A selection of window frames on display in a showroom.

Let's Compare...

FRAME MATERIALS

The material you choose affects the ease of care and the long-term performance of your windows.

When it comes to windows, the material you select can be the unsung hero of your home. You want to make a choice that helps deliver long-term performance, stands up to daily life, and keeps your to-do list short.

Every window frame material has its pros and cons. Let’s explore those for some of the popular frame materials to help you choose windows that are both beautiful and beneficial. Want to do dive deeper into the different types of frame materials? Check out our Guide to Window Frame Materials covering the below materials and more in our resource library!

Frame Material

Fibrex® Composite Material

The revolutionary window frames for our Acclaim replacement windows are made Fibrex® composite material, which is made with reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer fused together for strength and durability.

  • Exclusive to Andersen

  • Generally more expensive, but installation costs included in that

  • As strong as wood and 2X stronger than vinyl

  • Never requires painting and will not crack, pit, corrode, or rot*

  • Long lifespan–stays strong, even after 30 years.** 


     

 

*See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for details.

**Ultimate Tensile Strength. Six window units were tested in a Minnesota home 30 years after installation. Visit renewalbyandersen.com for warranty information.

Let's Compare Fibrex Composite to:

A window made with vinyl. Vinyl may bend, bow, or crack. it is often the most economic alternative. It is ow-maintenance, but can have a shorter lifespan.

Material Comparison

Vinyl

  • Affordable
  • Low-maintenance
  • Can have a shorter lifespan
  • Can be susceptible to warping and sagging
An image of a home with a wood window. Wood windows are strong and durable, but wood rots over time It doesn’t fade, flake, blister, or peel, but you do need to paint or stain or seal it.

Material Comparison

Wood

  • Generally more expensive
  • High maintenance
  • Strong and durable
  • Long lifespan, but can rot over time
  • Resists fading, flaking, blistering, or peeling
A window made out of fiberglass. Fiberglass outlasts wood, typically doesn’t rot, gets chalky, and may fade over time.

Material Comparison

Fiberglass

  • Generally more expensive
  • Low maintenance
  • Long lifespan, outlasts wood
  • Resists warping, bowing, and rotting
  • Susceptible to fading or chalkiness from sun exposure