How are they different? What do you need to know as a homeowner when considering Andersen Windows vs. Renewal by Andersen – So, what’s the difference? As it turns out, many differences exist between buying from Renewal and buying Anderson Windows from a Certified Contractor. The distinctions begin with sales tactics and continue until long after your window replacement project is paid for and completed. In this article, we’ll outline some principal differences to help you better prepare for your window replacement project. But first, let’s set the bar of expectations from the homeowner’s perspective.

Replacement Windows: What Most Homeowners Want 

After speaking with hundreds of homeowners, when it comes to replacement window projects, it’s fair to say that most homeowners prefer the following:

• An informative, low-pressure sales experience
• Help and guidance about important choices 
• A selection of high-quality, stylish windows 
• Expert hassle-free installation experience
• Fair, no-nonsense pricing without gimmicks 
• Superior support with a great warranty

If you are like most homeowners we’ve encountered over more than two decades in Houston, most of the points above represent your expectations when shopping for replacement windows for your home. Now let’s get back to comparing Andersen Windows to Renewal by Andersen.

Renewal by Andersen (RbA)

Renewal (RbA) is an independent retail franchise affiliate of Andersen Corporation. There are more than 100 Independent Renewal by Andersen franchise locations around the US. The premium RbA series Fibrex® window offering from Renewal is a high-quality product line that also comes with a hefty price tag. Renewal aggressively markets and promotes its replacement windows in the national media. As a result, RbA’s aggressive digital and traditional marketing is expensive.

Renewal and Fibrex®

Renewal sells and installs the RbA Fibrex® replacement window line as the lead window product. Fibrex® are highly rated replacement windows with many advantages, not the least of which is fit and finish. Most report a “white glove” installation experience, but some locations may perform better than others.

The Renewal Fibrex® windows have an excellent warranty backed by Andersen Corporation. You will work with your local area franchise dealer when shopping for Renewal by Andersen Windows.

Note: Most RbA locations primarily and rigorously sell their exclusive RbA series window. However, some locations have been known to sell and install the complete Andersen line.

Andersen by Certified Contractors 

Andersen is a century-old USA window manufacturer that produces several window lines sold through authorized independent retail and wholesale dealers. Certified Contractors also sell Andersen windows, including a line of Andersen Fibrex® windows called the 100 Series. Andersen Dealers and Certified Contractors also sell Andersen’s entire catalog of high-end windows made from various materials, including Aluminum, Fiberglass, Wood, Vinyl, and Fibrex Composite. Importantly, for this comparison article, we’ll focus on a relevant example: Andersen Certified Contractor, Home Exterior Systems in Houston.  

Who is Home Exterior Systems (HES)?

About our Certified Contractor: `Home Exterior Systems (HES), in the Houston, TX area, is an award-winning family-owned Andersen Certified Contractor selling and installing the entire line of Andersen Windows. HES also happens to perform a wide variety of home exterior projects and renovations, but more on that later.

Now We Can Compare RbA and Andersen Objectively 

Therefore, to summarize so far, when you want to buy Andersen Windows + installation, you either buy from a Renewal franchise dealer (abbreviated to RbA) or you purchase your Andersen Windows + installation through an Andersen Certified Contractor in your area, such as Home Exterior Systems (abbreviated to HES) that serves the Houston area for example. 

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What Are The Significant Differences Between Buying Andersen via RbA and Buying Andersen via HES?

In short, you cannot go wrong with a replacement window brand like Andersen for your Houston area home. On the other hand, there are numerous reasons why you should understand the differences between buying Andersen Windows from a Certified Contractor, such as Home Exterior Systems, or Renewal by Andersen. There are some significant differences between the two sources, from the sales experience to the choices available and the overall cost of your window replacement project.

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Who Makes Anderson and RbA Windows?

Andersen Windows and Renewal by Andersen window products are all made by Andersen Corporation, a company that’s been around for over 100 years. Until 1999, Andersen manufactured all window products at the same plant in Bayport, MN. Today, the Renewal by Andersen Fibrex® window product line comes from another Andersen plant in Cottage Grove, MN.

Window Project Types 

Andersen makes window products for all sorts of project types, including

• New Construction Windows
• Residential Replacement Windows
• Commercial Windows
• Do It Yourself 

Renewal by Andersen Window Installation Methods

The RbA installation is either an insert replacement over the existing frame or a unique full-frame replacement. When the existing window frame is sound, inserts may be used. 

**RbA installation methods by location may vary, but one popular method other than inserts on the exiting frame RbA uses is to remove the old window to install the new window, but they measure from the inside (between drywall-to-drywall and sill-to-drywall) for the window measurements to be submitted for ordering. This method – they contend – alleviates the mess of ‘cutback’ of the drywall and sill to allow the window to set back for the new deeper frame (without cutback a deeper frame could jut outwards from the home – in-sided exteriors – set in brick is rarely an issue). They would then use a close-celled backer rod to fill/insulate the exterior gap between the new window and the brick/siding trim, and an L-trim is trimmed to size and snapped into the window exterior accessory grove to cover the backer rod, then it is sealed with their sealant. 

Andersen Windows by HES Installation Methods

Ninety-five percent of Andersen Windows by HES installations are full-frame replacements where the old window and frame are removed to expose the rough opening studs. The rare exceptions where inserts make sense are on older historic homes with sound window frames. Inserts are never recommended on Vinyl window frames.

The replacement window unit is installed into the sealed and prepared opening. Some other certified dealer contractors may prefer to lead with inserts, but HES usually prefers full-frame installs. Full-frame replacement windows mean we can know that the best moisture and insect protection are in place and correctly installed. Further, nearly all homeowners prefer the look of full-frame replacement window installations. 

Renewal RbA vs. Andersen (HES) Window Material Types

Andersen (HES) Window Material Types

Andersen HES has multiple lines of window products made from different materials suitable for any need. The product lines are:

• E-Series
  • Full frame or replacement
  • Aluminum exterior in custom colors
  • Stained or painted wood interior
• A-Series
  • Full frame or replacement
  • Wood protected by fiberglass and Fibrex® exterior
  • Stained or painted wood interior
• 400 Series
  • Full frame or replacement
  • Black, Dark Bronze, Sandstone, or Terratone Vinyl exterior
  • Unfinished pine or prefinished wood interior 
• 200 Series
  • Full frame or replacement
  • Exterior vinyl frame in White or Sandstone
  • Unfinished pine or prefinished White interior
• 100 Series
  • Full frame or replacement
  • Fibrex® 100% 

Renewal RbA Window Material Types

Renewal RbA aggressively leads with their premium Fibrex® replacement windows. RbA focuses solely on the replacement window market. 

Note: Some RbA locations may expand their offering beyond their premium Fibrex® windows due to competitive or other reasons.

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Window Frame Colors: RbA vs. Andersen (HES)

As of 2023, the Andersen (HES) window color choices by series:

• E-Series
  • Exterior 50 colors, plus 7 anodized finishes, + custom
  • Interior 15 colors
  • Hardware 17 colors *
• A- Series
  • Exterior 11 colors
  • Interior wood species 6
  • Interior wood colors 7 + optional custom
  • Interior wood finishes 6 (pine, oak, maple, only)
  • Hardware 11 colors *
• 400 Series
  • Exterior colors 7
  • Interior wood species 3
  • Interior colors 3
  • Hardware colors 11 *
• 200 Series
  • Exterior colors 2
  • Interior wood species 1
  • Interior colors 1
  • Interior wood finishes n/a
  • Hardware colors 11 *
• 100 Series
  • Exterior colors 5
  • Interior wood species n/a
  • Interior wood finish n/a
  • Interior colors: 3 darker colors match the exterior
  • Hardware colors 6 *

* Not all hardware styles in all colors

As of 2023, the Renewal window color choices

• Renewal Fibrex®
  • Exterior colors 9
  • Interior colors 9 
  • Hardware finishes 11

* Not all hardware styles in all colors

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Window Frame Materials: RbA vs. Andersen (HES)

Rba Window Frame Materials Available

Renewal offers a high-performance replacement window made from Anderson’s Fibrex® material exclusively. It is a superb window by all accounts.

Andersen (HES) Available Window Frame Materials

In addition to 100% Fibrex® windows called the 100 Series, Andersen (HES) offers four other complete Andersen window families, including the premium and highly customizable E-series. Each window line is different and made with combinations of aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, Fibrex®, and various natural kinds of wood. 

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Manufacturer Certified Contractors vs. RbA Franchise Affiliates

When comparing Andersen Windows (HES) to Renewal by Andersen, one huge difference is how you buy them and from whom. The business model between Andersen Certified Contractors and Andersen RbA is drastically different. 

RbA Windows Exclusively Sold By Local RbA Franchise

Renewal by Andersen is an independently owned franchise that sells and installs a premium product line of home replacement windows manufactured by Andersen Corp. The subsidiary RbA organization provides joint marketing, sales, and installation training to franchise showrooms and staff. The RbA sales experience may come with what some consider high-pressure in-home sales tactics that homeowners may find unpleasant. Like many contractors, the so-called “one call close” sales method is used widely by RbA. One clue is that they’ll insist both spouses or all decision-makers be present for the in-home session. The installation experience is excellent and carries a premium price for superb window replacement.

Because each Renewal by Andersen showroom is a franchise, each location has its own sales approach. Each location sets its pricing markup too. Also, customer support varies a lot between locations. This varied customer service applies even between RbA locations in the same area. The RbA franchises are independent businesses under a franchise framework.

Authorized Dealers Sell Andersen Windows

Dealers may be huge retailers like Home Depot or Wholesale Distributors that sell to contractors like Home Exterior Systems in Houston. Some dealers and contractors may also sell and install other brands of windows and doors too.

Some Andersen Certified Contractors Install & Warranty Windows Too

Andersen Windows manufactures a broad line of windows & doors sold through a network of authorized dealers and wholesale distributors. Andersen also has an extensive network of Certified Contractors authorized to buy, install, and warranty their product line. These are independent businesses, free to set their sales approach, pricing, range of services, and customer support. Andersen independent certified contractors may offer a much broader set of choices for the homeowner’s needs. HES is one of the Andersen Certified Contractors in Houston, TX. Their sales approach is consultative and low-pressure. Pricing is very competitive, considering the experienced and award-winning team at your service. Choosing an Andersen Certified Contractor in your area is easy by using Andersen’s Find a Pro feature online.

Warranty Differences Between Andersen (HES) and RbA

Both Andersen Windows and Renewal by Anderson come with equivalent manufacturer warranties, subject to some limitations. 

• Glass: 20 years
• Non-Glass Components: 10 years
• Installation: 2 years (certified AW contractor or RbA)

Some warranty limitations or variations include select specialty glass types, impact glass, and particular window hardware. 

** Note: The factory-backed 2-year labor warranty requires that the Windows be installed by an 

Andersen Certified Contractor or RbA and registered.

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Price Comparison: Renewal by Andersen vs. Andersen by HES

As savvy homeowners research, they will likely read reviews on services such as Yelp or similar, where many homeowners write about the pros and cons of buying RbA replacement windows. They will probably note that RbA window costs are significantly higher than comparable alternatives from Andersen (HES). The RbA is a premium window, and the buying and installation experience is typically of a very high standard.

Directly Comparing RbA and Andersen Products Not That Simple

Comparing Andersen (HES) product lines with RbA Fibrex® can be complicated, but the most comparable would be the Andersen 400-series Woodwright. The RbA Fibrex® window is modeled after the Andersen (HES) 400 series Woodwright product in look, style, and materials.

The cost of windows in each Andersen (HES) product line varies considerably, between the Premium E-Series line and the highly affordable 100 Series Fibrex® line. Glass and hardware options and configuration choices will impact your cost. Still, you can expect a lower total project cost with Andersen (HES), as much as 40% less in some cases. Smart homeowners will not want RbA to be the only bid they get for Andersen replacement windows.

Renewal by Andersens’ Aggressive Advertising is Expensive and Translates to Much Higher Overhead and Costs Than Local Independent Contractors.

You can expect your highly rated Andersen (HES) certified contractor project to result in a very high standard of excellence, even as it may be less expensive due to reduced overhead vs. the national franchise RbA. The reason is overhead. The RbA Franchise must markup to prices of their installations to cover the high overhead of their business relative to HES’s leaner low overhead business model.

Andersen Windows vs. Renewal by Andersen: What’s the difference?