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A product exclusive to Renewal by Andersen® and its parent company, Andersen® Corporation, Fibrex® combines the strong qualities of wood and low-maintenance features of vinyl. The windows are also said to age well – but how true is this notion? Long-Term Durability Study
Recently, Renewal by Andersen conducted a long-term durability study to confirm if its replacement window units do perform well with age. Here, installers removed a total of 10 windows from a customer’s home somewhere in the northern United States 20 years after they were installed. On-site testing and laboratory work were done simultaneously to support the study
Indeed, the study yielded noteworthy results. The double hung windows, which were exposed to about two decades of muggy winters and brutal summers, were still operable as the day they were first installed. The strength of these units was noticeable – no signs of chipping, cracking or peeling were found on any part of the units, including the Fibrex frames.
The study only proved the notion that Fibrex does age well and gets better as the years go by. Yet, that’s not the only thing worth noting about the framing material. Thanks to the decades of work done by Andersen Corporation to perfect and patent this amazing product, it can also be said that Fibrex is a better choice compared to other available materials.
Fibrex® vs. Other Frame Materials
Wood and Fibrex all have the same qualities of strength and durability. What sets the latter apart from the former, however, is the need for maintenance. Fibrex replacement windows don’t require extensive maintenance, unlike their wooden counterparts that need painting and regular inspections. Also, Fibrex doesn’t rot, which is why it can maintain its beauty and elegance the same way wood does.
Aluminum and Fibrex, meanwhile, are the same in terms of durability and weather resistance. The former, however, is known to be a very poor insulator. Fortunately for Andersen, it was able to engineer Fibrex to be 700 times better than any other material when it comes to insulation. With this, replacement window units from Renewal by Andersen helps prevent heat from escaping during winter, keeping the home comfortable.
Vinyl is one of the most popular types of window materials around and is often compared with Fibrex. However, its exposure to sudden temperature changes causes it to warp and get damaged. That’s not good for homes as these will result in comfort problems. Expect replacement windows made of Fibrex material not to expand or contract, thanks to the material’s compact composition of wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer.
Fibrex and Other Window Components
The Fibrex frame material works best with other features that contribute to the windows’ overall performance. Take the High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, for instance. The glass offerings from Renewal by Andersen have low-emissivity (low-E) coatings to keep the indoors comfortable by keeping the heat out during summer and the heat in during winter.
Said glass also allows bay windows to let sunlight in while blocking both infrared and ultraviolet (UV) rays. The presence of the glass coatings not only prevent comfort issues from occurring, but also protect furniture and other interior fixtures from fading and discoloration.
With the colder months just around the corner, you may want to consider window replacement as your next home improvement project. Apart from beautifying your home anew, having new windows installed will help increase energy efficiency, which then leads to energy savings. Turn to Renewal by Andersen of Nashville for expert installation and top-notch services.
To learn more about our window offerings like sliding windows and casement windows, call (866) 609-5033. You may also fill out our contact form to schedule a free in-home consultation. We serve residents of Murfreesboro and Nashville, TN.