If you’re in the market for new windows, you’ve probably come across two big brand names: Starmark and Andersen. Both companies have been around for decades and offer a wide selection of high-quality windows. But which one is right for your home and budget?
In this guide, we’ll compare Starmark and Andersen windows to help you decide which is the better investment for your replacement or new construction project. We’ll look at factors like materials, warranties, cost, aesthetics, efficiency, and more. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Starmark | Andersen |
| Materials | Vinyl, aluminum-clad wood, wood | Vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood, wood |
| Manufacturing Location | Ohio | Minnesota |
| Years in Business | 50+ years | 120+ years |
| Warranty – Vinyl | Lifetime limited | 10 years |
| Warranty – Wood | 10 years | 20 years |
| Energy Efficiency | Meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® | Meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® |
| Glass Options | Low-E, triple pane | Low-E4® SmartSunTM, triple pane |
| Styles | More streamlined and narrow frames | More ornate shapes and architectural detailing |
| Cost | Mid-range | Higher-end premium pricing |
| Customization | Very good | Excellent |
| Customer Reviews | Positive feedback on quality and value | Positive feedback on aesthetics and durability |
Starmark Windows Overview
Starmark Windows is part of ProVia, a family-owned manufacturer of doors and windows located in Sugarcreek, Ohio. They’ve been crafting windows since 1969 and are known for their energy-efficient, custom-built products.
Some quick facts about Starmark:
- Owned by ProVia, headquartered in Ohio
- 50+ years in business
- Manufactures vinyl, aluminum-clad, and all-wood windows
- Offers custom sizes and shapes
- Promises superior energy efficiency
- Warranties: Limited lifetime on vinyl and aluminum-clad, 10 years on wood
Starmark uses premium vinyl, aluminum, composite, and wood materials.
Their vinyl windows feature a patented titanium-infused vinyl formula for added durability. For high-end aesthetic, Starmark’s wood windows are built with Amish craftsmanship.
Unique technologies like ComforTechTM warm edge spacer, EnvirosealedTM frame, and SnaptiteTM installation aim to make Starmark windows easy to live with. More on these features later.
When it comes to cost, Starmark sits in the mid-range. Their windows are priced competitively but are still considered an investment.
Andersen Windows Overview
Andersen Windows, headquartered in Minnesota, is one of the most recognizable window brands on the market. They’ve been in business since 1903 and offer a full line of window and door products.
Here’s a quick look at Andersen’s background:
- Originally founded as Andersen Lumber Company in 1903
- Now called Andersen Corporation, publicly traded company
- Headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota
- Manufactures window & door products for residential and commercial projects
- Sells vinyl, wood, and fiberglass composite windows & doors
- Warranties: 10 years on vinyl windows, 20 years on wood windows
Andersen is known for its architectural appeal and wide array of customization options. They use premium materials like Fibrex wood composite and lightweight Structural Composite (SCP) frames. Their products are highly engineered for performance while retaining aesthetic elegance.
As a major brand name, Andersen windows sit at the high end of the price spectrum. Their products come at a premium cost but are an investment in quality and longevity.
Key Differences Between Starmark And Andersen Windows
Now that we’ve introduced both brands, let’s compare them across a few key factors:
Materials
When it comes to window materials, both Starmark and Andersen offer vinyl, wood, aluminum, and composite options.
Starmark windows are available in:
- Vinyl – Features composite reinforcement and patented titanium-infused vinyl. Offered in single-hung, slider, casement, awning, and picture styles.
- Aluminum-clad wood – Oak or pine interior with aluminum exterior. Custom sizes and shapes.
- Wood – Amish craftsmanship using kiln-dried ponderosa pine or Douglas fir.
Andersen windows come in:
- Vinyl – Features Fibrex material for strength and thermal performance. Offered in many operating styles.
- Wood – Made with natural woods like oak, maple, pine, and mahogany.
- Fibrex – Proprietary composite combining wood fiber and thermoplastics. Warm, natural look.
- Aluminum-clad wood – Exteriors clad in low-maintenance aluminum.
Both brands offer composite materials too.
Starmark’s Envirosealed uPVC is reinforced with composite polymers while Andersen’s Fibrex is a proprietary wood-plastic blend.
Overall, Starmark and Andersen are on par when it comes to material quality and options. Andersen has more brand name recognition, but Starmark offers attractive composite and vinyl formulas.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a major factor for today’s homeowners. Replacing old, drafty windows with new energy efficient models can save you money on energy bills.
Both Starmark and Andersen aim to deliver superior thermal performance. Here’s how they compare:
- Glass – Low-emissivity (Low-E) coated glass comes standard to reflect heat. Optional triple pane glass and thermally optimized spacer systems available.
- Frames – Vinyl, composite, and fiberglass frames resist heat flow. Weatherstripping prevents air infiltration.
- Ratings – Most styles and sizes meet ENERGY STAR® requirements. U-factors as low as 0.27 (vinyl) verify heat insulation.
- Technologies – Starmark’s ComforTech warm edge spacer and Andersen’s High-PerformanceTM Low-E4® SmartSunTM glass optimize efficiency.
When configured properly, Starmark and Andersen windows can meet or exceed ENERGY STAR standards. Their use of advanced glazing, thermally broken frames, and quality installation result in exceptional energy savings.
Andersen touts slightly better U-factors overall, but both brands are among the industry’s top energy efficient lines. Replacing old windows with new Starmark or Andersen windows will make a positive impact on your energy bills.
Aesthetics
Windows make a strong visual impact, so aesthetics are important. Both Starmark and Andersen offer attractive options to match your home’s style.
Starmark windows feature:
- Sleek narrow-line frame and sashes
- Beveled exterior profile
- ClarityTM glass for distortion-free view
- Custom sizes, shapes, and mulling
- Interior woodgrain laminate on vinyl
Andersen windows include:
- Architectural shapes like arches, circles, curves
- Wide selection of interior and exterior color options
- Wood interiors like oak, maple, and pine
- Virtually endless combinations of styles and sizes
- Sophisticated contemporary styling
Starmark windows have a more streamlined, minimalist look with narrower frames.
Andersen offers more ornate architectural shapes and detailing.
Both brands allow you to match existing finishes or create a unique new look. It comes down to whether you prefer modern or traditional aesthetics.
Warranties
The warranty coverage provides peace of mind that your investment is protected long-term.
Here’s how Starmark and Andersen compare:
- Starmark
- Vinyl & Aluminum-clad: Limited lifetime warranty
- Wood: 10 years
- Andersen
- Vinyl: 10 years
- Fibrex & Wood: 20 years
The warranties are similar for vinyl windows, but Andersen offers twice the wood window coverage at 20 years. Overall, both brands provide reassurance with warranties that align with the industry.
Make sure to review what’s covered, including parts, glass, labor, etc. Most warranties require professional installation and don’t cover damage from improper use.
Cost Comparison
As you’d expect, Starmark and Andersen windows cover a wide range of price points. Broadly speaking, here’s how they compare:
- Starmark windows range from $$ to $$$. They’re competitively priced but still considered a mid-range investment.
- Andersen windows start at $$ and go up to $$$$. Pricing aligns with the high-end, luxury brand image. Significant customization adds cost.
There’s overlap in the mid-range pricing. But fully-customized Andersen windows sell for 25-50% more than Starmark on average.
The investment pays for the brand name, expansive style selection, and construction quality. Both deliver long-term value, but Andersen commands the premium price tag.
You can also expect higher installation costs for Andersen windows due to the intricate construction. Simple DIY replacement projects may lean towards Starmark.
Customer Reviews
Happy customers are the true test of quality for any product. Here’s a brief overview of customer feedback on Starmark and Andersen:
- Starmark – Reviews mention quality materials, good value, and professional installation. Issues with quality and lead times occasionally noted.
- Andersen – Praised for beauty, performance, and durability. Complaints about high cost and poor supplier/dealer practices in some cases.
Both have overwhelmingly positive reviews that highlight benefits like energy savings, noise reduction, modern aesthetics, and improved comfort. Most negative comments relate to individual supplier or installation issues rather than product quality itself.
On the whole, customer sentiment aligns with the premium brand image and quality for both Starmark and Andersen. The majority of homeowners are very satisfied with their investment.
Key Differentiators In A Nutshell
To recap, here are some of the main differences between Starmark and Andersen:
- Materials – Andersen offers more wood interior options; Starmark has patented composite vinyl
- Energy efficiency – Comparable ratings and technologies
- Styles – Andersen has more ornate architectural shapes; Starmark styling is more streamlined
- Warranties – Andersen wood window warranty is longer at 20 years
- Cost – Starmark has greater affordability; Andersen is priced at a premium
- Reviews – Both have overwhelmingly positive customer feedback
So which brand is better? In truth, it depends on your project, aesthetics, budget, and personal preferences.
Both Starmark and Andersen offer quality craftsmanship, energy efficient technology, and good warranties. Andersen provides more expansive customization for a luxury remodel. For replacing windows cost-effectively, Starmark is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Starmark windows are manufactured by ProVia, a family-owned company founded in 1969 and headquartered in Sugarcreek, Ohio.
Some competitors of Renewal by Andersen include Pella, Marvin, Milgard, Jeld-Wen, Champion, Simonton, and Ply Gem.
As a high-end brand, Andersen windows are priced at a premium. Factors that contribute to the cost include the extensive customization options, brand name recognition, specialized manufacturing techniques, and overall luxury aesthetic.
Fiberglass and wood windows have the longest lifespan, up to 40+ years. Vinyl lasts 25-30 years, and aluminum 10-15 years with proper care. Pella, Marvin, and Andersen are among brands that make long lasting fiberglass and wood windows.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully this comparison has helped provide clarity on two of the industry’s top window manufacturers. Replacing your windows is a big investment, so take your time reviewing all the options. Get quotes from local suppliers to find the right window for your home and budget.
Both Starmark and Andersen offer quality, energy efficient windows with excellent warranties. If stunning luxury is the goal, Andersen delivers the ornate styling and prestige. For attractive windows at greater value, Starmark is sure to satisfy.
Whichever brand you choose, new windows are sure to increase your home’s comfort, efficiency, beauty, and value for years to come.