When the time comes to replace the windows on your Michigan home, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is what frame and sash material you want to use. There are numerous options out there, from vinyl, to natural wood, to composite. Although natural wood has a traditional appeal and vinyl is cheap, in many cases, your best choice is Fibrex®, Renewal by Andersen’s composite material. Keep reading to discover five reasons why Fibrex is the best choice for your windows.
1. Fibrex is made with natural, sustainable materials.
Fibrex is made from a combination of reclaimed wood fibers and a plastic matrix. The wood fibers are a sustainable choice since they are leftovers of other wood manufacturing processes. Thus, by choosing Fibrex replacement windows, you are helping to minimize the amount of wood waste that is sent to the landfill. Green building is very popular these days, and Fibrex is a material that fits into any green building plan.
2. Fibrex does not warp or lead to leaks.
Many Michigan home owners make the mistake of choosing vinyl windows because the low price tag is enticing. However, vinyl windows are cheap for a reason. As vinyl is exposed to changes in temperature, it tends to warp and crack. Before long, vinyl windows develop leaks between the sash and the glass where the vinyl has become damaged. Fibrex does not respond in this way to changes in temperature that are so common in Michigan. It stays straight and well-sealed to the glass throughout the seasons. As a result, your replacement windows stay tight and efficient, even as they age. You’ll save money on your energy bills, and you won’t have to worry about drafts and water leaks with Fibrex.
3. Fibrex offers superior thermal insulating properties.
When looking for energy-efficient windows, Michigan homeowners sometimes become overly occupied with the amount of heat that is lost through the glass. But if your sash and frame materials are poor insulators, you may lose heat through these window parts, too. Some window frame materials, like aluminum, lead to a lot of heat transfer. Even with the most insulating glass, aluminum windows are not terribly efficient. Fibrex, on the other hand, has remarkable thermal insulating properties. Very little heat passes through it, so your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
4. Fibrex does not require maintenance.
With all of the social and work obligations most people have these days, who has time to scrape and paint windows? Fibrex, unlike wood, does not require painting and scraping. It resists rot and mold, so you never have to cover it with a waterproof coating or stain.
5. Fibrex windows are backed by an excellent warranty.
Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex windows come with one of the best warranties in the industry. You get a 20-year limited warranty on glass, 10 years on components other than glass, which includes the Fibrex frames, and 10 years on installation. Our window installation technicians are experts at working with Fibrex, which keeps the installation process efficient and effective.
When it comes to window materials, Fibrex has it all. To learn more about this material and why it is such a good choice for your Michigan home, contact Renewal by Andersen. We offer free, in-home consultations and our estimates are good for one year.
