How our 100 Series windows are made: A factory tour with the Modern Craftsman
If seeing is believing, then you’ve already witnessed the way our patented Fibrex® material is combined with a design that’s precision manufactured to ensure quality for the long-term. Let’s review the benefits of 100 Series windows that Tyler Grace and Nick Schiffer of the Modern Craftsman podcast uncovered in their tour of our Goodyear, Arizona manufacturing facility.
Strength that you can count on
The reason we call Fibrex material the smart alternative to vinyl is because it's comparable in price, but that’s where the comparison ends. Understanding how Fibrex material is made gives insight into all the ways it surpasses vinyl. Strength is created through an extrusion process combining wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer to create a material that’s 2x stronger than vinyl. Reinforcing the inherent strength of the material is the design and careful assembly of 100 Series windows. The precision used to cut lineals, the care taken to weld corners, and the way that sash and frame are combined are steps that help create a product that’s rigid, stable, and weathertight.
Contemporary design your customers want
Customers today want dark colors and glass more than ever before at a price that won’t break the bank. Coextruding color in the capstock results in a variety of rich colors that meet today’s aesthetic standards and results in a finish that's 12x thicker than painted vinyl. In fact, we’re so confident in the finish that we offer a limited warranty against fading, flaking, and blistering for 10 years. Unlike vinyl, 100 Series windows, even in dark colors, can withstand high temperatures, up to 150°F. Their frames and sashes are strong enough to withstand the fluctuations in temperature that can cause vinyl windows to warp and their seals to fail.
Easy to use from specification through install
The modular design of the 100 Series product line allows for picking an operating type that makes sense for each location without disrupting the continuity of a home’s design. Manufacturing lineals and then cutting them to the size needed creates uniform sight lines and setbacks across the window types in this product line. The common sizing and frame depths also ease installation and simplify finishing on both the interior and exterior. In addition, the Easy Connect Joining System, available with this product line, allows for creating walls of glass that are as large as an architect can image and still easy for the crew to install onsite.
100 Series FAQs answered
What's better than vinyl windows?
Our 100 Series windows made of Fibrex material are better than vinyl windows. While comparable in price, they’re superior in quality and aesthetics. This is due to the strength of Fibrex material, which is 2x stronger than vinyl. These windows are low maintenance with a finish that’s 12x thicker than painted vinyl. In fact, 100 Series windows will never require repainting. Finally, their contemporary looks fit what today’s customers are looking for: sleek design, expansive glass, and dark colors.
Is Fibrex® material worth the money?
Yes, Fibrex material is worth the money. In fact, the 100 Series product line, which is made of Fibrex material inside and out, is one of our most budget friendly. But don’t think that its affordability means it’s lesser in quality. This product delivers on the quality Andersen is know for through performance, aesthetics, and durability — see how in the video tour.
How long do Andersen Fibrex windows last?
Our 100 Series windows, made of Fibrex material, are made to last for decades. One of the best ways to understand quality is to look at the manufacturer’s warranty, as it gives an indication of how long they’re willing to stand behind their products. Andersen product warranties offer 20 years on standard glass and 10 years on non-glass components. Andersen limited product warranties can also be transferred from one owner to the next. A separate 2-year installation warranty is offered on installations performed by Andersen Certified Contractors.
What fails on vinyl windows?
The seal often fails on poor quality vinyl windows because they’re not very heat resistant. What this means is that when vinyl windows heat up in the sun, they can expand. Later when temperatures cool, they contract. Over time, all this expansion and contraction can cause the windows to warp permanently and their seals to fail. This in turn necessitates window replacement. So in short, vinyl windows can be more vulnerable to failure because poor quality vinyl is not a stable material.
In contrast, 100 Series windows are made of Fibrex material, which can withstand temperatures up to 150°F, even in dark colors. These windows are strong enough to meet performance needs in a variety of climates, including the harsh sunny climates of the West and Southwest.
What are the negatives of vinyl windows?
The negatives of vinyl windows include their lack of heat resistance, which can lead to warping, seal failure, and eventually necessitate window replacement. Vinyl doesn’t have the strength of our competitive material, Fibrex. This means vinyl window frames and sashes might not be able to support the expansive glass that our Fibrex material 100 Series windows can. Painted vinyl can be more susceptible to scratching, blistering, and flaking, so it requires more maintenance than our 100 Series windows, which have a finish that’s 12x thicker than painted vinyl. Color is mixed into Fibrex material during fabrication for long-lasting beauty, including the dark colors that customers are asking for today.
About the Modern Craftsman
Grace and Schiffer are the voices behind the Modern Craftsman, which is a podcast and community network dedicated to promoting excellence, education, knowledge, and respect in the building industry. With their audience of trade professionals, they discuss all aspects of life within the industry and life itself — from mental health to leadership and everything in between. They pride themselves on working with brands and people who strive to make the industry better and advocate for a better life in the trades.
Meet Tyler Grace
Owner of TRG Home Concepts in Medford, NJ, Tyler is an interior remodeling contractor focusing primarily on kitchens, bathrooms, and finish carpentry. His mission is to deliver a quality product to his clients while creating and maintaining value through efficiency and judicious project coordination.
Meet Nick Schiffer
Owner of NS Builders in Boston, MA, Nick leads a team of experienced carpenters, project managers, cabinet makers, and apprentices. He started his business in 2014 and has turned it into one of Boston's most sought-after building companies. Constantly challenging himself and his team, there’s nothing standard about their approach.
