100 Series performance in harsh climates
In California, it’s not uncommon for weather to range from triple-digit dry spells in the summer to torrential rainstorms powered by the Pacific in the winter. Extreme weather along the Pacific coast and toasty temps in the Southwest take a toll on our homes in these regions. Windows are one of the most critical aspects of your home’s building envelope, providing not only a comfortable indoor climate for you and your family, but also one that’s safe. Without the right materials, windows can warp, blister, peel, or rot – just due to high temperatures or sudden temperature swings. Andersen 100 Series windows and doors are designed to withstand harsh climates, whether you’re replacing, remodeling or building new.
Our 100 Series are made of innovative Fibrex®, a composite material made from PVC and recycled wood, which is a 2x stronger and 12x thicker finish than painted vinyl. It can also withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, even in dark paint colors, with no need to worry about the bowing, cracking or melting that can happen with vinyl.
As a custom home builder in the San Francisco Bay area, Greg Gallo sees a lot of materials and gets a feel for quality, fast. “I was super impressed,” says the founder of GHG Builders, who’s been using the 100 Series in their homes for more than eight years. “I’ve received nothing but positive feedback from clients saying how well the windows hold up in this intense climate,” he shares.
Gallo has also found the 100 Series to be a great aesthetic and ethical fit for his West Coast clients. Low-visibility corner seams offer clean and contemporary style, looking right at home in custom homes. A premium matte finish isn’t shiny like vinyl and is available in timeless tones like white, sandtone, dark bronze and trend-forward black. One of Gallo’s favorite anecdotes is working with an architect who waved off the idea of a composite window. But once the project was complete, “the architect specifically called out how beautiful the windows looked, not knowing I’d used the 100 Series,” Gallo says with a smile.
Ethically, the product has been a no-brainer for his environmentally conscious clients. Sometimes the cost of a green building material can be a hindrance, but that’s just another benefit of the 100 Series. “Usually green [material] is more expensive than something conventional. Here, the option is a high-functioning window where my clients will actually save money compared to wood windows – and it’s better for the environment. That really resonates with people.” The energy-efficient 100 Series are available with options that make them ENERGY STAR certified throughout the U.S., so they can help reduce heating and cooling bills. What’s more, Fibrex® blocks thermal transfer nearly 700 times better than aluminum, so you’re staying cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter with less energy.
“What I can honestly say is that Andersen 100 Series are just great windows,” the seasoned builder shares. You’ll even find the 100 Series in Gallo’s own home in Menlo Park, CA. So when thinking about selecting windows for your home, think beyond the woes of winter and into the potential detriment of heat. Say goodbye to the risks of vinyl windows and hello to a smarter alternative for the planet and for you.
