When we first moved into The Arched Manor, we knew that some areas of our home would need attention. In fact, one of our first big projects was replacing the windows along the back of the house. We chose to work with Renewal by Andersen for that project, and the experience—from consultation to installation—was so smooth and the product so impressive that we knew we’d use them again.
Fast forward to this year, when the windows in our sons’ bedrooms started causing trouble. Between moisture issues and functionality problems, it was time for another upgrade—and we didn’t hesitate to call Renewal by Andersen back in.
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Identifying the Problem
Moisture and Functionality Issues
The double-hung windows in Tristan’s and Charlie’s bedrooms were original to the house and made of wood. Over the years, they had started to show serious signs of wear. They were difficult to open and close, and we began to notice a persistent mildew-like smell in Charlie’s room. Outside, the paint was peeling from the sills and surrounding trim, and there were clear signs of soft, rotted wood—especially along the lower portions of the window frames. Inside, some baseboards below the windows were starting to pop away from the drywall. Concerned about potential water damage, we brought in a moisture and mold specialist. He confirmed there was a moisture leak likely originating around the window sill or frame, but thankfully, there was no mold present—welcome news for us as parents.
HOA Compliance
Living in a community with a strict Homeowners Association (HOA) meant that any exterior changes needed to maintain the original appearance. This added an extra layer of complexity to our window replacement project, as we needed new windows that matched the existing design.
Choosing Renewal by Andersen
The Initial Consultation
Our search for a solution led us to schedule a free in-home consultation with Renewal by Andersen. Mary, our sales representative, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. She walked us through various options, including hardware finishes, screen types, and grille patterns, ensuring we could find a match that satisfied both our aesthetic preferences and HOA requirements. One particularly cool feature she brought to the table was an iPad with an augmented reality (AR) tool—it allowed us to preview how different window styles and finishes would look in our actual space. Being able to visualize the options right in our rooms made the decision-making process so much easier and more confident.
Understanding Fibrex Material: A Smart Choice for Modern Homes
One of the standout features that drew us to Renewal by Andersen—not once, but twice—is their exclusive Fibrex material. This isn’t your average window frame construction; Fibrex is a proprietary composite made from a blend of reclaimed wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer. The result is a material that combines the natural strength and insulation of wood with the durability and low-maintenance appeal of vinyl—without the drawbacks of either.
Fibrex vs. Vinyl
Vinyl windows are often chosen for their affordability and low maintenance, but they come with trade-offs. Vinyl can expand and contract significantly with temperature fluctuations, which can affect the seal and overall longevity of the window. Over time, vinyl may also warp or become brittle, especially in extreme climates.
Fibrex, on the other hand, has minimal thermal expansion, meaning it holds its shape and integrity better over time. It also resists warping, cracking, and fading much more effectively than vinyl, making it a better long-term investment. Plus, Fibrex can be extruded into more complex profiles than vinyl, allowing for cleaner lines and more custom design options—which was a huge plus for us, given the design standards of our HOA.
Fibrex vs. Wood
Traditional wood windows have long been praised for their beauty and strength. However, they require regular maintenance—think painting, staining, and sealing—to prevent rot, mold, or insect damage (see our blog post on repairing wood windows). For us, this was a major concern, especially given the moisture issues we experienced with the original wood windows in our sons’ rooms.
Fibrex eliminates those concerns. It offers the aesthetic and insulation benefits of wood without the ongoing upkeep. It doesn’t rot, it’s not prone to insect damage, and it holds up beautifully even in humid or damp conditions—something we’ve already come to appreciate with the new windows in place.
Fibrex vs. Other Composites
There are other composite window materials on the market, but not all composites are created equal. Many are made from plastic-heavy mixes that don’t offer the same structural integrity or energy efficiency. Fibrex is 60% thermoplastic polymer and 40% reclaimed wood fiber by weight, a ratio that contributes to both its sustainability and strength.
In addition to its environmentally conscious construction, Fibrex windows also boast superior thermal insulation compared to other composites. This means better performance in both hot and cold seasons, and ultimately, lower energy bills. We’ve already noticed a difference in how well our home holds temperature—especially in the bedrooms where the new windows were installed.
The Bottom Line
For us, Fibrex struck the perfect balance. We needed something that looked high-end and met our strict exterior design requirements, but also stood up to moisture, time, and wear. Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex windows checked every box. They’re attractive, high-performing, and built to last—without the upkeep and pitfalls of wood or vinyl.
Professional Installation: A Thoughtful, Thorough Process from Start to Finish
Installation day is always a bit of a high-stakes moment in any home improvement project. After weeks of planning and anticipation, everything comes down to how well the team executes—and we’re happy to say the Renewal by Andersen crew exceeded our expectations in every way.
Arrival and Preparation
The crew arrived right on time, and from the moment they stepped onto the property, they were polite, professional, and incredibly respectful of our home. Before a single tool came out, they spent a considerable amount of time prepping the workspace. They laid down heavy-duty tarps and plastic sheeting to protect our floors, walls, and furniture from dust, debris, and the inevitable foot traffic of the day. It was clear that care and cleanliness were top priorities for the team, which we appreciated—especially with two kids in the house.
Window Removal and Frame Prep
Removing the old windows was no small task, but the crew handled it with efficiency and precision. Each window was carefully taken out without damaging the surrounding structure. Once the old units were removed, they took time to thoroughly insulate the rough openings in the window frames, a crucial step for maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing future air leaks or moisture infiltration.
Seamless Installation of Pre-Assembled Units
One of the things we love about Renewal by Andersen’s product is that each window is delivered as a fully pre-assembled unit, complete with the sill and trim already attached. This design ensures a more watertight seal and a cleaner, more seamless look overall. Since the windows are constructed from Fibrex, we also have peace of mind knowing they’re not susceptible to rot, warping, or degradation like traditional wood windows. Once the units were in place, the team meticulously caulked and sealed the exterior joints, especially around the brickwork, to guarantee long-term water resistance and durability.
Custom Interior Trim Work
Outside the house, the crew cut and assembled brand-new interior trim pieces on-site to fit each window perfectly. Normally, they would have installed these trim pieces as part of the job—but at our request, they left them off. We wanted to take the opportunity to replace the drywall and re-insulate the wall cavities beneath the windows before final trim installation. The team had no problem adjusting their process to accommodate our plans, which was a nice example of how flexible and accommodating they were throughout.
Constant Communication and Oversight
One of the highlights of the day was the presence of the project manager, who stayed on-site the entire time. He not only coordinated the team’s work and made sure everything went according to plan, but he also kept us informed at every step. Anytime we had a question—or just wanted to check on progress—he was right there to walk us through what was happening and why. That level of transparency and communication really stood out and helped us feel confident that everything was being done right.
A Clean Finish
After the installation was complete, the crew did a thorough cleanup of the workspace. They rolled up tarps, vacuumed, and made sure no debris or scraps were left behind. Before they left, the project manager did a walk-through with us, personally demonstrating how to open, close, and lock the new windows. He also showed us the tilt-in function for easy cleaning—a small but very welcome feature that makes ongoing maintenance so much easier.
Final Impressions
The entire installation process took just one full day, and the results speak for themselves. From the prep to the cleanup, every part of the process was handled with a high level of care and craftsmanship. We couldn’t be happier with the installation team or the overall experience. It’s not often that you say a construction project goes perfectly—but in this case, it truly did.
The Results
Improved Functionality
The new windows operate smoothly, allowing for easy opening and closing. This has significantly improved ventilation in the bedrooms and made daily tasks like opening the windows for fresh air much more manageable.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Since the installation, we’ve noticed a reduction in drafts and more consistent indoor temperatures. The Fibrex® material, combined with high-performance glass, has contributed to lower energy bills and increased comfort in our home.
Aesthetic Appeal with Peace of Mind
One of our biggest concerns going into this project was making sure the new windows looked almost identical to the originals—thanks to our HOA’s strict exterior guidelines. Fortunately, Renewal by Andersen delivered. Visually, the new windows blend in so well with the rest of the home that you’d never know they weren’t original. From the outside, they check every box for HOA compliance, which made the approval process smooth and stress-free.
But it’s not just about appearances—the materials matter too. The original windows were made of wood, which had begun to show its age. We’d dealt with peeling paint, soft spots, and even rotted trim around the sills. It was a constant concern every time it rained or snowed: would more moisture sneak in? Would the wood degrade further?
With these new Fibrex® windows, those worries are a thing of the past. Fibrex® is designed to stand up to the elements. It doesn’t rot, warp, or swell when exposed to moisture. The material is incredibly durable and resistant to weather damage, which means we don’t have to think twice about what’s happening outside the house during a storm. The sills and exterior trim are part of the pre-assembled unit and were sealed tightly during installation, providing a watertight barrier that protects the window frame and the interior of our home.
Inside, the difference is just as noticeable. The new windows feature clean lines, tight joints, and a finish that looks high-end and tailored. They’ve elevated the overall look of Tristan’s and Charlie’s bedrooms, making the spaces feel more finished and polished. And knowing that we have a product that’s not only beautiful but also built to last adds a whole extra level of satisfaction to the upgrade.
Conclusion: A Window Upgrade Worth Repeating
Our experience with Renewal by Andersen has been overwhelmingly positive—from the initial consultation all the way through to the final walk-through. Every step of the process was handled with professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine respect for our home. The high-quality Fibrex® windows, expert craftsmanship, and top-tier customer service came together to make this one of the most seamless and satisfying home improvement projects we’ve undertaken.
Because we’ve had such great results—twice now—we confidently and wholeheartedly recommend Renewal by Andersen to anyone considering a window replacement.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your own windows and want to experience this same level of care and quality, we’ve got something special for you:
Click here to schedule a free in-home consultation with Renewal by Andersen, and you’ll also receive our exclusive Arched Manor discount on any window replacement orders. A representative from Renewal by Andersen will reach out directly to get you started.
Exclusive Arched Manor Discount
- 20% Off Your Entire Order
- An Extra $200 Off Your Order*
- FREE In-Home Consultation
*4 or more windows
