Before I get into the review of this window, let me first tell you a bit about my background. I’m a custom builder who works exclusively on homes designed by Architects. I don’t often specify the windows that go into the houses I build, but I do occasionally get to influence the decision. Over the past 20 years of building I’ve worked with Vinyl, Wood, Clad Wood, Fiberglass, and Aluminum windows from most of the major brand names. I was first introduced to the Andersen 100 series when they came to market in 2009 and was immediately impressed. I believe this house I built in 2009 was one of the first ones to get A100’s in Texas. Since 2009 I’ve put them into a dozen new homes and remodels. I love this recessed window detail we did on this house. Price Comparisons: The Andersen 100 series window is a composite frame window. Andersen makes them from a mixture of Vinyl and Wood they call Fibrex(similar to a composite deck). I also like that the wood in these windows is recycled wood fiber scraps from their wood window operations!
The upgrade in price to the A100 is not much compared to Vinyl and you get a much better product. I consider this window to be a Vinyl killer. There is no reason to use Vinyl now that you can buy A100’s. They are also less expensive than Fiberglass windows and perform on par. Wood windows are much more expensive and again the performance is similar. Energy Ratings & Performance: Look at the label from this Andersen 100 Casement my crew installed last week on a new house. In Texas we’re looking for a SHGC number below .25 (lower is better) and a U-Factor (which measures overall insulation value) of .3 or lower. This Casement has an incredibly low .19 SHGC and a U-Factor of .28. This is a very high performing window! The Fibrex frame also makes this an incredibly durable window, and is not subject to rot. They come in 5 exterior colors but by far the most popular color for the Architects we work with is Dark Bronze. The inside is standard white color but it can be painted unlike a Vinyl window.
Beauty: Some windows are meant to be a feature, other stand out for being low quality. The A100 is a window that blends into the background. It’s really a happy compromise: Relatively thin frame, generally crisp details, and paintable. I’m amazed how this cost-effective window looks great in a variety of styles of houses. Here’s some other photos of homes in construction or completed where we’ve used A100’s.Love the fixed next to casement design on the top floor. The bottom floor of this house has Aluminum sliders that go nicely with the A100 Bronze windows upstairs. I’m a big fan of casement and fixed glass. Here’s A100’s in both styles Farmhouse with Bronze A100’s and crisp white siding. If you’re looking for some install instructions here’s a video of how to install them properly. In conclusion, I really like these Andersen 100 series windows. For the price point, they are really tough to beat. I highly recommend you check them out at a showroom near you.
If you are in Austin or Houston Texas, I buy mine from Mirror Gallery. I’ve also seen them sold through Home Depot. -Matt RisingerRisinger Homes in Austin TXRisinger Homes is a custom builder and whole house remodeling contractor that specializes in Architect driven and fine craftsmanship work. We utilize an in-house carpentry staff and the latest building science research to build dramatically more efficient, healthy and durable homes. Be sure to check out my video blog on YouTube. Andersen 100 Series Andersen Review Andersen Windows Masonry Best Practice – Rock / Limestone with a Rainscreen IAQ & Ventilation for Texas HomesUltratm WindowsMilgard WindowsDoors HorizontalHorizontal FrenchFrench Doors CraftsmanCraftsman HomesFiberglass FrameFiberglass WindowsHolds PuttingForwardMilgard® Ultra™ Windows are the ultimate fiberglass replacement window solution. The fiberglass frame expands and contracts at the same rate as the insulated glass it holds putting less stress on the seals, and reducing the chance for seal failure -- and just as important, they're truly beautiful windows.
Andersen is synonymous with quality and excellence. Andersen windows and doors have been part of the American home for over a century. Whether you're building a new home or renovating one, visit UBS and speak with our friendly and experienced Andersen sales staff. They can help you find the Andersen product you want or look for ideas for your building project. UBS's direct factory trailer loads enable UBS offers quality Andersen windows and doors at the best prices. Gliding windows are also known as sliding windows, and they have the sash move horizontally in order to open the window, making this design a great choice if you want a window that lets in even more light and air. The choices for this design are limited to the 200 Series and 400 Series, with the 400 Series being the more popular choice, with its High-Performance Low-E4 glass that stays cleaner and reduces water spotting. Andersen Specialty Windows are stationary windows that come in a variety of shapes, not conforming to the usual 4-sided designs of other models.
Specialty windows come in round, elliptical, arch and multi-sided shapes. These Specialty Windows come in the full range of models, from Series 200 to Series 400 to the A-Series and finally you have the Architectural Specialty Windows which come custom made to size. Andersen Hinged Patio Doors come in single panel or multiple panel designs, which gives you a number of choices on how you want your patio door to work for you. Inswing or outswing designs can be chosen, as well as patio doors with arched tops. Up to 3 doors can be chosen for the Series 200, Series 400 and A-Series models, while the Architectural Outswing Patio Doors come custom made so you can choose more panels, as well as interior and exterior finishes. These sliding doors can be ordered in designs ranging from 2-4 panels, so that you can choose which number of doors best complements your home's design. Series 200, Series 400 and A-Series models are available as well, with the Series 200 model being the most budget friendly.
A variety of interior finishes and exterior colors are your options with Series 400 and A-Series, plus the addition of High-Performance Low-E4 glass. Andersen sidelights and stationary panels are used to complement your Andersen patio doors by creating a larger wall of light, especially with the stationary panels. The sidelights are about half the size of a normal door, serving as an accent to your hinged doors, while the stationary doors are full sized, giving you the entire view, but with no moving parts. All the ranges of models are available from Series 200 to their line of Architectural Sidelights and Stationary Windows. These transoms serve the same purpose as sidelights, in that they become accent pieces for your other Andersen doors, except they are positioned at the top of every door rather than on the side. Transoms come only in Series 400, A-Series and Architectural models, so that they are all furnished with High-Performance Low-E4 glass. These Andersen Commercial Entry doors come in solo designs or 2-panel styles, and are made to fit standard and custom commercial entries.