1. Durability

One of the stand-out attributes of Fibrex is its remarkable durability. This unique composite material is twice as strong as vinyl, meaning your windows can withstand harsh weather and the test of time, lasting longer than your average window. All of our replacement windows are equipped with Fibrex frames, so no matter your choice, you’re investing in products that will serve you well for years to come.

2. Energy Efficiency

Who doesn’t love the sound of lower utility bills? Thanks to the first-rate insulation provided by Fibrex, you will see a noticeable decrease in energy costs. This material’s excellent thermal insulation means your home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer without overworking your HVAC system.

3. Aesthetics

Fibrex isn’t just about functionality; it’s also about style. Available in a range of colors and designs, Fibrex windows can complement any home aesthetic from modern and minimal to classic and traditional. Whether you’re renovating living spaces or working on a new construction project, Fibrex windows will add charm to any area of your home.

4. Low Maintenance

Replacement windows equipped with Fibrex also require minimal maintenance. Unlike wood that needs repainting or metal that can rust, this alternative framing material remains strong and beautiful throughout the seasons without requiring too much of your time and effort for maintenance.

5. Environmentally Friendly

In this day and age, making environmentally conscious choices is more important than ever. You’ll be glad to know that Fibrex is made from a blend of reclaimed wood and thermoplastic polymer. Not only that, but you can also rest easily knowing that these windows are long-lasting, therefore reducing waste.

Our windows and doors can improve the look, feel, and functionality of your home. Helping you find the right windows to make your home comfortable and energy-efficient is what we do best. If you’d like to learn more, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post Are Fibrex® Windows Worth It? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Summer is a great time for outdoor fun and relaxation, but it can be challenging when you want your home to feel like a comfortable refuge from the heat. Cranking up the air conditioner isn’t always the best solution. Whether you’re trying to save money or reduce your carbon footprint, there are still ways to keep your home cool. Here are some simple tips to help you survive the summer heat without relying on an air conditioner.

1. Use fans.

2. Use awnings or shutters on south and west-facing windows.

3. Check for air leaks.

4. Use light-colored paint.

5. Use window coverings.

6. Increase your green space.

7. Replace single-pane glass.

The post Keep Your Home Cool Without an Air Conditioner appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. Frame

Wood is a popular choice for homeowners who want to preserve the heritage look of their homes. However, wood is prone to rot, which isn’t good news if you’re looking for a long-term solution. As an alternative, people have switched to composite materials like Fibrex®. The strength of wood and the low-maintenance features of vinyl are combined in this product, giving you the best of both worlds.

2. Coating

Low-emissivity (or low-E) glass is a special coating that blocks specific amounts of ultraviolet rays. This special coating blocks specific amounts of ultraviolet rays that can heat the interior of your home and fade objects. This will help you keep your home looking and feeling good without pushing the HVAC system to work twice as hard. Renewal by Andersen windows are equipped with High-Performance Low-E4® glass, which works together with our Fibrex® material frames in providing long-term performance, beauty, and energy savings.

3. Double Glazing

Double-glazed windows effectively reduce heat transfer, resulting in stable indoor temperatures throughout the year. This improved thermal performance not only keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer but also leads to significant energy savings and reduced utility bills. In addition, double-glazed windows provide enhanced noise reduction and increased security.

4. Gas Fill

Argon gas is a popular choice for filling the space in between the panes of double-glazed windows, primarily due to its excellent thermal insulation properties. As a non-toxic, clear, and odorless gas that’s denser than air, argon provides improved insulation by reducing heat transfer through the window.

Window replacement can be challenging. But with proper research, preparation and professional assistance, you can overcome any obstacles and achieve your desired outcome. To start your window replacement project, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post The Four Factors Behind Energy-Efficient Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Appeal

After completing your window replacement project, you will notice an improvement in your property’s curb appeal. Fibrex windows are highly regarded for their attractiveness. You can get them in various colors and styles to complement your home’s interior and exterior elements.

Low-Maintenance

Cleaning windows can be a chore, but with Fibrex, you don’t have to worry about constant maintenance. This low-maintenance material is to care for and clean. It doesn’t require painting and staining. Another great thing about it is that it will not rot or warp.

Excellent Strength

Compared to vinyl and wood, Fibrex is more durable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance. It can protect your house better against harsh weather conditions and outdoor elements. You won’t have to worry about rot, pests, and other moisture-related issues with this material.

Insulation

Fibrex can keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. It features excellent insulating properties for more energy savings, so you can count on Fibrex to help you save on heating and cooling costs.

At Renewal by Andersen of Alaska, we install high-quality Fibrex windows backed with one of the strongest warranties on the market. When you’re ready to take the first step, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post Four Great Qualities of Fibrex® appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Our winter installation system makes it quick and easy. Here’s how it works:

• Our Certified Master Installers seal off the room they’re working in, using zip walls to enclose the area. This keeps pets, plants, and people comfortable in the rest of the home. Zip walls also prevent heat loss and ensure your home will have minimal exposure to the elements.
• We cover and protect floors and furnishings from foot traffic, construction debris, and the harsh winter elements.
• Two installers work on both the outside and inside of your home simultaneously.
• The installers work on one window at a time, with each window being installed on average in as little as five minutes.
• Each window is custom-manufactured to 1/8” of the opening so that installers can add additional insulation around the framework once they’re in place, helping to maximize energy-efficiency.

Take a look at this short video to meet a Renewal by Andersen Certified Master Installer:

We are dedicated to providing outstanding service to our customers. We work quickly and efficiently—never exposing your home to the harsh elements of winter. Our projects are completed in as little as one day—giving you immediate satisfaction with beautiful new windows that improve the comfort of your home! You don’t have to suffer with cold, drafty, and inefficient windows for another winter, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post Alaska’s Winter Window Installation Experts appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

More Panes Means a More Energy-Efficient Window

Glass is not the best insulating material. Particularly in the form of windows, a thin sheet of glass between you and an Alaskan winter is not going to do much.

But if you put two sheets of glass together with a layer of gas between them, you now have a great insulating system. Even better, triple-pane glass offers the highest energy-efficiency in windows.

Not All Glass is Made Equal

An insulating layer of gas is great, but there’s more you can do. The type of glass you choose is also important when creating energy-efficient windows.

Low-E4 SmartSun glass is currently the most energy-efficient glass offered by Renewal by Andersen. It’s over 40% more effective as an insulator than uncoated double-pane windows, and it doesn’t noticeably block light. The coating is also designed to be easy to clean and blocks 95% of harmful UV radiation.

With Low-E4 SmartSun glass and triple-pane windows, you can save around 25% on your energy bill over winter and around 18% over the summer.

Getting the Right Fit

Your home warps and settles over time. Shifts in the ground, from subtle movement to earthquakes, will gradually change the shape of the house. This can leave doorways and window frames slightly skewed. This can have two effects on your heating: either this warping will create gaps around a home’s windows, or windows that are mass-produced, one-size-fits-all models simply won’t fit in the space. Either way, you’ll be left with a gap that lets cold air in and hot air out.

At Renewal by Andersen, we precisely measure your windows and produce them to your house’s specifications. We’ll make sure that they fit precisely and are properly weather sealed. This means no more gaps driving your energy bill up.

Did you know that our windows are also ENERGY-STAR® certified? Give us a call or use our online contact form to get in touch today. We’ll come to you for an in-home consultation and work out how we can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars with new Renewal by Andersen windows.

The post Choosing an Energy-Efficient Window for Alaska appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. Shrinking, Warping, and Cracking

Shrinkage, warping, and cracking are common side effects of extreme temperature changes most often seen in wood products. For example, wooden window frames, doors, and door frames can shrink in extreme cold. In extreme humidity, they can begin to warp or bow. The same can be said for most builder-grade PVC windows and doors although quality PVC windows allow far less structural movement which eliminates these types of issues. Our Fibrex® frames retain their rigidity and stability in all climates and come with a no blister, peel, crack, rot, flake, rust, pit, or corrode warranty.

2. Ice Build-Up

The main reason you should maintain or replace your weatherstripping is because ice tends to form in gaps around doors and windows. When warm, moisture-rich air escapes through these openings, it freezes upon contact with the cold air leaking in. This can make it difficult to open a window or door without damaging the weather stripping, which will only lead to more ice being created.

3. Drafts

Old, poorly fitted or poorly insulated windows and doors most often cause drafts within the home. Adding or replacing weather stripping may help, but in most cases, a new door or window will likely be needed to eliminate the problem.

4. Condensation

Condensation on the inside of your windows during the winter months is often a sign that your windows have good energy efficiency and usually isn’t cause for alarm. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air in your home comes into contact with the cold surface of the window pane. If the condensation appears excessive, you may want to reduce the humidity in your home either by using a dehumidifier, extraction fans, and by ensuring your home is adequately ventilated. If you find condensation or a fogginess developing between the panes on a double- or triple-paned window, it’s likely that a seal has been broken which will need to be repaired.

5. Hardware Failure

All doors and windows have latches, handles, hinges and other operating hardware. When ice or cold weather freezes these parts or shifts the position of your doors or windows, these parts can become damaged or jammed.

Now that you know what to look for, you’re better prepared for what the winter weather may throw at you. If it’s finally time for a new window or door, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post 5 Ways Winter Impacts Doors and Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

What effect does indoor humidity have on window condensation?

Condensation is caused by excess humidity. When the outside temperature cools, the temperature of the glass in your windows does as well. When warm, moist indoor air comes in contact with this cold glass, the moisture condenses and forms water droplets. To prevent condensation from forming on windows, you have to consider the window’s energy efficiency, inside and outside temperatures, but most importantly, the humidity inside your home. Indoor moisture is just a part of life. Many activities such as cooking and bathing release moisture into the air.

How can I cut down indoor humidity during winter?

• Open the blinds and drapes to let out moisture-laden air.
• Raise the air temperature in your home to decrease relative humidity.
• Turn on ceiling fans for more air circulation.
• Run exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and leaving them running for 15 minutes or longer to clear out lingering moisture.
• Ensure proper ventilation of appliances, like dryers, to the outside.
• Avoid storing firewood in your house or basement.

What about the opposite problem? In winter, indoor heating makes the air too dry. Are humidifiers OK to use?

While some people may find humidified air easier to breathe, it’s important to clean your humidifier regularly so that mold and bacteria don’t build up in its filters. Also, if the air is humidified excessively, condensation and other excess humidity related problems can occur.

On the positive side, humidified air can reduce the shrinkage of wall cracks and wooden furniture caused by over-drying as well as reducing static electricity. Whether or not you choose to use a humidifier, you must weigh the advantages of humidity against its disadvantages, including the increased risk of condensation.

Every home is different, but a level between 30 and 40 per cent humidity is typically ideal for keeping your home warm and comfortable in the winter, without leaving condensation on the windows.

Failure to maintain a reasonable humidity level may have the following effects:

• Low humidity=skin dryness. Humidity levels below 20% may cause skin dryness, which results in itchiness and discomfort.
• High humidity=allergies. Humidity levels of over 65% may cause asthma, allergies, and other upper respiratory illnesses.
• Excess humidity=home deterioration. Components such as windows, tiles, wood, and doors that store moisture are affected most.

When windows are not properly sealed, air leakage and condensation can occur when the indoor temperature is different from the outdoor temperature. Moisture can also seep through walls and deteriorate the paint there as well as on window sashes. And if there’s too much moisture in the window frame, it could cause rotting.

The bottom line: maintain a relative humidity level that’s comfortable for you, then reduce the humidity level when condensation occurs. The best way to do this is by turning off your humidifier or reducing the above sources of humidity in your home.

For more information on condensation, check out our other blog post: Condensation Season is Starting, or view our free condensation brochure: 2021 Condensation Brochure – Renewal by Andersen.

If you feel like your old windows need to be replaced, consider a winter window replacement project! We offer quick installation and you can still experience savings from the increased energy efficiency found in new replacement windows. Call us to schedule a free consultation today!

The post How to Manage Indoor Humidity in Winter appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

We help by:

• Manufacturing responsibly

Our Fibrex® material frames includes wood fibers made of at least 40% reclaimed wood fibers sourced from Andersen’s woodworking facilities. Our High-Performance Low-E4® glass also contains at least 12% recycled glass by weight.

• Being sustainable

Our replacement windows have longer than average lifespans and are supported by our Transferable Limited Warranties. These products help slow down the rate that landfills get filled.

• Reducing our carbon footprints

Our energy-efficient replacement windows can help reduce energy usage, thus reducing your home’s carbon footprint.

• Working with environmental partners

We are partners with the National Fenestration Rating Council® (NFRC); ENERGY STAR® ; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. And did you know, we’re the first window manufacturer to receive the Green Seal Certification for Environmental Stewardship.

In addition to these benefits, often energy-efficient upgrades to a house are eligible for tax credits. Not only are our products environmentally friendly, but they also protect our customers’ wallets. As one of the area’s most trusted window providers and installers, Renewal by Andersen of Alaska works hard to make sure your window upgrade is of the highest quality.

The post Renewal by Andersen’s Environmental Commitment appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Here’s a quick checklist to get your house ready for fall:

• Clear your yard. Protect your backyard furniture from the cold and wet by cleaning and covering it and storing it in a dry place. Move outdoor tools such as lawn mowers, grills and barbeques to a shed or garage. Disconnect and drain your outside hose.
• Check your roof and gutters. Look for any shingles that are bent, cracked or missing and replace them. Check for leaks in these areas as well as around chimneys and skylights. While you’re up there, clear the leaves and debris from your gutters.
• Clean and weatherproof outside surfaces. If you want to clean your patio, driveway, deck and home exterior, this is your last chance to rent the power washer you’ll need. You should also renew weatherproofing on decks, fences and other exterior structures as well as insulate any pipes in unheated locations.
• Get your HVAC serviced. Before the cooler months set in, have your heating and air-conditioning system inspected and serviced. You don’t want to be stuck with a dirty filter that will let allergens into the air around your home during the wintertime. If you have ceiling fans, reverse direction to a clockwise motion to create an updraft to move warm air down.
• Check your home’s exterior for cracks. Before fall, winter and spring weather set in, protect your home’s exterior by caulking around areas where masonry meets siding and where pipes or wires enter the house. This will prevent water from getting in, resulting in cracks and mold.
• Check window and door seals. Save money on heating and cooling costs by checking for drafts around the windows and doors. Apply weather stripping or caulk to reduce drafts. While you’re at it, clean your windows of summer grime before the cold weather sets in.

Renewal by Andersen of Alaska provides premier window and patio door products and installation services. To discuss your window replacement options, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post How to Prepare Your Home for Fall appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.