North America · Window Manufacturer
Great Lakes Window
🇺🇸 USA · Last reviewed by Justin Orloff
Quick Facts
founded
Est. Ohio
hq
Ohio
primaryMaterials
uPVC vinyl
glazingPartner
In-house and third-party glazing
marketTier
Entry to Mid-Range
Brand at a Glance
- Country: USA
- Headquarters: Ohio
- Parent company: Ply Gem / Cornerstone Building Brands
- Related brands: Simonton Windows, Atrium Windows (same parent)
- Material: All-vinyl manufacturer
- Climate context: Midwest Ohio-based - four-season climate, freeze-thaw durability focus
Product Range
- Vinyl double-hung windows
- Vinyl casement windows
- Vinyl sliding windows and patio doors
Why This System
Great Lakes Window is a Ply Gem group brand. The cleaning protocol is identical to Simonton across all vinyl frame types. If you have read the Simonton entry, you have the Great Lakes Window protocol. Ohio base means Great Lakes Window products are engineered for Midwest freeze-thaw climate durability. Four-season performance - particularly drainage management in winter conditions - is a design priority. US-manufactured positioning is a market differentiator Great Lakes Window emphasises. For window cleaners, domestic manufacturing means parts availability is generally good for older products.
Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations
Official Care Guidance
Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol
The Orloffs Protocol
This is how I clean Great Lakes Window windows. The tools and technique below come from 25 years of daily professional work on the glass. Every step has been tested on real installations and adapted specifically for Great Lakes Window systems.
Pro Tools
My daily tool list. This is what I carry to every job.
Pro Tips
- On Great Lakes Window double-hung tilt-wash models, the sash pivot rail is at the bottom of each sash. Some models have a single-button release on one side - check which configuration you have before tilting to avoid the sash binding.
- Great Lakes Window products on new construction Ohio developments are often accompanied by Ply Gem siding. Position for the whole exterior on initial quotes.
What NOT To Do
- Do not use solvent, alkaline, or abrasive products on vinyl frames
- Do not block weep holes - critical for Midwest freeze-thaw drainage
- Do not use bleach above 3% concentration
- Do not force tilt-wash mechanisms
Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations
Bundle Kit
Tool Recommendations
Ettore squeegee 14 inch
View on Amazon [coming soon]pH-neutral glass and vinyl cleaner
View on Amazon [coming soon]Track brush
View on Amazon [coming soon]Cleaning Frequency
Clean every 4–8 weeks depending on environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Notes
“Great Lakes Window and Simonton products on the same property - common on Ply Gem-supplied developments - respond identically to cleaning. No need to change approach between brands on the same round. Ohio and Midwest residential properties with Great Lakes Window often have post-winter debris loading. The first spring clean should include thorough track and weep hole maintenance as standard.”
Justin Orloff
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