Ran across this tidbit while researching window upgrades for my 70s ranch. Apparently, the 100 series is a lot more budget-friendly than their wood stuff, and Fibrex is supposed to be super durable. Anyone actually tried these out? Wondering if the savings are worth it or if they look “cheap” in person.
I’ve actually put the 100 series in a couple rooms of my split-level and, honestly, was surprised how solid they feel. Fibrex seems to hold up better than I expected—no warping or fading so far, even with full afternoon sun. They don’t have the same warmth as real wood, but they don’t scream “cheap” either. I wouldn’t call them high-end looking, but for the price, they’re a pretty smart compromise. If you’re after pure aesthetics, you might nitpick the finish, but functionally, I think they’re a win.
Yeah, I’ve had a similar experience.
That’s pretty much how I’d describe them too. I noticed the locks and hardware feel a little lighter than I expected, but nothing’s broken yet. Curious if anyone’s seen how they hold up after 5+ years—mine are only two years in, so still early days.They don’t have the same warmth as real wood, but they don’t scream “cheap” either.
I get what you’re saying about the hardware feeling lighter, but honestly, that’s the one thing that bugs me about the 100 series. I’ve swapped out a few locks for clients already—nothing catastrophic, but they just don’t feel as solid as what you get on the higher-end lines or even some vinyl options. Fibrex itself seems to hold up fine, but if you’re in a high-traffic area or have kids who are rough on doors, you might end up replacing handles or locks sooner than you’d like. Just my two cents after seeing a bunch of installs over the years.
That’s a fair point about the hardware. I actually noticed the same thing when I was checking out display models at the local building supply—handles felt a little “meh” compared to the chunkier ones on the 400 series. But honestly, for me, the energy efficiency was the main draw. My old aluminum sliders were leaking air like crazy, and after swapping to 100s last fall, I could tell the difference right away in how often my furnace kicked on.
Aesthetically, I’d say they look pretty clean and modern, not cheap—at least to my eyes. The matte finish hides fingerprints and dust better than I expected. Only thing I wish is that there were more color options, but that’s a nitpick. If you’re after something that’ll cut your utility bills without totally blowing your budget, they’re worth a look. I get the concern about durability with kids though—mine are still toddlers so we’ll see how they hold up when they’re older and slamming doors!
Yeah, I hear you on the hardware. The handles definitely don’t have that solid, satisfying “clunk” the 400s do—kind of feels like opening a cereal box sometimes. But honestly, for the price and efficiency, I’m not losing sleep over it. My old windows were basically wind tunnels, so anything’s an upgrade. Haven’t had any issues with fingerprints either, and my kids are at the “sticky everything” stage. Durability’s always a gamble with little ones, but so far they’re holding up better than my nerves during bedtime.
Yeah, that “cereal box” feeling is spot on. I’m used to the old-school metal hardware too, so these lighter handles threw me at first. Not sure they’d survive a full-on toddler tantrum, but mine have only had to deal with the occasional slammed shut so far. I do miss the weight of the 400s, but honestly, for what I paid, I can’t complain too much. At least the drafts are gone—my living room used to feel like a wind tunnel every winter. As long as they keep the sticky fingerprints from turning into permanent art projects, I’ll call it a win.
I get what you mean about the lighter hardware—it does feel a bit flimsy compared to the old metal stuff. I keep wondering if those handles will hold up long term, especially in a busy household. Have you noticed any issues with sticking or loosening yet? I’ve only had mine for about six months and the handles are still tight, but I’m not convinced they’ll last like the 400s did. At least the Fibrex seems to insulate better than my old drafty windows, so that’s something. Just wish they hadn’t cut corners on the hardware...
Yeah, I totally get what you’re saying about the hardware. I swapped out the windows in our kitchen with the 100 series last spring, and honestly, the handles do feel a little “plasticky” compared to the old-school stuff. Haven’t had any major issues yet—no loosening or weird creaks—but there’s this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that they might not hold up if the kids get too rough with them. Guess time will tell.
On the plus side, you’re right about the insulation. Our kitchen used to be an icebox in winter, but now it’s actually comfortable, even when it’s windy. I’m in Minnesota, so drafty windows are kind of a big deal for us. Fibrex seems to make a difference there.
I do wish they hadn’t gone so light on the hardware, though. The old Andersen 400s in our living room have those chunky metal latches and they just feel solid—like you could hang off them and they wouldn’t budge (not that I’ve tried, but you know what I mean). The new ones just don’t give that same confidence.
Have you noticed any discoloration or fading on the Fibrex itself? Mine face west and get a lot of sun, so I’m curious if anyone’s seen the material start looking chalky or anything weird after a few years. I read somewhere that it’s supposed to hold color better than vinyl, but I’m not sure how it’ll actually age.
Kind of makes me wonder if it’s worth swapping out the hardware down the line, or if that’d void whatever warranty is left. Anyone ever tried that?
Kind of makes me wonder if it’s worth swapping out the hardware down the line, or if that’d void whatever warranty is left.
You’re right to be cautious about the warranty—Andersen’s pretty specific about what counts as an “authorized modification.” Swapping hardware can definitely void coverage for that part of the window, sometimes even more. I’ve seen people upgrade to heavier handles, but you’d want to get it in writing from Andersen or use their official parts. As for fading, Fibrex holds up better than vinyl in my experience, but west-facing windows can still get a bit chalky after 5+ years. Usually nothing major, just a little dullness if you look close.