Our customers shopping for replacement windows in the Raleigh area often ask us “Do I have Andersen windows?”
Here’s the foolproof guidance that we give them to help them figure it out quickly.
The quickest way to figure out if you have Andersen windows
Simply look at your window’s glass. Specifically, from inside your home, look at the lower right hand corner of the glass.
You may need to look quite closely.
But if you have Andersen windows, you’ll see the Andersen AW logo etched into the glass.
Here’s an example.
On double hung windows, also known as up-and-down windows, both pieces of glass will have the etching.
The history of Andersen’s window identification
Andersen has been around for a long time; since 1903 to be exact.
Andersen has been etching it’s window glass since at least as far back as September, 1962, and possibly earlier.
Fun fact, we went digging in the Minnesota Historical Society’s archival records on Andersen to nail down that exact date. We’re THAT nerdy about windows!
Thus, for most homeowners, looking for the glass etching is the fastest, easiest way to tell if they have Andersen windows.
How would I know if I had older Andersen windows, made pre-1962?
What if you have very old windows? How could you figure out if they were Andersen windows even if they were made before Andersen started etching the window glass?
It can be trickier to identify older Andersen windows, but there are still some ways you can figure it out.
Even before they began etching window glass, Andersen would sometimes stamp their company name into hardware pieces. Seeing the Andersen name stamped into your window lock is another way to confirm if your older windows were made by Andersen.
Photo by Andersen Windows – https://www.andersenwindows.com/windows-and-doors/options-and-accessories/window-hardware/
The other information you can use as a clue to answer the question “Do I have Andersen windows?” is the material your windows are made from. Typically though, this information will help to identify windows which aren’t Andersen.
For instance, in May, 2005, Andersen bought Eagle Windows. With this purchase, Andersen began manufacturing aluminum-clad windows as part of their main product lines. Previously, Andersen had briefly made one aluminum-clad product in the early 1990’s (the DC tilt-wash), but did not regularly produce anything aluminum clad. So, if you have windows that predate May, 2005, and they are aluminum-clad, you can be almost certain that they are not Andersen windows.
Similarly, if you have an all-vinyl window, you don’t have an Andersen window. Andersen has only ever made vinyl-clad windows. These windows are an all-wood window covered by vinyl on the exterior. If there is vinyl on the interior of your window as well, then it is not an Andersen product.
Other questions that customers have when they’re asking “Do I have Andersen windows?”
Is it possible that someone removed the Andersen logo?
Nope.
The logo is not a decal or other material placed on top of the glass. Rather, Andersen etches it into the glass.
No one can wash or peel it off; it’s permanent.
Will I be able to see the Andersen logo if my windows have privacy glass?
Privacy glass has a texture, tint, or design to provide privacy.
However, a window with privacy glass will usually include only one pane of textured glass. The other one or two panes will be clear glass. This means that you can still see the logo etched into the glass. It may help to use a flashlight, a magnifying glass, or a piece of dark paper behind the glass to help you see the logo clearly.
So, have you got old Andersen windows?
We hope these are some helpful tips as you try to figure out “Do I have Andersen windows?”
When you’re ready to replace those old windows, you want to work with a trustworthy team who knows their stuff.
The Window Works Company has helped thousands of homeowners in the Raleigh area find replacement windows they love.
We’d love to help you, too. Just fill out the form below to tell us about what you need.
