Explore the Gentek 1900 Series new construction window collection, including single-hung, double-hung, slider, picture, casement, and awning styles; frame and glass options; performance documentation; installation planning; homeowner questions; and practical sales tips.

Article 56 of 100 | New Construction Window Collection Guide

Gentek 1900 Series New Construction Windows: A Contractor’s Selection Guide

The Gentek 1900 Series provides a broader new construction window collection for projects requiring multiple operating styles, architectural configurations, frame details, glass packages, and performance levels. Available styles include single-hung, double-hung, sliding, picture, casement, and awning windows.

A broader product line provides more design flexibility, but it also creates more opportunities for ordering errors. The correct style, frame, size, glass, hardware, certification, and installation method must be documented for every opening.

What Is the Gentek 1900 Series?

Gentek describes the 1900 Series as a collection of vinyl windows designed specifically for new construction. The windows incorporate new-construction attachment and frame options intended to coordinate with different cladding, masonry, interior-finish, and architectural requirements.

Gentek also presents the series with Low-E insulating-glass options, the Super Spacer structural foam spacer system, optional argon gas, multiple colors and grids, and performance information for qualifying configurations.

Contractors can review the series through Suburban Wholesale & Supply’s Gentek 1900 Series new construction window page .

Do not sell the series name by itself

“Gentek 1900 Series” does not establish the window style, size, glass package, frame, performance rating, hardware, grids, color, or code suitability. Those details create the actual product the homeowner receives.

Available Window Styles

Single-hung

A traditional vertical window with a primary operating lower sash and fixed upper sash. It can provide straightforward operation and controlled ventilation.

Double-hung

Both upper and lower sashes operate, providing more ventilation flexibility and access to both sash surfaces when the applicable tilt features are used correctly.

Sliding

Horizontal sash operation works well in wide openings and locations where exterior sash projection would interfere with surrounding space.

Picture or fixed lite

A nonoperating unit provides natural light and views without movable sash hardware. It cannot provide ventilation or emergency escape.

Casement

A hinged sash projects outward using operating hardware. Gentek describes a single-handle, multipoint locking system and an interior cleaning approach for the standard design.

Awning

A top-hinged sash projects outward from the bottom. Awning windows can provide ventilation in compact openings and qualifying multiple-lite arrangements.

Not every style is appropriate in every location. Ventilation, cleaning access, emergency escape, safety glazing, exterior clearance, furniture placement, operating reach, and the architectural elevation should guide the choice.

How the 1900 Series Differs from a Narrower Window Program

The 1900 Series should not be presented as automatically “better” than every other Gentek new construction window. Its principal advantage is the breadth of styles, options, frame details, and qualifying performance configurations available within the collection.

Project need	1900 Series consideration
Multiple operating styles	The collection includes hung, sliding, casement, awning, and fixed configurations.
Double-hung windows	Provides an option where both upper and lower sash operation is desired.
Casement or awning operation	Supports projects needing projecting sash and compression-style sealing.
Special frame details	Includes applicable nailing-fin, integral J-channel, casing, drywall-return, and mull options.
Higher performance requirements	Gentek identifies qualifying high-performance models for stringent local codes, but exact ratings must be verified.

Contractor sales tip

Recommend the 1900 Series when its additional styles or documented options solve a real project requirement. Do not use a higher series number as the entire value proposition.

Single-Hung and Double-Hung Options

Gentek describes its 1900 Series hung windows with fusion-welded vinyl construction and an integral nailing flange. Published configurations include nailing-fin and integral brickmould J-channel options.

Standard vent stops are identified as a feature intended to provide limited window opening for ventilation. A vent stop should not be described as a primary lock, fall-prevention device, security system, or automatic code-compliant Window Opening Control Device.

Single-hung versus double-hung

Consideration	Single-hung	Double-hung
Operating sashes	Primary lower sash operates	Upper and lower sashes operate
Ventilation flexibility	Ventilation primarily through lower opening	Upper, lower, or combined ventilation
Cleaning	Confirm which sash tilts and the approved cleaning procedure	Both sashes may provide interior cleaning access where designed
Complexity	Fewer operating sash components	Additional balances, locks, and sash interfaces

A double-hung window is not inherently superior. If the homeowner will never operate the upper sash, the additional function may not justify the added cost or maintenance for that opening.

Slider Features

Gentek describes its new construction slider with a fusion-welded sash and mainframe, metal-reinforced interlock at the sash meeting rail, and dual brass tandem rollers.

The roller system is intended to support horizontal sash movement. Final operation still depends on a level sill, square frame, proper sash alignment, clean tracks, and correct installation.

A metal-reinforced interlock can contribute rigidity at the meeting rail, but it does not make the window burglar-proof or establish the structural rating of every size.

Slider selection questions

Which sash or sashes operate?
Is a two-lite or three-lite configuration required?
What clear opening is needed?
Will the window be used for bedroom egress?
How will the exterior glass be cleaned?
What screen coverage and mesh are available?
Does the selected size have the required performance rating?

Picture and Fixed-Lite Windows

Gentek describes its fixed-lite window with fusion-welded frame corners and interior glazing intended to support convenient glass repair access from inside. The fixed units are designed to coordinate visually with applicable 1700 and 1900 Series windows.

A matching appearance does not mean the fixed and operating units have identical NFRC, structural, air, or water ratings. Obtain the documentation for every style and combination.

Fixed units provide no ventilation and cannot serve as emergency escape openings. They are often most effective when paired with approved operating windows that satisfy the room’s ventilation and code needs.

Casement and Awning Features

Gentek describes its casement and awning products with fusion-welded sash and mainframe construction, availability with or without integral J-channel, a low-profile single-handle multipoint locking system, and a compression-type inner bulb seal.

Multiple-lite configurations are available within a single mainframe for qualifying designs. This can create a cleaner assembled appearance than independently mulled units, but exact manufacturing and size limitations must be verified.

Casement egress hardware

Gentek identifies an optional egress hardware design intended to provide a greater window opening area for qualifying building-safety requirements. The word “egress” in a hardware description does not automatically establish code compliance.

Verify the exact net clear opening, sill height, window size, hardware, and locally adopted code. A similar casement with standard hardware may have different clear-opening dimensions.

Exterior-clearance warning

Casement and awning sashes project toward the exterior. Check walkways, decks, roofs, railings, shrubs, downspouts, air-conditioning equipment, and other obstructions before specifying the opening direction.

Frame Options and Exterior Integration

Gentek presents several frame and accessory options intended to coordinate with different wall and cladding systems. The appropriate option must be selected before ordering.

Nailing fin

The nailing fin provides a new-construction attachment surface. It must be incorporated with the flashing and water-resistive barrier using the manufacturer-approved sequence.

Integral brickmould J-channel

This option can create a defined exterior frame appearance and provide a receiving area for qualifying siding details. The siding thickness, accessory clearance, expansion movement, flashing, and water drainage must still be planned.

Optional flat casing

Gentek illustrates an optional 3-1/2-inch flat casing with selected configurations. Confirm the projection, dimensions, color, corner treatment, cladding relationship, and current availability.

Drywall returns

Gentek describes 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch drywall-return channels intended to simplify certain interior finish details. The selected return must match the actual drywall and wall construction.

J-channel Quick Fix repair kit

Gentek describes a snap-on component intended to address qualifying J-channel damage, such as damage from a hammer strike. It should not be used to conceal structural frame, weld, or nailing-fin damage without manufacturer approval.

Metal-Reinforced Mulling

Gentek’s optional mulling system uses a metal channel to connect qualifying window units. The reinforcement is intended to provide added rigidity during shipping and installation and strength at mull intersections.

The system also includes a head drip cap intended to direct water away from the mullion. That drip cap must be integrated with the wall’s head-flashing and drainage system.

Never assume that individually rated windows retain the same rating when joined. Obtain documentation covering the complete mulled assembly, including sizes, reinforcement, glass, anchoring, and overall dimensions.

Low-E Glass, Super Spacer, and Argon

Gentek identifies Low-E glass and the Super Spacer structural foam spacer system as energy-performance components within the 1900 Series. Optional argon gas is also available for qualifying insulating-glass packages.

Low-E coatings are designed to manage radiant heat transfer. The spacer separates the panes and influences edge-of-glass thermal performance. Argon can reduce heat transfer within the sealed insulating space.

These components should be evaluated as a tested package rather than separate marketing labels. Request the NFRC values for the actual style, size, glass, grids, and configuration.

NFRC value	What it helps explain
U-factor	Rate of heat transfer through the complete window
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient	Portion of solar heat admitted through the product
Visible Transmittance	Amount of visible light transmitted through the product
Air leakage	Air movement through the tested product under specified conditions, when reported

Gentek cautions that energy savings vary and depend on proper installation and use. The manufacturer also notes that insulating-glass units requiring capillary tubes may experience some argon depletion.

Color and Grid Options

Gentek currently lists White, Beige, and Classic Clay as extruded interior colors for the 1900 Series. Its published exterior palette includes Black, Architectural Bronze, American Terra, Hudson Khaki, Desert Clay, Sand Dune, English Red, Forest Green, Silver, Castle Gray, Classic Clay, Beige, and White.

Gentek notes that Classic Clay base is not available with exterior color finishes. Current color availability can also vary by style, configuration, and location.

Published grid patterns include Colonial, Single Prairie, Single Prairie Perimeter, and Craftsman. Grid profiles include 5/8-inch flat, 3/4-inch contoured, and 1-inch contoured options.

Gentek advises making final selections using actual product samples because printed and digital colors can differ from the finished product.

Design sales tip

Approve exterior color, interior color, grid pattern, grid profile, frame style, casing, and hardware separately. A note that says “black windows with grids” leaves several expensive decisions unresolved.

Performance Grade and Design Pressure

Gentek publishes performance data for qualifying 1900 Series configurations and identifies high-performance options intended for stringent local codes, including certain coastal markets.

This does not mean every 1900 Series window is coastal-rated, impact-rated, or suitable for every wind zone. Style, size, glass, reinforcement, mull construction, anchoring, and installation affect performance.

Do not convert a design-pressure or performance-grade number into a simple guaranteed wind speed. Project wind pressures depend on building height, exposure, topography, location on the wall, opening size, and the locally adopted code.

Use Gentek’s current performance data and project-specific requirements for the exact configuration.

Testing and the AAMA Gold Label

Gentek identifies third-party certifications involving FGIA, the Insulating Glass Certification Council, and the National Fenestration Rating Council for qualifying products.

FGIA administers the AAMA Gold Label Certification Program. The program includes product testing, manufacturing-site inspections, and continuing certification requirements for qualifying fenestration products.

Read the actual label and supporting certification record. Confirm the manufacturer, product designation, window style, tested size, performance class, performance grade, and referenced standard.

The Gold Label does not mean every 1900 Series window has the same performance. It also does not certify field installation, jobsite mulling, unapproved modifications, or surrounding wall construction.

InstallationMasters Principles

FGIA’s InstallationMasters program provides training and certification for installers of new construction and replacement windows and exterior glass doors. Training covers the process from site inspection through final cleaning and maintenance.

The 1900 Series offers several frame and window styles, so crews must identify the correct installation instructions for each product. A hung-window detail should not automatically be applied to a casement, awning, slider, fixed unit, or mulled assembly.

Verify the product, style, size, frame, glass, and operating direction.
Confirm rough-opening dimensions and allowable clearances.
Inspect the sill for level, support, and deterioration.
Establish the sill-pan and flashing sequence.
Integrate the nailing fin with the water-resistive barrier.
Use compatible fasteners, flashing membranes, sealants, shims, and insulation.
Do not bow or twist the frame during fastening or insulation.
Keep weeps and drainage paths unobstructed.
Test every sash, lock, screen, crank, and control device before final trim.
Provide care, warranty, label, and operation information to the owner.

InstallationMasters training does not replace Gentek’s current instructions, project specifications, engineering, or applicable codes. Manufacturer instructions should take priority.

Contractor Ordering Checklist

☐ Confirm Gentek 1900 Series and exact window style.
☐ Verify unit size, rough opening, wall depth, and frame option.
☐ Identify every operating direction on the window schedule.
☐ Confirm nailing fin, integral J-channel, casing, or drywall-return details.
☐ Verify current glass package and NFRC values.
☐ Identify tempered, obscure, laminated, or other specialized glazing.
☐ Verify egress using the exact clear-opening data.
☐ Confirm mull reinforcement and combined-unit ratings.
☐ Verify AAMA certification and required performance grade.
☐ Approve colors, grids, hardware, screens, and interior finishes.
☐ Review current installation instructions and written warranty.

Compare Gentek 1900 Series Windows with Suburban Wholesale

Suburban Wholesale & Supply helps contractors, builders, remodelers, property professionals, and homeowners compare Gentek windows for projects throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, LeClaire, Eldridge, Moline, Rock Island, and the Quad Cities.

Bring plans, elevations, window schedules, rough-opening dimensions, wall sections, required performance ratings, glass selections, colors, grids, and installation details. The team can help identify missing information before a complete window package is ordered.

Explore Gentek 1900 Series Windows Professional Quoting Request a Window Quote

Sources and Technical References

Gentek Building Products — 1900 Series New Construction Windows
Suburban Wholesale & Supply — Gentek New Construction 1900 Series
Gentek Building Products — 1900 Series Window Size Guide
Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance — AAMA Gold Label Certification Program
Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance — InstallationMasters Certification
Current Gentek size charts, thermal data, performance data, sound-transmission data, installation instructions, certified-product records, NFRC labels, warranties, project specifications, and applicable building codes.

Technical note: The linked Gentek product page was current when this article was prepared, but specifications, colors, glass packages, frame options, ratings, warranties, and availability may change. The linked size guide is dated February 2018 and should not replace current ordering data. Verify the exact configuration using current Gentek documentation, project requirements, and applicable codes.

Gentek 1900 Series New Construction Windows: Contractor Guide