Andersen 100 Series vs 400 Series - Replacement Window Review

Andersen has a wide range of product lines for window shoppers. In this article, we'll brief you on some of the differences between two of Andersen's most popular product lines, the 100 Series and 400 Series. We'll briefly cover the topics below so you can get a good overview of both product lines or you can skip to the section that you have questions about. 

Window Style Options

• Awning Window: A window that is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom.
  • 100 Series
  • 400 Series
• Casement Windows are operated by a crank or lever, that will crank the window open outward like a door.
  • 100 Series
  • 400 Series
• Single-Hung and Double-Hung
  • 100 Series (Single)
  • 400 Series (Double)
• Picture
  • 100 Series
  • 400 Series
• Sliding Window: (Andersen's sliding windows are usually called their "gliding windows")
  • 100 Series
  • 400 Series

Other things to note:

• The 100 Series and 400 Series carry all the styles listed above with a couple of exceptions. Both series also carry Specialty Shape windows.
• The Double-hung is available only in the 400 Series, and the Single-hung is available only in the 100 Series. 
• Andersen's 100 Series and 400 Series windows are available for both new construction and replacement window projects.
• The 100 Series and 400 Series carry all the styles listed above with a couple of exceptions. Both series also carry Specialty Shape windows and the Double-hung is available only in the 400 Series and the Single-hung is available only in the 100 Series.

Materials

100 Series 

• Fibrex Composite

The 100 Series product line is made of Fibrex composite material. This material is made of a combination of reclaimed wood fiber and PVC polymer. It is twice as strong as vinyl and also environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

Maintenance for this window, like vinyl windows, is low. Regular cleaning and an annual wash to remove any accumulated debris or to identify any irregularities are all these windows need. 

400 Series

• Wood window with vinyl exterior

The 400 Series product line is made of a pine wood species. Wood though a high-end product is also susceptible to many problems you won't find in vinyl materials like warp and wood rot.

Wood windows require maintenance but vinyl-clad windows like this one require less than a window made entirely of wood. Wood windows should be painted and stained to seal in the wood's natural beauty and to seal out moisture. Paint and stain should be applied as necessary if it begins to peel or chip. When properly maintained wood windows have a long lifespan, sometimes longer than vinyl windows. 

Sizes

100 Series

Standard sizes are available up to 4' wide and 7'6" high with custom sizes available in 1/8" increments.

400 Series

Standard sizes are available up to 3'10-1/8" wide and 7'8-7/8" high with custom sizes available in 1/8" increments.

Energy Efficiency

Both the 100 Series and 400 Series offer options that allow them to achieve ENERGY STAR certifications. 

The Fibrex material of the 100 Series and the wood of the 400 Series are both excellent insulators and perform far better than aluminum. According to Andersen pine material is a bit better for insulation than the Fibrex material and the Fibrex material is on par with vinyl. 

Glass

Although these series are similar they do vary in glass options.

100 Series Glass Options

• SmartSun
• SmartSun with Heatlock Coating
• Low-E
• Low-E with Heatlock Coating
• Clear Dual-Pane

400 Series Glass options:

• SmartSun
• SmartSun with Heatlock Coating
• Low-E4
• Low-E4 with Heatlock Coating
• PassiveSun
• Sun

Please review the chart below for a comparison of how these glasses measure up to one another:

Price

Price comparison according to Andersen places the 400 Series at a higher price point than the 100 Series which makes sense considering the difference in material and hardware. 

100 Series
$$$ - Prices range from $579 - 1,000 + 

400 Series
$$$ - Prices range from $579 - 1,000 + 

You can find more information and also see photos of these products on our website. Check out our pages dedicated to the 100 Series product line or the 400 Series product line. 

Let us know if we can answer any questions or if you'd like a quote or appointment by giving us a call. 

Hardware and Color Options

Hardware for single-hung and gliding windows is available in 3 style options and 6 colors, which include: White, Sandtone, Dark Bronze, Black, Satin Nickel, and Antique Brass.

Hardware for casement and awning windows are the standard folding hardware plus single-action casement locks. Colors include the same options the single-hung and gliding windows offer.

Lock and Lift/Pull options come in the same color as chosen for the window.

Slim Line Metal Hardware is available in White, Sandtone, Dark Bronze, Black, Satin Nickel, and Antique Brass.

The exterior and interior color options vary between the 100 Series and 400 Series. Depending on how important the color of your window is, this may be one of the deal-breakers when considering which Andersen line is the best option for your replacement windows. 

The 100 Series Exterior Colors are as follows:

The 400 Series Exterior Colors are as follows:

The 100 Series Interior Colors are as follows:

The 400 Series Interior Colors are as follows: