Andersen Windows, a trusted name in the industry since 1903, has been etching its logo into window glass since at least September 1962. This etching, along with other identifying markers, can help you determine the vintage of your old Andersen windows. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of identifying your Andersen windows and their manufacturing date.
Identifying Andersen Windows
The quickest and most reliable way to identify Andersen windows is to look for the Andersen AW logo etched into the lower right corner of the glass, from inside your home. This etching is permanent and cannot be removed or washed off.
If your windows have privacy glass, you may still be able to see the logo by using a flashlight, magnifying glass, or a piece of dark paper behind the glass to help you see it clearly. The logo will be etched into one of the clear glass panes, as privacy glass usually only covers one pane.
Another way to identify older Andersen windows, made before 1962, is to look for the Andersen name stamped into the window hardware, such as the lock.
Determining the Manufacturing Date
Once you’ve confirmed that you have Andersen windows, you can determine their manufacturing date using the following methods:
Glass Etching
As mentioned earlier, Andersen has been etching its logo into window glass since at least September 1962. If your windows have this etching, you can be sure they were manufactured after this date.
Product Identification Label
Andersen windows and patio doors also have a Product Identification Label that includes the manufacturing date. This label can be found in various locations, depending on the window or door type:
- Casement and awning windows: Between the glass in the upper left or right corner (vinyl and fiberglass), or between the glass, on the window frame, or attached to the glass in the lower left or right corner (wood and clad-wood).
- Sliding windows: Between the glass in the upper right corner or in the lower left or right corner (vinyl and fiberglass).
- Single- and double-hung windows: Between the glass in the upper left or right corner (vinyl and fiberglass), or between the glass, on the window frame, or attached to the glass in the lower left or right corner (wood and clad-wood).
- Entry doors with sidelights: On the edge of the door near the top hinge (top of door), or on the lower left or right corner of the sidelight glass or the exterior sill of the door (bottom of door).
- Entry doors without sidelights: On the edge of the door near the top hinge (top of door), or on the exterior sill of the door (bottom of door).
- Hinged patio doors: Attached to the door panel above the handle or between the glass in the lower left or right corner on the interior or exterior of the door (wood and clad-wood).
- Sliding patio doors: Attached to the glass in the lower left or right corner or on the upper part of the interior side of the frame (vinyl and fiberglass), or attached to the door panel above the handle or along the lower left or right corner of the glass (wood and clad-wood).
- Storm doors: On the hinge side of the mounting frame (top of door), or on the lower left or right corner of the door (bottom of door).
For wood products purchased before 2008, the manufacturing date may be stamped on the sill, located approximately 2-4 inches from one corner of the unit.
Andersen Window Vintages
Andersen has been manufacturing windows for over a century, and the company has produced various window series throughout its history. Here are some key vintages to help you identify your Andersen windows:
Andersen 200 Series
The Andersen 200 Series basement and utility windows were manufactured from 1934 to 2009.
If you have windows that predate May 2005 and are aluminum-clad, they are most likely not Andersen windows, as the company only began regularly producing aluminum-clad windows after acquiring Eagle Windows in 2005.
Similarly, if your windows are all-vinyl, they are not Andersen windows, as the company has only ever made vinyl-clad windows, which are wood windows covered with vinyl on the exterior.