American vs European windows – what are the differences?

American windows:

• Awning,
• Casement,
• Double Hung & Single Hung,
• Gliding,
• Bay&Bow Window,
• Picture Window (same as fixed window).

European windows:

• Tilt & Turn uPVC Window,
• Sliding Patio Doors,
• HST (lift and slide window door),
• PSK (tilt and slide window door),
• SMART-SLIDE (very tightly sealed),
• Bifold Door,
• Fixed Window (same as picture window).

Looking at U.S. windows, it may seem their significant advantage is just being standardized, but are you sure? You might say that buying standardized windows is safer because you know what you’re getting; in theory, it should be cheaper. The truth is somewhat different.

The advantage of European windows is that they are tailor-made. For example, the seating depth of a window in the States is about 82,5 mm, while in Europe, it is 70 to 92 mm.

Even if you find someone to make American windows to size, their quality leaves much to be desired, not to mention the extra cost. You can use our innovative uPVC window calculator to see what the prices of European made-to-measure windows look like. You can select and price any window in 30 seconds, buy it or contact us with any questions.

European windows outclass American windows in terms of materials and technology. There is also a difference in the installation itself. But rest assured, your team will have no problem with the installation. American windows are nailed with a hammer, while European windows are attached to the wall along the perimeter. The process is quite simple, as manufacturers supply windows with an extra fin to make installation easier for American customers. If you have questions about installation, you can ask us here for free. You can also read more about nailing fin windows from Europe here.

USA vs EU – Price Comparison

Without further ado, European windows are much cheaper than American ones. Although Polish windows are qualitatively superior to their rivals, you’ll usually buy them 40% to 50% cheaper. Even when it comes to the most popular models, like bay or bow windows, they come with much better quality for half a price.

Since they’re so much better, they can’t be cheaper. There’s probably a catch here, right? Not really. European windows are more affordable for several reasons:

• Borrowed Technology – Polish manufacturers use advanced German technology, so they don’t spend resources on creating something from scratch. 

• Low Production Cost – Polish labor is more than four times cheaper than American labor. You will pay a US worker $1,000 for the same work a Polish worker will do for $200. All because wages in Poland are at a completely different level.

• Automatization – Our windows are so cheap because of our highly automated manufacturing process. We use the best and latest production machinery we acquired through funding.

How Polish Windows Fare in The Eyes of Experts & Customers?

We have already spoken about how it looks theoretically and how much money you can save, but we would like to show you how it looks in practice. See our case study about Jacek Szewczyk and Paul Oliasz if you want to know how they saved $70.000!

Possibilities of Buying American-Type Windows in Poland

It is worth mentioning that the Polish company Decco has developed a system allowing American windows to be produced. However, it is still being determined when this solution will be available on the market.

However, this still needs to change the fact that in the offer of Polish manufacturers, you can find similar, and often better, alternatives to typical American windows. As we see at numerous conferences, many European and Polish manufacturers are blazing trails and beginning to offer their products on the American market.