The Woodwright (not Renewal By Andersen) is the official replacement window for Andersen windows. It can be bought at any retail outlet that sells Andersen products. It can be installed by anyone. RBA is a separate company that is owned by Andersen. It is marketed thru privately owned franchises that have protected territories. It must be installed by the franchise. The Woodwright is a wood frame window that has fibrex (vinyl) claded to the exterior for weather protection. The RBA is an all vinyl (fibrex) window. The Woodwright is stronger and more attractive than RBA. Andersen windows are sold at multiple outlets in all markets. This causes competition and discounting to The Woodwright. RBA with protected territories has no competition and no reason to discount. The Woodwright is approx. half the cost of RBA. Higher prices does not mean better product. Because The Woodwright is bought at retail outlets and RBA is sold thru home visits from a sales rep., high pressure sales are the norm for RBA while no pressure selling is the norm for The Woodwright. The RBA sales reps. are commission only (10%) with the added pressure that if they do not get the sell on the first meeting, the customer will be turned over to a manager to complete the sell and the rep. will get nothing. A rep. can discount up to 25% off the list price, if required. A manager can add another 5-10% to complete the sell. Even with these discounts, The Woodwright is less expensive. Stronger, more attractive, half the cost, no high pressure selling and the installer of your choice - Buy Woodwright and tell RBA to go away.

I purchased 26 Renewal by Andersen windows June 2010 and boy am I sorry now. Paid over $23K. Most of the windows are casement and are working fairly well except where the windows were installed in the opening (leaks air), but the two worst offenders for air leaks that I have are the double hung windows. Once faces North the other South. These two double-hung were over $11oo a piece since the windows are 3.5x6.5. Right now I have 35+ MPH NW winds (as I write it is now 45+) and the window is howling with air pouring in... and I mean pouring in. These double hung windows are the worst I have ever had. My original old Marvin windows didn't leak air this BAD.

Andersen's solution is to insall a new window kit. They said this is a known problem with the windows where the air pours in around the block and channel of the windows, at the top of the frame, and not to mention under the sash. If it is known problem then why is Andersen adressing the issue up front?I have plastic up on the inside and it is bowing and is under strain. We are suppose to be to 4 degress tonight with the continual strong winds so my poor old furnance is going to get a costly workout.

I also have air leak around the edges of my large picture windows. Nothings about these windows is tight. The installation was not correct in my opinion and they have already been out several times for warranty work.

I would not recommend Renewal By Andersen Windows. Might as well go with WIndow World like my mom did as she has ZERO issues with her double hung windows. So I would not agress with the old saying you get what you pay for because this does not hold true with Andersen Windows. They are just costly without being effecient at keeping wind/heat/cold out which really is the whole purpose of a window right?!? Well see what happens with their recommended fix.

BTW - My Andersen Frenchwood Door is failing too. More air is coming in than with by old Pella Sliding Door. This door was recommended by Andersen to stop the straight direct West winds. Well it is not keeping the wind out!! Air is coming in at the hinges, around all entry sides and all along the bottom. At least it doesn't let rain in like my sliding door.

I ordered a complete home worth of new windows and doors in May 2010. This company has completely botched the design, measurement, installation, and inspections. They still aren't completed and it is October...just when the rain has started with unsealed windows and doors. In addition, they installed the wrong product. The customer service is terrible. Please steer away from this company. They have completely ruined my home.