What Exactly Are Fibrex Windows?

What Is Fibrex Composite Window anyway?

Andersen Fibrex 100-series-single-hung-interior-beauty

 

Andersen Fibrex windows are a type of energy-efficient window made by the Andersen Corporation. They are constructed using a unique composite material called Fibrex, which is a combination of wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer.

Fibrex is a material that has the strength and durability of wood, but with the low-maintenance and energy-efficient properties of vinyl. 

What is the Fibrex advantage?

Andersen Fibrex 100-series-picture-exterior-beauty

 

  1. Energy efficiency: Fibrex windows have a high insulation value, which helps to reduce heating and cooling costs by keeping the interior temperature of your home more stable.

  2. Durability: Fibrex is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, which makes it a long-lasting material that requires minimal maintenance.

  3. Sustainability: Fibrex is made from recycled materials, which makes it an environmentally-friendly choice.

  4. Aesthetics: Fibrex windows have a clean, modern look that can enhance the appearance of your home.

Color Options You Normally Would Not Get

A special process Andersen does for a beautiful color window is combining the color of choice with the Fibrex materials during production. This results in windows that will not rot, decay, flake, blister or peel like normal paint will over time.

Two Types of Styles to Choose From

Andersen Fibrex 100 series

100 Series 

Overall, Andersen 100 Series Fibrex Windows offer a combination of energy efficiency, durability, sustainability, and aesthetics that make them a popular choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance and long-lasting window option.

 

Andersen Fibrex A-series-double-hung-interior-beauty

A-Series

Here are some of the key features and benefits of Andersen A-Series windows:

Energy Efficiency: Andersen A-Series windows are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and they are ENERGY STAR certified. They are available with Low-E glass options that help to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

Durability: Andersen A-Series windows are built to last, with durable materials that resist weathering, rot, and insect damage. They are also available with impact-resistant glass options for added protection in severe weather conditions.

Customization: Andersen A-Series windows are available in a wide range of styles and configurations, including casement, awning, double-hung, and more. They are also available with a variety of hardware and grille options to customize the look of your windows.

Sound Reduction: Andersen A-Series windows are designed to reduce outside noise, making your home a more peaceful and comfortable place to live.

Low Maintenance: Andersen A-Series windows are easy to clean and maintain, with durable materials that don’t require painting or staining.

Warranty: Andersen A-Series windows come with a limited warranty that covers the frame and glass for 20 years.

 

Builders Surplus is a renovation company that provides full-service renovation services in Louisville and Florence Kentucky, as well as Cincinnati, Ohio.  We are the leading provider of Andersen Windows in these areas.  Our areas of expertise include interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodeling, building materials, and home improvement. We offer free interior design services and measurements to our clients. Our building materials range from budget-friendly options like unfinished kitchen cabinets to high-end Wellborn cabinets. We also provide installation services for our products. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge with clients and aspiring home renovators. We regularly write articles on interior design, home décor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. Stay tuned for our next article and happy renovating!

 

The Guide to Replacement Windows

In this post, we'll discuss how to get replacement windows, from start to finish.

There are many homeowners that overlook their windows. Where it may seem like a more boring feature of a house, I can assure you that it is not.

They do more than just provide a pretty view and let you enjoy that natural sunlight every day. They can increase or decrease your curb appeal, home value, or overall comfort and function of your home.

Maintenance and proper installation are key, but at the end of the day, old windows often just need to be replaced.

Today, we'll go through the steps on what you can do as a homeowner to make sure your windows continue to do what they do best - Shine!

Do I Need Replacement Windows?

This is question our window installation team is often asked. How do I actually know if I need to replace all my windows? Here are a few simple things you can do to find this answer:

  • Do all your windows open and close properly? Remember that windows are another exit way in case of a fire or a similar emergency and you want to be able to utilize them for fresh air!
  • If air leaks in, out, or around the window. This is where efficiency comes in. If there is a passage for air to come in and leave, then money is literally flying out of the window. No one likes high utility bills or inconsistent levels of comfort in their home.
  • Notice any condensation or fogging that occurs on or between the glass? They're not working properly.
  • Appearance wise, chipping, deterioration, or water stains on or around the window. To put it simply, stain equals water damage equals mold. 
  • Outdated style or style that does not blend with the rest of the house. Windows shouldn't stick out in a negative way. You'd be surprised what new windows can do for the look of your home!

Schedule Your FREE WINDOWS ESTIMATE TODAY!

How Much Do Windows Cost?

Window costs range wildly depending on who you’re using. That’s why Builders Surplus focuses so much on providing all of the options that homeowners would need at a price significantly lower than the competition (Does 40% off sounds good?). 

For a standard sized home, you can get quoted from one big box window provider nearly $10,000 (or more!)

At Builders Surplus, you can get an entire house of white vinyl windows – including installation – For only $3,600!

See how important it is to not take the first quote?

What are the Options for Replacement Windows?

When replacing your windows, you need to think about a few things:

  1. Style
  2. Color
  3. Material
  4. Energy Efficiency

In terms of style, you’ve got several options. 

Casement Windows:

Casement windows feature one hinged sash that swings out, welcoming the breeze in. These windows are coveted for their clean, uncluttered views and effortless operation.

Casement Window

Awning Windows:

Awning windows are hinged at the top and open out like a casement. They’re often placed above or below other windows – and over doors – for extra ventilation and light.

Double-Hung Windows:

Double-hung windows have two sliding sashes providing efficient ventilation. Raise the lower sash to allow in a cool breeze. Lower the upper sash to pull hot air from the ceiling outside.

Single-Hung Windows:

Single-hung windows offer the same timeless style as double-hung windows but only the bottom sash is movable.

Single Hung Windows

Sliding Windows:

A sliding panel allows for easy operation – an ideal choice for difficult-to-reach areas.

Bay or Bow Windows:

Bay and bow windows are combinations of windows that reach out into the world. Even with limited wall space, they allow you to have more windows to capture the view.

Special Shapes:

Special Shape windows are available in rectangular, curved and angled. They can be used by themselves, as an accent or with other products, providing endless design possibilities.

 

Window Materials:

You can typically find 3 types of window materials: Vinyl, Wood, or Aluminum.

Wood 
For centuries, wood was the go-to material for window frames. However, as technology has evolved other materials have slowly begun to replace this natural material. 

Despite the growing number of synthetic options, many people still like the look and feel of wood. Wood can be a strong and warm material that provides adequate insulation and strong aesthetic benefits. You can paint, stain or otherwise customize wood as well. 

The negative side of wood is that it’s less resilient to the elements. Water can lead to rot over time and sunlight or heat can eventually create unsightly cracks and damage. Additionally, the best quality wood is on the more expensive end of window frame materials. 

Fiberglass 
One of the synthetic frame options that’s replacing wood is fiberglass. This increasingly popular material is a durable option that is resilient to weather and household use. This material also looks great on both the inside and outside of your house. It comes in a number of colors and styles that can fit your home.

Aluminum 
Aluminum window frames are not the best choice for the Northeast. Although this material is inexpensive, strong, durable and able to be painted whatever color you need, it doesn’t insulate well. Although popular in warmer climates, the metal conducts heat out the frame. This can hurt your heating bill and nullify any energy-efficient glass you’re installing. 

Vinyl 
Modern vinyl frames are designed to withstand the impact of harsh UV light on them over time. Vinyl has emerged as one of the most popular frame options. It’s a relatively durable and inexpensive option that comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. the biggest benefit of vinyl is how much insulation it can provide. 

Although vinyl frames are low maintenance and can help insulate your window, they are not as strong as many other materials and can’t be painted. 

Use this information to inform a discussion with your replacement window technician about the best window frame material for you and your house. 

Schedule Your FREE WINDOWS ESTIMATE TODAY!

Window Color:

You have a few options of window color if you're getting custom order windows. Most in stock options are going to come in basic white, but you can get trendy black frames, tan frames or cream colored frames as well!

Energy Efficiency:

If you're interested in getting rebates for your windows, then energy star rated windows are for you! This will also do a great job at keeping your air in, and the elements out! It can decrease energy use and allow you to get more bang for your buck! Most windows are offered with Energy Star Options, so just ask!

Where to Get Replacement Windows?

We'll be honest, you can get windows at many places. But, what you want to look for in your window provider are these 5 things:

  1. Selection - Do they have what you need or want in stock or through special order?
  2. Price - What is the price like compared to the competition
  3. Quality - Are these windows their bottom level offer or will they actually last for 20 years?
  4. Service - Getting windows ordered and installed is a process. Only work with someone who is going to treat you right! This is a large purchase after all!
  5. Installation Team - Most people would have no idea where to start installing their own windows (and it's not a very good idea either!) You also shouldn't have to find your own window contractor. Find a retailer that offers window installation.

Luckily for you, Builders Surplus offers ALL of these things, which makes us the #1 in Louisville and Cincinnati for new construction or replacement windows. Just schedule your FREE Windows Estimate to get started!

Who can Install Replacement Windows?

We can! Seriously. There are a number of professional installers on our team that would be happy to help you with your replacement windows.

See, we know how important it is to do perform this task the right away. If you're not too careful, you may hire some random dude named Jim who says he knows what he's doing, but in the end, you'll be miserable trying to manage the project, make sure it's done correctly, and making sure that it's completed on time. 

If you're CONFIDENT in installing your own windows, then go for it! You'll save money. But if not, it's a very bad idea. You can cause water damage, mold and lots of additional problems with a bad window installation. This will cause you money and stress down the road.

Rest assured that your windows are installed perfectly and without error by letting the professionals handle it at Builders Surplus! Interested? Contact one of our professionals today and Schedule your FREE In-Home Window Estimate!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Builders Surplus is a full-service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

Schedule Your FREE WINDOWS ESTIMATE TODAY!

Contemporary Window Styles For Your Modern Home

With every design style comes a set of appropriate window styles. Contemporary homes are beautiful. They are elegant, with clean lines and uninterrupted spaces. Modern and contemporary homes have a very unique aesthetic. Because of that, you can’t just throw in any old window and expect it to coordinate perfectly. The style of window you choose should not only blend in to the modern or contemporary home style you’ve chosen, but it should enhance the look. How do you achieve the best possible look using contemporary window styles? You’ll need to consider the following characteristics of a window; Frame, grids, casing, color and type. We’ll show you below how to use each one to create the perfect modern or contemporary window!
windows-shop-ad

Contemporary Window Type:

For Modern or Contemporary window styles, you’ll find minimal ornamentation. The main focus is on lots of natural lights, crips lines and welcoming the outdoor space. Because of this, large windows are key. You can do this in a variety of ways. Sliding horizontal windows are always a great option. They have narrow frames and slim profiles, which creates a very sleek and refined look. Patio doors are a great choice as they bring in more light, as well as add functionality. Moving glass wall systems are another awesome idea for contemporary style windows that can really transform your home into a true indoor-outdoor space.
contemporary window styles sliding glass wall
Windows are not limited to the outside of your home only. You can use windows or full glass doors as room dividers that allow more of that light in, and gives the illusion of more space in your home.
Indoor contemporary window styles

Contemporary Window Frame:

We typically recommend aluminum frames when looking for contemporary window styles. This again lends to the industrial style of most contemporary or modern windows. Vinyl or fiberglass frames could be accepted, but you should typically stay away from wood frames unless your home is full of wood accents. Otherwise, they will just seem out of place.

Modern Window Grids:

Grids on the window glass are not suggested for contemporary window styles. It interrupts the flow of the eye and breaks up the outside space. If you are going to do some type of grid, a valence grid or very large grid, would be suggested. Also choose a metal grid as opposed to wood.
Modern Window Styles Without Grids

Modern Window Casing:

As the name would suggest, you should opt for a modern casing. Minimal and clean lined, modern casings often match the color of the wood or material of the rest of the window, blending in rather than standing out. On modern homes, the glass takes center stage in the design of the windows rather than the moldings. The cost for modern casing for contemporary window styles run from about $1 to $5 per foot.
windows-shop-ad

Color for Contemporary Window Styles:

Most of my favorite contemporary windows are a dark grey or black. This gives your window the industrial look that is common in modern homes. If you opt out of the dark window frame, then you should look into a color that blends seamlessly with the rest of your home. Keep the trend of uninterrupted visual lines going, so that your eye flows right from the wall to the window.
dark industrial modern window styles
We hope that you’ll find this helpful when replacing windows or getting new windows to create your modern dream home! For more information on window costs, styles, or options, feel free to contact us today! As a proud supplier of Silverline by Andersen windows, we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for, at an amazing price!
Download-Silverline by Andersen Windows E-book


 
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd