Composite Windows
for Southern California Homes
Why Choose Composite Window Frames?
Durability Built to Last Decades
Composite window frames are engineered for long-term performance. Unlike wood, they do not rot, swell, or splinter with moisture exposure. Unlike standard vinyl, quality composite materials exhibit far less expansion and contraction with temperature swings — a critical advantage in Southern California, where homes can experience dramatic differences between summer afternoons and cool evenings. The result is a tighter, more consistent seal year after year, with a service life that can reach 30 to 50 years when properly installed and maintained.
Fiberglass Composite Windows: The Premium Option
Among composite frame types, fiberglass composite windows represent the top tier. The fiberglass-reinforced construction gives these frames exceptional dimensional stability and impact resistance — the same fundamental material trusted in boat hulls and bridge construction. For homeowners near the coast, in fire-prone inland zones, or simply looking for a window that won’t need replacing in 15 years, fiberglass composite is an outstanding long-term investment.
Energy Efficiency That Saves You Money
Composite frames are naturally poor conductors of heat, so they reduce thermal transfer between your home’s interior and the outside environment. For Southern California homeowners running air conditioning through long, hot summers, energy-efficient windows translate directly into lower monthly utility bills. Many composite window products meet or exceed Energy Star requirements, making them a smart choice for both comfort and energy conservation.
The Look of Wood Without the Upkeep
One of the most compelling advantages of composite windows is their ability to replicate the rich, natural appearance of wood — complete with realistic grain textures — without requiring painting, staining, or sealing. For homeowners with traditional Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Colonials, or classic ranch homes throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire, composite windows offer a visually authentic look that vinyl simply cannot match. They are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and many can be painted if your preferences change down the road.
Noise Reduction for Quieter Living
Composite frames pair naturally with dual- or triple-pane glass to provide excellent sound insulation. If your home is near a busy road, a school, or a commercial corridor — common throughout the greater Los Angeles area — a composite window replacement can meaningfully reduce exterior noise and improve your day-to-day comfort.
Composite vs. Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows
Choosing the right window material depends on your budget, your home’s architecture, and how long you plan to stay. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand where composite windows fit relative to other materials we carry:
- Vinyl windows are the most affordable option and perform well in most residential applications. They require minimal upkeep and offer good energy efficiency. However, vinyl can expand and contract more noticeably with temperature changes and cannot be painted.
- Fiberglass windows offer superior dimensional stability and durability, with a lifespan of up to 50 years. They can be painted and are highly resistant to the elements — at a higher price point than vinyl.
- Composite windows bridge the gap. They provide wood-like aesthetics with the low maintenance of synthetic materials, strong thermal performance, and durability that significantly outpaces standard vinyl — typically at a mid-to-premium price point.
Not sure which material is right for your home? Our team can help you explore your options.
Composite Window Brands We Carry
American Window Company carries composite windows from two of the most respected names in the industry. Both bring distinct material technologies and proven track records, giving Southern California homeowners access to the best composite window frames available today.
Andersen: Fibrex® Composite Windows
Andersen’s proprietary Fibrex® material has been setting the benchmark for composite window performance since Andersen perfected and patented it in 1992. Fibrex is made from a blend of 40% wood fiber — mostly reclaimed from Andersen’s own manufacturing processes — and 60% thermoplastic polymer, some of which is also reclaimed, fused together into a frame material that is twice as strong as standard vinyl while remaining dimensionally stable in all climates.
For Southern California homeowners, Fibrex® offers a compelling combination of benefits. It blocks thermal transfer nearly 700 times better than aluminum, helping keep homes cooler in summer and more comfortable in winter. The color is fused directly into the material during manufacturing — not painted on — making it highly resistant to fading, flaking, and peeling over time. Fibrex frames require no painting, no staining, and no wood preservative treatments, which also means significantly reduced VOC emissions. The material is warranted not to rot, chip, corrode, or peel.
Fibrex® Highlights:
- Material: 40% wood fiber (mostly reclaimed) + 60% thermoplastic polymer (some reclaimed), an Andersen-exclusive
- Strength: Twice as strong as extruded vinyl, with weathertight seals that stay weathertight
- Thermal performance: Blocks thermal transfer nearly 700 times better than aluminum
- Sustainability: Made primarily from reclaimed materials with no VOC-emitting wood treatments required
- Styles available: Single-hung, casement, awning, gliding, picture, and specialty windows
- Color: Color is fused into the material during production and can also be painted for full customization
Kolbe: Forgent™ Series with Glastra® Material
Kolbe’s Forgent™ Series is built around Glastra®, a proprietary hybrid of fiberglass and UV-stable polymer engineered for exceptional strength, resilience, and thermal performance. Glastra is a recyclable material — byproducts from its manufacturing process are repurposed for use in other industries, such as underground industrial piping, keeping waste out of landfills. Its multi-chambered, advanced ladder frame design delivers structural performance that significantly exceeds conventional fiberglass construction.
One of the standout features of the Forgent Series is Kolbe’s proprietary AccuForge™ welded sash and frame technology, which creates a precision nip-welded seal that effectively prevents air and water infiltration. Think of it like the compression seals found in automobiles and aircraft, engineered for a consistently tight fit regardless of temperature or weather conditions. Glastra’s expansion rate is less than half that of vinyl, meaning the seal performs reliably even through Southern California’s wide range of seasonal temperatures.
Forgent™ Series Highlights:
- Material: Glastra® — a proprietary hybrid of fiberglass and UV-stable polymer, recyclable with manufacturing byproducts repurposed into other industries
- Strength: Welded corners engineered to resist over twice the pressure of typical fiberglass windows
- Sealing technology: AccuForge™ welded sash and frame with EPDM compression gaskets to prevent air and water infiltration
- Dimensional stability: Expansion rate less than half that of vinyl; resists warping, cracking, and fading
- Interior options: All-Glastra (Cloud, Sahara, Midnight, or Bronze) or Glastra exterior with pine wood interior in a variety of stains and paint finishes
- Styles available: Casement, awning, double-hung, sliding, picture, and specialty windows; suitable for new construction and replacement
Not sure which brand or material is right for your home? Our team can walk you through both options in person at our Covina showroom.
Visit Our Southern California Showroom
Our experienced team is ready to help you find composite windows that fit your home, your style, and your budget. Stop by our Covina showroom to see window frame samples in person and speak with a knowledgeable consultant. Prefer to talk with us first? Call 626-967-4043.
FAQs
What are composite windows?
Are composite windows better than vinyl?
How much do composite windows cost?
Composite window costs vary based on the frame type, glass package, size, and installation requirements. They generally fall between vinyl (typically lower cost) and premium fiberglass (typically higher cost), making them a competitive mid-to-premium option. For an accurate estimate tailored to your home, we recommend requesting a free quote from our team.
How long do composite windows last?
Are composite windows energy efficient?
Yes. Composite frames are poor conductors of heat, which limits thermal transfer between the inside and outside of your home. Combined with quality glass packages — such as dual-pane or Low-E glass — composite windows can help keep your home cooler in summer and more comfortable in winter, reducing strain on your HVAC system and lowering energy bills over time.
Can composite windows be painted?
Many composite window frames can be painted, which gives you flexibility that vinyl windows do not offer. This means you can match a new exterior color scheme or refresh the look of your windows without needing a full replacement. Specific paintability depends on the product. Our team can advise you on the options we carry.
What is the difference between fiberglass and fiberglass composite windows?
Do composite windows help with noise reduction?
Yes. Composite window frames paired with multi-pane glass provide solid sound insulation. For homeowners near freeways, busy streets, or commercial areas throughout Southern California, upgrading to composite windows can make a noticeable difference in interior noise levels. Visit our Sound Reduction page to learn more about glass and frame options optimized for acoustic performance.
Where is American Window Company located?
Our showroom is located at 803 N. Glendora Ave., Covina, CA 91724. Our corporate office is at 14618 Central Ave., Chino, CA 91710. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Southern California, including the San Gabriel Valley, the Inland Empire, and the greater Los Angeles area.