Instead, Andersen favors the use of a proprietary composite called Fibrex, a price-point competitor with vinyl.
So, how do the two materials compare in consumer-level replacement and new-construction windows?
What Are Fibrex Windows?
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Fibrex is Andersen’s patented PVC-wood composite material that it uses for a majority of itswindowsas a structural member.
By weight, Fibrex is composed of 40-percent recycled Ponderosa pine wood fibers and 60-percent polyvinylchloride.
Fibrex was initially developed to lower Andersen’s costs byreusing sawdustobtained from the production of its wood windows.
One concern of exposed wood is rot.
Andersen says that “Fibrex material has superior thermal insulating properties.”
Andersen states that Fibrex stands up better against heat distortion than vinyl.
More glazing brings more light into your home.
Green Benefits
Wood is cheaper than vinyl, especially when that wood is recycled from another operation.
It is no mistake that Fibrex’s patent software refers to the wood as “filler.”
While Andersen’s development of Fibrex benefits the company, it also benefits the environment.
Any end product that uses waste products can be considered eco-friendly.
Andersen’s reuse of wood fibers is especially beneficial because not all of this is clean wood dust.
Much of it contains adhesives, paint, primer, anti-fungal agents, and a host of other contaminants.
This includes the window itself as well as the installation process.
Vinyl is also carried by dozens of other companies, making it more readily accessible.
Composite windows are also more expensive than Fibrex.
Fibrex windows have the potential to warp whereas fiberglass is much more sturdy.
