The honest split
Built to orderCrateworksThermally-broken aluminum | Established brandAndersen | |
|---|---|---|
01Frame material | Thermally-broken aluminum | Wood, vinyl, aluminum-clad (E-Series) |
02Sales model | Direct-sourced | Dealer / retail network |
03Price (like-for-like) | Lower, direct | Higher, premium tiers |
04Sightline | Slim aluminum | Wider on clad units |
05Availability / recognition | New brand | Nationwide, well known |
Where Andersen wins
Andersen is widely available, recognized by buyers and appraisers, and backed by a large company with a long warranty history and a broad dealer and service network. That recognition and availability is genuine value, especially if a window needs to be matched or serviced years later.
Where Crateworks wins
Crateworks sources thermally-broken aluminum direct, so an equivalent unit usually costs less than a comparable Andersen tier bought through a dealer. Pure aluminum holds a slimmer sightline than aluminum-clad wood, does not rot, and needs no repainting, and the direct-source model keeps the price of a premium frame down.
Common questions
If you want a modern aluminum look at a lower price, yes. Crateworks sources thermally-broken aluminum direct, which usually costs less than a comparable Andersen tier and holds a slimmer sightline than aluminum-clad wood. Andersen wins on brand recognition and nationwide availability.
Andersen is widely available, recognized by buyers and appraisers, and backed by a long warranty history and broad service network. For matching or servicing windows years later, that established infrastructure is an advantage a newer direct brand does not match yet.
Compare a real quote.
The honest test is a like-for-like quote. Send us the spec and we will quote it, so you can put a real number next to any brand.