Home Improvement Articles

Andersen Lumber Company led the way

During World War I, the Andersen Lumber Company manufactured window frames for the military, building on their 1915 production of 1 million frames. They named their successful window design after the war effort, calling it the Victory window. They were always on the leading edge of the window frame industry, and they proved it again in 1940, when they developed the first horizontal gliding window, revolutionizing home design.

After World War II, Andersen had trouble getting supplies, which forced them to redesign their window. What they came up with was the Pressure-Seal double-hung window that did away with the weights and pulleys systems from before. They also started putting weather-stripping on their windows. By 1948, Anderson was producing, along with their Pressure-Seal double-hung windows, casement windows, picture windows, gliding windows and basement utility windows. They were indeed the leader.

In 1952, Andersen invented the Flexivent window, that could be installed to swing inward, outward, or like a casement window. Another first Andersen produced was its Welded Insulating Glass that protected homes from condensation and frost - storm windows were no longer needed.

Another huge breakthrough in replacement windows came in 1966, when Andersen developed their Perma-Shield Cladding System. This system consisted of adding a tough vinyl exterior to wood windows which greatly extended the life of the window. Andersen advertised his Perma-Shield System, promising that it wouldn't "rust, pit, corrode, chip, flake, peel or blister." To this day, that promise has been kept.

As the replacement window industry grew, so did Andersen's line of new and innovative products. In 1971, they introduced the Flex-Pac window, which was completely assembled and pre-finished. And they made it more attractive, too, with their introduction in 1974 of the first color Perma-Shield Cladding.

Then, in 1980 the Andersen Windows Corporation jumped into the replacement window business by introducing their pre-finished Flexiframe window. And a further jump ahead came in 1983, when Andersen introduced low-emissivity (Low-E) High-Performance Glass. This was a huge step ahead. This new Low-E glass was covered with a transparent, metallic film which kept the heat in during the winter, and kept it out during the summer. It also dramatically reduced ultra-violet rays from getting through the window.

In 1991, Andersen developed yet another first - Fibrex, which was made from recycled wood and vinyl from their factories. Fibrex resisted rotting and was a great insulator, among other things. The year 2003 marked Andersen Corporations' 100th anniversary - and what a century it's been for them. And for the replacement window industry as a whole. As they led the way, other manufacturers followed suit. Now you can get replacement windows of all kinds, in all sizes, in all shapes, wherever and whenever you want.

The future of replacement windows looks bright

Innovations in the replacement window industry are continually making their way into people's homes. You can now buy self-cleaning glass (it doesn't actually clean itself - it just repels the dirt). If you live in a hurricane zone, you can get specially laminated glass that resists hurricane-force winds. You can buy windows that have built-in adjustable blinds - right inside the windows! What next?

What next, indeed. What's next for you, if you're considering replacing any windows in your home, is to check out our "Glossary of Replacement Window Terms", to make sure you understand the language used. Then you can read up on "How Replacement Windows Work". And then you're set. Soon, you'll be able to sit back in your home and stare out at the beautiful view through your new replacement windows. Enjoy!

About The Author

Gareth Marples is a successful home based freelance copywriter, one of experience and diversity. He provides tips and advice for consumers purchasing replacement house windows, decorative window film and vinyl replacement windows. His numerous articles offer moneysaving tips and valuable insight on typically confusing topics.

This article on the "History of Replacement Windows" reprinted with permission.

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