What are Composite Windows?

What are Composite Windows?

August 03, 2012

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Today, homeowners can choose from several framing material options including wood, vinyl, fiberglass and composite frames. Because ongoing maintenance can be daunting, many of today’s homeowners are looking for windows that require little or no maintenance.

Windows made from composite materials can be a good option for homeowners who like the look and strength of wood windows but also want the low-maintenance features of vinyl. Because of the unique blend of materials, composite windows do not need ongoing staining for painting to maintain their natural beauty, saving you time and money.

Andersen scientists engineered composite window materials in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1992, Andersen perfected composite window technology, and patented Fibrex® material. Durable and usable for many purposes, Fibrex material has a low thermal expansion rate, is virtually resistant to rotting, insulates well, and retains its rigidity on temperatures exceeding 160 degrees. That means it can withstand a variety of seasonal temperature swings across the nation—no matter how cold the winters and how hot the summers.

The integrity of the composite material is better than it is for the individual ingredients that go into it. Fibrex material, for instance, made of wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers, offers better energy efficiency than wood, better thermal performance, and the ability to produce custom sizes more readily. And while vinyl frames are known to have a higher expansion/contraction rate that can bow or break the glass seal, Fibrex material can offer the low-maintenance features of vinyl with very little expansion/contraction. It is these ingredients together that offer homeowners a unique blend of low-maintenance features yet they remain beautiful, long-lasting* and energy efficient.

Renewal by Andersen windows made with composite material can offer a wide range of colors including real wood interiors.

*See the Renewal by Andersen limited warranty for details.

Hear From Our Customers

This was a great crew to work with. Both the original install manager we worked with (Jay) and the install team (Daniel, Mason, Tony, Ethan, and Jose). Everyone was very professional and knowledgable. They answered all my questions and the end result on the house is great. In 3 days they replaced an old bay window with a new bay window, a set of french doors on the patio with a sliding patio door, and our old front door with a new front door and storm door.

Jason and Brett did an awesome job installing our doors. We had separate installers a month earlier for our windows who also did a fantastic job. They were all very professional and cleaned up almost better than the area looked before the installation! Since these were both jobs that took more than one day the installers were great at keeping us informed on the status of where the project was at along the way.

I cant express how happy we are with choosing Andersen for our window installation. Our sales representative was knowledgeable with product and answered any questions we had without hesitation. I did also fill out a survey that was sent in an email, but sadly I failed to personally name the two gentlemen that performed the actual installation. Barrett and Francisco were our guys, and let me tell you, they were outstanding!!! They did Excellent work and were professional as well as efficient and made this a smooth, none evasive process for us. I strongly recommend this company and these installers to anyone in need of windows!!! My husband and I could not be more pleased we chose Andersen for replacing our windows!!!

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