Green home building is here to stay. Builders are adopting green practices and increasingly choosing environmentally responsible building products. To meet this demand, manufacturers of building products are turning to production of environmentally friendly construction materials.
Andersen Windows is no exception. In December the company's facility in Garland produced the 1 millionth window in its eco-conscious 100 Series.
"Being environmentally responsible is not new to us and has been integral to our manufacturing process," says Sandi Andrews, regional sales manager for Texas and Oklahoma.
Both the frame and glass of the 100 Series are made of resource-efficient composite material.
Wood fiber salvaged from the production of Andersen's wood window products is recycled into Fibrex, used to frame the 100 Series.
"Our Fibrex is made of 40 percent reclaimed wood by fiber weight and 60 percent thermoplastic polymer. The fiber product is stiffer than a vinyl product, more durable and affordable," Andrews says.
Offered in a range of colors not available with comparable vinyl product, the Fibrex windows are fade-resistant and never need painting.
Glass used to make the windows includes 22 percent pre-consumer reclaimed glass. Scrap glass "cutlets" are combined with other raw material, then melted and reformed into panes for the 100 Series. The windows bear an Energy Star label.
Andrews notes that the temperature extremes of Texas make the windows popular for houses and apartments. "Texas is one of the fastest-growing markets," she says.
The 100 Series includes six styles of windows: awning, double-hung, gliding, picture, specialty and the most popular, casement. Also offered is a gliding patio door. The products are available in five exterior colors and five hardware finishes.
The 100 Series can be purchased through Home Depot stores and Texas Door & Trim in Dallas. Other locations can be found at andersen windows.com.