Alside Windows Review 2026: The Truth About the Mezzo (and the virtual process)
- The Wacky Window Woman
- Jan 8
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Back in the Spring of 2025, my husband and I decided it was time to start shopping for replacement windows. We built our home in 2016 and the builder-grade windows were no longer cutting it for is. It had become almost impossible to get some of them to open and close.
As we began the wild ride of letting Window companies and their representatives into our home, we realized after the first demonstration that this was going to be a painful endeavor. At least that is what we thought until we found Virtual View Windows, powered by McCloud Windows in Columbus, Ohio.
Virtual View allows you to complete the entire sales process from quote to contract virtually. No weird dude sitting at your dining room table wasting two or three hours of your time. You can email pictures, number of windows, approximate sizes, outside material of your home and the year it was built to Joe at Virtual View and he'll send you an electronica quote. You can take your time to review the quote, request a Zoom call for questions or a demo if you want all from the comfort of your home, even in your PJ's if you want!
See my Wacky Window Woman Price and Energy Ratings Chart to see how the ten different window companies I interviewed stacked up when you put them up side-by-side.
Alside Mezzo Energy Star 7.0 Ratings: More Than Just a Label
Ultimately, my husband and I chose Virtual View and their Alside Mezzo Window in Triple-Pane. After our demonstration with Joe on the energy ratings and features of the Alside Mezzo window, we were convinced we wanted this window brand specifically, in triple-pane.
Our home faces the west, so we get lots of sun. We are also on a busy road on the Northwest side of Columbus and not too far from a train yard. The noise can be a lot, so knowing that our new windows would reduce the sounds from outside was a huge selling point for both of us.
How Much Do Alside Mezzo Windows Cost in 2026?
See the Wacky Window Woman Price and Energy Ratings chart to see all ten quotes that we received. Virtual View was not the least expensive, but they were the best value when you factor in the energy ratings vs. the cost.
If you average out our quote by the twelve-windows, the cost per window is $960.67. This is for the Alside Climaech PriME Tg2 ThermaD S6 (triple pane). (ME = Most Efficient Energy Star Rated)
The Alside Mezzo window has been named among the best window brands by BobVila.com.
While Bob Vila himself may not have personally endorsed the product in an advertisement, the editorial team at BobVila.com has included the Alside Mezzo in their professional recommendations as a leading window brand.
Alside Window Warranty vs. Labor Warranty: Don't Get Confused!
When you are shopping window companies be sure to inquire as to who is installing the windows? Are they employees of the company or a 3rd party contractor? And if it is a contractor not only do you want to know if they are manufacturer certified installers, but is there some sort of warranty on the install portion job? The last thing you want is for the installer to blame an issue on the manufacturer and the manufacture to blame the installer for a bad install.
When you purchase from Virtual View windows you'll get two Alside Warranites. One warranty is the product warranty that covers the manufacture of the window. The second warranty is also from Alside, but it's for installation and labor.
You see, Virtual View not only purchases windows from Alside, but they also contract to have Alside certified technicians install the windows. The installer can't blame the manufacturer for a faulty window and the manufacturer can't blame the installer for bad install. They are one in the same. No finger pointing!
The same company who manufactures the window, also installs it and then you also have Joe at Virtual View as your homeowner advocate should an issue or need arise.
 Alside Windows Professional Installation: Why the "Virtual" Model Works
Unless you are a glutunt for punishment, I can't imagine that anyone is excited about the thought of inviting two, or three or four different window companies into their home for demos and to gain a quote.
Our first window demonstration was with Mad City Windows and Baths. Mike was at our home for over two and one-half hours. We told him from the get-go that we didn't plan to make a decision that day, but he just wouldn't let it go. Until finally, we practically had to kick him out of our home. That left a bad taste in our mouth.
So when I discovered Virtual View and their virtual process to get a quote and my questions answered, it was so refreshing. Finally, a window company that gets it.
Why I trust the Mezzo for my own home
After we received Joe's quote we requested a Zoom meeting as we had some questions. Once he answered those he asked if he could "demo" the window for us and boy am I glad we said yes. We learned so much during that demo.
He shared all the energy ratings that we needed to know and understand to be able to judge which window might be best for my husband and I. He even showed this cool trick where he punched a golf tee through the Mezzo Screen and of course it left a hole, one large enough a bug could get through. But, because of the memory mesh screen, he was able to rub the screen and it went right back together.
Alside Windows Review 2026: The Truth About the Mezzo (and the virtual process)
When you take into account, the virtual process, the stellar energy ratings, the double warranty and the competitive price, Alside's Mezzo Window is a great value for homeowners on a budget. Alside offers various colors of vinyl for your windows along with different glass packages and Grid and Cut Glass options. They also offer exterior doors and many hardware finishes to match the decor in your home.
Be sure to see the Wacky Window Woman Price and Energy Comparison Chart to see how the larger well-known replacement window companies stack up one against the other.
