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Explore Fibrex vs Vinyl Windows
Explore fibrex vs vinyl windows and how these two popular window frame materials compare and contrast with one another. Fibrex is a composite window frame that is a trademark of Anderson Windows And Doors. The fibrex window frame is made from a combination of vinyl and wood products - the specific method and exact composition are closely guarded. According to the company, fibrex is eight times as strong as vinyl. Also, Anderson uses fibrex in their Anderson 100 windows, as well as their Renewal By Andersen windows and doors.
Vinyl is made from a combination of ethylene and chlorine to form polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Essentially, vinyl is a relatively strong and durable material that accounts for roughly 75% of the replacement window market in the United States. However, there is a big difference between cheap vinyl windows and high end vinyl extrusions.
My Take: Fibrex is quite strong, but not quite as energy efficient as vinyl. Top tier vinyl windows beat out fibrex, although fibrex is a very nice looking window frame. So, kind of some pros and cons going on when comparing these two popular
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Bill - AWP Editor - Page Last Updated: May 3, 2025
Renewal By Anderson Fibrex Windows
Hi, I read your advice on your website. Specifically, I have 26 double hung double glass pane wood windows that are 30 years old in 2025. Also, I live in Avon, Ohio, west of Cleveland. So, I am looking to replace all of them in 2025. My preference is an energy certified window regardless of wood, fiberglass or vinyl, with a narrow frame but is strong, and with triple pane glass vs double, and can last another 30 years, with low or no maintenance.
My concern with vinyl windows is that they are not strong and while the windows might last 30 years, the frames will not. Also, I am looking for white and worried about loss of color due to the sun's rays. Are there any certified installers that you would recommend in the area?
1) What are some premium vinyl windows that you would recommend? Also, how do you feel about fiberglass vs wood vs premium vinyl? I hear alot about Renewal of anderson fibrex windows, but are they as good as say premium vinyl? Lastly, I see that you like Okna 800, vytek potomac and sunrise restorations, which has a new name. Are these the best to consider?
Mark - Homeowner - from 2024
[Site Editor's Answer]
Mark, I will send you my list for premium vinyl windows (see below). My own take is that premium vinyl offers the best overall long term value. Fiberglass is great, but can be very expensive. My picks here are the Marvin Essentials windows, Marvin Elevate, or Marvin Infinity, Inline Windows, Alpen HPP (all of them), and the Milgard Ultra Series. Wood clad windows are beautiful, but they tend to break down in roughly 20 years (that is typically their warranty time).
All of those options you mentioned are great and they will not take on color (barely noticeable) over 30 years. Additionally, vinyl frames used to be bad (and cut rate vinyl windows still are) but the way they use chambers and additives creates a window that will last 50 years (thus the lifetime warranty on the frame for most premium vinyl.) Unfortunately, I don't know any certified installers per se, but good brands have good dealers/installers for the most part. First things first, collect some bids!
Bill - Site Editor - from 2024
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