Andersen Windows & Doors 100 Series

When you start shopping around for windows, your first question may very well be, “How much does window replacement cost?” If you’re a budget-conscious shopper who doesn’t want to sacrifice quality, the Anderson Window & Door 100 Series is a great choice for you. Andersen’s entry-level series is made to be cost-effective but reliable, and it uses Andersen’s specially formulated Fibrex® material rather than the vinyl you’ll often find in other DIY window replacement options. 

The Anderson Window & Door 100 Series are not the absolute cheapest windows on the market. Even so, whether you’re doing a DIY window replacement project, renovating, or building brand-new, this collection of windows and outdoor patio doors provide numerous advantages over cheaper models. Wondering if the Anderson Window & Door 100 Series is right for your DIY window replacement or professionally installed project? We’ll cover the Anderson Window & Door 100 Series, including the various available styles and colors and the line’s advantages and disadvantages, in this article. 

About Anderson Windows & Doors

First, a little about the company. Andersen Windows is one of the oldest and most respected home window makers in North America. Founded in 1903 by a Danish immigrant in Hudson, Wisconsin, Andersen employs thousands of workers across North America and Europe to make its product. Along with the 100 Collection, Anderson Window & Door boasts numerous other collections.

About Fibrex®

Next, let’s talk about Fibrex®, the material that makes Andersen Window & Door stand out from other entry-level series. Fibrex® is a composite material made from recycled wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer. Repainted Fibrex® looks a lot like wood, but it’s twice as strong and twelve times as thick as the vinyl used by the competition. Able to withstand temperatures up to150°F, Fibrex® is up to the challenge of weathering the elements.

An added advantage to Fibrex® is its stability; it’s formulated to resist contracting or expanding despite extreme temperatures. This protects the seals around window glass from breakage and lessens the likelihood of condensation between the glass panes.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the advantages of Fibrex®:

• Impervious to moisture
• Heat-resistant
• Outstanding insulator
• Sustainably made 
• Resistant to flaking, blistering, and peeling

Types of Anderson Windows & Doors 100 Series Products

How much does window replacement cost with the Anderson Window & Door 100 Series? It largely depends on the type of window you’re using for your DIY window replacement or professional installation project. The Anderson Window & Door 100 Series offers pretty much every popular window type with the exception of double-hung windows, which you’ll find in their other series.

The following Fibrex® windows are all offered in four or more colors and with several glass options, including glass optimized for hot and cool climates.

Awning

Awning windows feature a hinge at the top. They open towards the floor using a crank or lever. These windows are known for their security, clear views, and an easy-to-operate design that makes them a popular DIY window replacement for high areas. Because they open downward, awning windows can be left open in the rain; the angle of the window directs rainwater away from your home, leaving the inside nice and dry. 

Casement

Casement windows are very similar to awning windows except they open to the right or left instead of from the bottom. In addition to sharing many of awning windows’ advantages, depending on how they’re oriented, casement windows can act as a sail to direct breezes into your home. Like awning windows, they’re a common pick for hard-to-reach, high areas like over picture windows or above the ground line in basements. 

Gliding

Gliding or sliding windows slide open horizontally, with either one or two operable (moveable) sashes. Unlike awning and casement windows, they remain in line with the wall when open, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas like hallways or patios where a protruding window could pose a hazard. 

Single-Hung

How much does window replacement cost at its lowest? Single-hung windows bring the price tag as low as possible thanks to a single operable sash, which makes these windows easy to manufacture and install. The top sash of a single-hung window is stationary, while the bottom sash slides up and down. Like gliding windows, single-hung windows remain in line with the wall when opened. 

Picture

Picture windows are inoperable windows. This means they don’t open, but they do offer the best view of any window type, as the lack of operability leads to larger size options and more unobstructed glass space. Many homeowners choose to combine picture windows with other operable window types to get the best of both worlds—an incredible view with some welcome ventilation.

Specialty

Like picture windows, specialty windows in the Anderson Window & Door 100 Series don’t open. They do, however, come in unique shapes and sizes to add design interest to your home. Many homeowners add specialty windows in areas with high ceilings or as transoms above other windows or doors, for instance.

Patio Doors

Anderson’s 100 Series windows consist of a solitary fixed sash with either one or two gliding sashes. These doors are durable and great at insulating, with a low-maintenance design that’s easy to operate.

Andersen 100 Series Window Pros and Cons

Andersen Window & Door’s 100 Series offers some compelling advantages over other entry-level window series, but it’s not without its disadvantages. We’ll go over some of the more significant pros and cons here. 

Wood-Like Appearance, Composite Durability

Anderson Window & Door 100 Series provides the upscale look of wood at a fraction of the price. Fibrex® frames resemble wood, and they have a classic look vinyl just can’t compete with. However, Fibrex® has the added benefit of not rotting, peeling, expanding, or experiencing other issues wood can have over time. Essentially, you get that luxe wood look with better durability and at lower cost. 

Lots of Options, but No Double-Hung Windows

As you can see from the previous section, Anderson Window & Door 100 Series offers a ton of different window types for professional or DIY window replacement projects. However, it is missing double-hung windows, which are one of the most popular window styles. That type of window is available in several of Andersen Window & Door’s other series. 

Middling Cost

How much does window replacement cost with Anderson Window & Door 100 Series? As we mentioned at the outset, it costs more than vinyl. Anderson Window & Door 100 Series offers a better product than vinyl, and that product is naturally going to come with a higher price tag. That being said, this is still the entry-level line at a very respected, quality company, and you do get what you pay for.

Are Andersen 100 Series windows Right for You?

The Anderson Window & Door 100 Series gives you a lot of bang for your buck. If you’re wondering, “how much does window replacement cost at the bare minimum?” It’s true that this series probably isn’t for you. However, Fibrex® offers significant advantages over vinyl and even wood windows, and in our opinion, it’s worth the extra cost. 

Andersen offers a competitively valued product with lasting worth. If you’re curious to see what the Anderson Window & Door 100 Series could do for your home, contact Lomax today. We’d be happy to work with you and go over some window replacement options for updating your home.