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Contact UsProvia and Andersen are both popular window brands with many similarities. They both offer either vinyl, vinyl-wood clad, or composite windows; they both have a strong focus on energy efficiency; and they both have a reputation for all-around quality
So how do you know which one is best for you?
That's the question we'll help you answer in this article.
In the following paragraphs, we'll do a detailed comparison of Provia and Andersen windows, examining their key features, benefits. We'll also compare specific models like Provia Endure vs Renewal by Andersen and the Andersen 400 Series.
Whether you're looking for superior energy efficiency, durability, or aesthetic appeal, we'll help you determine which brand will be best for you and your home.
Provia Endure Windows vs Andersen Windows
Before we get into a broader comparision of Provia vs Andersen, we're going to give you the run-down on Provia Endure vs Andersen 400 series and Renewal By Andersen, as we get a lot of questions about the differences between these window lines.
Provia Endure Vs Andersen Comparison Chart
| Provia Endure | Andersen 400 Series | Renewal by Andersen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Sunshield Vinyl | Wood interior, vinyl exterior | Fibrex composite material |
| Energy Efficiency | High (Energy Star) | High (Energy Star) | High (Energy Star, SmartSun glass) |
| Customization | Extensive colors, grilles, hardware | Extensive colors, grilles, hardware | Extensive colors, grilles, hardware |
| Insulation | Foam-filled frames, double-pane glass | Double-pane glass, special weatherstripping technology | Fibrex material, double-pane glass |
| Durability | Excellent (weather resistant) | Excellent (wood/vinyl durability) | Excellent (Fibrex durability) |
| Maintenance | Low (vinyl, easy to clean) | Moderate (wood interior care) | Low (Fibrex, easy to clean) |
| Warranty | Lifetime Limited | 20 years (glass), 10 years (non-glass parts) | Comprehensive limited warranty |
| Price Range | Mid-to-high | Mid-to-high | High |
Provia Endure Windows
Features and Benefits
Provia Endure windows are designed to provide exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal. Key features include:
- Made of Sunshield Vinyl: Sunshield vinyl is a proprietary vinyl design that has superior performance compared to standard vinyl, maintaining color and resisting the deteriorating effects of ultra-violet light.
- Multi-chambered frame and sash design: A multi-chambered window frame has multiple small air compartments, or chambers. These air compartments reduce the transfer of heat through the frame helping to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home.
- Graphite-infused polystyrene rigid foam insulation: This unique insulation substantially improves energy efficiency.
- High-performance insulated glass: Options for double or triple-pane glass with gas fills (argon or krypton) for superior thermal insulation.
- Innergy thermal reinforcements: Innergy thermal reinforcements are Provia's alternative to aluminum reinforcements. They are made of fiberglass, and, according to the company, insulate 700 times better than aluminum.
Design and Customization Options
Provia Endure windows offer extensive customization options to match any home's aesthetic:
- Color choices: Wide range of interior and exterior colors, including wood grain finishes.
- Grille patterns: Various grille designs such as colonial, prairie, and custom patterns.
- Hardware finishes: Multiple hardware styles and finishes to complement interior decor.
- Window styles: Available in a variety of styles including double-hung, casement, slider, awning, and picture windows.
Cost and Value
Provia Endure windows are positioned in the mid-to-high price range, reflecting their high-quality materials and advanced features. Despite the higher initial cost, the long-term energy savings and durability provide significant value and extensive warranty coverage makes them even more attractive.
See also: What Do Replacement Windows Cost?
Andersen 400 Series & Renewal By Andersen
Features and Benefits
-
Andersen 400 Series:
- Wood interiors with vinyl exteriors: Combines the natural beauty of wood with the durability and low maintenance of vinyl.
- Tilt-wash feature: Simplifies cleaning from inside the home.
- Variety of glass options: Includes a special low-e glass called Low-E4 for enhanced energy efficiency.
- Customizable hardware: Multiple finishes and styles available.
-
Renewal by Andersen:
- Fibrex composite material: A composite of reclaimed wood and thermoplastic polymer, Fibrex combines the strength of wood with the low maintenance of vinyl.
- Custom-built replacement windows: Tailored to fit existing window openings precisely.
- High-performance glass options: Includes SmartSun glass for superior energy efficiency and UV protection.
- Professional installation: Renewal by Andersen windows are always professionally installed to ensure a perfect fit and great performance.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation Properties
Both Andersen 400 Series and Renewal by Andersen windows are designed for excellent energy efficiency:
- High-performance glass: Options like Low-E4 and SmartSun glass provide superior insulation and UV protection.
- Fibrex material (Renewal by Andersen): Offers excellent thermal performance by reducing heat transfer.
- Weatherstripping: Advanced sealing technologies prevent air leaks and enhance energy efficiency.
Design and Customization Options
Andersen windows provide a wide range of customization options to suit different tastes and home styles:
- Color choices: Extensive palette of interior and exterior colors, including custom colors.
- Grille patterns: Multiple grille styles such as colonial, prairie, and custom designs.
- Hardware finishes: Variety of hardware styles and finishes to match home decor.
- Window styles: Available in various styles including double-hung, casement, awning, sliding, and picture windows.
Cost and Value
Andersen 400 Series and Renewal by Andersen windows are generally positioned in the mid-to-high price range. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term benefits, including energy savings, durability, and aesthetic appeal, justify the cost. Andersen’s strong warranties also provide peace of mind and protect the homeowner’s investment.
Ideal Scenarios for Choosing Provia Endure vs. Andersen
Choose Provia Endure Windows if:
- You prioritize energy efficiency and long-term energy savings.
- You want extensive customization options to match your home's decor.
- You prefer low-maintenance windows with durable materials.
- You value a comprehensive lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Choose Andersen 400 Series or Renewal by Andersen if:
- You want the natural beauty of wood interiors combined with durable exteriors.
- You prefer innovative materials like Fibrex for superior durability and low maintenance.
- You seek high-performance glass options for optimal energy efficiency.
- You appreciate extensive customization and professional installation services.
See also: Vinyl vs Fiberglass Windows: Cost, Durability, & More
Provia vs Andersen Windows: Product Lines and Materials
Provia
Now that we've discussed Provia's Endure line of windows, let's talk about the rest of their window lines.
Provia Window Lines
- Aspect: The Aspect line combines affordability with reliable performance. Unlike the Endure line, they do not come standard with Neopor insulation.
- Aeris: Aeris windows are unique in that they offer a wood-clad vinyl option, combining the beauty of natural wood on the interior with the durability and low maintenance of vinyl on the exterior. This line is ideal if you want the beauty of wood without the upkeep.
- EcoLite: The EcoLite line is a great option if you're on a budget, providing energy efficiency and durability at a lower price point. These vinyl windows are a great entry-level option that doesn't compromise on quality.
Materials
- Vinyl: Provia’s primary material for most of its window lines, vinyl is known for its durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency.
- Wood-Clad Vinyl: Featured in the Aeris line, this material offers the aesthetic appeal of wood on the interior side of the window, while the exterior is made of vinyl. This is known as a clad window.
Andersen
Andersen provides a few more product lines than Provia.
Andersen Window Lines
- A-Series: Andersen's premium architectural line, A-Series windows are made with wood interiors and fiberglass or composite exteriors. Andersen calls these their best-performing and most energy-efficient windows.
- E-Series: The E-Series offers aluminum-clad windows (wood interior, aluminum exterior).
- 400 Series: The 400 Series is one of Andersen’s most popular lines. These windows offer wood interiors (made of pine) with vinyl exteriors, giving you a classic look on the inside but modern durability and low maintenance on the outside.
- 200 Series: Like the 400 series, the 200 Series consists of wood windows with vinyl exteriors, but with fewer window styles and customization options. The 200 series is more budget-friendly than the 400 series.
- 100 Series: Made from Fibrex, a 40% wood, 60% thermoplastic composite material exclusive to Andersen, the 100 Series offers excellent strength, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
- Renewal by Andersen: A full-service window replacement line, Renewal by Andersen offers custom-built windows made from Fibrex, providing excellent energy efficiency and durability. This line is tailored for homeowners looking to replace old windows with high-quality, custom-fit solutions.
Materials Used
- Wood: Used in the A-Series, E-Series, and 400 Series, wood provides natural beauty and excellent insulation properties.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is used as exterior cladding in the E-Series
- Composite (Fibrex): Exclusive to Andersen, Fibrex combines reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer for a material that offers the best of both worlds—strength, durability, and low maintenance.
- Vinyl: Used primarily for exterior cladding in the 400 Series and some other lines, vinyl ensures weather resistance and low maintenance.
Provia vs Andersen Windows: Energy Efficiency
Provia
Provia is renowned for its special focus on energy efficiency, ensuring that their windows help reduce energy costs while enhancing indoor comfort. Here are the key features contributing to Provia’s energy-efficient windows:
Energy Star Ratings
Provia windows consistently earn Energy Star ratings, a mark of superior energy performance. These ratings indicate that Provia windows meet or exceed the stringent energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Insulating Glass Options
Provia offers a variety of insulating glass options to enhance energy efficiency. Their windows can be customized with double or triple-pane glass, which helps to significantly reduce heat transfer. The insulating glass units often include argon or krypton gas fills, further improving thermal performance by minimizing heat loss.
Foam-Filled Frames and Sashes
One of the standout features of Provia windows is the foam-filled frames and sashes. This additional insulation within the window structure enhances the overall energy efficiency by reducing thermal bridging and providing better resistance to heat transfer.
Andersen
Andersen is a leader in developing advanced window technologies that prioritize energy efficiency. Here are the key features that make Andersen windows highly energy-efficient:
Energy Star Ratings
Andersen windows also proudly carry Energy Star ratings, signifying that they meet or surpass the energy efficiency criteria established by the EPA. This ensures that Andersen windows contribute to significant energy savings and environmental benefits.
High-Performance Low-E4 Glass
Andersen’s High-Performance Low-E4 glass is designed to provide excellent energy efficiency. This glass option features a low-emissivity coating that reflects heat while allowing natural light to pass through. It helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.
SmartSun Glass Technology
Andersen's SmartSun glass technology offers superior energy performance with enhanced UV protection. This glass blocks 95% of harmful UV rays, preventing fading of interior furnishings while maintaining optimal energy efficiency. SmartSun glass is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for maximum energy savings and protection against UV damage.
Provia vs Andersen Windows: Durability and Maintenance
Provia
Provia windows are designed with durability and low maintenance in mind, ensuring they perform well over time and require minimal upkeep. Here’s a detailed look at the features that contribute to Provia’s reputation for durability and ease of maintenance:
Resistance to Weather and Temperature Extremes
Provia windows are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and significant temperature fluctuations. The materials used in Provia windows, particularly vinyl and wood-clad vinyl, are engineered to resist warping, cracking, and deterioration caused by extreme temperatures, moisture, and UV exposure. This resistance ensures that Provia windows maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for many years, even in challenging climates.
Low Maintenance Requirements
One of the standout benefits of Provia windows is their low maintenance requirements. Vinyl, the primary material used in Provia windows, is inherently resistant to rot, corrosion, and insect damage. Unlike wood windows, which require regular painting or staining, Provia’s vinyl windows retain their color and finish without the need for frequent upkeep. Additionally, the easy-to-clean surfaces of Provia windows make routine maintenance simple and hassle-free for homeowners.
Warranty Details
Provia stands behind the quality and durability of its windows with comprehensive warranty coverage. Most Provia windows come with a Lifetime Limited Warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the original homeowner owns the home. This warranty often includes coverage for components such as hardware, insulated glass units, and exterior finishes. Provia’s robust warranty provides homeowners with peace of mind, knowing their investment is protected.
Andersen
Andersen is known for manufacturing windows that offer exceptional durability and low maintenance, leveraging advanced materials and technologies to ensure long-lasting performance. Here’s a detailed overview of the features that make Andersen windows durable and easy to maintain:
Durability of Fibrex Material
One of the key innovations from Andersen is the use of Fibrex material in many of its window lines, particularly the 100 Series and Renewal by Andersen products. Fibrex is a composite material made from reclaimed wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer, combining the strength and stability of wood with the low maintenance of vinyl. This material is highly resistant to temperature extremes, preventing warping, cracking, and expansion. Fibrex also provides excellent structural integrity, ensuring Andersen windows remain durable and reliable over time.
Resistance to Fading, Flaking, Peeling
Andersen windows are designed to resist fading, flaking, and peeling, maintaining their appearance and performance for years. The finishes applied to Andersen windows, especially those made with Fibrex and vinyl-clad wood, are engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and harsh weather conditions. This ensures that the windows’ exteriors remain vibrant and intact, reducing the need for repainting or refinishing.
Warranty Details
Andersen offers strong warranty protection for its windows, reflecting their confidence in the durability and quality of their products. Andersen’s warranties typically include a 20-year limited warranty on glass and a 10-year limited warranty on non-glass parts, such as Fibrex material and hardware components. For Renewal by Andersen windows, a comprehensive limited warranty covers the glass, Fibrex material, and installation, providing extensive protection for homeowners. Andersen’s warranties offer substantial coverage and support, ensuring homeowners can rely on their windows for many years.