Vytex Windows Vs. Andersen Windows: A Detailed Comparison

If you’re in the market for new windows, two big names you’ll likely come across are Vytex and Andersen. Both companies have been around for decades and offer a wide selection of window styles and options.

But which is the better choice for your home? Here’s an in-depth look at how Vytex and Andersen windows compare.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Vytex	Andersen
Frame Materials	Vinyl, aluminum, wood, fiberglass	Adds Fibrex composite, Renewal Fibrex
Glass Technology	Low-E, argon fill, foam spacer	High-Performance Low-E4 options for different climates, triple pane
Hardware	Die-cast aluminum alloy	Marine-grade stainless steel
Exterior Colors	Limited standard colors	More factory finishes for vinyl, Fibrex, aluminum
Interior Finishes	Basic white vinyl or wood	More wood species, Fibrex, and aluminum options
Screens	Fiberglass mesh	TruScene fiberglass optimized for clarity
Window Styles	All major styles	Adds some specialty like gliders, tilt-wash
Smart Home Options	None	Verilock sensors, Automate Pulse motors, SmartShades
Warranty	Lifetime limited on vinyl	20/10 years coverage on glass, Fibrex, exterior finish
Price	10-15% less than Andersen	Renewal line 25%+ more than Vytex

Overview of Vytex Windows

Vytex windows are manufactured by Atrium Corporation, which has been in business since 1977. Atrium prides itself on using innovative technology and rigorous testing procedures to produce durable and energy efficient windows.

Some key facts about Vytex windows:

• Available in a range of styles including double hung, sliders, casements, awnings, and picture windows.
• Offered in vinyl, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass frame materials.
• Feature welded frame and sash corners for added strength.
• Utilize patented foam-filled insulating glass units and warm edge spacer technology for thermal efficiency.
• Options include coastal impact-resistant packages and noise reduction glass.
• Come with limited lifetime warranties on most components.

Overview of Andersen Windows

Andersen Corporation was founded in 1903 and is one of the most recognized and trusted window brands on the market.

Here are some highlights of Andersen windows:

• Offer broad range of window styles and shapes including double hungs, casements, awnings, gliders, picture windows, bay and bow windows.
• Available in wood, vinyl, fiberglass composite, and aluminum exterior options. Interior wood options include pine, maple, alder, and oak.
• Incorporates Fibrex composite material made from 40% reclaimed wood fiber and 60% thermoplastic polymer for strength and stability.
• High-Performance Low-E4 smart glass comes standard for improved insulation.
• Stormwatch protection packages available for coastal areas and high winds.
• Limited lifetime warranties on glass and most frame materials.

Key Differences Between Vytex And Andersen Windows

Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s dig into a detailed comparison of their key features.

Frame Materials

One of the biggest differences between Vytex and Andersen is the variety of frame materials they offer.

Vytex frames are available in:

• Vinyl – Low-maintenance and durable. Resists warping, cracking, and peeling. Good insulation. Available in white or beige.
• Aluminum – Strong, durable, and lightweight. Sleek modern look. Requires more maintenance. Comes in standard colors or can be custom painted.
• Wood – Beautiful natural look. Can be painted or stained. Requires high-maintenance.
• Fiberglass – Provides strength of wood but with low maintenance of vinyl. Resists rotting, swelling, and warping. Customizable color options.

Andersen offers all of the same frame materials as Vytex, plus these additional options:

• Fibrex – Andersen’s proprietary composite combining the strength of wood fibers and polymers. Twice as strong as vinyl.
• Renewal by Andersen Fibrex – A more durable and eco-friendly Fibrex blend made of reclaimed wood from their own windows. Provides superior thermal efficiency.

When it comes to frames, Andersen gives you more choices for matching the architectural style of your home. Vytex’s selection is still versatile but not quite as extensive.

Glass Technology

The quality of the glass used is essential for any window’s energy efficiency, durability, and noise reduction capabilities.

Vytex offers the following glass features:

• Low-E insulating glass – Multi-layer design with a low-emissivity metallic coating to reduce UV damage and improve thermal performance.
• Argon gas filled – The space between glass layers is filled with argon gas for added insulation.
• Foam spacer – The foam spacer between glass panes minimizes condensation and heat loss at the edges.
• Impact-resistant – Special laminated glass provides extra strength and protection from windborne debris for coastal regions.
• Sound reduction – Panes incorporating STC/OITC-rated laminated glass limit outside noise.

Andersen windows utilize:

• High-Performance Low-E4 SmartSun glass – Filters out 95% of harmful UV rays while letting light and heat in. Provides energy savings in any climate.
• High-Performance Low-E4 Sun glass – Best for hot, sunny climates. Reduces solar heat gain.
• High-Performance Low-E4 PassiveSun glass – Optimized for moderate and cooler climates to allow in solar heat gain during winter.
• Triple-pane – Three panes of glass with Low-E coating and argon gas fill for optimal insulation.
• Impact-resistant glass – Specialty glazing meets stringent codes for windborne debris resistance.
• Sound reducing glass – Offers noise control for homes near busy roads, airports, etc.

The glass technologies offered by the two brands are fairly comparable. One advantage for Andersen is the different Low-E coatings optimized for different climates. Vytex just uses a standard Low-E.

Window Hardware

Sturdy hardware is crucial for smooth opening and closing of windows year after year.

Vytex hardware features:

• Main operating hardware made of durable die-cast aluminum alloy for strength.
• Available with optional tempered stainless steel coastal package for salt-air resistance.
• Friction reducing nylon bushings on operating arms.
• Hidden jambliners for easy window operation.
• Locking hardware enhances security and forced entry resistance.
• Sweep locks create a tight seal along entire closing edge.

Andersen hardware includes:

• Marine-grade stainless steel throughout, even the standard package. Resists corrosion from moisture and coastal salt air.
• Ball-bearing hinges on casement models for smooth, long-lasting performance.
• Specialty easy-open locking system on doors and double hung windows.
• Optional heavy duty or coastal packages with added security features.
• Sweeps and gaskets compress tightly when locked for an airtight seal.

The stainless steel used for all Andersen hardware gives them a leg up in terms of durability, especially near the ocean. Vytex hardware is decent quality but may not hold up as long under extreme conditions.

Exterior Color Options

How your windows look from the outside is a major factor in home aesthetics. Let’s look at exterior color choices.

Vytex exterior colors:

• Vinyl – Available in standard solid white as well as designer beige.
• Aluminum – Comes in white, beige and bronze baked-on finishes. Can be custom painted.
• Wood – Can be painted or stained any color. Requires frequent upkeep.
• Fiberglass – White or beige standard. Custom paint matching possible.

Andersen exteriors offer:

• Vinyl – Solid white or sandtone. Also available with four exterior laminate options in gray, tan, brown, and black.
• Fibrex – 16 factory finish colors like black, cranberry, forest green, and more. Custom colors also available.
• Wood – For painting or staining.
• Aluminum – Five durable finish options plus custom color matching.

Andersen provides more factory finish color choices for vinyl, Fibrex, and aluminum framed windows. This makes it easier to closely match your home’s exterior without the cost of custom painting. Vytex has a smaller selection of standard colors.

Interior Finishes

The look and feel of your window interiors are important since you see them everyday.

Vytex interior options are fairly basic:

• Vinyl – Available in white only.
• Wood – Can be painted or stained. Requires maintenance.
• Aluminum or fiberglass – Come with a white baked-on enamel interior finish.

Andersen interiors include:

• Vinyl – Offered in white or beige.
• Fibrex – 16 low-maintenance factory finish interiors like oak, dark bronze, and whitewash. Custom colors also possible.
• Wood species – Choose from pine, maple, alder, and oak in different finish options.
• Aluminum – White baked-on enamel interior standard. Custom paint matching optional.

The variety of wood species and factory finish colors for Fibrex and aluminum-clad wood windows from Andersen provide many more interior design options versus Vytex’s more basic white vinyl or painted wood.

Screens

Quality screens keep bugs out while letting in fresh air and natural light.

Vytex screens feature:

• Fiberglass mesh in a charcoal color. Better clarity and less sagging than aluminum mesh.
• Available in full screen or half screen options.
• Screen frame color matches the interior window color.

Andersen screen attributes include:

• TruScene® insect screens with finer fiberglass mesh optimized for clarity and durability.
• Options for full, half, or retractable screens.
• Screens made with aluminum or Fibrex frame material to match window interior and exterior.
• Easy removal from the interior for cleaning and storage.

Both brands offer good quality insect screens. Andersen TruScene screens provide the best visibility along with frames that match window interior and exterior colors.

Window Styles

Style preferences for your new windows vary by home design and personal taste.

Here are the main window styles offered by Vytex:

• Double hung
• Slider
• Casement
• Awning
• Picture
• Bay
• Bow
• Garden

Andersen window styles include:

• Double hung
• Slider and gliding
• Casement
• Awning
• Picture and specialty
• Bay and bow
• Tilt-wash double hung
• Narroline and direct set

The window style selection is very similar between the two brands.

Both provide all the most popular and versatile styles for any home.

Andersen does offer more specialty windows like gliders, garden, and tilt-wash double hung which add more unique options. But Vytex covers all the essential styles and types the typical homeowner will need.

Smart Home Technology

Smart windows are growing in popularity, allowing control from smartphones or voice assistants.

Vytex does not currently offer smart window technology in their products.

Andersen has incorporated connectivity and automation features into some of their window lines:

• VeriLock® sensors – Alert homeowners if windows are opened, closed, locked or unlocked.
• Automate Pulse® – Motorized system allows remote opening and closing of windows. Works with smart home platforms.
• SmartShades – Automated shading systems operated through an app or voice control.

While Vytex has no smart window capabilities yet, Andersen gives tech-savvy homeowners the ability to monitor windows remotely and even open and close them via a smart phone.

Warranties

When making a significant window investment, a strong manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind.

Let’s compare the warranties:

Vytex warranties:

• Lifetime limited – On most vinyl and wood window components including the frame, sash, and hardware.
• 20 years – For the exterior aluminum finish on aluminum-clad products.
• 10 years – On insulating glass units.

Andersen warranties:

• 20/10 Limited – 20 years coverage on glass, Fibrex composite, and exterior finish. 10 years on other parts like hardware, screens, and weatherstripping.
• 10/1 Limited – 10 years on glass. 1 year on manufacturing materials and workmanship.
• Renewal by Andersen Limited – Same coverage except 20 years on glass.

The lifetime limited coverage from Vytex on many vinyl window components is longer than Andersen’s 20-year length. However, Andersen provides a tiered offering so you can choose the longer 20/10 warranty for better protection.

Price Comparison

Of course, price plays a significant role when choosing new windows.

As a general comparison:

• Vytex windows are typically 10-15% less expensive than comparable Andersen windows.
• There can be significant variability for custom, larger, or specialty Andersen windows. Some may be much higher cost.
• The Renewal by Andersen line is around 25% more expensive than Vytex on average.
• Professional installation is extra for both brands but usually lower cost with Vytex.

Vytex provides very competitive pricing, making them a great mid-range option between value vinyl windows and premium brands. Renewal by Andersen sits at the high end for replacement windows.

Vytex And Andersen Windows: Which Is Better?

Now for the big question – how do Vytex and Andersen compare overall?

Vytex pros:

• More affordable prices, often 10-15% less than Andersen.
• Good warranty coverage including lifetime limited on vinyl components.
• Quality materials and sturdy construction.
• Covers all main window styles and options for most homes.

Potential downsides:

• Smaller selection of colors and interior finishes.
• No smart home technology.
• Hardware not as durable for coastal and high wind areas.

Andersen pros:

• Broader selection of frame materials, styles, finishes, and colors.
• Best-in-class glass technology optimized for different climates.
• More durable hardware and protecton for coastal regions.
• Available smart window options.

Potential downsides:

• Renewal by Andersen line is very expensive.
• Shorter warranties than Vytex on some components.

Overall, Vytex offers excellent quality windows at lower prices, making them a great value choice for most homeowners.

Andersen windows justify their higher cost with more custom and specialty options, smart home integration, and superior durability in harsh weather environments. The Renewal line provides the ultimate in glass and insulation performance.

Both Andersen and Vytex make great windows, so focus on your budget, design needs, climate, and other priorities to decide which brand is the better fit. Reaching out to each company for quotes on your specific project is recommended.

I hope this detailed comparison helps provide clarity on how Vytex and Andersen windows stack up. Please let me know if you need any other information!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Closing Remarks

Vytex and Andersen both manufacture excellent replacement windows but have notable differences when it comes to pricing, material quality, customization, and smart features. For many homeowners, Vytex represents a great middle-ground with premium performance at lower cost.

Andersen is ideal for those wanting the best materials, broadest selections, and latest tech built into their windows. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each brand to make the right window choice for your home and budget.