially launched.  The Mezzo model does now offer this option so there’s one less reason to pick the Alside Ultramaxx window..  Obviously this only matter to you if you’re interested in triple pane glass.

Another difference is in the weatherstripping that the Ultramaxx window comes with.  This sounds good and the salesperson might tell a great story to go with it, but if you compare the air infiltration ratings you’ll see the Mezzo is typically better.  This tells you the extra weather stripping on the Alside Ultramaxx isn’t doing you much good.

One important factor to consider is that the Alside Ultramaxx window uses a substantially thicker frame which reduces the glass area considerably.  If you’re looking at samples in person take a look at the thickness of the frame, especially the sill at the bottom.   Only you can decide if that’s what you want in your home, but it will reduce the visible glass area and reduce the visible transmittance rating.

Alside Ultramaxx vs Alside Sheffield

The Alside Ultramaxx and the Alside Sheffield share the same frame and ALMOST all of the same parts.  There are only 2 two differences between these 2 products.  One is the type of sill.  The Ultramaxx uses a Pocket sill that allows water to run down through the frame and the Sheffield uses a sloped sill that lets water run down and out.  There are advocates for both designs, but at the end of the day they’re pretty similar.   Even the Sheffield here doesn’t use a true sloped sill, but perhaps that’s a discussion for another day.

The second difference between the Ultramaxx vs the Sheffield is the lift rail on the top of the bottom sash.  The Sheffield has a lift rail at the very top and at the very bottom of the window, but it does not have one in the middle.  The Ultramaxx adds another in the middle of the window.  Having trouble visualizing what I’m saying in this section?  Don’t sweat it, these two windows are essentially the exact same product with different names.

Why do they make these small differences between the Ultramaxx and the Alside Sheffield?

Just so the folks selling them can tell you why one is better than the other.  They’re really 99% the same window.

To sum up the Alside Ultramaxx review I’ll say if you’re getting triple pane glass it’s a perfectly fine option.  If you’re not this window might not make sense and you’ll be better off saving some money with the Alside Mezzo.

Other posts about Alside windows and doors that you might find helpful:

• Can you buy Alside windows online?
• Alside Mezzo window reviews
• Alside Ultramaxx and Sheffield windows reviews
• Climatech glass packages and efficiency options explained
• Recommended contractors or installers

Learn a little bit about window ratings or keep reading window reviews?

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here. 

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