Choosing the right windows for your home can feel like a massive decision. You want something durable, energy-efficient, and worth the investment. So, we sat down with Southwest Exteriors’ Sales Director, Ryan Houchen (Hooch), to get the inside scoop on a very popular brand, Anlin windows.
Hooch has been helping homeowners find the right windows for their homes for over 15 years and knows the ins and outs of nearly every brand you can think of. And when it comes to Anlin windows? He had a lot to say.
Let’s break down what makes these windows so special.
What Are Anlin Windows?
Anlin windows are vinyl composite windows that are made from a proprietary material called Xtru, which is vinyl enhanced with titanium dioxide. This combination creates windows that are much more durable, rigid, and fade-resistant than standard vinyl.
Hooch explains, Xtru "adds durability, rigidity, and color retention. So all the problems that are typically associated with vinyl, like warping and fading, are engineered out.”
Why Xtru Composite Is a Game-Changer
- Enhanced durability and rigidity
- Superior color retention
- Significantly reduced warping and fading
Why Anlin Windows Outperform Standard Vinyl Windows
Xtru is one reason Anlin windows are miles ahead of standard vinyl options from companies like Champion, Window World, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
The other reason? Cardinal Glass. What is Cardinal Glass and why is it so important?
Well, while the frame is a very important part of your window, it isn't the most important. That title goes to the IGU or Insulated Glass Unit. The insulated glass unit is the sealed, double-paned glass that sits within the frame and is filled with argon or similar gasses. Because your window is mostly glass, the IGU is the most important factor in your window's energy efficiency.
The best manufacturer of IGUs is a company called Cardinal Glass. While other IGUs will start to leak gas and lose efficiency rapidly, Cardinal IGUs will maintain their integrity for decades.
It's important to note that other companies might say they use Cardinal glass because they buy the glass panes themselves from Cardinal...but it isn't the glass that matters so much as the seal integrity of the IGU. If a company buys Cardinal glass but assembles the IGU in-house, you're probably not getting that same level of quality.
As Hooch puts it, “Cardinal has that science mastered…it's going to last 20-plus years with very little to no degradation in terms of efficiency.”
“Any of Champion, Window World’s, Home Depot, Lowe’s…those companies that do entry-level or mid-level vinyl windows? It’s going to far outperform that,” Hooch explained.
Why Anlin Wins Every Time
- Superior Frame Material: The Xtru composite with titanium dioxide is tougher and more efficient than standard vinyl.
- Cardinal Glass: Anlin uses industry-leading glass technology known for maintaining energy efficiency for decades.
- Incredible Lifespan: Cheaper vinyl windows often fail within 3–5 years. Anlin windows can last 20–30 years or more.
- Consistent Efficiency: While cheaper windows lose efficiency over time, Anlin keeps performing year after year.
How Do Anlin Windows Compare to Fiberglass Windows?
If you’re looking for a more premium window, you might be weighing your options between Anlin windows vs. fiberglass windows like Marvin Infinity. So how do they stack up?
Hooch doesn’t deny that fiberglass is king when it comes to strength and longevity. “Fiberglass is far superior…in terms of rigidity, heat deflection, tensile strength,” he admitted.
But here's the thing: Anlin windows aren’t trying to be fiberglass. Instead, they offer a high-quality, budget-friendly alternative for those who don’t want to invest in fiberglass windows.
According to Hooch, “We don’t sell Anlin and Infinity as a comparison to each other. We sell it for somebody that maybe doesn’t want or need the Marvin…If their budget doesn’t maybe allow for the Infinity, then Anlin is the answer.”
Customization and Design Flexibility with Anlin Windows
One of the biggest selling points of Anlin windows is their unmatched customization options.
According to Hooch, “Anlin is right there with Infinity…It blows any other vinyl window out of the water in terms of its design capabilities.”
Anlin Customization Highlights
- Massive Picture Windows: Sizes up to 10 feet by 5 feet—almost as big as Marvin Infinity can achieve.
- Unique Shapes and Colors: Choose from 14–15 Thermo Coat painted colors like red, green, wine, bronze, and black.
- Complex Shapes: Anlin handles shapes and sizes that standard vinyl windows just can’t match.
Anlin Windows: Noise Reduction and Easy-Clean Technology
Anlin windows also come with premium features that set them apart from the competition.
- Sound Reduction Package: Anlin uses offset glass panes with differing thicknesses to reduce sound transmission—perfect for homes near busy streets.
- Easy-Clean Technology: A coating of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide helps keep dirt, pollen, and water spots from sticking to the glass. As Hooch says, “I have it on my windows in my house, and it makes a huge difference.”
Anlin Windows: An Industry-Leading Warranty
When it comes to warranties, Anlin sets the bar high. They offer a true double lifetime warranty that covers:
- Everything: Including glass breakage, accidental damage, and defects.
- Full Transferability: Future homeowners receive the same coverage. “No stipulation, no limitation on term or coverage,” Hooch emphasizes.
Compared to other vinyl window warranties that might last only 10 years, Anlin’s is a clear winner.
Anlin Windows: Are There Any Downsides?
The main concern Hooch runs into is aesthetics. Compared to Marvin Infinity, Anlin’s frames might not be as refined.
“If you put an Anlin next to a Window World…you’re gonna see a big aesthetic difference. It’s the same thing with Anlin to Infinity,” Hooch explains.
But if you’re more focused on performance, customization, and value, Anlin windows are an excellent choice.
The Bottom Line
Anlin windows are a fantastic option for homeowners looking for durability, customization, energy efficiency, and unbeatable warranty coverage. They’re designed to outperform standard vinyl windows by a mile.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to find out if Anlin windows are the right fit for your home.