Black aluminum window detail against a white wall

Honest comparison

Crateworks vs Western Window Systems

Both lines are thermally-broken aluminum, both carry NFRC, both target premium residential. Western Window Systems sells through a dealer network; Crateworks sells source-direct with tariff itemized and pricing locked from PO to delivery in writing. This page lays out the spec parity and where each fits.

The honest split

Source-directCrateworksNFRC aluminum, full cert stack
Dealer networkWestern WindowPremium aluminum, SW-modern
01Frame material
Thermally-broken aluminum (6063-T5 + PA66)Thermally-broken aluminum
02NFRC certification
Yes — casement, tilt-turn, fixed, awning, arc-top, sliding, bifold, entry, swingYes, full line
03Florida HVHZ approval
Miami-Dade NOA #25-0911.01 on awningCoastline product line, dealer-supplied
04Cold-climate (CSA A440-22)
#80224506 on file (U = 0.236 to 0.387)Available on spec
05Energy Star
FXC-M-3 on bifold (valid through 2029-07-20)Multiple SKUs
06Finish warranty
AAMA 2605 PVDF, 20-year coatingProprietary, dealer-warrantied
07Sliding panel size
Certified up to 4500mm (NAFS CW-PG50)Large openings, system-dependent
08Acoustic spec
STC 56 per ASTM E90Available on request
09Pricing model
Source-direct, tariff itemizedDealer network, margin embedded
10Built to order
Every unit, 13 to 18 week lead timeCustom + stock dealer inventory
11Locked pricing PO to delivery
Yes, in writingDealer-dependent

Where Western wins

Dealer network density across the Sunbelt, established AZ-modern residential portfolio, and a regional design vernacular that buyers in that market recognize. Switching cost is real where the GC's relationship with the local Western rep is load-bearing on the project.

Where Crateworks wins

Aluminum-on-aluminum at source-direct pricing, no dealer margin. Tariff cost is itemized on the quote. Pricing is locked from PO through delivery in writing. Sliding up to 4500mm under NAFS CW-PG50 #211129080GZU-002. Awning under Miami-Dade NOA #25-0911.01 for FL HVHZ. Bifold under US Energy Star FXC-M-3 + NAFS CW-PG50 #230406059GZC-001. CSA A440-22 #80224506 cold- climate. STC 56 acoustic. AAMA 2605 PVDF, 20-year finish. Cert PDFs on every quote.

Send it to the builder

If your project is currently specified Western Window, share this page with the GC or architect and send a project brief. We quote and coordinate directly with trade. Cert IDs on every line item, tariff itemized, source-direct.

Common questions

Yes. Both lines are thermally-broken aluminum with NFRC certification. Crateworks builds casement, tilt-turn, fixed-picture, awning, sliding (up to 4500mm), bifold, entry, and arc-top configurations source-direct, with CSA A440-22 cold-climate, AAMA 2605 PVDF finish, STC 56 acoustic, Miami-Dade NOA #25-0911.01 on awning, and US Energy Star FXC-M-3 on bifold. The spec stack is parity; the pricing model is the trade.
Crateworks sells source-direct with tariff cost itemized as a separate line. Western Window Systems sells through a dealer network with margin embedded. For an apples-to-apples aluminum spec, Crateworks lands materially below a Western dealer quote. Exact figures depend on configuration. Send opening sizes and we will quote the specific project.
Crateworks is build-to-order, so lead time runs in the 13 to 18 week range from PO to delivery. Pricing is locked from PO through delivery in writing on every order. Tariff cost is itemized on the quote. Western dealers vary on lead time and pricing lock, depending on regional inventory and dealer policy.
Dealer network density across the Southwest US, established Sunbelt residential portfolio, and a design heritage tied to AZ-modern architecture that buyers in that segment recognize. If the project's GC or architect has a Western Window relationship and the spec is set, that switching cost is real. Crateworks is the aluminum-equivalent line at source-direct pricing; we are not the Sunbelt portfolio play.