Andersen vs. Sierra Pacific Windows

Shopping for new windows is an exciting journey. There are lots of choices and brands to consider. In this article, we will compare two popular brands to help you understand all of your options. Specifically, we’ll examine several common types of windows, common materials used in frame construction, finish options, maintenance issues, turnaround time when ordering, warranties, and pricing.

Use these links to skip ahead:

• The brands at a glance
• Window styles
• Finishes
• Lead time
• Warranty
• Pricing

The Brands at a Glance

Andersen Windows

Andersen is a privately held company founded in 1903 in Hudson, Wisconsin, and headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota. It employs around 8,000 people and manufactures its windows in the US and Europe. Andersen offers five product lines under its brand name. The 100 Series windows are made from a composite material called Fibrex, an alternative to vinyl. Andersen's 200 and 400 series windows have vinyl-clad wood frames. The 200 Series focuses on the most popular styles and sizes, while the 400 Series are the best selling line, blending style and performance. A-Series windows emphasize architectural design and feature Fiberglass-clad wooden frames. The aluminum-clad wood window E-Series targets designers looking for custom colors and exotic wood choices.

Most popular among our North Texas clients are the 100 series for builders and the E-Series for homeowners.

• 100 Series Fibrex Windows
• 200 Series Vinyl-Clad Wood Windows
• 400 Series Vinyl-Clad Wood Windows
• A-Series Fiberglass-Clad Wood Windows
• E-Series Aluminum-Clad Wood Windows

Sierra Pacific Windows

Sierra Pacific Windows is a subsidiary of Sierra Pacific Industries, a lumber company with a 125-year history. Based in Anderson, California, the company owns three manufacturing plants with approximately 5,000 employees. There are five different product lines available. Aluminum Clad Wood combines an aluminum cladding exterior and wood inside with pine being standard. Eight other species of wood are available as an upgrade. The All-wood series offers a classic, distinctive look and exceptional thermal performance. FeelSafe windows are specially reinforced for hurricane-prone areas to resist heavy storm impact damage. Like many manufacturers, Sierra Pacific offers a Vinyl Collection line which is available from most manufacturers. H3 integrates extruded aluminum, vinyl, and wood for greater energy efficiency and performance.

At Brennan, we feature Sierra Pacific’s H3 window series.

• H3 Awning Windows
• H3 Casement Windows
• H3 Picture Windows
• H3 Double Hung Windows

Features to Consider When Buying Windows in Dallas, Texas

In addition to the brand name and manufacturing materials, there are several important factors to think about when choosing windows. There are also cosmetic considerations such as style, finishes for the interior, exterior, and hardware of your windows. You will also need to find out about the lead time, warranty, and cost.

Window Styles

Andersen Window Styles

Andersen 100 Series windows offer six styles including single-hung windows, gliding windows, specialty shape windows, casement windows, awning windows, and picture windows.

• Single-hung
• Gliding
• Specialty shape
• Casement
• Awning
• Picture

The 200 Series include double-hung windows, gliding windows, and picture windows.

• Double-hung
• Gliding
• Picture

The 400 Series selection contains a wide selection that includes double-hung windows, Woodright® double-hung windows, gliding windows, specialty shape windows, casement, awning and picture windows.

• Double-hung
• Woodright® double-hung
• Gliding
• Specialty shape
• Casement
• Awning
• Picture

The A-Series includes double-hung windows, specialty shape windows, casement windows, awning windows, and picture windows.

• Double-hung
• Specialty shape
• Casement
• Awning
• Picture

The E-Series are available as double-hung windows, gliding windows, specialty shape windows, casement windows, awning windows, and bow windows.

• Double-hung
• Gliding
• Specialty shape
• Casement
• Awning
• Bow

Sierra Pacific Window Styles

Aluminum Clad Wood windows are available as single and double-hung windows, horizontal slider windows, specialty shape windows, casement windows, awning windows, bay and bow windows, bi-fold windows, and multi-slide windows.

• Single-hung
• Double-hung
• Horizontal Slider
• Specialty Shape
• Casement
• Awning
• Bay and Bow
• Bi-fold
• Multi-slide

All-wood Series windows include single and double-hung windows, specialty shape windows, casement windows, awning windows, bay and bow windows, and bi-fold windows.

• Single-hung
• Double-hung
• Specialty shape
• Casement
• Awning
• Bay and Bow
• Bi-fold

FeelSafe windows are available as single and double-hung windows.

• Single-hung
• Double-hung

Vinyl Collection windows include single and double-hung windows.

• Single-hung
• Double-hung

H3 Series windows are available as single and double-hung

• Double-hung
• Awning
• Casement
• Picture
• Sliding

Andersen Window Finishes

The 100 Series windows offer 4 interior choices and six exterior finishes.

• Interior options are Black, Dark Bronze, Sandtone, and White
• Exterior options are Black, Dark Bronze, Cocoa Bean, Terratone, Sandstone, and White

The 200 Series windows provide one wood choice and interior color choice.

• Interior options are unfinished Natural Pine or Prefinished White
• Exterior options are White or Sandtone vinyl

The 400 Series windows offer seven exterior colors, three interior wood species, and three interior color choices.

The A-Series windows include 11 different color choices for the exterior, six interior wood species and finishes, and seven interior colors.

The E-Series windows offer 50 Exterior Colors and seven anodized finishes. There are ten interior wood species, nine interior wood finishes, and 13 standard interior colors. This is the only series where Andersen offers the option of customized colors.

Sierra Pacific Window Finishes

All of Sierra Pacific’s window styles offer nine wood options including pine, maple, alder, mahogany, cherry, red oak, walnut, white oak, and mixed grain douglas fir. Interior finishes come in two types; ultra stain which includes clear, espresso, and toffee. The ultra coat interior finish gives you a choice of black or white. Exterior finishes are grouped into seven collections totaling 75 different colors.

Lead Time

One crucial aspect of purchasing replacement windows is to consider the turn around, or lead time*. This is how quickly the product can be delivered to you for installation. A variety of factors can play into the lead time of your windows including the manufacturing process, availability of materials, distributor locations, and any customized options you may choose. Andersen’s typical lead time is 4-8 weeks*. Sierra Pacific can generally have your windows ready in four weeks, however specialty options or custom colors can increase the lead time to 6-8 weeks*.

*Lead times as of 2018.

Warranty Information

The warranty information provided is general in nature. Exclusions may apply. You’ll need to read your service contract and warranty information for full details.

Andersen 100 Series

• Transferable limited glass warranty (20 years)
• Transferable Limited Warranty on Components Other Than Glass (10 years)
• Transferable Limited Warranty on Exterior Color Finish (10 years)

Andersen 200 & 400 Series

• Transferable Limited Warranty on Glass (20 years)
• Transferable Limited Warranty on Components Other Than Glass (10 years)
• Transferable Limited Warranty on Patio Doors with Shades/Blinds in Insulated Glass (10 years)Transferable Limited Warranty on Components Other Than Glass

Andersen A-Series

• Transferable Limited Warranty on Glass (20 years)
• Transferable Limited Warranty on Components Other Than Glass (10 years)
• Transferable Limited Warranty on Corrosion-Resistant Hardware (10 years)
• Transferable Limited Warranty on Exterior Coatings (20 years)

Andersen E-Series

• Limited Warranty on Glass (20 years)
• Limited Warranty on Wood and Wood Composite Components (10 years)
• Limited Warranty on Hardware, Weatherstripping, Blinds and Insect Screens (10 years)
• Limited Warranty on Exterior Painted Aluminum Surfaces (20 years)
• Limited Warranty on Exterior Painted Aluminum Surfaces (10 years)

Sierra Pacific Warranty Information

The warranty information provided is general in nature. Exclusions may apply. You’ll need to read your service contract and warranty information for full details.

• 30-year residential AAMA 2605 clad exterior coating coverage
• 20/10 year commercial AAMA 2605 clad exterior coating coverage
• 10-year AAMA 2604 clad exterior coating coverage
• 20-year insulated glass coverage
• 10-year parts coverage
• 2-year labor coverage
• Fully Transferable

Prices

There are many factors that affect the pricing of new windows. Some of the considerations include the brand, quality, materials used, style, and the type of glass package included. Custom colors and hardware, special shapes, and unusual sizes are also variables that will determine your final cost. Keep in mind that installation fees are additional to the price of your new windows. When all of these factors are considered, both brands are priced competitively. The windows we’ve looked at range in price from $500-$1,300 per unit but costs increase year over year and these prices may be out-of-date at the time you read this article. Be sure to contact a window retailer to get current price estimates when planning your budget.

We hope you have found this comparison insightful in your remodeling journey. For further information, please explore the product pages on our site. If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and are ready to move forward with purchasing replacement windows, please contact us so our friendly and knowledgeable staff can follow up with you. We offer both Andersen and Sierra Pacific windows and a wide selection of other brands.