Andersen offers so many categories of windows that consumers may have difficulty determining the differences between them. This guide will help you understand Andersen’s new-construction and replacement windows.
Materials and Reputation
When shopping for Andersen windows, you will have an option of several different materials, as well as product line categories. Andersen offers windows using wood, a composite material called Fibrex (a mixture of wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers), vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. Unlike other window manufacturers who may offer windows with solid vinyl or fiberglass construction, Andersen windows generally use either solid wood cores with vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass cladding; or frames made solid composite/Fibrex. Andersen windows consistently get high marks for quality. In their 2021 findings, consumer insights leader, J.D. Power, reports that the replacement division, Renewal By Andersen, received a score of 886 (out of 1,000), ranking them the highest in the manufacturer segment.
Andersen’s Windows Product Lines by Material
Wood windows are found in the 200, 400, E-series, and A-series product lines.Composite/Fibrex windows are found in the 100 series, A-series, and Renewable by Andersen product lines—either in solid frame construction or as cladding.Vinyl is used only in the cladding of windows and is found in the 200-series and 400-series product lines.Aluminum is used in the exterior cladding of the E-series product line.
Andersen’s Product Lines by Series
Understanding the various product lines of Andersen windows will help you make informed decisions when choosing products.
Renewal by Andersen: This system of window replacement is marketed as a unique brand separate from the standard Andersen brand. Rather than a distinct type of window, this is a window installation brand, which offers custom consultation, project management, and installation services. The windows offered in this product line are solid composite/Fibrex and are available in virtually every style offered by Andersen. They can be purchased and installed only by installers that are part of the Anderson network; if you want these windows, you will need to work with one of these installers.A-series: This is one of Andersen’s architectural lines, with custom sizes and finishes available. These are wood-core windows with vinyl, fiberglass, or composite cladding. This is Andersen’s most energy-efficient line.E-series: This is another architectural series, this one using solid wood cores and aluminum cladding. Windows are available in 50 standard colors and finish options. These windows are generally used for new construction; DIY instructions are not offered.100 series: These solid composite/Fibrex windows are suitable for both new construction and replacement installation. These are available in dark colors that work well in contemporary styles.200 series: Made from wood cores with vinyl exterior cladding, this product line has unfinished or prefinished natural wood interior finishes. It is one of Andersen’s more economical choices. This product line is available only with double-hung, gliding, or picture window styles. It is a good option where you want to paint the interior wood.400 series: Similar to the 200 series (solid wood cores with vinyl exterior cladding and wood interior surfaces), this series features more options for exterior cladding colors and three different interior wood finish options. This series comes in nearly all window styles, including casement, double-hung, awning, sliders, bays and bows, and picture windows. This Andersen’s premier line of windows with solid wood construction and exterior cladding. Detailed DIY instructions are available.
For DIYers Who Are Replacing Windows
Most of the Andersen lines are adaptable to both new construction and replacement applications, and detailed DIY instructions are available on the Andersen website for the A-series, 100-series, 200-series, and 400-series windows. Answering a series of questions leads you to detailed instructions on how to install the windows yourself.
