A residential home with a clear driveway and a path leading to the front door.

How Long Do Renewal by Andersen® Windows Last?

Key Takeaways

  • Renewal by Andersen recently conducted a study on windows that were in a home for 30 years, and found that Fibrex® composite material still performs just as well as it did three decades ago.*
  • Fibrex material stays twice as strong as vinyl and resists cracking or rotting after decades of extreme weather exposure.
  • Maximize your energy savings with High-Performance Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass. This advanced glass blocks 95% of harmful UV rays while reflecting heat to keep your home comfortable year-round.

When you're investing in new windows for your home, you want to know they'll stand the test of time. After all, replacing your windows isn't something you want to do every few years. Luckily, Renewal by Andersen® windows and doors are built to last. Let's explore what makes these windows so durable and how you can make the most of your investment.

The 30-Year Durability Study: Proven Performance

Here's something remarkable: Renewal by Andersen recently completed a 30-year durability study (an update to our 20-year study) that proves just how well our windows hold up over time. We took six windows that had been installed in a home 30 years ago, brought them back to our facilities, and performed rigorous testing on them. These windows fared through three decades of brutal Minnesota winters, scorching summers, and everything in between.

The results spoke for themselves. Our exclusive Fibrex® composite material continues to withstand temperatures up to 150°F after 30 years in a home.* Even more impressive, the Fibrex material was just as strong as Fibrex material made today—still two times stronger than vinyl after all those years.**

After 30 years in a real home under real conditions, the Fibrex material showed no cracking, rotting, pitting, corrosion, flaking, blistering, or peeling.* It met its design-intended performance metrics and stayed strong through decades of exposure to severe hot and cold temperatures.** That's the kind of durability you can count on.

 

A man constructs a wooden frame in a well-lit workshop, surrounded by tools and materials.

How Can Renewal by Andersen Windows Last So Long?

Thirty years is a long time. That's 30 years of birthdays, gatherings, and memories made in a home. What makes our windows last***, and how are they different from what other companies offer? It comes down to a few key factors.

The power of Fibrex® material

Our proprietary Fibrex® composite material is the foundation of everything we do. This isn't your average window frame material—it's specifically engineered to resist the elements and maintain its strength over decades.^ Fibrex material is made of a wood and polymer blend, which allows for a powerful pairing of strength and low maintenance features with fewer opportunities for premature wear.

When you skip or delay routine maintenance on wood windows, they can age and deteriorate much faster. But with Fibrex material, you don't have to worry about keeping up with a demanding maintenance schedule just to protect your investment.

Vinyl window frames can expand and contract in extreme temperatures, leading to warping and cracking. Fibrex material, on the other hand, is designed to withstand temperature fluctuations without compromising its integrity.

Built for any climate

Whether you're dealing with frigid Minnesota winters, scalding Arizona summers, or salty sea breezes, Fibrex material is designed to perform in all climates. It won't warp in the heat or become brittle in the cold.*** This versatility means your windows maintain their integrity year after year, no matter where you live.

A man operates a table saw, cutting a piece of wood with focused concentration in a workshop setting.

High-quality glass helps protect you

The glass in your windows matters just as much as the frames. Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings are thin, virtually invisible layers applied to the glass that reflect heat away from your home. In winter, they help keep warmth inside your home. In summer, they reflect heat away, keeping your home cooler. These coatings can help reduce the stress on your windows from extreme temperatures and help improve energy efficiency.

Our High-Performance Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass includes advanced coatings that block harmful UV rays—the same rays that can cause wear and fading to your windows, floors, furniture, and artwork over time.

Professional installation makes all the difference

Even the best windows won't last if they're not installed correctly. That's why we have Certified Master Installers to handle every installation. Your windows are measured and custom manufactured specifically for your home, which means they fit perfectly. Proper sizing and tight seals eliminate the guesswork and potential problems that come with DIY installation. You don't have to wonder, "Did I do it right? What if I did it wrong?" Our professionals get it right the first time.

The Nation's Best Warranty Protects Your Investment

We stand behind our windows with the Nation's Best Warranty***. It's 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 coverage, coverage for exterior color, insect screens and hardware, and no maintenance requirement.

This comprehensive warranty gives you peace of mind knowing your investment is protected for decades to come. We'll be here for you today, tomorrow, and years down the road.

Upgrades That Make Your Windows Perform Their Best

Even the most basic Acclaim® replacement windows offer excellent strength and durability.^ But there are upgrades you can choose that help your replacement windows perform even better. Consider these upgrade options:

Low E-coatings

Low E-coatings can help improve the energy efficiency of your home. Our Acclaim® replacement windows have several glass options. Choose the right option for your climate and needs: 

  • Low-E4® SmartSun™ Glass: SmartSun glass meets our highest standards in cool and hot weather performance. SmartSun glass blocks 95% of harsh UV rays that can damage drapes, artwork, and furniture.
  • Low-E4® Glass: Perfect where both heating and cooling costs are a concern, our Low-E4 glass helps keep your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and blocks 84% of harmful UV rays.
  • Low-E4® SmartSun™ Glass with HeatLock® Technology: You get all of the benefits of our Low-E4 SmartSun glass plus an energy-saving glass coating that helps your living space feel warmer and more comfortable.
  • Low-E4® Sun Glass: For hot, dry climates with little shade or cloud cover, our Low-E4 Sun Glass utilizes a subtle tint to help block out heat from the sun, reducing cooling costs.

Triple pane windows

If you live in an especially harsh climate—or any climate, really—triple pane windows offer an extra layer of protection. That third pane of glass provides superior insulation and enhanced energy efficiency. Read more about glass options.

The Value of Long-Lasting Windows

Investing in windows that last^ delivers value in multiple ways. You'll save money by not having to replace your windows every few years like you might with options like lower-quality vinyl. You'll enjoy improved performance and energy efficiency year after year. And you'll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your windows will perform well year after year.

Long-lasting windows can also help increase your home's resale value. Potential buyers recognize quality when they see it, and they appreciate not having to budget for window replacement in the near future.

Want to learn more about how replacement windows can increase your home's value?

When to Replace Your Windows

Even the best window don't last forever. If you're wondering whether it's time to upgrade, watch for these telltale signs:

  • Drafts or leaks around the window frame
  • Difficulty opening, closing, or locking your windows
  • Visible damage such as cracks, rot, or warping
  • Rising energy bills due to poor insulation
  • Excessive outside noise filtering into your home

If you're experiencing any of these issues, it might be time to explore replacement options. Learn more about the seven signs you need to replace your windows.

A man in a black shirt and gloves holds a large glass window, preparing for installation or transport.
Quality testing on windows in a home for 30 years, brought them back to our facilities, undergo rigorous testing.
 

What do I need to know before my new windows are installed? Hear it straight from the installers themselves. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Window Durability

How long can Renewal by Andersen® windows last?

Renewal by Andersen windows are built to last.** Our 30-year durability study proved that Fibrex® material that was installed three decades ago still performs as well as new windows today.*

How long will Fibrex® composite material last?

Fibrex material stays strong, even after 30 years.** After three decades of exposure to extreme weather conditions, Fibrex material has not cracked, rotted, pitted, corroded, flaked, blistered or peeled* and is still two times stronger than vinyl.**

What makes Renewal by Andersen® windows more durable than other windows?

Our windows combine several durability factors: proprietary Fibrex composite material that continues to withstand temperatures up to 150°F after 30 years in a home*, high-quality glass with protective coating options, professional installation by Certified Master Installers, and custom manufacturing for a perfect fit. This comprehensive approach creates windows built to last.^

What’s the maintenance on Fibrex® material windows?

One of the best features of Fibrex material is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike cheap vinyl windows, Fibrex material never requires painting and will not crack, pit, corrode, or rot.^ Even after 30 years, Fibrex material is still 2x stronger than vinyl.**

Will my windows perform well in extreme climates?

Absolutely. Fibrex® material is engineered to handle everything from frigid Minnesota winters to scorching Arizona summers. The material won't warp in heat or become brittle in cold^, which means consistent performance regardless of your climate.

What is the warranty for Renewal by Andersen® windows?

We offer the Nation's Best Warranty on our replacement windows, which includes easy-to-understand terms, unrestricted transferability, installation coverage, labor coverage, and geographic flexibility. It covers your windows, exterior color, insect screens, and hardware with no maintenance requirement. Visit renewalbyandersen.com/warranty for complete details.

Invest in Windows and Doors That Stand the Test of Time

The exceptional performance of Renewal by Andersen® Acclaim® windows is the culmination of years of expertise and innovation. When you choose Renewal by Andersen windows, you're choosing windows engineered to last*, as our durability studies have shown. Our proven durability, superior materials, professional installation, and comprehensive warranties^ mean you can trust your investment will help protect and beautify your home for decades to come.

Ready to experience the difference that truly durable windows can make? Schedule a free consultation with one of our design consultants today and discover how Renewal by Andersen can transform your home with windows built to last.

A bright bedroom featuring white walls and an elegant chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
A classic New York City brownstone bedroom with three double-hung windows in a dark bronze finish. 

Built with enduring quality and timeless design, they’re made to grow with you, season after season, year after year.

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

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

^Visit renewalbyandersen.com/warranty for details.

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.