Replies

1. 
   RedfordHenry | Jun 17, 2006 01:44pm | #1

   I've found the 200 series a pretty decent, no-frills, basic window.  Not sure if they are low-E/gas filled or if that's only available on the 400 series.   The nailing fins are a bit lumpy where they overlap on the bottom, I usually have to rabbet the back side of wood trim to get it to lay flat.  They are usually stock items at HD.

   For a few more bucks, the 400 series is better. If the interior will be painted white you can request pre-finished interior (jambs and sashes) and save a bundle on painting. 

1. 
   DonCanDo | Jun 17, 2006 02:07pm | #2

   I couldn't remember if the 200 series was available with the pre-painted jamb and sash or if it was just the 400.  I've installed both and I agree that the 400 is a littler better, but the difference isn't huge.  But the pre-painted interior really is a huge advantage.  I hate painting "operable" things like windows.  It's not only time-consuming, but often compromises the operation.  AND you can never match the job of a factory applied finish.

   Of course, like you said, it only helps if it's going to be painted.  I'm not really fond of staining modern windows anyway because it's just pine which isn't special and the white plastic sash guides will always be visible.

   -Don

2. 
   sledgehammer | Jun 17, 2006 03:59pm | #3

   It's a great window for the price. If you don't install it perfectly, it is garbage.

   Read the intructions and follow them, check and double check your installation.  400 series and narrowline are much more forgiving to poor installation practices.

3. 
   frenchy | Jun 17, 2006 07:57pm | #4

   Gene davis,

    400 are argon filled, 200 series isn't a decade after installation there is no differance the argon will have leaked out.   

4. 
   dieselpig | Jun 17, 2006 11:30pm | #5

   Gene,

   Anderson 400's and 200's are the most popular window I install on new frames.  I'm not saying they're the best, the worst, the cheapest, the most expensive, etc.  Just that, for whatever reason, that's what I install the most of.

   My experience is this:  They're both very good windows but the 200's must be installed with a great deal more care than the 400's.  They rack and distort quite easily when handling them.  The 400's have a more rigid and substantial frame.  With the 400's (if the RO's are spot on), we pretty much just unwrap 'em and throw them in..... the level is just a courtesy.  The 200's require that you really pay attention as they often need to be nudged/racked back to square in order to read plumb/level.

   That's an installers perspective anyway.  Once installed, they seem like a nice enough window.  I have 400's in my house though.... take it for what it's worth. 

   View Image
1. 
   jocobe | Jun 18, 2006 01:28am | #6

   ditto...what dieselpig said!View Image

5. 
   Piffin | Jun 18, 2006 04:50am | #7

   gene - You asked that same Q about four months ago. Back then the larger concern was that the price bid on a slider was quite high for a 200. Did all the comments in tha thtread not satisfy you, or are you simply hoping top cast a line into a diferent school of fishj in the same lake?

   LOL

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Jun 18, 2006 05:13am | #8

   Different job this time, this one's a mix of all types . . . fixed, 5-sided polygons, sliders, doublehungs, and awnings.  It's that little vacation house I have been doodling in Sketchup.

   The installation cautions I am hearing this time around are enough to dissuade me from using 200s.  The small difference they would make in the proposal price isn't worth the hassle.

1. 
   Piffin | Jun 18, 2006 08:59am | #9

   Sumation - An andersen dealer told me, "The 200 is a good unit except for cheaper hardware, but for the kind of houses you do, the 200 isn't even worth your consideration" 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!