In a nut shell, its not a good window and very flimsy with a high air infiltration rating.

Walter, I realize it's not the greatest window just trying to understand the installation on this window in a new construction home build. Considering the Andersen 200 and the Marvin Integrity Wood-Ultrex.

We had Anderson 200 tilt-wash windows in a house we owned before for 9 years, and we had no problems with them at all. They were installed new by the builder before we purchased the home.

Joseph,

I have seen them, when installed correctly, function decently and be serviceable. I think Walter is speaking to a higher level of performance measurement (i.e. air infiltration) as compared to just working.

Andersen does make some nice products and seem to warranty them. If you do have any frame rot after this year though, you are on your own.

WoW, I agree there always could be rot that occurs beyond the warranty period, but that would also be the case with regard to the higher end Andersen lines as well as Marvin Ultimates. Getting back to the statement ".."The 200 Tilt-Wash doesn't have a drip at the sill and needs a sub-sill or some pretty fancy flashing." - any idea what this is referring to?

The sill on the 200 is flat, unlike the 400 which has a slight pitch. When it rains the water can splash into the house if the lower sash is open. "Pretty fancy flashing" is an understatement.... Get the 400.

If the lower sash is closed is it still a problem though?

Thanks millworkman.

Does anyone know where I can find the slope degree angle of the sill on the Andersen 200?

Just found the angle on the Marvin Integrity sill it's 13 degrees. I know people claim the Andersen 200 sill is fairly flat, but I'd like to know the actual angle degree.

I just checked a 5 year old 200. The sill is flat for the first 1.5", then slopes up 5-6* for 1.5", then flat again where the window sash seats when closed. By comparison, the 400 is 15* all the way to the sash, including the area where it seats.

Thanks ksc36 for that detailed information. I wonder why Andersen didn't keep the 5-6 degree angle for the entire sill.

When I enlarge the cutaway I see where it's flat in those areas you describe.

http://www.andersenwindows.com/-/media/aw/images/product-images/windows/200-series/double-hung/double-hung-cross-section-200-series-300x300.png

i have anderson windows they are 16 yrs old yes the wooden ones with the rotted bottom of the window made of wood of course , i expected them to last longer . i remember the real old homes made in the 50s wooden windows lasted more than 30 yrs. anderson only warrants the wood for 10 yrs glass for 20 . i believe the wood of the ones made today is a soft wood and rots easily can you imagine buying a new home and in 15 yrs you have to replace all the windows due to rot. is that a chunk of money or what

my best suggestion . if your going to buy wooden windows put those cheap storm windows over them, wish i had done that.

alcarole68: Thanks for your feedback. So were the windows you have rotted the Andersen 200 series windows or another window model from Andersen? How are they rotting if they are vinyl wrapped, is the vinyl cracking or breaking down in some way?

If they are 16 yrs old and they are double hungs the sash is NOT vinyl clad it is a painted finish. The frames would be vinyl clad however.

I assumed alcarol68 was taking about the sill or frame rotting. Sash rotting doesn't seem very common.

OK, I guess her statement could be taken either way after rereading it Ken.

Why would they even make them that way?seems like the cost would be no different,we are looking at 23 anderson 200's and now beginning to wonder?

We just had 200 series installed and they are correct regarding the pitch of the sill, water does splash inside when it rains if you leave it cracked a little for air. Maybe that won't matter to you but I find it really annoying. I like to keep the window open a tiny bit when it rains especially in the warmer months when a good storm brings cooler air through. This is the same when it starts to rain hard and the window is open because you haven't gotten to it yet, the inside gets soaked, worse than my old 'sill pitched' window. i could always bring the top sash down a bit for air when it rains but I think that will be a pain with blinds and curtains etc. I'm disappointed with them. Also the screens are flimsy. Hope this helps