Choosing to replace the windows in your home is a significant investment in its comfort, value, and energy efficiency. As you research your options, you'll find that the material used for the window frame is one of the most critical factors in its long-term performance. Two common choices you'll encounter are vinyl and Renewal by Andersen's exclusive Fibrex® composite material.
While both are options for replacement windows, their ability to withstand the unique environmental challenges of your specific location varies dramatically. From the intense sun of Phoenix and Dallas to the dramatic temperature swings in Denver and the coastal air of Rhode Island, not all window materials are created equal. Understanding how these materials perform in your local climate is the key to making a wise, lasting investment for your home.
What is Fibrex® material made of?
Fibrex® material is a revolutionary composite exclusive to Renewal by Andersen. It is engineered by combining 40% reclaimed wood fiber by weight with 60% thermoplastic polymer. This unique blend creates a material that offers the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance benefits of modern materials. The polymer protects the wood fiber from moisture, ensuring it will not rot or decay, while the wood fiber provides exceptional rigidity and thermal insulation.
Is Fibrex® material better than vinyl for extreme heat?
Yes, Fibrex® material is significantly better than vinyl in extreme heat. The primary reason is its superior thermal stability. In sun-drenched climates like those in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Dallas, where summer temperatures regularly soar above 100°F, materials matter. Vinyl has a high rate of thermal expansion, meaning it expands in the heat and contracts in the cool. Over time, this constant movement can cause vinyl frames to warp, bow, or crack, leading to failed seals, drafty windows, and difficulty opening or closing them. Fibrex® material expands and contracts at a much lower rate, maintaining its structural integrity and weathertight seals year after year, even under the stress of extreme heat.
Why do vinyl windows warp in heat?
Vinyl windows warp in heat due to their high thermal expansion coefficient. When a dark-colored vinyl window frame is exposed to direct, intense sunlight, like that seen in Las Vegas or Austin, it absorbs a tremendous amount of heat. This causes the material to expand significantly. As temperatures cool overnight, it contracts. This daily cycle of expansion and contraction puts immense stress on the frame's joints and the window's seals. Over several years, this repetitive stress can cause the frame to soften and distort, leading to warping that compromises both the window's appearance and its function.
How long do windows made with Fibrex® materials last?
Renewal by Andersen® windows made with Fibrex® material are designed for exceptional longevity. They are warranted not to crack, peel, or rot for decades. A 30-year durability study¹ on our early windows recently confirmed that these units continue to meet original factory specifications for air infiltration and ease of operation three decades after installation. In contrast, vinyl windows typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, but this can be significantly shorter in harsh climates. Homeowners in Texas and Arizona often report seeing seal failure and functional decline in their vinyl windows in as little as 8-10 years, necessitating another costly replacement cycle.
Can windows made from Fibrex® material withstand Colorado temperature swings?
Absolutely. The climate in Colorado's high-altitude communities, from Denver and Boulder to Colorado Springs and Durango, presents a unique challenge: dramatic daily temperature swings. A sunny winter day can warm up to 50°F, only to plummet to near zero at night. This rapid freeze-thaw cycle is incredibly stressful on window materials. Fibrex® material's low rate of thermal expansion gives it the dimensional stability needed to handle these swings without expanding and contracting excessively. This stability protects the window's seals from breaking, preventing the drafts and glass fogging that often plague vinyl windows at high altitudes.
Are windows made from Fibrex® material worth the extra up-front cost?
While replacement windows made with Fibrex® material may have a higher initial up-front investment than basic vinyl windows, they provide a superior return on investment over the life of your home. The long-term value comes from several key areas:
- Durability: Fibrex® material's resistance to warping, cracking, and rotting means you won't face another replacement project in 8-10 years, a common scenario for vinyl in extreme climates.
- Lower Maintenance: You will never have to scrape or paint your window frames. This is a significant cost and labor saving over time, especially in coastal areas like Portland, ME, or Martha's Vineyard, MA, where salt air can accelerate the degradation of lesser materials.
- Energy Savings: The material's excellent insulating properties, combined with our High-Performance Low-E4® glass packages, help reduce your heating and cooling bills.
- Warranty: Our comprehensive, transferable limited warranty covers the product and the installation, providing peace of mind and adding value to your home if you decide to sell.
When you consider the total cost of ownership—including potential repairs, maintenance, and premature replacement—windows made from Fibrex® material prove to be the more cost-effective choice.
How does salt air affect vinyl windows?
Salt air, common in coastal communities from Cape Cod to South Jersey, is highly corrosive. While vinyl itself doesn't corrode like metal, the salt-laden, moist air can still cause significant problems. It can degrade the surface of the vinyl over time, causing it to become chalky or faded. More importantly, it can corrode the window's hardware, such as locks and cranks, leading to operational failure. The constant expansion and contraction of vinyl can also compromise seals, allowing the corrosive air to penetrate deeper into the window assembly.
What windows are best for Arizona?
For Arizona's extreme heat and intense sun, the best replacement windows are those that offer maximum thermal stability and superior energy efficiency. This makes windows made from Fibrex® material the ideal choice for homeowners in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, and Lake Havasu. The material's ability to resist warping and seal failure under relentless sun exposure ensures long-term performance. When paired with our SmartSun™ glass, which blocks 95% of harmful UV rays, these windows provide exceptional protection from solar heat gain, helping to keep your home more comfortable and your cooling costs down.
Do windows made from Fibrex® material need painting?
No. One of the greatest benefits of Fibrex® material is that it is a true low-maintenance solution. The color is fused into the material during the manufacturing process, so it will not flake, blister, or peel. You will never have to worry about the time-consuming and costly task of scraping and repainting your window frames.
What is the difference between Fibrex® and vinyl thermal expansion?
The difference is substantial and is the key to performance and durability. Thermal expansion is a measure of how much a material expands and contracts with temperature changes. Vinyl has a thermal expansion rate more than double that of Fibrex® material. This means for every degree of temperature change, a vinyl frame will move more than twice as much as a Fibrex® material frame. This excessive movement is what leads directly to warping, seal failure, and operational issues in climates with wide temperature swings.
How much do windows made of Fibrex® material cost?
The cost of your window replacement project depends entirely on your home's specific needs. Because every Renewal by Andersen® window is custom-built for your existing window openings, pricing is determined by the size, style, glass options, insect screen type chosen, and hardware you select. The best way to get an accurate, no-obligation quote is to schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our Project Consultants, who can walk you through all the options and provide an exact price good for one year.
What is the warranty on windows with Fibrex® material?
Renewal by Andersen offers one of the strongest limited warranties in the window replacement industry. Through our Esler Companies Signature Service warranty, your investment is protected by a fully transferable warranty that covers the Fibrex® material and glass for 20 years, hardware for 10 years, and a lifetime installation warranty for as long as you own your home. Unlike many other warranties, it is non-prorated and adds tangible value to your home if you decide to sell.
Why is professional installation required for Renewal by Andersen?
A superior window only performs as well as it is installed. Proper installation is essential to ensure an airtight, weathertight seal and long-term durability. While Andersen offers the 100 series window made of Fibrex® material for DIY or general contractor installation, Renewal by Andersen provides a complete, start-to-finish replacement service. Your windows will be installed by our team of Certified Master Installers, who are experts in installing our specific products and understand the challenges of homes in your local area, from the humidity in Philadelphia to the high UV exposure in Flagstaff. This professional installation is part of our promise and is covered by our comprehensive warranty.
Why do vinyl windows fail in coastal areas?
Vinyl windows often fail in coastal areas like Wilmington, DE, and across Connecticut due to a combination of factors. The corrosive salt air can damage hardware, while high humidity can lead to condensation issues, especially if the window's seals have been compromised. The expansion and contraction from temperature changes, even in more moderate climates, can weaken the frame and seals over time, making them more susceptible to moisture intrusion and drafts.
Which window material resists UV damage best?
Fibrex® material is exceptionally resistant to UV damage. The color is bonded to the composite material, so it resists fading and looking chalky, even after years of exposure to intense sunlight. However, true UV protection is a system. When you pair a durable Fibrex® material frame with our High-Performance Low-E4® glass options, you get superior protection for your home's interior. This glass can block a significant percentage of harmful UV rays, helping to prevent your furniture, carpets, and artwork from fading. This is a crucial benefit in high-altitude locations like Reno and Denver, where UV exposure is more intense.
What causes window seal failure in heat?
The primary cause of window seal failure in heat is the thermal expansion and contraction of the window frame. Double- or triple-pane windows have an airtight seal around the edges of the glass panes, which holds an insulating gas like argon. When a window frame—particularly a vinyl frame—expands and contracts dramatically with temperature changes, it puts constant stress on this seal. Eventually, the seal can break, allowing the insulating gas to escape and moisture-laden air to enter, which results in condensation between the panes and a significant loss of energy efficiency.
Are windows made of Fibrex® material environmentally friendly?
Yes. Sustainability is a core component of Fibrex® material's design. It is made with 40% reclaimed wood fiber sourced from Andersen Corporation's manufacturing processes, which reduces waste. Renewal by Andersen® windows have achieved SCS Global Services certification for recycled content. The material's durability and long lifespan also mean fewer windows end up in landfills over time, a particular point of value for environmentally-conscious homeowners in communities like Boulder, CO.
How do I choose windows for my climate?
Choosing the right replacement windows means matching the material and glass to your local weather. Your home's climate archetype dictates your priorities:
- Extreme Heat/Sun-Drenched Climates (e.g., Texas, Arizona): Your priority is a window frame with low thermal expansion to prevent warping and a glass package with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) to block solar heat.
- High-Altitude Climates (e.g., Colorado, Reno): You need a frame that can withstand rapid freeze-thaw cycles without failing and glass with excellent UV protection.
- Coastal/Humid Climates (e.g., New England, Mid-Atlantic): Look for materials that resist corrosion from salt air and will not absorb moisture or degrade in high humidity.
Renewal by Andersen® windows with Fibrex® material are engineered to provide a superior solution for all these challenging environments, delivering performance that vinyl simply cannot match.
What is Low-E glass and why does it matter?
Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass has a microscopically thin, transparent metallic coating that reflects heat. It's a critical component of any energy-efficient replacement window. In the summer, it reflects solar heat away from your home to keep it cooler. In the winter, it reflects your home's furnace heat back into the room, preventing it from escaping. This technology helps stabilize your home's temperature year-round, reducing the strain on your HVAC system and lowering your energy bills.
How much money will new windows save me on energy bills?
While savings vary depending on your home's condition, your local climate, and the state of your old windows, replacing them with ENERGY STAR® certified windows can significantly lower your household energy bills. The combination of an insulating frame like Fibrex® material and a high-performance Low-E glass package creates a formidable thermal barrier, helping to keep your home more comfortable and reducing your reliance on heating and air conditioning.
The Clear Choice for Your Home's Climate
When it's time to replace your home's windows, choosing a material that is engineered to last in your specific climate is the most important decision you'll make. Fibrex® material's unique composite construction provides the thermal stability, durability, and low-maintenance performance that homeowners need, from the heat of the Southwest to the coastal Northeast.
Discover the difference for yourself. Schedule a free, in-home consultation today to learn how Renewal by Andersen can provide the perfect window replacement solution for your home.
Footnotes ¹ [Reference the 30-year durability study conducted on Renewal by Andersen windows installed in a harsh Minnesota climate; specific data available via RbA corporate documentation/GreenRoom.]
