1. Durability

One of the most standout 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. 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 heating and cooling systems.

3. Aesthetics

Fibrex isn’t just about functionality; it’s also about style. Available in a range of colours 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 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.

Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We offer window and door replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River, and the Okanagan. 

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Glass Care

Renewal by Andersen replacement windows are equipped with High-Performance Low-E4® glass, which works together with our Fibrex® frames in providing long-term performance, beauty, and energy savings. The Low-E4 glass coating has been specially formulated for easy cleaning although there are things that even a high quality class coating can’t prevent, like dust, dirt, and the occasional stain from spills and splashes.

Cleaning the glass really couldn’t be easier. First, wipe the glass down with a soft dry cloth. This will remove dust and grime that might have built up.

Once you’ve wiped the window down, apply a mild cleaning solution. We recommend you use soapy water, diluted vinegar, or a liquid window cleaner. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe down the window in a circular motion.

To minimise residue on the glass, we recommend not applying glass cleaner in direct sunlight. Instead, clean between temperatures of 4°C-29°C.

Avoid abrasive cleaning products, scrub pads, and rust removers containing hydrofluoric acid, as they can cause permanent damage to the coating.

That’s it! It’s really that easy to keep your window glass shiny and clean. For best results, you should check your windows about once a week or so. The longer grime and dust have to build up on the glass, the harder it’ll be to remove them.

Fibrex Frame Care

We use our patented Fibrex material for all of our window frames. One of the biggest selling points of Fibrex is the ease of cleaning and maintaining it compared to other materials such as wood.

Simply wipe down frames, sash, and grilles with a mild solution of soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive rag or brush.

There is one catch: do not use newspaper or other ink-based papers. They can — and will — stain and discolour the Fibrex material. (Keep this in mind when wiping down your glass as well!)

Insect Screens

TruScene® insect screens have been designed to keep the bugs out and the light in. TruScene uses a fine mesh that’s a perfect barrier for insects but is fine enough that you hardly lose any light coming in your windows. That being said, if dust and debris build up on that mesh, it doesn’t matter how fine it is. You’re going to start losing light.

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean all screens. No soapy water or cleaning product is required. For a complete clean, you’ll want to remove the screen from the frame first. To do this:

• Release the latches from the side jambs.
• Hold the screen tight and gently push outwards to clear the sill.
• Tilt the screen away from you and pull it inside.

Wipe down as needed and reverse the process to reinstall.

Lubrication and Corrosion Resistance

For those with casement, double-hung, gliding, or awning windows, or one of our patio doors, you’ll want to keep them well-lubricated. We recommend applying a dry lubricant once a year to all moving parts including hinges and rollers.

While our products are always designed to resist corrosion, you’ll need to give it a bit of a helping hand to keep it protected. Lubricants with corrosion inhibitors will keep your moving parts safer for longer in damp and humid environments.

Please note: do not use wet lubricants or harsh, solvent-based greases on your moving parts. These will not only damage your windows but will actually collect particles that promote corrosion.

With these simple steps, you’ll keep your Renewal by Andersen windows alive for longer. Don’t forget that all Renewal by Andersen windows come with our exceptional 20-2-10 limited warranty. That means 20-years limited warranty on glass, two-year limited warranty on installation, and ten-year limited warranty for all non-glass components.

Want your own easy-to-maintain windows? Give us a call today or fill out our contact forms to arrange a free consultation with one of our Design Consultants. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post How to Care for Your RbA Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

Our commitment to exceptional workmanship and customer satisfaction has earned us distinctions such as the Best of Houzz Service Award; a Renewal by Andersen Homeowner Satisfaction Award; an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award; a Big 50 Remodeling Award from Hanley Wood and Remodeling Magazine and a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business with an A rating. 

What Sets Renewal by Andersen® of British Columbia Apart

Four reasons why we remain the number one window replacement company in and around Vancouver include:

• Exceptional window and door products. Few contractors are able to offer the high-quality windows we provide, as we use our exclusive  Fibrex® material for sashes and frames. Fibrex combines the strength and insulating properties of wood with the low-maintenance nature of vinyl. Thanks to the material’s impressive durability, we’re able to build windows with thinner frames and bigger glass areas. Fibrex also forms an airtight seal that helps prevent energy loss.
• All our windows are fitted with our High-Performance Low-E4® SmartSun Glass. This advanced option helps to minimize the amount of heat transfer in your home. By keeping your home comfortable, this advanced technology reduces the load on your HVAC system, translating to lower utility bills. Meanwhile, for your exterior door replacement needs, we offer beautiful and efficient French and sliding patio doors.
• Worry-free window and door installation. When you turn to a reliable window contractor like us, expect your home upgrade to run smoothly from start to finish. Our installation crews are highly trained and skilled and allow no room for errors—only timely and efficient work to ensure a safe and stress-free process.
• Extensive warranties. To protect your investment, our products come with a 20-year limited warranty for glass, a two-year limited warranty on installation, and a 10-year limited warranty for other components. Did we mention this warranty is fully transferrable? 

If it’s finally time to replace your windows or doors, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post Renewal by Andersen®️ of British Columbia: A Name You Can Trust appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

1. What is Fibrex made of?

Fibrex is a composite material that is made of wood fibers and polymer. It is stronger than fiberglass, which is made of polymer and extruded glass fibers, and has a lower maintenance requirement than vinyl. Andersen® Corporation started developing Fibrex® in 1958 and patented the material in 1991.

2. Are all your window frames made of Fibrex®?

Yes. This composite gives our technicians the ability to build custom windows of any size, shape, or profile without sacrificing aesthetics and long-term performance. When we were founded as a full-service window replacement company, one of the key decisions we made was to use Fibrex® in our window frames and in some of the structural components of our patio doors.

3. Is Fibrex® eco-friendly?

Absolutely! Andersen windows are one of the most sustainable building products available. Approximately 40% of the wood fibers used in manufacturing come from reclaimed wood trimmings at our woodworking facilities. We also have control over our own supply chain, including raw material and logistics, which helps keep our carbon impact low.

4. Is Fibrex® protected by warranty?

The warranty that backs a product says a lot about its quality. All Renewal by Andersen windows are backed by one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Our windows include a 20-year limited warranty for the window and a 10-year limited warranty for parts.

5. How can Fibrex® help me save on utility bills?

Our replacement windows are double pane at a minimum, which, when combined with the insulation of Fibrex®, slows down thermal transfer. Our replacement windows are certified by ENERGY STAR® for energy efficiency. They help maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduce indoor heating and cooling requirements which reduces the workload on your HVAC system and helps you lower your energy bills.

Take a look at our video for a more detailed look at Fibrex^®:

At Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia, we combine the advanced technology of Fibrex^®, expert window and door installation, unique design combinations, and a start-to-finish process that revolves around your needs. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation with our team of experts.

The post 5 Common Questions About Fibrex® Answered appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

What is tested?

• U-factor: a measure of the rate of heat loss
• R-value: a measure of how well a specific type of insulation can resist heat flow
• Visible transmittance (VT): a measures of how much light passes through glass
• Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): a measure of how much heat enters through the glass from the sun
• Condensation resistance rating (CR): a measure of how well the window prevents condensation from forming on its inside surface
• Air leakage rating (AL): a measure of how much air leakage is in and around the frame of a window or patio door

What do I look for?

ENERGY STAR^® certified windows have a sticker. The sticker has product identification information printed on it including the manufacturer’s name, model number, testing metrics such as U-factor, certification number, as well as the blue ENERGY STAR^® logo. This permanent label should be visible on the outside of the window, near the hardware. There may also be a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label with five numerical ratings on it.

What if there’s no sticker?

In rare cases, you may not see a sticker on your window because it was installed before ENERGY STAR^® certifications were required for windows. In this case, you can contact the manufacturer directly to find out if your windows meet this criteria. You can also look online at the manufacturer’s website or marketing materials for the ENERGY STAR^® logo.

Are Renewal by Andersen’s windows energy-efficient?

Yes! Renewal by Andersen displays the NFRC label on all of its windows. This label means that the entire window, not just the glass, has been rated and certified. All of our window frames are made from exclusive Fibrex^® material, greatly limiting thermal transmittance. In addition, Renewal by Andersen is also listed as a retailer of ENERGY STAR^® certified products on the nrcan.gc.ca website.

Lastly, because our windows are fully customizable, you can choose from different types of high-performance Low-E4^® glass or enhanced triple pane windows. Select Renewal by Andersen windows with enhanced triple pane glass were designated as one of the Most Efficient ENERGY STAR^® certified products in 2021.

We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation with our team of experts.

The post How do I Know if my Windows are ENERGY STAR® Certified? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

Tip 1

Turn off lights when you leave the room and unplug appliances, or choose energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs, such as LED. Don’t forget to turn down the temperature on your water heater!

Tip 2

Air conditioners use more energy than other types of cooling systems, so if you have a choice between central air conditioning and portable units, choose the latter. Parts of BC are hotter than others; if you’re in a region where the temperature isn’t consistently above 25 degrees Celsius, you might not need central air conditioning. A fan could be all that you need.

Tip 3

Of course, energy-efficient windows can go a long way in reducing those hydro bills! Our windows are made from high-performing Fibrex® which is twice as strong as vinyl and blocks thermal transfer nearly 700 times better than aluminum. They’re also ENERGY-STAR® certified, exceling even in the harshest of climates.

Tip 4

Change the air filter regularly on air conditioners and fans. Air conditioners draw in large quantities of dirt and dust from the outside, which eventually builds up on your unit’s cooling coils and reduces its efficiency. A dirty air filter leads to higher hydro bills as it reduces airflow through the system.

Tip 5

Open windows whenever possible to allow cross breezes into your home. This can help with air circulation and reducing humidity levels. Opening windows at night is particularly effective at cooling a house down, just make sure you have a screen to keep the critters out!

Tip 6

Install solar panels on your roof. These panels use natural sunlight to generate power and do not require any fuel or external source of energy to produce electricity. You’ll have to spend some money upfront to install them, but you’ll be able to enjoy free energy for decades without incurring any additional expenses!

Tip 7

Make sure your thermostat is set correctly for the season. In winter months, turn it down as low as possible while still being comfortable indoors. In the summer months, turn it up as high as possible. This will allow you to save money on heating costs during winter and cooling costs during summer by only turning on your HVAC system when necessary.

These strategies will help keep your home cool this summer without breaking the bank. Cutting down on the amount of energy used in your home is important to reducing your carbon footprint as well as helping during a time when many of us are feeling extra pressure on our wallets. We hope that these tips accomplish both of these goals for you this summer, and if so, we encourage you to share them.

We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation with our team of experts.

The post 7 Ways to Keep Your Hydro Bill Under Control in Summer appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.