If you’re in the market for new windows, two big names you’ll likely encounter are Viwinco and Andersen. Both companies have been around for decades and offer a wide selection of window styles and options.
But which brand is better for your home and budget?
In this guide, we’ll compare Viwinco and Andersen windows to help you decide which is the right choice for your replacement or new construction project. We’ll look at factors like efficiency, durability, warranties, cost, aesthetics and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Viwinco | Andersen |
| Frame Materials | Vinyl, wood, fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood | Vinyl, wood, fiberglass, composite, aluminum-clad wood |
| Energy Efficiency | Very good, triple pane options excel | Excellent, innovative technologies like SmartSunTM glass |
| Durability | 20-30+ years for most lines | 25-40+ years for most lines |
| Cost | Mid-range pricing, good value | Premium pricing, frequent discounts |
| Warranties | Lifetime frame, 20 yrs glass | 10-20 yrs frame, 20 yrs glass |
| Variety of Styles | Good selection | Excellent selection |
| Visual Appeal | Classic woodgrain focus | Contemporary and classic options |
| Climate Performance | Triple pane good for cold climates | Fibrex® excels in cold and hot climates |
| Popular Lines | Edgemont vinyl, Cambridge wood, Seastone fiberglass | 100 Series vinyl, A-Series wood, Fibrex composite |
Overview of Viwinco Windows
Viwinco is a respected brand that has been manufacturing windows since the 1950s. The company offers vinyl, wood, fiberglass and aluminum windows in a variety of operating styles like double hung, sliding, casement and awning.
Some benefits of Viwinco windows include:
- Energy efficient – Viwinco windows can meet ENERGY STAR® requirements in all 50 states. Their triple pane glass options provide excellent insulation.
- Customizable – Viwinco has several lines with custom sizing options so you can get an exact fit for any opening. They have different interior and exterior color choices too.
- Value – Relative to other brands, Viwinco windows are competitively priced in the mid-range. You can get premium features without the premium prices.
- Durable – Viwinco windows are made to last with quality vinyl, aluminum and wood frames. Their fiberglass lines offer low maintenance durability.
- Warranty – Most Viwinco windows come with a limited lifetime warranty for the entire window and 20 years on glass units.
Some of Viwinco’s most popular lines include the Edgemont vinyl series, Cambridge aluminum-clad wood windows and Seastone fiberglass models.
Overview of Andersen Windows
Andersen is one of the most established and largest window manufacturers in the United States. They’ve been in business since 1903 and offer a full spectrum of window styles and materials.
Some benefits of Andersen windows:
- Reputation – With over 100 years in the industry, Andersen is known for making high-quality and long-lasting windows. Their brand name carries clout with contractors and homeowners.
- Selection – Andersen has an enormous selection of designs from modern to classic in almost any material you could want including wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood and composite frames.
- Customization – They offer custom sizing and several color choices for the interior and exterior of their windows. You can truly customize options like hardware and glass.
- Efficiency – Andersen makes high-performance window lines that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® standards for energy efficiency and savings on utility bills.
- Innovation – Andersen continually innovates with smart technologies like natural ventilation sensors and SmartSunTM glass. They stay current on industry advancements.
Some of Andersen’s most popular options are the 100 Series vinyl windows, A-Series aluminum-clad wood windows and Fibrex® composite windows.
Key Differences Between Viwinco And Andersen Windows
Now that we’ve covered the basics on each brand, let’s do a deep dive comparison of the factors that matter most.
- Efficiency and Performance
Energy efficiency is one of the most important considerations for new windows.
You want windows that insulate well to reduce heating and cooling costs and keep your home comfortable.
Both Viwinco and Andersen offer windows with excellent thermal performance.
Most of their windows meet or surpass ENERGY STAR® ratings which means they are 15% more efficient than average windows.
Andersen has an edge when it comes to innovative technologies that boost efficiency. Their SmartSunTM glass helps block heat gain in summer while allowing passive solar heating in winter.
And their VeriLockTM security sensors actually use a patented technology that naturally ventilates a home without compromising security.
Viwinco’s triple pane glass options provide really good insulation with U-Factors around 0.20 which indicates an excellent ability to resist heat transfer. Most Andersen double pane windows have U-Factors between 0.27-0.31 so Viwinco’s top end beats them.
One note is that Viwinco’s standard dual pane glass still lags behind Andersen’s in efficiency. Andersen’s dual pane glass has an average U-Factor of about 0.28 while Viwinco’s is around 0.30.
When comparing same frame styles, Andersen beats the standards but Viwinco’s premium triple pane glass can ultimately achieve lower U-Factors. Both brands meet stringent modern codes for performance.
- Durability and Longevity
Windows are a big investment so you want them to last. Durability depends on the materials used and overall craftsmanship.
Andersen has a slight advantage here with their rigid quality control standards and use of proprietary materials like Fibrex® composite. Their Fibrex line combines the strength of wood, the low-maintenance of vinyl and superior insulation. The material is resistant to heat, cold, decay and insects.
Viwinco also uses quality construction but has fewer proprietary advances. Most Viwinco frames are vinyl or aluminum-clad wood. Their fiberglass Seastone line offers exceptional durability as a pultruded fiberglass with an AAMA verified 30-year warranty.
Both companies offer stained wood interiors for beauty and strength. Hardware and sealing is reliably water tight.
Overall, most Viwinco and Andersen windows will easily last 25-30+ years when properly installed and cared for. Andersen may have an edge in longevity but not by much.
- Cost and Value Comparison
Andersen windows come with a premium price tag. Their excellent brand reputation and innovations command higher pricing.
Their window costs are usually 20-50% higher than Viwinco for comparable styles.
For example, an Andersen double hung vinyl window may run $700-800 while a similar Viwinco double hung is priced around $450-550.
However, Andersen runs frequent promotions of 40% off or more making their prices more competitive. This erases much of the price gap between the brands. Andersen also offers a tiered “good, better, best” selection so you can get their quality at lower price points.
Viwinco provides beautiful windows loaded with features and performance at reasonable mid-range prices. Cost-conscious homeowners will appreciate Viwinco’s value while Andersen provides luxury if budget allows.
When it comes to warranties, most Viwinco models have 20-year glass coverage and lifetime frame warranties. Most Andersen models have 20-year glass and 10-year frame coverage. A few Andersen lines offer lifetime frame warranties.
Overall for cost consideration, Viwinco provides very good quality and efficiency at lower price points while Andersen commands premium prices but frequently discounts to the mid-range.
- Visual Appeal and Design Options
Windows greatly impact your home’s curb appeal and interior design. You’ll want windows that match your desired aesthetic.
Viwinco and Andersen both offer styles from classic to contemporary. Andersen likely has a bit more variety due to their many lines. They offer over 50 exterior color choices from neutral white to bold black and many hardware finishes from brushed chrome to antique bronze.
Viwinco also provides several exterior colors and hardware options but not quite the range of Andersen. They focus more on classic woodgrain finishes.
For interior wood staining, Viwinco provides 10 stain color options from Golden Oak to Dark Walnut across many lines. Andersen also has a wide array of wood stains for interior beauty.
Both brands allow you to match any architectural style. Andersen may cater better to contemporary or luxury homes while Viwinco’s woodgrain focus suits traditional designs.
Choosing The Right Windows For Your Climate
The climate you live in should factor into choosing the right window. Cold climates need excellent insulation. Hot climates need materials that won’t expand and contract.
For cold climates, Viwinco’s triple pane glass provides outstanding thermal insulation. Their vinyl, wood, and fiberglass frames don’t conduct heat well.
Andersen’s Fibrex composite material also provides excellent insulation for cold regions. Their dual pane glass with HeatLock® technology helps seal in warmth.
In hot climates, Viwinco’s aluminum-clad wood windows make sense since wood won’t expand and contract with temperature swings. Their new Windsor line also uses rigid fiberglass for stability.
Andersen’s Fibrex material is ideal in hot zones too since it retains its shape in heat. Their composite frame won’t expand and contract like vinyl. Vinyl works in moderate climates but not extreme heat.
Those are good guidelines for choosing windows suited to climates. Both brands have excellent options.
Top Product Lines Compared
Now let’s look at a few of the most popular product lines for each brand and how they stack up.
Vinyl Windows
Viwinco Edgemont vs Andersen 100 Series
- Double hung, sliding, picture windows available
- Energy efficient, meet ENERGY STAR® requirements
- Edgemont has heavier vinyl construction
- 100 Series offers more color options
- Similar glass technology and performance
- Andersen pricier but frequently discounted to similar range
Both are quality vinyl window lines. The Edgemont costs less but Andersen’s brand name adds value if budget allows.
Wood Windows
Viwinco Cambridge vs Andersen A-Series
- Beautiful wood interior, durable aluminum-clad exterior
- Offer casement, awning, picture and double hung
- Custom sizes available
- Excellent energy efficiency ratings
- A-Series has patented Fibrex® sills for lower maintenance
- Similar glass and hardware options
- Cambridge more affordable but A-Series has more exterior color options
These lines are comparable premium wood windows. Cambridge provides attractive luxury windows for less.
Fiberglass Windows
Viwinco Seastone vs Andersen Fibrex
- Virtually maintenance-free fiberglass frames
- Outstanding strength and durability
- Exterior won’t dent, warp or decay
- Seastone makes casement, awning and picture windows
- Fibrex offers full line from double hungs to bay windows
- Similar warm wood interiors
- Fibrex ® material only from Andersen
- Both great fiberglass window options
Here the advantage depends on what styles you need. Overall Fibrex has more variety.
Which Is Better For You?
Viwinco and Andersen both make exceptional replacement windows that will transform your home. So which is better?
For budget-friendly value, Viwinco wins. You’ll get very energy efficient and durable windows across a variety of styles for reasonable prices. Their triple pane glass outperforms many Andersen dual pane options.
If cost is no concern, Andersen provides premium products with more innovations, technological advances and the prestige of a top national brand. Their variety of styles and customizations is hard to beat.
Andersen also comes out slightly ahead for cold weather insulation and hot climate performance. But Viwinco has standout triple pane glass.
Overall, Viwinco competes nicely with Andersen at lower prices. But you can’t go wrong with either brand. Now let’s look at some frequently asked questions about Viwinco and Andersen windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Andersen and Viwinco are both fantastic window brands among the best on the market. Other top manufacturers include Pella, Marvin and Milgard. As long as you stick with a reputable national brand, you’ll get an excellent quality window.
It’s hard to declare one brand the clear winner. Andersen and Pella both make first-rate windows. Andersen may have a slight edge in technology while Pella offers outstanding value. But you really can’t go wrong with either big name.
Viwinco is part of the Windows and Doors By ProVia family of brands. ProVia is employee-owned and has been manufacturing windows and doors since 1977.
The Edgemont is Viwinco’s premium vinyl window series while the Cambridge line features beautiful aluminum-clad wood windows for a high-end look. Both offer excellent efficiency and quality at different price points.
Final Thoughts
We hope this comprehensive Viwinco vs Andersen windows comparison helps you determine the best brand for your home and budget. Reach out to local window contractors to get quotes for new vinyl, wood, fiberglass or aluminum windows.
Investing in energy efficient replacement windows is sure to boost your home’s comfort and value.
