Large white two-story home featuring black-framed replacement windows, expansive floor-to-ceiling window panels, and a bold red front entry door, showcasing modern window and door design with abundant natural light.

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What’s the Difference Between Renewal by Andersen and Andersen?

Key Takeaways

  • Both brands belong to the Andersen family and share a 120-year legacy of trusted window craftsmanship.
  • Renewal by Andersen provides a full-service replacement experience, managing your project from the initial design consultation through the final installation.
  • Andersen sells a wide variety of windows and doors through retailers and dealers, targeting primarily builders and contractors.
  • Renewal by Andersen windows are exclusively crafted from highly durable Fibrex® composite material, while Andersen offers products made of aluminum, vinyl, wood, and Fibrex composite material.

If you’ve started researching new windows or doors, you’ve probably come across Andersen and Renewal by Andersen and wondered: What's the difference? Are they the same company? Do they offer the same products? You’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions homeowners ask.

The short answer: both are part of Andersen, owner of homeowners’ number one preferred window and door brand.* The difference comes down to how they serve homeowners. Renewal by Andersen is a full-service window replacement company that works directly with homeowners, while Andersen manufactures products sold through dealers and retailers to builders, contractors, architects, and other home improvement professionals.

Let’s take a closer look at how they’re connected, what each company offers, and how to decide which option is right for your home.

A Legacy of Innovation

The Andersen story began in 1903, when Danish immigrant Hans Andersen founded a small window company in Hudson, Wisconsin. What started as a family business grew into an industry leader that transformed how windows and doors are made and installed.

For over 120 years, Andersen has been making high-quality windows and doors you can count on. Combining distinctive design with long-lasting durability, it's no wonder generations of pros and homeowners trust Andersen.

Building on that legacy, Renewal by Andersen was founded in 1995, and was designed for homeowners who wanted a company who could handle everything from start to finish—from the initial consultation to the final installation.

The Key Difference: How You Buy and Install Your Windows

The biggest difference between Renewal by Andersen and Andersen comes down to how you purchase your windows and how the installation process is handled.

Renewal by Andersen

Renewal by Andersen is a full-service window replacement company that works directly with homeowners. The process is designed to be managed from start to finish by one company.

With Renewal by Andersen:

  • You work directly with a Renewal by Andersen team
  • A consultation helps assess your home and discuss design options
  • Windows are custom-built to fit your existing openings
  • Professional installers complete the installation
  • One company manages the project from consultation through installation
  • Warranty coverage for products and installation

Andersen

Andersen works with dealers and retailers to sell to builders, contractors, architects, and other home improvement professionals. Installation is provided by builders and contractors, and offers a national network of trained Andersen Certified Contractors.

With Andersen:

  • Windows and doors are typically purchased by contractors or builders through retailers or dealers
  • Homeowners coordinate the purchase and installation through their contractor
  • Andersen provides the products, while the contractor completes the installation

ndersen 400 Series hinged patio doors and large energy-efficient windows featured in an open-concept living room with vaulted ceilings and natural light.

Products and Materials: What Each Company Offers

Another important distinction between Renewal by Andersen and Andersen is the types of products and materials available through each company. Because these two companies operate under different business models—full-service replacement versus products sold through retailers and contractors—the window and door options they offer can vary.

For homeowners who have a specific window material, style, or product line in mind, it can be helpful to understand how the offerings differ. We’ll take a closer look at the types of windows and doors available through Renewal by Andersen and Andersen and how those products compare.

Andersen® product lines

Andersen offers windows and doors sold through dealers and The Home Depot® stores and are available in a variety of materials including wood, composite, and vinyl options.

Below are window and door product lines available through Andersen:

  • A-Series product line: Uniting architectural authenticity with the highest-performance and most energy-efficient design among Andersen’s window and door products, the A-Series product line brings form and function together in one refined package.

  • E-Series product line: Custom colors, dramatic sizes, dynamic shapes, exotic woods, and more. Every E-Series window and door becomes a design opportunity, giving you the freedom to custom create the home of your dreams.

  • 400 Series product line: Andersen's most popular series with their longest-standing products, the 400 Series product line is built on years of engineering and craftsmanship. These windows are the ones contractors trust the most.*

  • 200 Series product line: By focusing on only the most popular designs and sizes, the 200 Series product line creates a balance of innovation, design, efficiency, and price. It's a value that is unmatched in a wood window.

  • 100 Series product line: A smart alternative to vinyl, the 100 Series product line is engineered with Fibrex® composite material for durability and value. This makes it twice as strong as vinyl for a low-maintenance exterior and a refined look.

  • Big Doors: From oversized sliding glass doors to moving glass wall systems, big doors offer the flexibility to create spectacular spaces for relaxing, entertaining, or just being. With a variety of operating styles available, these doors are the key to unlocking better indoor/outdoor living.

  • Entry Doors: Choose between modern front doors, double front doors, farmhouse front doors, and more—you can even customize your own! And they come standard with multi-point locks and a naturally insulating wood core.

  • Andersen Aluminum product line: Available in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas, these all-aluminum windows and doors create a sleek and modern aesthetic and suit warm-climate homes perfectly.

  • Storm Doors: With a range of options, including full view for more fresh air and natural light or partial view for more privacy, Andersen’s durable storm doors are made to help improve both the energy efficiency and aesthetics of any entryway. SmoothControl Plus™ hardware closer system, retractable screens, make these storm doors fan favorites.

Modern home interior featuring energy-efficient Renewal by Andersen windows and Andersen patio doors with black frames, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Renewal by Andersen® product lines

Renewal by Andersen offers custom-fit replacement windows and entry doors. Renewal by Andersen offers Acclaim® windows made with Fibrex® composite material, Ensemble® entry doors, and carries and installs Andersen® patio doors.

Below are window and door product lines available through Renewal by Andersen:

  • Acclaim® Windows: Renewal by Andersen’s signature line of custom replacement windows, made from Fibrex® composite material. Renewal by Andersen Acclaim windows are designed for energy efficiency, helping to maintain desired indoor temperatures year-round, and reducing heating and cooling costs.

  • Acclaim® Impact Windows: Built to withstand tough coastal weather, Acclaim Impact Windows offer impact-resistant glass for enhanced protection from high winds and storms—perfect for coastal or hurricane-prone areas.** Renewal by Andersen Acclaim Impact replacement windows can also help you save money on your energy bills.

  • Andersen® Patio Doors: Renewal by Andersen installs Andersen® patio doors including gliding and hinged styles.

  • Ensemble® Entry Doors: Renewal by Andersen’s most innovative entry door system, built for lasting beauty and performance, each door is custom-made for your home. 

 

Homeowners meeting with a window replacement consultant in a living room while reviewing window design and product options on a tablet during an in-home consultation.

How to Choose the Right Option for Your Home

Choosing between Renewal by Andersen and Andersen often comes down to the type of project you’re planning and how involved you want to be in the process. Asking yourself a few key questions can help you determine which option may be the better fit.

Are you replacing windows in an existing home, or building a new one?

  • Replacing windows in an existing home: Renewal by Andersen may be a better fit. The company specializes in full-service replacement windows designed to fit into existing window openings.

  • Building a new home or planning a major renovation: Andersen may be the better option, since contractors and builders frequently purchase Andersen® products for new construction and large remodeling projects.

How involved do you want to be in managing the project?

  • Prefer a more hands-off experience: Renewal by Andersen manages the process from consultation and measurement to manufacturing and installation.

  • Comfortable coordinating with a contractor or builder: Andersen® products are typically purchased through builders and contractors from retailers and dealers, who install the products.

Do you have a specific window material in mind?

  • Interested in composite replacement windows: Renewal by Andersen replacement windows are made with Fibrex® composite material.

  • Looking for a wider variety of materials or product series: Andersen offers multiple product lines that include different materials.

How much window maintenance are you comfortable with?

  • Prefer low-maintenance materials: Renewal by Andersen® Acclaim® windows are made from Fibrex® material, and never require painting and will not crack, pit, corrode, or rot.†

  • Open to maintaining different window materials: Andersen offers several product lines that include wood interiors and other material combinations. 

 

Why Homeowners Choose Renewal by Andersen

Many homeowners choose Renewal by Andersen for its combination of innovation, service, and peace of mind:

  • Backed by 120+ years of Andersen quality and innovation

  • We handle the entire project from start to finish with Renewal by Andersen’s exclusive Signature Service

  • Exclusive Fibrex® composite material

  • Products are installed by trusted Certified Master Installers

  • The Nation’s Best Warranty‡ for Acclaim® windows covers standard glass and Fibrex material for 20 years, hardware for 10 years, and installation for 2 years. See full details here.

With Renewal by Andersen, you’re not just buying windows—you’re investing in a lasting improvement for your home.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Choosing between Renewal by Andersen and Andersen largely comes down to range of materials in product offerings, your type of project, and how you want the project to be managed. If you’re replacing windows in an existing home and prefer a streamlined, full-service experience, Renewal by Andersen may be the right fit. If you’re building a new home, planning a major renovation, or working with a builder or contractor, Andersen products may be a better fit for your project.

Both options reflect Andersen’s long tradition of quality and craftmanship. Understanding how each brand approaches window and door projects can help you choose the solution that best fits your home.

* 2024 Andersen brand survey of U.S. homeowners.

** 1Tested to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101 I.S.2/A440-08. Performance values vary by product. View product performance data at www.renewalbyandersen.com/options/coastal-impact. See your local code official for building code requirements in your area.

† See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranties for details.

‡ It is the only warranty among top selling window companies that meets all of the following requirements: easy to understand terms, unrestricted transferability, installation coverage, labor coverage, geographically unrestricted, exterior color, insect screens and hardware, and no maintenance requirement. Visit renewalbyandersen.com/nationsbest for details.

FAQs: Andersen vs. Renewal by Andersen

Our Hassle-Free Process

Meet with your design consultant in-home or virtually to design a replacement solution that works for you. You’ll get options that fit your home, your timeline, and your bottom line.

Step 1

Design Consultation

Meet with your design consultant in-home or virtually to design a replacement solution that works for you. You’ll get options that fit your home, your timeline, and your bottom line.
Your project technician will assess your home, take detailed window and framing measurements, and answer any last-minute questions before sending in the order for custom-built windows.

Step 2

Measure and Manufacture

Your project technician will assess your home, take detailed window and framing measurements, and answer any last-minute questions before sending in the order for custom-built windows. 
Our installers treat your home as if it were their own. They come prepared with a “rolling workshop,” take time to answer any of your questions, and clean up thoroughly when done.

Step 3

Installation

Our installers treat your home as if it were their own. They come prepared with a “rolling workshop,” take time to answer any of your questions, and clean up thoroughly when done.
A robust limited warranty is backed by a commitment to making sure your windows function as expected. We will be here for you today, tomorrow, and decades down the road.

Step 4

Customer Care

A robust limited warranty is backed by a commitment to making sure your windows function as expected. We will be here for you today, tomorrow, and decades down the road.