Renewal By Andersen Vs. Wallside Windows: In-depth Differences

When it comes to replacement windows, two big names often come up – Renewal by Andersen and Wallside. As major players in the replacement window industry, both companies offer high-quality windows with advanced features and benefits.

But with different warranties, price points, window materials and more to consider, choosing the right brand for your home’s window replacement project can get confusing.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros, cons, costs, warranties, efficiency ratings and more between Renewal by Andersen and Wallside windows to help you make the best decision for your home.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Renewal by Andersen	Wallside
Frame Material	Fibrex (proprietary composite)	Vinyl
Glass Features	Triple pane, SmartSunTM low-E4® glass	Dual pane, Low-E & argon gas
Price Range	$700 – $1,100 per window	$250 – $700 per window
Warranty	20-year limited warranty	Lifetime limited warranty
Available Styles	Double hung, gliding	Double hung, sliding, casement, awning
Customization	Fully customized sizes	Standard sizes mostly
Installation Process	By company’s own trained experts	Through independent authorized dealers
Service Areas	Limited U.S. regions	Most of contiguous U.S.

Renewal by Andersen Overview

Part of the iconic Andersen Windows brand, Renewal by Andersen is a popular choice for full-service window replacement in homes across the U.S. What sets them apart?

Pros

• High-End Materials: Renewal by Andersen offers Fibrex material – a proprietary composite made from wood fiber and thermoplastics engineered for strength, stability and energy efficiency. They also utilize SmartSun glass, low-E4 glass and triple pane glass options.
• Custom Windows: Every window is built custom to your home’s exact specifications so you get a perfect fit.
• Expert Installation: Installation is handled by the company’s own highly trained installation teams instead of subcontractors.
• Warranties & Guarantees: Renewal by Andersen windows feature a limited 20-year warranty plus a 20-year glass breakage warranty. Their exclusive Perma-Shield® exterior cladding also has a 20-year warranty.

Cons

• Higher Price Range: Being a premium custom window brand, Renewal by Andersen windows fall on the expensive end of replacement windows. Prices are substantially higher than many other brands.
• Limited Operating Styles: Casement and awning styles are not available. Only double hung and gliding windows.
• Regional Availability: Renewal by Andersen may not provide window installations in all areas. Only available in parts of the U.S.

Wallside Overview

Offering vinyl windows with advanced glass packages, Wallside is a division of Wallside Home Improvements based in Detroit, Michigan. What makes Wallside vinyl windows stand out?

Pros

• Affordable Vinyl Windows: Wallside replacement windows feature quality vinyl frames at lower price points than many custom window alternatives.
• Solid Protection: Wallside windows offer weather-blocking enhancements like bulb seals, sloped sills, dual barriers and more to prevent air infiltration.
• Coverage Across U.S.: With authorized dealers nationwide, Wallside services most areas across the contiguous United States.
• Good Warranties: All Wallside windows have a limited lifetime warranty which covers the vinyl and hardware. Their glass packages also have 20-year warranties.

Cons

• Not As Customizable: Wallside uses standard window sizes rather than full custom measurements. So precise home window openings may have small gaps.
• Less Glass Options: While improved recently, Wallside still offers fewer high-end glass choices compared to certain premium custom brands like Renewal by Andersen.

Window Materials Comparison

One of the biggest differences between Andersen and Wallside windows is the frame materials used. Let’s compare in more depth:

• Renewal by Andersen Window Frames

The proprietary Fibrex material used by Andersen is considered superior to basic vinyl.

Offering structural stability along with thermal efficiency, Fibrex combines the strength of wood fibers and vinyl polymers.

The result is a durable, long-lasting composite material that excels in all temperature extremes.

Fibrex expands and contracts at the same rate as glass to prevent seal failure and improve glass adhesion. The tight vinyl bonds also block energy loss better than wood-only or vinyl-only frames.

Overall, Fibrex gives Renewal by Andersen windows enhanced structural capabilities beyond common vinyl, wood, composite and other frame materials.

• Wallside Vinyl Window Frames

All Wallside replacement windows feature premium vinyl frames rather than wood, wood composites or fiberglass. Vinyl is an affordable option appreciated for good insulation, durability and low maintenance.

Offering thermal efficiency, vinyl resists conducted heat transfer better than wood or metal.

As a lightweight material, vinyl allows for larger window sashes and easier operation. Vinyl also resists rotting, swelling and warping from moisture. And unlike wood windows, vinyl requires very little upkeep aside from occasional cleaning.

Overall, Wallside vinyl frames make their replacement windowsbudget-friendly and low-maintenance.

Glass Packages Comparison

Advanced glass technologies are key to replacement window energy efficiency. Both Renewal by Andersen and Wallside offer high-performing glass to conserve energy and filter light. Let’s examine how their offerings differ.

• Renewal by Andersen Glass

With triple pane glass options plus exclusive SmartSunTM glass, Renewal by Andersen windows provide excellent thermal insulation and protection against UV rays while letting visible light stream in.

For their triple pane windows, either two or three panes feature their low-E4® SmartSun glass while the inner pane has a low-conductivity gas blend between. Together, the components significantly improve thermal performance.

SmartSun glass has invisible layers of silver to deflect damaging UV rays away from your home furnishings. So not only are Renewal by Andersen windows energy efficient but they protect against sun damage too.

• Wallside Glass Packages

In their top tier offerings, Wallside provides dual Low-E glass with argon gas enhancement along with solar blocking upgrades.

Low-E glass has virtually undetectable metallic coatings to inhibit radiant heat loss.

This works exceptionally well paired with insulating argon gas sandwiched between two glass layers.

Some styles also feature solar blocking upgrades to limit heat and UV ray transmission.

Overall, their best glass provides good insulation and sunlight control though not quite as advanced as some competing triple pane designs.

Window Style Options

While all replacement window brands offer popular configurations like single & double hung designs, the specific style choices available can vary. Let’s examine how Renewal by Andersen vs. Wallside compare:

• Renewal by Andersen Styles

Being a full custom window manufacturer, Renewal by Andersen windows come in nearly any shape and configuration needed to flawlessly match existing architectural openings.

However their selection of operating styles is limited to only double hung and gliding windows. Other popular options like casements, awnings and sliders are not manufactured under the Renewal by Andersen brand.

So while their windows fit beautifully, opening functionality may be restricted compared to other brands offering more types. If operation versatility is important, the style limitations may be the biggest potential drawback of Renewal by Andersen.

• Wallside Styles

Wallside Windows provides a strong range of operating styles beyond basic double hungs. While not a fully custom window maker, their style selections include double hungs, sliders, casements, awnings, picture windows, architectural shapes and more.

So if having a breadth of opening function is a priority – like outward swinging casements for ventilation or sliding windows for room access – Wallside can likely accommodate with more options.

Their catalog encompasses most typical home configurations. The downside is their windows won’t have full custom sizing ability. But minor size adjustments are possible.

Window Opening Replacement Process

Some key differences between Renewal by Andersen vs. Wallside are also seen in their window installation process. From accurately measuring your existing window dimensions to their installation method, there are pros and cons to consider:

• Renewal by Andersen Replacement Process

As a custom window company using their own employed installers rather than subcontractors, Renewal by Andersen window installation involves meticulous measurements and expert precision fitting.

The process begins with an extensive window measurement appointment using advanced MeasuringFIRST® technology for precision fittings down to 1/16th of an inch.

Renewal by Andersen is so precise with initial measurements, they guarantee windows will fit correctly on the first try for a smooth installation.

Next their dedicated installation crews deliver and install your finished custom windows. With artisan-quality attention to detail, spaces are prepped completely, windows properly positioned, interior trim refinished, and cleanup performed.

As specialists trained on correctly installing Andersen products, you get a beautiful trouble-free window replacement process. And everything is handled directly by Renewal by Andersen without unpredictable third-party contractors.

• Wallside Replacement Process

To start your Wallside window replacement, certified dealers take measurements and order your windows accordingly. Dealers in your local area are ideal to handle the replacement process since they are familiar with regional building codes and architectural norms.

For the installation, Wallside relies on independent authorized dealers rather than in-house staff. Each dealer oversees their own skilled installation team. The advantage is wider geographical access to reputable dealers across the country.

The potential downside is installers work independently rather than for Wallside directly. So specific expertise levels can vary slightly between dealers.

During installation, the dealer’s team will remove existing windows, install new Wallside windows, integrate them properly with weather barriers and window wraps, attach trim pieces and complete cleanup. Overall you can expect a smooth hassle-free window replacement process.

Warranties & Certifications

Replacement window warranties are essential for protecting your investment. Both Renewal by Andersen and Wallside windows provide reassuring warranties:

Renewal by Andersen Warranties

• 20-Year Limited Warranty: This warranty is inclusive of all components like the Fibrex frame and hardware against defects in manufacturing, materials and workmanship.
• 20-Year Glass Warranty: All Renewal by Andersen glass is under warranty for seal failures and defects for 20 years.
• 20-Year Perma-Shield® Warranty: This exclusive warranty covers the factory applied exterior cladding against peeling, flaking, blistering or corroding for 20 years.
• 3-Year Installation Warranty: Workmanship on installations is ensured for 3 years after window replacement.

Wallside Warranties

• Limited Lifetime Warranty: Wallside vinyl windows have a lifetime limited warranty covering frames and hardware against defects, materials and workmanship issues.
• 20-Year Glass Warranty: Insulated glass units have 20-year warranties on argon gas loss and defects like seal failures.
• 5-Year Installation Warranty: Installations are under an included warranty for 5 years.

So both brands provide reassuring peace of mind. Note Renewal by Andersen extends glass coverage longer but Wallside offers lifetime frame and hardware coverage.

Cost Comparison

As you weigh up Renewal by Andersen vs Wallside windows, price understandably can factor heavily. Custom wood composite windows are invariably costlier than basic vinyl. Let’s examine pricing differences:

• Renewal by Andersen Price

As genuine Andersen windows built from proprietary Fibrex composite, Renewal by Andersen windows fall into a premium bracket. Their windows cost substantially more than vinyl, wood, fiberglass and other common options.

Exact prices are influenced by precise window specifications, sizes, specialty glass additions and current promotions. But to budget for planning, expect Renewal by Andersen window installations to run $700 – $1100 per window on average. Triple pane designs with SmartSun glass and other upgrades can reach even higher price points.

Ultimately with Renewal by Andersen, you pay a premium for their signature composite frames, impeccable custom engineering and expert installation.

• Wallside Price

In contrast, Wallside windows are affordably priced between $250 – $700 per window installed based on size, features and promotions. Offering vinyl rather than premium composites allows Wallside prices to stay budget-friendly. But their vinyl frames still offer longevity and efficiency.

For homeowners wanting quality replacement windows while controlling project costs, Wallside is certainly cheaper. Their pricing also tends to be more consistent without exorbitant custom window markups.

Just note maximum sizes may be restricted and expert installation still comes at a cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Closing Remarks

In summary, both Renewal by Andersen and Wallside replacement windows have unique advantages. Renewal by Andersen offers their signature custom Fibrex composite windows with advanced glass features, conveniently installed by their own experts for a premium price.

Wallside provides quality affordable vinyl windows in more styles through authorized dealers nationwide.

Hopefully seeing how Renewal by Andersen measures up against Wallside replacement windows helps make choosing the right option for your next window installation project much easier!