I have fibrex windows. I live right on Lake Michigan (literally 20 feet from the water). Our windows get hammered with waves, wind and ice. The aluminum capping around the windows is pitted with dents. There is no damage to the sashes at all. These windows are plenty strong, they are immune to moisture, and they look great. I have seen many tests online where they drop weighted objects on the windows. I even saw one where they hit the sashes with a hammer and then they criticized the structural integrity of the window. These test are silly. People in my building have had waves knock their windows into their apartments. I have had these windows for 3 years and they have held up just fine. And, the customer service by Andersen has been first rate.

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear.

@denisetreat4132

22 күн бұрын

HWE doesn’t like Andersen Fibrex, and they seem to love fiberglass, without ever mentioning the yearly maintenance required for it. They also neglect to discuss the lifetime of each material, where vinyl just can’t go the distance.

@HoustonWindowExperts

22 күн бұрын

Fiberglass does NOT need any maintenance. That's an RBA deception.

You guys are having so much fun, it’s nice to have a job that you obviously love. Thank you for this “ expertainment “ video!! That’s exactly the way a would compare the two windows if the manager of the store would allow me to do it - @ no cost to me of course - but that’ll never happen. Thanks again for doing this for me, keep up the great work!!!

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and for your comment. Yes, we do love our work!

Love how this video is both fun and informative!

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Absolutely hysterical and so Awesome how you give different perspectives on each brand. Thanks for the great videos

@HoustonWindowExperts

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Haven't watched the video yet, But I do have to say Andersen's warranty support is fantastic! They even recently got an app that opens a video conference where they verify your issue. or lets you point to things. Anything I said was bad they shipped to me no question. Even something slightly after warranty they insisted they sent it out without me asking. very patient and overall good people to talk to .

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

That's great news!

The glass broke on the Andersen window because the frame is less compliant. The Windsor frame was able to deflect and absorb more energy being transferred by the glass to it. The fibrex has less give so the glass took more shock. So a worse choice for hail in many ways. Matter of fact, I do not know why fibrex is even offered in Colorado where we get down to -30 and golf ball sized hail.

lol this was great. I’m in Southern California and am going through all your videos.

You guys have got to do some more like this!

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Loving this one!!

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Enjoy!

...This week, on Windowbusters!

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Haha..

Well done, Love the video! My builder is installing Windsor vinyl windows in our new home, after reading some not so great reviews on the company it was great to see some unbiased side by side comparison with another brand vs just reading other peoples horror stories.

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and your comment. I've had nothing but great experiences with the Windsor products. Sure, they make mistakes, but they will do whatever it takes to make their customers happy. Congratulations!

@Av8er64

Ай бұрын

Other than the quality of manufacturing is pure shit. Just installed some windsors. They were full frame windows with brick molds preinstalled. Brick mold was toed in at the bottom which made the screens not fit at the bottom. Sashes are loose as hell causing them to whistle when the wind blows. The screens attach with these little pins that are suppose to line up with holes in the brick molds…. They don’t. Something must be up with their jigs at the factory because everything is out of wack on them. I will say…. Their support has been pretty good. They have sent me downsized screens to try to put a bandaid on that issue and have sent me new bottom sashes to try to fix the looseness. But it has not. Their techs readily admit they are not suppose to jiggle like mine do when latched. So they are sending more folks out again. But all this has been a pain in the ass.

@HoustonWindowExperts

Ай бұрын

Did you have a local dealer or are you doing this on your own? I know that we, as a local dealer, know which brands to avoid. I'd say our issues with windows are 1 in 500. We rarely see quality or tolerance issues. The biggest issue we see is damage during shipping. Good luck.

This is great. We are currently deciding between Marvin Fiberglass and Windsor Premium Vinyl. Gives us good idea how they will perform. I am going to try to convince wife to go with Windsor Casement Aluminum wood in front with all the sun and Vinyl Premium for the back since they look exactly the same. We are getting quotes now and will tell you who we get and why. Thanks for doing what you do. Wish you were in South Carolina.

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Thanks

Wanted to give you two quick things about Renewal by Andersen. Their labor is covered with their warranty, and they have 3 grill options. Attached to the outside of the glass, removable on the outside, in between, or attached and in-between.

I recently had the Renewal by Anderson sales man come out to my home. Nice, professional and polite man but they did make an issue about, "All owners being home," and I basically told them that its me or the highway because my wife is at work so they relented. They substituted the words, "Decision makers," with, "Owners." Maybe they watched your video. Just so you know, they look you up on the assessors website so they know who owns the house. He was at the house for 2 1/2 hours. He made a point to heavily criticize vinyl windows and used our altitude (7000 ft) to condemn all other types of windows except their Fibrex because he claimed that all other types of windows cannot stand up to the increased ultra violet, heat radiation and hail that higher altitudes suffer, especially here in Colorado. (It would be nice to see you do a video about that since many people live at different altitudes) He made it a point to inform me that different altitudes should use different materials in their windows. Makes sense to some degree. He did tell me that only 3 companies in the USA make the glass and they are all the same. I don't remember Jeff saying that. He went on to do the heat lamp test where he shines the heat lamp into the window and you put your hand up on the other side and feel the heat or lack there of. We also used a temperature gun and surprisingly, that glass is a great insulator. The estimate for 9 100 series windows, half of which are about 28" x 58" and the other half are about 35" x 58", and two French doors was just at $40,000 materials and labor AFTER all the discounts, most of which came from the flyer that we got in the mail. The 2 French doors cost $16,000 and $12,000 before the discount. I almost had an aneurism when I saw that. $16,000 for a freaking French door, clearly I picked the wrong career!! They only sell double hung windows which is what we wanted anyway. He claimed that their Fibrex was far superior to all other materials in the industry and this is why they are more expensive and why Anderson is the best. After watching your videos and many others, I see that the ultra premium vinyl can stand toe to toe with the Fibrex. And, there will never ever be a situation where someone will be holding a blow torch to the window frame. Placing the window frames under heat lamps for hours would be a better test to simulate exposure to the sun in southern climates. He said that it was illegal to install metal windows into a wood frame, and that metal windows can only be used in basements where the frame of the window is concrete. Oh, and their warranty is for the life of the house and it is transferable to the new owners. He tried to get me to agree and sign right there but I refused. He said they give you an additional 5% discount if you sign the day of your first estimate. In a nut shell, I am having gobs of trouble getting past the unbelievably high price. I think $40,000 plus is ridiculously expensive, and we would have to finance at least half, and that could take up to 10 years to pay off at 7% interest which puts it in the ball park of becoming a financial burden. Sorry, I'm just not rolling in Benjamins like some others, and I don't want to have to sell my first born to get windows installed into my home. Some of you might be thinking, "Then why are you going with Anderson if you cannot afford it?" They are the first to give us an estimate and we literally had no idea just how unbelievably expensive window upgrades are. It was a very unpleasant eye opener. Guess I'm going to have to go with the redneck window guys, cellophane and duct tape. Bubble wrap for the bathroom window. Your videos are awesome, very informative and helpful. Thank you very much.

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for describing your brutal experience with those guys. About 50% of what you described in here is nothing less than manipulative sales tactics. For example, he talks about not being able to put an aluminum window inside of a wood window opening? Does he realize that Andersen makes a wood window that has an aluminum cladding on it? The Andersen Wood window has aluminum touching the wood 24 hours a day and they put a lifetime warranty on that window. If indeed an aluminum window cannot touch a wood opening, how is it that his own brand is able to do so with a lifetime warranty? With regard to the issue about altitude, if you need to have different types of windows for different altitudes, then how are they able to use the same window in Colorado that they use in Florida? Yes, that company does not like me at all. In fact, my attorney just had to send them a letter to put them in their place last week. They sent me a letter from one of their super law firms trying to get me to stop what I'm doing. Any great company that offers a great product is open to robust debate about the pluses and minuses of what they offer. Any intelligent homeowner can see right through this. Yes, $40,000 is an extreme number for such a product as this. At that price, he should have been able to offer you their top of the line product which is their E-Series. Don't give up yet, keep looking around and you will find a great window company. In fact, we know a few people in Colorado that do a great job at a fair price. I'm not sure if they are in your area but you can email our office and we will put you in touch with someone. Thank you for watching! info@houstonwindowexperts.com

@josephavila7659

Жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your reply. I just had the same experience. I didn’t fully commit to the deal because of the ridiculously high price. $34k for only 10 windows. Only one side of my house.. Any how I am soo soo grateful for this video prior to making a final decision. Thank you all so much for this information!!

I finally filtered my selection down to Marvin infinity and Anderson fibrex .. and I am seeing a video that fibrex is not that great when there is some force / impact .. I am more worried about hail damage as our place usually get a lot of those ...

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I think you'd like the Marvin better. It's true fiberglass, not a vinyl hybrid.

Jeff.....GREAT videos! I'm starting in sales in this industry and have been keying on your content. So well done and appreciated!!! At the 10:30-ish mark, you talk about the Andersen vs Windsor look. One is put together at 90 degrees (Windsor), while Andersen is stairstepped. Does that do anything to enhance quality/construction/durability or is it 100% aesthetic? Thanks again.......makes me wish I were closer to Houston! Lol.

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Bill, congratulations on your new career! The 90 degree sheds water better. It's not a big deal but worth noting. They are both excellent products. Let me know if I can help you with your new role.

Well, that was informative and entertaining. My list just got a little shorter. I will now be in the market for only 100% fiberglass windows and sliding patio door.

@marekjaworski5965

3 жыл бұрын

Do you mean Fibrex (40% wood and 60% PVC) or fiberglass because there was no fiberglass in this video? If you meant Fibrex looks like they strengthen corners with plastic because their product is so fragile and could break a lot during transportation and installation. I wouldn't be so excited about this product because their main reason they developed this product is probably to recycle as much of their manufacturing waste as possible so they mixed trash with plastic and got Fibrex. 160F or like on this experiment over 200F heat is not too common and vinyl will not have this problem anywhere in the world unless with some help like sun bean through the some lens. The only advantage in Fibrex I see is that as I know you can paint it where you cant really paint plastic or at least it would not look good.

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I'm pretty sure I said fibrex... If I didn't, my apologies.

@marekjaworski5965

3 жыл бұрын

@@HoustonWindowExperts not you Jeff, I wrote to Tom Heringer comment above where he said "I will now be in the market for only 100% fiberglass..." :) Great channel BTW!

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Gotcha.

@tomheringer2047

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Marek. Not sure where the confusion spawned from, but my window shopping "list" previously included windows made of Fibrex and windows made of fiberglass. Vinyl never made the list. This is not the first time I have seen Fibrex shatter or break apart in large chunks, but after watching this video, I will definitely be visiting a Marvin and a Pella showroom near me.

Thanks for the video, very informative. I think for the hammer test it would have been better if you struck the outer faces of the window frame where the windows might actually experience impacts. The likelihood of impacts on the inner surfaces of the frame is probably pretty low, and the strength profiles of the window designs might be stronger on the surfaces that are actually likely to be hit by debris.

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. We actually ended up hitting the frame on all parts by the time we finish the video, and had the same results. we just didn't want to spend 10 minutes hating the frame from every angle to prove the point that was quite obvious. We all know, but these are not real life expectations from anybody's window. We were just making the point that one type of product reacts differently than another under impact testing

Whats your opinion on Kolbe Forget series made of glastra material. Just want to know your opinion on the company and product

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I do not know much about them. I will look into this and make a video soon.

I have window need to replace window frame and install new vinyl window will Houston Window Expert post any videos how to remove whole wooden frame include sill and instead new vinyl window

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I'll add that to our list. Thanks for watching.

I would like to order white vinyl Amsco or Windsor windows. Does the WHITE Vinyl stay White over the years or will the white vinyl frames YELLOW over the years?

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and your question. If you use a really high grade vinyl it will not fade or discolor any sooner than an aluminum cladded product. Cheap vinyl will yellow within a few years when exposed to the sun.

What version is the Windsor window? Great videos!

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

It's the Classic Series

Have you heard of the Kolbe fiberglass windows? Any thoughts on these?

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, I know who Kolbe Is but I'm not familiar with their fiberglass.

@Pyrotoxic92

3 жыл бұрын

@@HoustonWindowExperts Hey its called Forgent, I currently sell both and used to be an installer / do warranty work on all types of windows. I personally like the Forgent more, its marginally more expensive. However I had many times someone would be careless around an andersen 100 series window and damage the window / sash (they have poor impact resistance). The Forgent window appears to be much beefier over all while having slimmer sightlines. The Kolbe windows are also gasket glazed as opposed to andersens vinyl glass stop / silicone combo. Would love for you to review them.

@277kne

3 жыл бұрын

@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you for your window reviews. I was considering the Andersen 100 casement. Having a hard time with the different layers on the outside and it is brittle. Today I went to big orange to look at the 400 and A. They have samples in their rack. The 400 has the 45 framing and the edges were rough. The A was very nice and well built. The weather strip was white and another was gray. The outside was canvas. Looked good. Had wide rails. The price was $300 more than the 400. Any comments or suggestions on these or a comparable in the price range. I do value your opinion.

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I like all of the Andersen products. I agree with your comments. I would say that they're nicest product would be the e-series. Otherwise, check out Pella impervia as well.

@277kne

3 жыл бұрын

@@HoustonWindowExperts I watched the Andersen line video. You said the 200 and the 400 are the same. They have different profiles and the 400 is a wider stile. There is the 400 Woodwright.

What brand windows would you consider ultra premium vinyl?

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I like Windsor Classic Series, Amsco Restoration Series and a few others.

You should do Pella Imervia vs Fiberex or Marvin essential

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Great idea! I will work on that soon.

What is the difference between "Ultra Premium Vinyl" and "Ordinary Vinyl" and how would a person differentiate between the two? Just saying that something is ultra premium and not ordinary doesn't make it so. As we all know people will say whatever that can get away with to make their product come across as superior.

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you asked that question. Typically premium vinyl and ultra premium vinyl will be made from a thicker gauge vinyl product that also contains higher levels of a titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate. that information is available from the manufacturer so you can assure yourself that you're getting better ingredients in your vinyl batter. It's the same thing that applies when comparing cars, you can check miles per gallon, etc. With TVs you can check resolution. With Windows you can check wall thickness and ingredients.

@tomheringer2047

3 жыл бұрын

Privee Sure: If the vinyl window frames look and feel like extruded aluminum or pultruded fiberglass, then they are a very high quality vinyl. If the frames look like a childs toy, soft to the touch, and very wide/thick, they are the cheap vinyl and should be avoided.

What's your choice for a climate controlled post frame (All Wood) shop in Northern Missouri? Im loving the Pella Impervia from your video.

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure that I know anyone in your area. I do know that Quaker Windows are made in Freeburg, MO

OSHA would like to have a word. Also, cool shoes

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Hahahaha

I like the amsco but I don’t see anyone carrying it in Michigan I have one option that carries Windsor

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Windsor makes a terrific window.

Renewal by Andersen fibrex window frames are 4x stronger than the 100 series Fibrex!

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

I'd like to see a link to this information. I've never been able to find any supporting information on this claim anywhere on Andersen's website. Your help is appreciated. Thank you for watching.

Jeff, few questions if you don't mind: - why aluminum on E series is better than fiberglass on A series or fibrex on 400 series? It's most expensive so I assume it's "best". I understand that they can paint it in various ways where the other not, what else? Aluminum heats up more so I'd assume vinyl, fibrex and fiberglass should have better performance. - can you paint fibrex? heard yes, just wanted to confirm - why would you recommend fiberglass vs vinyl? its easier to damage fiberglass but you can paint it, otherwise its just like 30% more expensive. - what's waiting time on Andersen and Marvin (from ordering to delivering to the shop by factory)?

@tomheringer2047

3 жыл бұрын

Marek: Fiberglass windows are strong and rigid. They resist bowing, bending and twisting and are impervious to rot. The thermal expansion rate of the sashes and frame members are very similar to that of the glazing or glass pack. The thermal expansion rate of vinyl, by comparison, is horrendous.

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I thinks it's worth remembering that Andersen does not have. True fiberglass product. Their best product, in my opinion, is the E-Series. It has a great, heavy gauge, aluminum exterior and every imaginable size and configuration. For true fiberglass I'd go with Marvin, Milgard, or Pella

@tomheringer2047

3 жыл бұрын

Jeff Ludy: l agree, the Andersen E-Series windows are among the very best out there. Matter of fact, I have a house with Andersen windows in it and they really make it stand out. I do have a second home that I will be remodeling soon. Will be going all the way down to the rough openings and building back with fresh sealants and modern day materials. Bottom line, and I am exaggerating here, you can't put $50,000 of windows in a $50,000 house. I will be in the market for new fiberglass windows in an attempt to keep the dwelling within the upper end of neighborhood home resale value. Surrounded by builder grade vinyl here and just want make an improvement and change the look.

@marekjaworski5965

3 жыл бұрын

@@tomheringer2047 I live in Fremont CA and I wish I could buy house for 50k. I wish I could buy one for 300k. 800k house here is like 50-100k mid-west. So in all this up to about 1.5 mil $ houses you will see mainly Milgard vinyl product :) I know because I install them here.

@tomheringer2047

3 жыл бұрын

Marek: Keep in mind that I was using the $50k home price for illustrative purposes only. I enjoyed living in Sacramento for 62 years and now currently live in Wichita, Kansas. Yes, the houses are less expensive here, but due to the extreme weather, they cost more to maintain. Seasonal temperature swings average 110° to 0° F, 65 mph wind speeds, and very large hail. In my opinion, vinyl windows do not work well here.

i.m in fl does the same tx code applied to fl code i.m having a brand new home built and will need doors n window

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure. I'd consult your local city code enforcement department

@tomheringer2047

3 жыл бұрын

Arthur Semple: If you live along or near the coast you definitely should be interested in Impact Zone Certified windows, especially the larger ones.

Being high can take you to some interesting videos lol, watched the whole thing, I know a lot more about windows now. This dude is awesome.

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha... Thank you for watching

I just went through this. 7 windows and a sliding glass door…$27k if I sign now vs $39k….

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Yikes.

Jason is like dude wtf!

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Lol

Good video but I really hope your insurance don’t watch you on that forklift.

@HoustonWindowExperts

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha.. good point

I thought good quality vinyl windows had foam injection through the interior channels.

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Some manufacturers do offer that as an option. With hollow frames the air chambers themselves are good insulators but you can see an increase in U factor of a couple points with foam filled frames.

No more monkeying around now! 😎😎

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Lol

The renewal product and warranty is very different… way better.

That’s so immaculate beyond belief. Vinyl lasts 2-6 years. Vinyl is PVC. PVC is PLaSTIC☺️☺️

LOL at the osha comment

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching

All Viewers - BEWARE - These "tests" are absolutely unwarranted. When do windows, installed in a home, have to withstand blow torches, hammers and cases of caulking falling from the sky? Accurate testing would test expansion/contraction rates (hot during day, cool at night) - day after day - then, you will see which window truly performs in real life scenarios. I have Andersen 100 Series in my house and they perform excellent. I had my vinyl windows replaced because they were warping, the glass seal was fogging and they leaked air terribly. This is the same window material Jeff is saying is "superior" when it is hit with a torch, hit by hammers and subjected to cases of caulking falling from the sky. If you foresee your windows having to stand up to blow torches, hammers and cases of caulking falling from the sky - then buy Windsor per Jeff's recommendations. If you live in the real world, and want durable and long lasting windows backed by the #1 window manufacturer in US - then consider Andersen. Great company and excellent products!

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. All options are welcome here.

@scottbrooks8497

Жыл бұрын

You’re late for your Andersen job. Get back to work. Lol

😄 So, don't get hammered and play with windows?

@HoustonWindowExperts

2 жыл бұрын

Lol

So Why didn't the glass break on the Windsor??? Well it's quite simple and you practically answered the question during the "Hammer" test. Anderson's window rigidity (hardness) hence why it cracked so easily. The wood mixture into the PVC reduces the natural flex you get with PVC. Therefore, it's not helping the glass on impact. Windsor's PVC (And most PVC windows out there) is like a spong that absorbs the impact, if you slow down the video on playback you can see how the glass sinks down as the PVC gives and absorbs the load. Fiberglass windows will always fail this test because there's no flex and that's what you want for extreme weather conditions. As more Window MFG's get into the game the prices will come down. Carbon Fiber would be the best in my opinion but again not cheap...Carbon Fiber give you Flex & Rigidity....and insulation properties.

Have you ever seen a vinyl window that’s 50,70 years old !!!! No , and if vinyl is so durable how come homes aren’t made out of plastic ? This is biased

@MrAquinas1

2 жыл бұрын

Vinyl widows didn't exist 70 years ago, but my 50 year old vinyl, of a primative design, are still working perfectly. Materials are not universally made for identical purposes, and plastic happens to be the most corrosion resistant material ever utilized in construction. Be glad that sewer lines have been switching to pvc pipe (plastic) that will last old clay and iron pipes by factors of 50 to 1

@mrs.ruseva1395

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrAquinas1 okay vinyl will never dissolve or disintegrate however ..: it will warp separate from opening allow water cold drafts & on top of it all it will condensate. No thanks. What good does it do that it’s in the wall and it’s letting all the bad stuff in. Oh Jeez it doesn’t rot big deal - it literally melts

@MrAquinas1

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrs.ruseva1395 Distinctions. Distinctions. Distinctions. No it will not. There are multiple variables involved. It the thermal dynamics are designed to sink the heat through prroper channeling design, it will not be any more vulernable than other materials that could also be potentially poorly designed.

@mrs.ruseva1395

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrAquinas1 I’ve seen enough plastic windows to conclude that even the ones claiming lifetime warranty do not guarantee the glass efficiency simply because they know it’ll fail

@MrAquinas1

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrs.ruseva1395 Your comment is unrelated in any way to my comment.