Andersen Windows, located in Bayport, Minnesota leads the way in marketing windows and doors under the different brands that include not only Andersen and Renewable by Andersen but others. The company involves itself in anything that relates to windows and doors. They do basic windows and replacements for construction related building to top-of-the-line windows, custom windows, doors and skylights.
It’s confusing, but there are differences between Andersen Windows and Renewal by Andersen (RBA). Yes, Andersen manufactures products that are made and produced at the same plant in Minnesota, but the varying products and distribution of them are different. There are other distinctions which relate to the two.
Where Products Produced
The Minnesota plant produces the entire corporate product line and a subsidiary line of products for Renewal by Andersen. With Renewal’s showrooms being franchises, the selling practices, pricing and customer service are all varied even with franchises in the same area. The franchises are run independently, so it comes down to dealing with a franchise owner in a particular part of the country.
Andersen Windows
Anderson Windows offers both window and door products that provide for the needs of new construction projects, and replacement for home windows. They sell their many and varied products through independent dealers, distributorships, and Home Depot stores across the country.
Renewal by Andersen
Renewal or RBA is a separate brand from Andersen Windows. It’s a system of window replacement and installation that involves services that include consulting with customers, choosing windows, managing their projects and installing products they choose. They offer a line of windows that are made up of a composite material called Fibrex, which is a combination of wood fibers and polymers incorporated into every style of window that Andersen offers. The windows are purchased and later installed by installers, who are a part of the Andersen network.
In addition, they set sales for the Renewal by Andersen line of window replacement up as privately owned franchises, with business being conducted across the nation for selling and installing windows. This brand distinction is confusing with Andersen Windows making products and selling them to distributors while the Renewal brand is set up separately as franchises with customers coming to Renewal for window and door selection and installation. This distinction is confusing when it comes to customer service, sales and prices.
Renewal brings one window line to their product inventory. The line consists of a composite material called Fibrex, which is comparable to the 100 Series from Andersen Windows. These are an expensive line of windows, and by industry standards prices do tend to be inflated.
Andersen Window Material Lines
Andersen Windows produces window lines and sells them through approved dealers or distributorships. You’ll find different options in materials and product lines. They offer wood, Fibrex (wood fibers and polymers), vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum. Andersen usually uses solid wood coupled with vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass cladding and even frames constructed of Fibrex.
Anderson carries four different window series that comprise the 100, 200 and 400 lines as well as models in the A and E series that Anderson considers Architectural. The company owns a few other companies that carry vinyl windows such as Silverline and American Craftsman. Anderson has other window products that include wood windows, vinyl and aluminum exterior frames.
Their material lines include:
- For wood windows – is found in the 200, 400 and the A and E series
- Composite/Fibrex – is found in the 100 and A-series
- Vinyl – is found in the 200 and 400 series lines. The vinyl is used in window cladding.
- Aluminum – is found in the E-series product line and is used in exterior cladding.
- Fiberglass – is found in the A-series product line and is used as cladding for wood-core windows.
Their series lines include:
- A-series – From Andersen’s architectural line, the A series products are available in custom sizes and finishes and are also energy efficient as well as tested as resistant to hurricanes and saltwater.
- E-series – Another architectural series with standard color and finish options. These windows go into new construction.
- 100 series – Composite/Fibrex windows that are applicable to new construction and replacements with availability in dark colors that coordinate with contemporary home styles.
- 200 series – Made from wood cores that have vinyl cladding. It’s either unfinished or prefinished natural wood that allows for finishing with paint. This is Andersen’s less expensive choice and coordinates well with double-hung, gliding, or picture windows.
- 400 series – This series is comparable to the 200 series. It allows for more features like cladding colors and interior wood finishes. The series is available in almost all window styles that include awning, double-hung, bays and bows, sliders and picture windows. This series is considered one of Anderson’s premier lines that includes solid wood construction and exterior cladding.
Customer Service
Andersen has an excellent reputation related to customer service and has done its best to keep consistently high standards with its products and consumer relations. Since Anderson sells by distributors and through Renewal franchises in various cities, areas or regions of the country, there will always be some difficulties with customer complaints, which usually happen because of the contractor or the installers placing and installing the windows in the homes of customers.
Detailed instructions are provided once you have gone through answering a sequence of questions. From there, it gives instructions for installing the windows yourself.
Should you have further questions concerning Andersen Windows and Renewal by Andersen, complete the online contact form. A representative will get back to you with the answers you need to decide on using Andersen Windows or Andersen Renewal for new construction or for replacement windows.
