Looking for quality windows that won’t break the bank? 

We’ve installed hundreds of Andersen 100 Series windows across Grand Rapids, and today, we dive into what makes these windows tick.

We’ll cover everything you need to know: the good, the not-so-good, and whether they’re right for your home.

What Is an Andersen 100 Series Window?

The Andersen 100 series is the company’s entry-level window line. Don’t let “entry-level” fool you, though. These windows pack serious value for budget-conscious homeowners.

They’re made from Andersen’s proprietary Fibrex® composite material. This isn’t your typical vinyl window. It’s a smart blend of wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer. But more on that later.

That said, the 100 series comes exclusively as a single-hung window. You get five exterior colors and four interior options. Black, white, sandtone, dark bronze, and terratone round out your choices.

Wondering what sets these apart? They deliver Andersen quality at a price point that competes with vinyl. You’re getting a trusted brand without the premium price tag.

What Is A Single-Hung Window?

Single-hung windows have one movable sash. The bottom sash slides up and down. The top sash stays fixed in place.

This design keeps costs down while providing ventilation. You open the bottom for airflow, and don’t worry, there’s a screen that covers the lower portion to keep bugs out.

It’s no wonder that it’s the most common window style in America. And why? They’re simple, reliable, and affordable. It makes them perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and most residential applications.

As for the locking mechanism, it sits right in the middle. One simple motion secures your window. It’s straightforward functionality at its best.

Benefits Of The Andersen 100 Series Window

We’ve installed these windows in countless homes. Here’s what our customers love about them:

Made From Fibrex®

Fibrex® is Andersen’s secret weapon. It combines 40% reclaimed wood fiber with 60% thermoplastic polymer. Many assume this is marketing fluff at first, but it’s genuinely innovative.

For starters, the material is twice as strong as vinyl. It blocks thermal transfer 700 times better than aluminum. Your heating and cooling bills will thank you.

Fibrex® also handles Michigan’s wild temperature swings like a champ. It won’t warp in summer heat. It won’t crack in the winter cold. The material maintains its shape year-round.

Take it from us. We’ve seen these windows after 10 years. They look virtually identical to what they looked like on installation day. No bowing, no sagging, just solid performance.

Multiple Colour Options 

With five exterior colors, you have all the flexibility you need. Black is trending hard right now. White remains the classic choice, of course. Sandstone and terratone, on the other hand, are earthy alternatives.

Finally, dark bronze adds sophistication to traditional homes. Each color maintains its vibrancy through years of sun exposure.

The color runs through the entire material. It’s not painted on or applied later. This means you won’t find them peeling, flaking, or fading over time.

If you want, the interior colors can differ from the exterior. Want black outside and white inside? No problem! This flexibility helps match both your home’s exterior and interior design.

Low Maintenance 

Good news for you: these windows practically take care of themselves. You won’t need to paint, stain, or even do an annual treatment. Just an occasional cleaning will keep them looking fresh.

The best part is that the Fibrex® material resists rot and decay. Fungal growth isn’t an issue either. Michigan’s humidity won’t damage these windows.

Now, compare that to wood windows. For starters, wood needs repainting every few years. It can rot if moisture gets in. The 100 Series eliminates these headaches entirely.

Even the hardware holds up beautifully. The locks and mechanisms don’t require regular adjustments. They just keep working smoothly.

Low EPAC 

Here’s where things get interesting: The 100 Series can use Andersen’s premium glass options. You’re not stuck with basic glass at this price point.

Low-E4® glass, for instance, comes standard. It reflects heat in summer and retains it in winter. In other words, your HVAC system works less hard year-round.

Want more protection? Consider the SmartSun™ glass, which blocks 95% of harmful UV rays. Your furniture and flooring won’t fade as quickly. As such, it’s perfect for south-facing rooms.

Then there’s the PassiveSun® glass. It works great for Michigan winters. It lets warm sunlight in during cold months. Combined with HeatLock® technology, it’s incredibly efficient. Thank us later!

To reiterate, these are the same glass options in Andersen’s premium lines. You’re getting high-end performance at an entry-level price.

Backed by Andersen’s Warranty

Andersen stands behind these windows. You get 20 years on the frame. The glass carries a 10-year warranty. Plus, there’s a 2-year service warranty on installation.

You know this isn’t some fly-by-night company. Andersen has been around since 1903. They have the resources to honor warranty claims.

We’ve processed warranty claims for customers. From experience, we’ve seen Andersen handle them professionally and quickly. They don’t make excuses, and their services are professional and straightforward. No runaround here.

Plus, their R&D facility in Bayport, Minnesota, tests everything extensively. These windows face hurricane-force winds and extreme temperatures, so we’re positive that they’re built to last.

Multiple Locking Options for Security

You’ll notice that the standard lock is plastic. It works, sure, but feels a bit cheap. That’s why we always recommend the upgrade.

Additionally, the Slimline lock upgrade costs about $20 per window, which is a steal, really. Plus, it’s metal, not plastic. The difference in feel is immediately noticeable.

This metal lock also slides smoothly and locks securely. It even gives the window a premium feel. For such a small investment, it’s absolutely worth it.

Either way, the lock placement is standard and familiar. Anyone can operate it easily, including those with accessibility issues.

Budget Friendly 

Finally, let’s talk about money. The 100 Series costs significantly less than Andersen’s premium lines. You’re looking at 30-40% savings typically.

They compete directly with mid-range vinyl windows on price. But you’re getting Fibrex® material and Andersen quality. It’s a clear value proposition, if you ask us.

Installation costs stay reasonable, too. We’re happy to report that these windows fit standard openings well. No major modifications needed in most cases.

Long-term, the energy savings we spoke of add up as well. Better insulation means lower utility bills. The windows essentially pay for themselves over time.

Drawbacks Of The Andersen 100 Series Window

Listen: no window is perfect. Here’s what you should know before buying:

Limited Customization Options

Need a bay window? The 100 Series won’t work. Bow windows aren’t available either. Extra-large openings pose problems, too.

So, custom shapes are off the table. That means no circles, triangles, or specialty designs. Sadly, you’re limited to standard rectangular windows.

Size restrictions apply as well. The maximum width is 4 feet. Height tops out at 7.6 feet. Anything bigger requires a different series.

Grid patterns are also limited compared to premium lines. You get standard options only. Custom divided lite patterns aren’t available.

Only Available in a Single-Hung Style

For those who prefer a flexible option, this could be a letdown. The 100 Series comes in a single-hung only—no double-hung option. Like we said, that means only the bottom sash opens.

With a double-hung window, both sashes slide, letting you control airflow better. But with single-hung, top-down ventilation, it isn’t possible. For homes that need extra circulation, that’s a limitation.

Casements, awnings, and sliders? Not part of this series either. You’ll have to look at Andersen’s higher lines if you want variety.

All things considered, for basic functionality, single-hung works fine. But if you like choice, this narrow offering could feel restrictive.

No Wood Interior Options

If you love the look of wood, you won’t find it here. The 100 Series is Fibrex® inside and out.

In other words, no stained wood finishes are available. You can’t get that traditional wood grain appearance either. It’s a composite material only.

We’ve seen some homeowners want wood for historical authenticity. Others just prefer the natural material. The 100 Series can’t deliver that aesthetic either way.

This might be a dealbreaker for restoration projects, though. Historic districts often require specific materials, so always check local requirements first.

More Challenging to Clean

Here’s the biggest complaint we hear: cleaning these windows takes effort. That’s because the single-hung design doesn’t tilt in for easy cleaning.

For starters, you need a flathead screwdriver to remove the sash. First, disengage the balance clips. Then the whole sash comes out. As you can see in this demonstration video, the process is noisy and cumbersome.

Second-story windows pose real challenges. You can’t clean the outside from inside. You either remove the sash or use a ladder.

The process isn’t even intuitive. Most homeowners need instructions the first time. Compared to tilt-in windows that anyone can figure out, this could be a bummer.

Reinstalling the sash takes patience, too. You must re-engage the balance properly and the clips need to seat correctly. It’s doable, sure, but annoying.

When Andersen 100 Series Windows Are the Right Choice

These windows excel in specific situations. Let’s explore when they make sense.

Smarter Alternative To Vinyl 

Shopping for vinyl windows? Stop and consider the 100 Series first. In fact, Andersen markets them as “the smart alternative to vinyl.”

Plus, the price difference is minimal. Maybe 10-15% more than quality vinyl. But you get Fibrex® material that outperforms vinyl significantly.

Colored vinyl windows also fade over time. Dark colors are especially problematic. On the other hand, the 100 Series maintains its color permanently.

Further, vinyl can also warp in extreme heat. We’ve seen vinyl windows bow and bind. Fibrex®, however, stays stable in all temperatures.

The warranty speaks for itself. Most vinyl warranties are prorated, while Andersen’s warranty is straightforward and comprehensive. You’re protected for decades with them.

So, who’s the 100 Series for? For rental properties, these windows make sense. They’re durable enough for tenant use. The price point even works for investment properties. Plus, the Andersen name can help add value.

First-time homebuyers should consider them as well. You get quality without overextending your budget. It’s a smart middle-ground choice.

Michigan Screen’s Final Verdict

After installing hundreds of these windows, we have opinions. Let’s wrap this up with our professional assessment.

The Andersen 100 Series fills a specific niche perfectly. It bridges the gap between cheap vinyl and expensive premium windows. For many homeowners, that’s exactly what’s needed.

The Fibrex® material impresses us every time. It genuinely outperforms vinyl in every metric. The color retention alone justifies the slight price premium.

We always recommend the lock upgrade. That $20 investment transforms the window’s feel and security. It’s our number one tip for 100 Series buyers.

Energy efficiency exceeds expectations for an entry-level window. The glass packages rival other windows that cost twice as much. Your utility bills will reflect this efficiency.

The one challenge is cleaning them. If you hate cleaning windows, consider this carefully—especially for second-story installations where ladder work is required.

Our Rating of Andersen 100 Series Windows

In short, we give the Andersen 100 Series a 7.4 out of 10.

Here’s how we arrived at that score: build quality earns high marks. The Fibrex® material is genuinely impressive. The warranty and brand reputation add points, too.

The glass options push the rating higher. Getting premium glass in entry-level windows is a huge bonus. This energy efficiency matches much pricier options.

We dock points for limited customization, though. No wood interiors hurt flexibility, and the cleaning difficulty is a legitimate concern of ours. Operating noise matters in our books as well.

That said, value for money is where these windows shine. You’re getting 85% of premium window performance, but you’re paying 60% of the price.

For the right home and budget, these windows make perfect sense. Would we recommend them? Absolutely, but only for the right situation. Standard window replacements in typical homes? They’re a perfect fit. Need something special or custom? Look elsewhere.Now, are you ready to see if 100 Series windows work for your home? We’re here to help. Our team knows these windows inside and out. Contact us today for a free estimate.