If you’re committed to green living and sustainability, it’s important to focus not only on the glass components of your windows but also on the sash material. Renewal by Andersen is proud to offer Fibrex® material, a smart and sustainable alternative to vinyl and traditional wood replacement windows.
Andersen’s patented material, Fibrex is a wood composite that holds up well in extreme temperatures and never fades or peels. Here’s a closer look why Fibrex is not just a smart choice for your home, but also a sustainable choice for the environment.
Fibrex is composed of 40% wood fibers, most of which are reclaimed from Andersen’s manufacturing process. By using clean, reclaimed wood, Andersen is reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. The remaining 60% of Fibrex is composed of thermoplastic polymers. Some of these polymers are reclaimed from Andersen’s manufacturing processes as well.
The more often you have to replace your windows, the more waste ends up in landfills. With their long lifespan and great durability, Fibrex windows make it possible to replace your windows less often.
In a temperate climate like that of Indianapolis, the frequent temperature changes can wreak havoc on some window materials — but not Fibrex. Fibrex resists contraction and expansion with temperature changes, which means it won’t crack or peel away from the glass surface like vinyl sometimes can. Whether it’s the dead of winter or a sweltering hot summer day, Fibrex stays stable and rigid. All Fibrex Andersen replacement windows come with one of the best limited warranties in the industry.
Most conventional paints and stains release compounds known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into the air. These VOCs have been linked to several health conditions including asthma and certain cancers, and they’re not good for the plants and animals in nature, either. Fibrex does not have to be painted, sealed, or stained. It is colored using a unique fabrication process in which the colors are directly blended with the Fibrex material. So, opting for Andersen replacement windows made with Fibrex is a sustainable choice that reduces VOC emissions while also allowing you to enjoy windows of most any color or finish.
Whether you have natural gas, propane, oil or electric heat, the less heat you have to generate in your home, the better it is for the environment. Burning any sort of fuel releases greenhouse gasses, like carbon dioxide, and even electricity in the US is largely obtained from burning fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. So, any measures you can take to reduce heat loss from your home make your home more sustainable. Choosing Fibrex is certainly one of those measures. Fibrex windows block heat transfer 700 times better than aluminum windows. This keeps your heating and cooling bills in check, thereby minimizing your consumption of fossil fuels.
Renewal by Andersen replacement windows with Fibrex meet Green Seal’s environmental certification standards and are Energy Star qualified. Not only are they a sustainable choice, but they’re also low maintenance and attractive. Imagine never having to strip or paint your windows again. With Fibrex, that’s a reality. Fibrex never molds, rots or decays, so it stays looking as fresh and vibrant as the day you had it installed.
If you’re thinking of replacing the windows in your home, be sure to consider Fibrex. Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how Fibrex windows can benefit your Indianapolis home.
