Picking new windows involves lots of choices – materials, styles, options, brands. Among top manufacturers known for quality are Gerkin and Andersen. How do these two industry leaders compare for homes needing window replacements or installations?
This head-to-head guide covers all key factors distinguishing Gerkin versus Andersen. Whether your priorities are budget, efficiency, aesthetics or finding the best windows for custom projects, read on for insights.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Gerkin | Andersen |
| Core Frame Material | Various material options: vinyl, wood, aluminum, composite | Fibrex composite |
| Efficiency Ratings | Good, some PHIUS+ passive house options | Excellent, advanced glass and Fibrex tech |
| Product Selection | Focused lineup for Northwest builds | Very extensive style and type options |
| Customization Capabilities | Component based mixes available | Nearly unlimited custom engineering |
| Warranties | 10 years wood, lifetime vinyl, 20 years glass | 20 years glass, 10 years Fibrex and hardware |
| Smart Home Integration | Minimal | VeriLock sensors and NEAT glass available |
| Cost Profile | Value driven, transparent pricing | Luxury and premium products dominate |
| Manufacturing Footprint | Regional Pacific Northwest | National catalog, international sourcing |
Overview of Gerkin Windows
Family-owned and operated since 1978, Gerkin Windows and Doors crafts specialized products solely for the Northwest.
Based in Tacoma, Washington, their domestic manufacturing facility utilizes regionally sourced pine, alder and hemlock wood alongside vinyl, composite, aluminum and other durable frame materials.
Gerkin sells direct through dealers in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Idaho offering consultations for finding perfect-fit solutions.
Gerkin makes choosing full product lines or mixing-and-matching more accessible for homeowners through transparent pricing tools. This empowers buyers balancing performance needs against kitchen remodels, addition plans or other residential goals.
Known for energy efficient, customizable, quality windows flanking epic mountain, lake and ocean views, Gerkin delivers specialty options harder to find with national brands.
Overview of Andersen Windows
Headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota, Andersen Windows and Doors has over 115 years expertise manufacturing innovating window and patio door systems.
Their expansive product catalog services residential and light commercial projects across North America through both retail locations and contractors.
Many Andersen windows achieve ENERGY STAR® certification for meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines from the EPA.
Signature innovations include:
- Fibrex® composite fusing wood fibers and thermoplastics for durability
- High-PerformanceTM Low-E4® smart glass reducing temperature transfer
- VeriLock® security sensors and NEAT® glass for smart home features
Custom engineering services, specialized historical renovation products and one of the industry’s best warrantees convey the quality craftsmanship making Andersen a trusted world-wide name in fenestration.
Comparing Window Frame Materials
An initial Gerkin versus Andersen differentiator lies in frame materials utilized. This influences product pricing, durability, energy conduction and reparability over a window’s lifespan. Home styles and environmental factors also determine ideal builds.
Fibrex® – Andersen’s Proprietary Composite
As their signature innovation, many Andersen windows feature Fibrex frames fusing wood fibers and a polymer resin. Benefits of this proprietary composite include:
- Durability – Fibrex resists cracking, rotting, and warping even in extreme weather. The polymer gives structural rigidity while the wood fibers limit expansion and contraction. Windows maintain proper sealing and operation through extreme temperature shifts or direct sun exposure better than vinyl or aluminum.
- Low Conductivity – With thermal resistance similar to wood but vinyl’s insulation capacity, Fibrex provides excellent temperature control. Windows block summer solar heat gain preventing indoor areas becoming too warm. For winter months, units better lock in heat compared to metal frames improving the home’s overall efficiency.
- Stability – Fibrex maintains structural integrity and proper unit sealing. Pools of standing water and heavy snow loads won’t damage frames like ordinary wood. Fibrex stability also allows Andersen to engineer larger, heavier moving window parts that remain balanced, smooth-gliding and secure within openings.
- Appearance – Fibrex interlayers topped by pine, maple or oak veneers create windows indistinguishable from fine, painted wood units. Rich interior wood grains paired with low-maintenance composite exteriors provide beauty and convenience.
- Sustainability – Fibrex depends on reclaimed wood fibers reducing waste. Frames won’t rot meaning the whole window requires replacement less often. High recycling content and efficiency over decades of use give Fibrex green benefits.
- Cost – As a proprietary tooled product, Fibrex sits on the higher end price-wise for upscale renovation projects or new luxury builds. But the material conveys lasting performance and stylish aesthetics home buyers find worthwhile.
Gerkin Window Frame Materials
Rather than a single patented composite, Gerkin utilizes various frame materials – vinyl, wood, aluminum cladding, reinforced composites – singularly or combined for specialized window performances.
- Vinyl – Gerkin’s Endure vinyl series focuses on entry level cost for replacement projects needing basic efficiency upgrades. Offering thermal insulation, durability and low maintenance, vinyl frames resist swelling, rotting, rust and corrosion. Scaled precision manufacturing utilizes 100% virgin vinyl compounds avoiding impurities causing material degradation. Vinyl allows creating custom colors plus decorative wood grain finishes at more affordable pricing.
- Wood – For interior beauty and authentic craftsmanship aesthetics, various Gerkin lines feature real wood surrounded by protective cladding on exterior frame faces. Custom milled Washington pine, alder or hemlock forests supply sustainable harvesting initiatives. Wood interlayers enable customized staining matching a home’s existing interior tones. Expect dimensional stability, integrity and lifelong performance from these windows.
- Aluminum – Extruded aluminum cladding lends additional strength to wood window frames while requiring zero maintenance. Thick aluminum surrounds resist dents, scratches and weathering while eliminating painting needs. Modern metalwork expertise contributes structural soundness and precision fitting.
- Composites – Blending wood product pieces using water-based glues creates durable composite frames without relying on petroleum-based binders. These windows trim carbon footprints compared to vinyl or plastics. Composite strength comes from wood fibers cross-connecting through natural adhesion properties. Exteriors still get capped with protective aluminum or vinyl shells.
- Custom Mixing – Unique from national chains, Gerkin allows freely combining frames like having vinyl exteriors over real wood interiors for the perfect balance of eco-friendliness, efficiency, durability and cost. This “component system” flexibility accommodates homeowners’ exact preferences.
Comparing Frame Material Pros and Cons
| Frame Material | Gerkin | Andersen |
| Vinyl | Excellent value, Limited styles. | Budget VeriLock® option, Conduction issues. |
| Wood | Sustainable native species, Periodic staining. | Rich maple/oak/pine, Expensive. |
| Aluminum | Durable exterior protection, Conducts heat/cold. | Clad flanged windows, Increased energy costs. |
| Composite | Component-based flexibility, Limited style options. | Signature Fibrex® Premium costs. |
This breakdown shows advantages unique to each brand alongside general material limitations useful for comparison. Keep desired visual appeal, climate, maintenance and budget in mind when deciding which frame builds suit your situation.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
For most homeowners, window replacements target increasing energy efficiency to save on heating/cooling expenses. Various measuring criteria verify sustainable thermal performance and weatherproofing. Understanding these ratings helps select appropriate Gerkin or Andersen options based on your location, utility costs and efficiency goals.
Energy Star® Certification
Familiar to most buyers, the Energy Star logo indicates tested materials and manufacturing methods reduce unnecessary energy expenditures. Standards include stricter specifications beyond building codes for insulating capacity, solar heat control, visible light transmittance, air leakage and condensation resistance.
Both Gerkin and Andersen provide Energy Star qualified products preventing drafts while still allowing daylight through glass panels. Ask dealers specifically which model lines pass Energy Star guidelines relevant to your region and climate.
NFRC Ratings
The National Fenestration Rating Council applied universal testing metrics across the windows industry evaluating:
- U-factor – Heat transfer rate measured in BTUs. Lower numbers indicate better insulation capacity.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – Percentage of solar radiation admitted. Lower for cooling-dominated climates.
- Visible Transmittance – Percentage of visible light passing through. Higher numbers preferred generally.
- Air Leakage – CFM per square footage signifying infiltration resistance. Look for ≤ 0.3 CFM.
Gerkin and Andersen certified products carry NFRC labels with model-specific ratings essential for comparing apples-to-apples rather than vague marketing lingo. Know your climate severity, heating fuel and priorities between daylighting or efficiency when interpreting ratings.
Passive House Standards
Passive building represents the pinnacle of energy efficient design minimizing ecological footprints.
Earning the voluntary Passive House Institute US (PHIUS+) certification, select Gerkin models like the Mussel2 tilt-turn window have undergone the world’s most rigorous energy efficiency testing.
Meeting stringent criteria for temperature exchange, heating loads, airtightness, renewable materials and peak condition operation establishes Gerkin among the industry’s sustainability leaders.
If net-zero home building or living represents your passion, Gerkin’s PHIUS+ lineup warrants consideration.
Other Considerations Impacting Efficiency
Beyond testing ratings, real world efficiency depends on professional installation preventing air and water infiltration. Proper flashing, sealing, attachments and integrating each unit’s ratings across the whole home matters more than buying excellently rated windows installed poorly.
Upkeep like exterior caulking maintenance also plays a role. Finally, smart home add-ons like automatic solar screens, seasonal sealants and thermostatic triggers help maximize efficiency.
Design Styles, Sizes and Customization
Windows serve both functional necessities – allowing natural light and ventilation into dwellings – and aesthetically framing outdoor views. Design styles hugely impact interior layouts and ambiance. Measure precisely before ordering as seemingly small 1⁄4 inch discrepancies ruin window fits.
Andersen Styles
With over 50 product lines across residential and commercial contexts, Andersen provides perhaps the industry’s broadest catalog. Design collections include:
- A-Series – Best selling double-hung and picture windows with Fibrex construction, energy efficiency, durability and architectural styling. Newer contemporary profiles serve more modern homes.
- E-Series – Wider scope of operating styles like casements, awnings and gliders suiting climate control needs. Fibrex frames bring resilience while Perma-Shield® exteriors add low-maintenance convenience.
- 100 Series – Vinyl framed slider windows offer budget-conscious replacements for bedrooms, kitchens and baths needing no-frills ventilation and daylight.
- 200 Series – Affordable slider, double-hung and picture windows with added structural reinforcements compared to the 100 line.
- 400 Series – Upgraded given performance ratings for exposed applications like coastal regions facing wind, water and corrosion. Specialty builds include trapezoids, triangles, arches, full circles, etc.
Beyond familiar vertical sash constructions, Andersen provides practically any shape a luxury residential or commercial project might require – dramatic large-scale walls of glass, angular architectural geometries, soundproof hotel windows, historical renovation, impact resistant units meeting hurricane codes….Additionally, limited edition art glass allows custom decorative touches.
Gerkin Styles
Gerkin focuses more on essential popular styles rather than attempting matching Andersen’s vast catalog spanning basically any building context. Strong sales include:
- Infinity Series – Insert/replacement windows dropping directly into existing frames without demolition. Modernize old units with upgraded vinyl, wood or composite new construction performance.
- Hung Windows – Traditional double hung featuring two movable sashes facilitating natural ventilation via screened openings top and bottom. Available in vinyl, aluminum clad or all-wood frames with custom grids, energy efficient glass and Integrity finish options matching antique dark bronze, oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel or black hues.
- Casements – Side hinged outward opening windows in picture, radius, bay formations maximizing climate control. Positive crank mechanisms allow adjusting partial openings to mitigate outdoor noise or wind bursts while still catching fresh breezes. Mullins flush sash construction ensures sleek sightlines.
- Sliders – Horizontal gliding panes floating left or right for directing ventilation or controlling precipitation entry on protected porches/patios. AirLok weatherstripped frames prevent drafts.
- Picture & Shapes – Fixed non-operable geometric view windows for signature architectural looks. Trapezoids, triangles, transoms, full round ports, etc. available factory mulled in Pineview wood or Endure vinyl. Match any descriptors, dimensions, drawings.
- Combo Units – Gerkin’s Ranier Custom Series specialty windows allow freely mixing operating types, integrating screens, building step grids/ divisions, embedding custom art glass….for completely bespoke luxury installations.
Comparing Style Selection
| Aspects | Gerkin | Andersen |
| Classic essential styles | ✅ Broad replacement & new construction options | ✅ Iconic product lines for any home |
| Contemporary profiles | ❌ Mostly traditional forms | ✅ A-Series contemporary double-hungs & picture windows |
| Custom combinations | ✅ Component based Ranier series – special shapes, art glass, mixed operation types | ✅ Nearly limitless one-off engineered custom designs |
| Smart home integration | ❌ Not a current focus | ✅ VeriLock sensors & NEAT glass add convenience, security & efficiency |
| Historical renovation | ❌ Mostly modern replacements | ✅ Architectural & Heritage collections meeting aesthetic restoration needs |
Gerkin covers standard residential needs with some light commercial panes as well. Unique builds get referred to local glazing subcontractors instead of extensive in-house engineering departments like Andersen supports. If tackling historical restorations or seeking leading edge tech features, Gerkin’s Northwest manufacturing niche may necessitate complementary partners filling gaps.
Durability & Weatherization Testing
Examining real world testing data helps reasonably estimate window lifespan through exposure simulations. Windows expected to endure decades see serious abuse proving operation and integrity over long hauls.
Andersen Durability Testing
Repeated stress simulations help qualify product performances for coastal regions, extreme climates and seasonal shifts. Signature Fibrex composite materials especially stabilize windows against temperature differentials causing expansion/ contraction compromising structure. Exact testing regimens remain confidential but involve combinations of:
- 140°F sauna conditions then rapid freezing replicated for years
- 3000 hour salt spray chamber corrosion resistance
- 5000 cycle ASTM wind load jamb deflections
- AAMA exposure testing per regional climate/construction codes
- Bombarding components with various impact force objects
- Cycling sash tilting/weighting thousands of times seeking balance failures
Quantifying longevity metrics allows Andersen to responsibly back products with industry-leading warranties further discussed below. While proprietary testing specifics stay confidential, the company stakes its reputation through transparency reporting on sustainable manufacturing processes.
Gerkin Weatherization Testing
Given Pacific Northwest climates bringing substantial temperature/weather swings, Gerkin windows undergo repeated freeze-thaw cycling ensuring vinyl, silicone, and sealants won’t fail over decades. Exposure testing puts sample products through far harsher conditions than Washington homeowners realistically experience including:
- 140°F oven testing followed by 0°F cold chambers cycling for weeks
- 3000 hour salt spray replicating oceanfront corrosion
- AAMA/NWWDA 101/IS-2 specifications for water infiltration past seals
- EPA Energy Star v6 qualifications meeting updated codes
- Forced entry, forced exit manipulation seeking security flaws
Regional dealers provide localized field testing fitting various Gerkin products into coastal cottages, urban high-rises, mountain cabins, arid eastern plains…Confirming universal technical performance across diverse settings rightfully builds buyer confidence.
Warranties, Serviceability & Replacement Parts
While extending exceptional warranties shows faith in craftsmanship, companies actually honoring policies without excessive hassling or cut corners matter more to consumers. Replacement components availability also makes good on sustainability initiatives.
Andersen Warranties
Andersen stands behind products with arguably the window industry’s most comprehensive warranty. Highlights of their limited coverage include:
- 20 years on glass units from seals failure
- 10 years on Fibrex frame components
- 10 years on exterior finish against flaking, checking, peeling
- 10 years on hardware functionality
- 10 years against wood cellular breakdown causing rotting
Other brands frequently limit glass coverage to 10 or fewer years. Notice no prorated ratings making small print void promises later on. Importantly, remaining warranty periods transfer to subsequent property owners. Carefully following maintenance guidelines does require caulking and protecting exterior finishes however.
Gerkin Warranties
Gerkin offers several limited warranties with key inclusions:
- 20 years on glass seals from failure, material obstruction and breakage reimbursement deductibles
- Lifetime on Endure vinyl product line against splitting, cracking, pitting or corrosive damage
- 10 years on wood frames against materials and workmanship defects
Unlike Andersen’s uniform coverage across material types though, Gerkin reserves lifetime promises solely for vinyl windows generally carrying lower purchase prices anyway. So the superior Fibrex composite or sustainable wood frames see significantly less protection. Most warranty servicing also flows through your original local dealer rather than centralized customer support centers.
Costs, Value Comparisons & Budgetary Considerations
Balancing performance needs, style preferences and budgetary constraints makes selecting ideal windows tricky. How much more should buyers reasonably invest for incremental improvements? Which features provide the best long-term home upgrades?
Entry Level Replacement Window Pricing
Basic white vinyl models from both brands suitable for simple bedroom, bathroom or secondary room renovation projects cost:
- Andersen 100 Series – Approximately $250 to $450 per window
- Gerkin Endure Series – Around $195 to $365 per window
Pricing varies based on exact dimensions, grid patterns, specialty shapes and local market factors. But use these figures for initial budgeting. At this value end for maintenance free vinyl frames, Andersen carries slightly higher pricing while Gerkin offers more flexibility in widths accommodating more existing rough openings.
Midgrade Wood Window Pricing
Moving up to natural wood interiors clad in protective aluminum or composite shells sees pricing jump around 2X over basic vinyl units. Expect per window installed costs around:
- Andersen Fibrex-Clad Series – $600 to $900 on average
- Gerkin Pineview & Reserve Series – $450 to $700 per window typically
Andersen’s proprietary Fibrex construction and leading smart home tech additions convey the price premium. For more budget friendly wood aesthetics, Gerkin utilizes regional pine, alder and hemlock forests rather than imported mahogany or teak. Savings get passed along to homeowners wanting natural beauty without maxing budgets. If quoted much higher, request breakdowns confirming fair value.
Upscale Custom Wood Windows
For new luxury custom homes or historical restorations using intricate old-world woodworking techniques, per unit pricing reaches:
- Andersen Architectural Series – $1200 to $1800 and way up!
- Gerkin Ranier Custom Series – $900 to $1350 per window
Hand selecting rare timber species, intricate laminations, carvings, custom finishing, structural enhancements, engineering…quickly escalates project budgets. Andersen’s Bayport factory accommodates small-batch fabrication including exotic Honduran mahoganies or African sapeliles other manufacturers can’t integrate. Gerkin maxes out around rare Alaska yellow cedar availability and art glass upgrades before necessitating specialty partnering.
Additional Buying Considerations
Beyond straightforward measurements, costs and materials comparisons, several less obvious factors sway decisions between brands. Consider how these dynamics impact your situation:
- Consolidated Purchasing – Andersen sells direct to homeowners plus operates their Renewal by Andersen division handling entire replacement chain from window sales to installation teams. Gerkin focuses strictly on manufacturing requiring choosing local glaziers for fitting. This fragments long-term accountability and warranty service through multiple players.
- Project Volume Scalability – National supply chains let Andersen tackle any residential or commercial building across North America. Gerkin’s regional manufacturing creates capacity limitations on total units available for large subdivision builds. Long lead times can frustrate contractors on tight schedules.
- Home Integration & Smart Features – Andersen offers electronic monitoring, automatic opening/closing, voice activation and additional features useful for occupied homes through their VeriLock system. Gerkin lacks comparable offerings catering more towards new construction or vacant remodel work rather than retrofits. If home connectivity matters, Andersen excels here.
- Sourcing Transparency – By exclusively utilizing Pacific Northwest renewable forestry programs for lumber and supporting localized installation jobs, Gerkin earns goodwill sourcing regionally. Andersen depends far more on outsourced composites and foreign product components diluted through distribution channels.
Bottom Line Recommendations
Gerkin manufactures specialized windows primarily for Northwest climate conditions, codes and architectural styles preferred locally. Custom building projects have access to responsive in-house engineering accommodating unique specs.
Luxury homeowners gain boutique customization options at accessible pricing. Vinyl and wood choices strike inviting balances between efficiency, design and affordability.
For replacement projects though, convoluted dealer interactions often complicate servicing warranties. And Gerkin lags integrating smart home tech functionality newly built homes expect. Their smaller manufacturing scope also limits extreme custom work better suited to commercial glazing contractors.
Andersen remains the pinnacle of national window branding for unparalleled quality, universal stylistic formats and leading energy efficiency innovations. Proprietary Fibrex composites set new structural integrity bars.
Architectural design aesthetics and heritage replication collections display flawless artisanship. Their expansive product variety, scaling production and distribution model satisfy basically any residential or commercial build specs.
Yet reaching such craftsmanship peaks comes at premium cost barriers, especially factoring long-run sustainability. Lesser warranties on lower-budget vinyl-framed lines seem incongruent with Andersen’s reputation. And buyers sacrifice influencing localized environmental stewardship or urban job creation focusing manufacturing remotely.
For Pacific Northwest projects strongly valuing regionality, livable designs and accessible customization, Gerkin delivers specialty options hard to find from national conglomerates.
Discerning homebuilders elsewhere needing total solution services capable of executing any fenestration complexity do well partnering with Andersen’s premier window catalog. Evaluate these company contrasts against your location, priorities and budgets when investing for the decades ahead.
