What Is Fibrex® Material?
Explore products made with Fibrex material
Fibrex material is integrated throughout the Andersen product portfolio, including most prominently in our 100 Series windows and patio doors.
- Made with Fibrex® composite material
- Won't fade, flake, blister or peel
- Available as single unit or twin combinations
- Available as replacement insert window
- Made of Andersen-exclusive composite material (Fibrex® ), which is twice as strong as vinyl
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Available as single units or in twin and triple combinations
- Available as replacement insert window
- Made with composite material known as Fibrex® .
- One stationary sash and one that opens.
- A three-sash option, where two sash glide past a center sash, is also available.
- Available as replacement insert window.
- Made with our sustainable composite Fibrex® material
- Narrower frames mean more glass - and more view
- Available as single, twin or triple combinations and as transom windows
- Available as replacement insert window
What are the benefits of Fibrex material?
Here's what to know about the benefits of Fibrex material:
Strength and durability
Beautiful aesthetics
Low maintenance
*Visit andersenwindows.com/warranty for details
Energy efficiency
How does Fibrex material compare to vinyl?
We have long called Fibrex material the smart alternative to vinyl. This is because it shares some of the best attributes of windows made completely of vinyl while offering stronger performance. Let's look at these two materials side by side:
| Vinyl windows and doors | Fibrex material windows and doors | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength and durability | Vinyl windows can expand when the sun heats them up and can contract in the cold. This instability means vinyl is vulnerable to warping over time, which can lead to operational issues and eventually seal failure. When seal failure occurs, replacement is necessary. This is why vinyl windows may have a shorter lifetime overall. | Fibrex material is 2x stronger than vinyl, so it retains stability and rigidity. This helps support smooth operation and functionality over time. In a study of a Minnesota home with Fibrex material windows, we found that after 30 years of exposure to severe hot and cold temperatures, the Fibrex material was just as strong.* This is one reason why Fibrex material windows can offer better ROI for your home. |
| Beautiful aesthetics | Vinyl windows are often painted. Their finish is susceptible to scratching and will eventually need repainting. A common complaint is that corner welds can be messy due to oozing of the welding adhesive. | Fibrex material has a premium, matte finish available in a range of rich colors. Flat corner welds add to a clean, contemporary look made possible by strong frames capable of supporting expansive glass. |
| Low maintenance | Painted vinyl windows are susceptible to fading, flaking, blistering, and peeling because they are painted. This means more maintenance for homeowners. | Fibrex material is truly low maintenance. It won’t fade, flake, blister, or peel; resists rot and decay; and never needs painting.* |
| Energy efficiency | While vinyl has good insulating abilities as a material, its thermal instability can undermine its efficiency. With the expansion and contraction that vinyl windows are vulnerable to, seals can fail. When that happens, a window may no longer be functional (much less energy efficient) and it must be replaced. | Fibrex material has good insulating abilities. Its insulating abilities are further supported by its strength. Our 100 Series windows and doors are made with Fibrex material, which retains stability and rigidity in all climates, so weathertight seals stay weathertight over time. |
| Price | Vinyl is typically the lowest-priced window material. | 100 Series products are made of Fibrex material, which are priced competitively to vinyl. |
*Six window units were tested in a Minnesota home 30 years after installation. Visit renewalbyandersen.com for warranty information.
**Visit andersenwindows.com/warranty for detailsHow does Fibrex material compare to other materials?
Selecting the right material is the key to specifying the right windows and doors. We created Fibrex material to offer a superior alternative to all-vinyl windows and doors. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t see Fibrex material compared to other materials as you’re researching your options. Here’s what to know about Fibrex material versus other commonly used window and door materials:
Takeaway
If you're looking for Andersen quality at an accessible price, there's no better value than our 100 Series windows and doors. With designs that leverage the strength and durability of Fibrex composite material, these products deliver both long-term performance and beautiful aesthetics. Peek inside the 100 Series window above to see how the internal chambers support the window's stability and provide thermal breaks. Thermal breaks make a window energy efficient, as they limit energy transfer between inside and outside.
*Visit andersenwindows.com/warranty for details
Where else is Fibrex material used?
This innovative material helps provide strength and durability throughout our product portfolio. In addition to being the material used inside and out to make our 100 Series windows and doors, it’s also used in the cladding for our A-Series product line and to make specific components like grilles, brick mould, and more.