EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Forms S-8) pertaining to the Associated Materials Incorporated Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (File No. 333-69128) and the Associated Materials Incorporated
Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (File No. 333-69126) of our
report dated February 8, 2002, with respect to the financial statements of
Associated Materials Incorporated included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 2001.

                                                     ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Dallas, Texas
February 28, 2002