Been looking into replacing some old windows at home, and I'm kinda stuck between Andersen's traditional wood windows and their Fibrex ones. I mean, wood looks great, right? Classic, warm feel, and all that jazz. But then again, I've heard Fibrex is supposed to be pretty durable and low-maintenance. And honestly, I'm not exactly thrilled about repainting or staining every few years...you know how it goes.
Price-wise, the wood ones are definitely pricier. Not crazy expensive but enough to make me pause and wonder if it's really worth it. Anyone here have experience with either type? Like, does Fibrex actually hold up as well as they claim? Or is there something special about wood that makes it worth the extra hassle (and money)? Just trying to figure out if there's a noticeable difference in quality or longevity before I pull the trigger on this.
I've gotta say, while Fibrex does have its perks—especially in terms of durability and maintenance—I wouldn't totally dismiss wood just yet. From an energy efficiency standpoint (my personal obsession, admittedly), wood frames actually have pretty solid insulating properties naturally. Fibrex is good too, but the difference isn't as massive as some marketing might suggest.
That said, if you're really dreading repainting and upkeep, Fibrex could be a lifesaver. I've seen a few installations up close, and they do hold up impressively well over time. But here's a curveball: have you considered fiberglass windows? They're like the unsung heroes of window materials—super durable, excellent thermal performance (often better than Fibrex), and minimal maintenance. Plus, they can mimic wood surprisingly well without the hassle.
Just throwing it out there because sometimes the best choice isn't even on your radar at first...and who doesn't love a good wildcard option now and then?
Went through this exact dilemma a few years back when replacing windows in my older home. Fibrex seemed appealing—low maintenance, durability—but the cost difference gave me pause. Ended up going with fiberglass after some digging around. Honestly, zero regrets...they've held up great and energy bills noticeably improved. Wood looks nice, but I just didn't have patience for upkeep anymore. Fiberglass was the sweet spot for me between performance, aesthetics, and price.
I faced a similar choice about two years ago. Fibrex was tempting, but the price tag made me hesitate big time. Wood windows were out from the start—been there, done that, and I just couldn't stomach the sanding and repainting every few years anymore. Ended up going fiberglass too, and honestly, they've been rock solid. Energy efficiency improved noticeably, and they still look sharp without any fuss.
One thing I'll add though: my neighbor went with Fibrex around the same time. They're nice windows, no doubt, but side-by-side I can't really see a huge difference in performance or appearance compared to mine. Maybe Fibrex has some long-term advantage I'm missing, but for now, fiberglass seems like the smarter buy if you're balancing cost and practicality.
Just my two cents...
Interesting points, but I'd say Fibrex might have a slight edge in durability over fiberglass, especially in harsher climates. I've seen fiberglass windows hold up great overall, but occasionally they can get a bit brittle after years of intense sun exposure or extreme cold snaps. Fibrex seems to handle temperature swings a bit better without warping or cracking.
Also, from what I've noticed on job sites, Fibrex frames tend to have tighter seals and fewer air leaks over time. Not a huge difference, but it could add up in energy savings down the road. That said, if your fiberglass windows are installed properly and maintained decently, you're probably not missing out on much.
Bottom line: both are solid choices, but Fibrex might justify the extra cost if you're planning to stay put long-term or live somewhere with tougher weather conditions. Just something to consider...
Good insights here, and I mostly agree about Fibrex holding up better in extreme weather. I've had Fibrex windows for about 5 years now, and honestly, they've been rock solid through some pretty nasty winters. My neighbor went with fiberglass around the same time, and while his windows still look decent, he's mentioned noticing a bit of draftiness lately—could just be the installation though.
One thing I'd add is aesthetics. Fibrex has a nice wood-like finish that looks pretty convincing from a distance. Fiberglass can look great too, but sometimes it feels a bit more "plasticky" up close, at least to me. Not a dealbreaker, but if you're picky about looks (like my wife definitely is, haha), Fibrex might be worth the extra bucks.
Still, if budget's tight, fiberglass is totally fine. Proper installation and regular upkeep make a huge difference. Either way, you're probably not gonna regret it...windows have come a long way since those drafty old single-panes we grew up with.
I've installed plenty of both Fibrex and wood windows, and honestly, Fibrex is solid stuff—durable, low-maintenance, and pretty convincing visually. Wood looks amazing, sure, but unless you're ready for regular upkeep (and the occasional headache), Fibrex is probably worth the extra cash long-term.
Fibrex is definitely solid, but I dunno...there's something about real wood that's hard to beat. We have wood windows, and yeah, they're a bit of a pain sometimes, but the warmth and character they add is worth the hassle for us. Guess it depends how much you mind the upkeep.
I get what you're saying about wood windows having that special something...we've got them too, and yeah, the charm factor is definitely there. But honestly, after sanding and repainting ours last summer (in the heat, no less), Fibrex is starting to sound pretty tempting, haha. Do you find the upkeep manageable overall, or does it feel like a never-ending chore? I mean, I love the look of wood, but if Fibrex can get close enough without me spending weekends on a ladder, that might tip the scales. Has anyone here switched from wood to Fibrex and regretted it later? Curious if the difference in warmth and character is really noticeable once they're installed.
"after sanding and repainting ours last summer (in the heat, no less), Fibrex is starting to sound pretty tempting, haha."
Haha, I feel your pain—spent way too many weekends up on a ladder myself. Honestly, Fibrex windows do come pretty close visually, and the energy savings are legit. Might miss that wood charm though...