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. 

If you have any lingering questions at the end feel free to reach out to us on social or give us a call. 

• Materials
• Construction
• Sizes
• Energy Efficiency
• Styles
• Grilles
• Glass
• Tilt Sash
• Hardware
• Exterior Colors
• Interior Color
• Price
• Warranty
• Lead-time

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. 

Construction

Andersen's 100 Series and 400 Series windows are available for both new construction and replacement window projects.

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. 

Styles

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. 

Grilles

Grilles are available for both series in patterns that will complement nearly any style of home. If you're interested in grilles for your window you can choose from the following placement options:

Finelight Grilles-Between-the-Glass

• Available on 100 Series and 400 Series 
• Easy cleaning on both sides of the window

Full Divided Light

• Available on 100 Series and 400 Series
• Grilles are applied to the interior and exterior sides of the window with a divider in between the glass creating a more authentic look

Simulated Divided Light Grilles

• Available on 100 Series and 400 Series
• Grilles can be applied to the exterior and interior sides of the glass similar to the full divided light but this option does not have a divider between the glass

Removable Interior Grilles

• Available on the 400 Series
• Grilles can be fastened on the interior side of the window making it easy to remove and fully clean the glass

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

Need tips on how to choose the right glass? Andersen's got more information about glass options on their website.

Tilt Sash 

Tilt sash options are limited to only some of Andersen's window products including some in the 400 Series but none in the 100 Series. 

Hardware

100 Series

Hardware for single-hung and gliding windows is available in 3 style options and 6 colors. 

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.

Hardware for casement and awning windows are the standard folding hardware plus single-action casement locks. Colors options include: White, Sandtone, Dark Bronze, Black, Satin Nickel, and Antique Brass.

400 Series

Hardware options for double-hung and gliding windows are a Standard Lock & Keeper and an Estate Lock & Keeper. 

The Standard Lock & Keeper (below) is available in Black, Gold Dust, Stone, and White. Simpler lift hardware is also available.

The Estate Lock & Keeper is available in Antique Brass, Bright Brass, Brushed Chrome, Distressed Bronze, Distressed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Polished Chrome, and Satin Nickel.

There are several hardware options for casement and awning windows in the 400 Series. Not shown are compact, easy grip, and child-safety hardware styles.

The Traditional Folding Lock & Keeper is available in Antique Brass, Black, Bright Brass, Distressed Bronze, Distressed Nickel, Gold Dust, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel, Stone, and White.

The Contemporary Folding Lock & Keeper is available in Black, Bright Brass, Gold Dust, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel, Stone, and White.

The Estate Lock & Keeper for is available in Antique Brass, Bright Brass, Brushed Chrome, Distressed Bronze, Distressed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Polished Chrome, and Satin Nickel.

The Classic Series Lock & Keeper is available in Stone and White.

Exterior Colors

100 Series

400 Series

Interior Colors

100 Series

400 Series

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
$$

400 Series
$$$

Warranty

The 100 Series and 400 Series windows are each covered by Andersen's Owner 2 Owner Limited Warranty. 

Lead-time

Lead-time for a product depends on the materials and can vary depending on the time of year. Lead-time is the amount of time it takes to place, create, and ship an order. 

100 Series
3-4 week lead-time

400 Series
4-6 week lead-time

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.