While we offer a series of Andersen Windows and Doors that are clad in vinyl material, we also offer Andersen’s E-Series, which is clad in extruded aluminum, and the A-Series, which is a fiberglass-clad product. Either option is going to offer outstanding durability, beauty, and efficiency. Sometimes, we suggest the E-Series to our customers based on desired colors or features which are only available in E-Series. Other times, we recommend one series over the other (the E-Series over the 400 Series, for example) when the required sizes are standard in one, and custom in the other. In this case, we make our suggestion based on what is more economical for the consumer.

Unless you are a professional builder or interior decorator, you probably don’t shop regularly for windows and doors, so when you find yourself in a situation where you have to do just that, it can be a little overwhelming. Many terms may be used that you do not fully understand. It can feel like a consultant is trying to pull the wool over your eyes by using industry lingo. The right dealer/consultant, however, will take the time to explain the products as well as the process and will answer your questions.

Some windows are clad with roll-form aluminum, while others are clad with extruded aluminum. What’s the difference? Which is better? You should not make such a large investment in your home or business without understanding exactly what you are getting. At Hometown, we enjoy helping our customers understand the products and the process of installation. We believe that educated consumers will recognize the quality of our product over many of our competitors and the value of our pricing relative to the quality.

Roll-Form Aluminum | The Choice of Some of Our Competitors

When you think of roll-form (or coil), imagine a roll of aluminum foil. Roll-form is a thinner product — about the thickness of a soda can — that is wrapped around the wood frame of the window. Being thinner, the material is more easily dented and joints are lapped (or overlapping) resulting in a less attractive appearance. This type of joint is also more susceptible to moisture infiltration. The finish on the roll-form products is less durable and will fade and chalk earlier than the better finish on extruded material.

Extruded Aluminum | The Superior Choice Used by Andersen

The Andersen E-Series products are clad in extruded aluminum, far better material than roll-form aluminum. Extruded aluminum is much thicker than roll-form — about the thickness of a quarter. The thicker material is less easily dented and more durable. The finish on extruded aluminum is more resistant to chalking and fading and will maintain its original beauty over time. Extruded aluminum can be butt-jointed (or miter-jointed) producing a more attractive finished product that is more resistant to water infiltration.

Through decades of innovation, Andersen has elevated the extruded aluminum-clad window and door category and perfected a made-to-order process that is unsurpassed. Andersen’s E-Series cladding will withstand nature’s toughest elements. The extrusions slide onto the wood and are secured independently, allowing both wood and aluminum to expand and contract naturally. Andersen E-Series windows and doors are engineered to open, close, support, swing, or slide reliably day after day and are backed by a 20/10 Transferable Limited Warranty that provides peace of mind and confidence in the performance of the products.