A Guide to Renewal by Andersen’s Windows: Engineered for Your Climate

When you are considering a window replacement project, the options can feel overwhelming. However, the reality is that a home in the blistering heat of Phoenix, AZ has fundamentally different needs than a coastal cottage in Cape Cod, MA or a mountain retreat in Flagstaff, AZ. Generic, "off-the-shelf" windows often fail because they aren't designed to withstand the specific environmental stressors of your region.

Renewal by Andersen takes a different approach. Our product portfolio—anchored by our Acclaim® replacement windows and exclusive Fibrex® composite material—is engineered to solve specific, climate-driven problems. Whether you are battling solar heat gain in Texas or salt air corrosion in Rhode Island, this guide will help you navigate our product lines to find the perfect replacement solution for your home.

Solving the Heat Equation in Sun-Drenched Markets

For homeowners in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, and Austin, the primary enemy of window performance is solar heat gain. In these extreme heat markets, cooling costs can account for 40-60% of annual energy bills. Older aluminum windows conduct heat directly into your living space, while standard vinyl windows can soften and warp when exposed to temperatures that frequently exceed 110°F.

Renewal by Andersen addresses this specific challenge through a combination of material stability and advanced glass technology:

• SmartSun™ Glass: This glass option is a game-changer for desert climates. It blocks 95% of harsh UV rays and significantly reduces solar heat gain without darkening your view. It keeps your home cooler and protects your furniture from fading.
• Fibrex® Material Stability: Unlike vinyl, which can distort at temperatures above 163°F (temperatures easily reached on window frames in direct Scottsdale sun), Fibrex® material retains its rigidity and seal integrity even in extreme heat.

High-Altitude Performance: Why Standard Windows Fail in the Mountains

Living at high elevation in markets like Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Flagstaff presents unique physics challenges for replacement windows. As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases. Standard gas-filled windows manufactured at sea level can bow or even suffer seal failure when transported to high elevations due to pressure differentials.

Renewal by Andersen understands the science of high-altitude window replacement. Our Acclaim® windows are engineered to handle the intense UV exposure found at 7,000 feet and the rapid temperature fluctuations common in the White Mountains of NH or Durango, CO. The dimensional stability of our frames ensures that despite freezing nights and sunny days, the window seals remain tight, preventing the drafts that drive up heating bills.

Coastal Durability: Resisting Salt and Storms

In coastal regions like Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, salt air is a relentless corrosive force. Aluminum frames can pit and corrode rapidly, while wood frames require constant scraping and painting to prevent rot.

For these markets, the Acclaim® line with Fibrex® material offers a superior alternative. Fibrex® composite material is resistant to salt-water corrosion and rot. It delivers the aesthetic beauty of traditional wood joinery—fitting perfectly into the historic architecture of New England—without the maintenance headaches. Combined with our High-Performance Low-E4® glass, these windows stand up to coastal storms and keep the humid salt air outside where it belongs.

Battling the Freeze: Thermal Efficiency and Winter Comfort

Homeowners in Portland, ME, Hartford, CT, and West Chester, PA know that a Northeast winter is the ultimate test for a home’s exterior. Inefficient, leaky windows often lead to uncomfortable drafts and "cold spots" that force your heating system to work overtime just to keep your living spaces livable.

Replacing aging windows is a critical step in securing your home’s thermal envelope. Renewal by Andersen windows are custom-measured to within 1/16th of an inch, ensuring a precision fit that virtually eliminates the air infiltration common with standard-sized retail windows. By combining this weather-tight seal with our High-Performance glass, you keep the heat where it belongs—inside your home. This not only lowers your seasonal heating costs but also creates a more consistent, comfortable indoor environment, no matter how low the temperature drops outside.

Acclaim® Windows: Standard vs. Specialty Shapes

Our Acclaim® replacement windows are designed to meet both practical needs and architectural dreams. Depending on your home's style and your personal goals, you can choose between standard operations and specialty designs:

• Standard Styles: Double-hung and casement windows are the workhorses of ventilation and efficiency. In Dallas and San Antonio, casement windows are particularly effective as they seal tighter against the frame when the wind blows, offering superior air infiltration resistance.
• Specialty Shapes: For design-forward homeowners in Scottsdale or South Jersey, we offer specialty shapes—including arches, circles, and polygons. Because Fibrex® material can be extruded into any shape while maintaining its structural integrity, you don't have to sacrifice energy efficiency for curb appeal.

The Fibrex® Material Advantage

Across all our markets—from the humidity of Tulsa and Oklahoma City to the dry heat of West Texas—Fibrex® material is the core differentiator. This exclusive composite combines the strength and insulating properties of wood with the low-maintenance features of a polymer.

Why Fibrex® Material Outperforms the Competition:

• Strength: It is twice as strong as vinyl, allowing for narrower frames and more glass area.
• Thermal Expansion: It expands and contracts very little, ensuring seals hold tight during the extreme temperature swings in Reno or Grand Junction.
• Beauty: It can be made with dark exterior colors that won't fade or chalk, unlike many vinyl options.

Your home is unique, and your windows should be too. Whether you need to block the Phoenix sun, resist the Cape Cod salt air, or insulate against a Denver winter, Renewal by Andersen has a product line engineered for your specific climate. Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all solution that fails to address your regional challenges.

Ready to upgrade your home's performance and curb appeal? Contact your local Renewal by Andersen retailer today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discover the perfect replacement solution for your home.