Andersen Windows: Why We're a Certified Installer and What That Means for You

When you start shopping for replacement windows, you quickly discover there are a lot of brands, a lot of claims, and a lot of companies competing for your business. It can be overwhelming.

I want to explain why we chose to become an Andersen Certified Installer, what that certification actually means, and why it matters for your window project.

Why Andersen?

I have been installing windows in Colorado Springs for over a decade. In that time, I have worked with products from every major manufacturer. Some are good. Some are adequate. Some fail way too soon, especially at our altitude.

We chose to partner with Andersen for a few specific reasons:

Product Quality

Andersen has been making windows since 1903. Their products consistently outperform competitors in independent testing for energy efficiency, durability, and structural integrity. Their Fibrex composite material is particularly well-suited to Colorado’s conditions, and I have written about why in our material comparison guide.

Range of Options

Andersen makes windows for every home and every budget, from the value-oriented 100 Series to the fully custom Architectural Collection. This means we can find the right product for a starter home in Fountain and a historic estate in the Broadmoor without compromising on quality.

Performance at Altitude

This is the big one. Not all window manufacturers design for altitude. Andersen’s products include altitude-rated seals, Low-E4 glass coatings that handle Colorado’s intense UV, and frame materials that resist degradation in our climate. I have seen their products hold up better at 6,300 feet than anything else I have installed.

Warranty Backing

Andersen stands behind their products with one of the strongest warranties in the industry. Having a manufacturer that has been in business for over 120 years backing your warranty means something. They are not going anywhere.

What “Certified Installer” Actually Means

There is a big difference between a company that buys Andersen windows and installs them, and a company that is Andersen Certified. Here is what our certification involves:

Factory Training

Every installer on our team completes Andersen’s factory training program. This is not a quick online course. It covers:

• Proper measurement techniques for each product line
• Installation procedures specific to each window and door type
• Flashing and waterproofing methods
• Insulation and air sealing standards
• Hardware installation and adjustment
• Quality control checkpoints throughout the installation

When our crew installs a window, they follow Andersen’s specifications exactly. Not “close enough.” Not “the way we have always done it.” The manufacturer’s way, every time.

Quality Standards

Certification requires that we meet Andersen’s quality benchmarks consistently. This includes:

• Proper storage and handling of products on the job site
• Installation procedures that protect the product warranty
• Clean, professional workmanship on every project
• Customer satisfaction metrics

Ongoing Education

Window technology changes, and Andersen regularly introduces new products and updated installation techniques. Our certification requires ongoing education to stay current with the latest products and best practices.

Why Certification Matters for Your Project

You might wonder whether certification really makes a practical difference. It does, and here is why.

Your Warranty Is Protected

Andersen’s product warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. But here is what most homeowners do not realize: improper installation can void the warranty for issues caused by poor workmanship.

If a non-certified installer makes an error, like insufficient insulation around the frame, improper flashing, or a window set out of level, and that error leads to water intrusion, air leaks, or seal failure, Andersen may not cover the resulting damage because the root cause was installation, not manufacturing.

When a certified installer handles your project, the installation is done to Andersen’s specifications, and your warranty coverage is secure.

Better Performance

Even the best window will underperform if it is installed poorly. Research shows that installation quality can affect up to 30 percent of a window’s energy performance. Gaps in insulation, improper sealing, and poor flashing are common with less experienced installers and can dramatically reduce the value of your investment.

Our certification means we know exactly how to install each Andersen product for maximum performance in Colorado’s conditions.

Problem Prevention

An experienced, certified installer catches problems before they become expensive. During installation, we routinely identify:

• Structural issues in the rough opening that need repair
• Previous water damage that needs to be addressed before the new window goes in
• Sizing discrepancies that need correction
• Insulation gaps in the surrounding wall cavity

Catching these issues during installation prevents callbacks, warranty claims, and homeowner frustration down the road.

The Andersen Product Lines We Install

Here is a quick overview of the Andersen products available through Dream Windows:

100 Series

Andersen’s value line made from Fibrex composite. Excellent performance at an accessible price point. A great choice for whole-home replacements where budget matters. Available in white and dark bronze.

200 Series

A step up with more style options and improved hardware. Vinyl exterior with wood-protected interior options. Popular for mid-range projects.

400 Series

Our most popular recommendation. Fibrex or wood frames with a wide range of exterior colors and interior finish options. The sweet spot of performance, aesthetics, and value for most Colorado Springs homes.

A-Series (Architectural Collection)

Andersen’s premium line for custom and high-end projects. Virtually unlimited design options with the highest level of materials and craftsmanship. Ideal for historic homes, custom builds, and architectural showcase projects.

E-Series

The fully custom option. Any size, any shape, any color. For architecturally demanding projects where standard options will not work.

How We Work

Here is what a typical Dream Windows project looks like from start to finish:

1. Free Consultation: We visit your home, inspect your current windows, discuss your goals and budget, and recommend products. No pressure, no sales tactics.

2. Detailed Quote: We provide a written estimate covering every detail: products, installation, disposal, trim, and cleanup. No hidden costs.

3. Product Order: Once you approve the quote, we order your Andersen products. Lead times vary by product line, typically 3 to 6 weeks.

4. Installation: Our certified crew installs your windows following Andersen’s specifications. Most projects take 1 to 3 days depending on window count.

5. Walk-Through: We walk you through every installed window, demonstrate operation and cleaning, and hand over all warranty documentation.

6. Follow-Up: We check in after installation to make sure everything is performing as expected.

The Dream Windows Difference

Being an Andersen Certified Installer is a cornerstone of how we operate, but it is not the only thing that sets us apart.

We are a family-owned local business run by Michael and Johanna Young and our son Ian. When you call Dream Windows, you are talking to us, not a call center. When we come to your home for a consultation, Michael is there personally.

We offer bilingual service in English and Spanish, because we want every Colorado Springs homeowner to feel comfortable and understood throughout the process.

And we know this market. I grew up in Manitou Springs. I have installed windows from Castle Rock to Pueblo and everywhere in between. I understand what Colorado’s altitude, weather, and sun do to windows, and I specify products and installation methods accordingly.

Schedule Your Free Andersen Window Consultation

Have questions about Andersen products or our certification? Call us at (719) 238-5419 or explore our Andersen window replacement options. We are happy to walk you through what is possible for your home.