Andersen specialty windows are designed for openings where a standard rectangle is not the right architectural solution. Circles, arches, triangles, trapezoids and other fixed shapes can follow rooflines, bring light into unusual spaces, or turn a window group into a focal point.
For new specialty-window orders in Hampton Roads, the primary Andersen choices are 100 Series, 400 Series and A-Series. The differences go beyond price: each line uses different materials and offers a different level of shape, finish and architectural flexibility. E-Series specialty shape windows are no longer available to order, so they should not be treated as a current new-project option.
If you’re still deciding whether a specialty shape is right for the opening, start with our Guide to Andersen Specialty Windows. This comparison focuses more closely on the available series, shapes, materials and product choices.
Andersen Specialty Windows at a Glance
| Series | Construction | Product Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Series | Fibrex® composite interior and exterior | Popular shapes, value and lower-maintenance composite construction |
| 400 Series | Wood interior / vinyl exterior | Best-selling specialty line with broad shape and sizing flexibility |
| A-Series | Wood interior / fiberglass & Fibrex® exterior | Best-performing line with the widest current variety of specialty shapes |
100 Series Specialty Windows
100 Series specialty windows use Andersen’s Fibrex composite material on the interior and exterior. Andersen positions the line as a budget-friendly specialty option available in its most popular shapes, with replacement insert configurations available for applicable products.
The current product line includes five exterior colors and four interior colors, along with standard and custom grille patterns and multiple glass choices. Recent Andersen updates have also expanded 100 Series specialty design possibilities, including redesigned true-circle products and custom-radius equal-leg arch options.
- Best starting point for: homeowners who want distinctive fixed shapes with Fibrex composite construction and a more focused set of design choices.
- Consider another series when: a natural wood interior, a broader selection of shapes, or more architectural detailing is important.
400 Series Specialty Windows
Andersen describes 400 Series as its best-selling specialty-window line. These stationary windows combine a natural wood interior with a vinyl exterior and can be installed alone or combined with venting windows to create larger arrangements.
The 400 Series currently offers 20 shapes with custom sizing, seven exterior colors, three interior colors plus natural unfinished pine, and four grille patterns with custom options. Contemporary and traditional interior profile choices are also available on applicable products.
- Best starting point for: homeowners who want a wood interior, broad specialty-shape flexibility and easy coordination with Andersen 400 Series operating windows.
- Consider A-Series when: the project requires the widest current specialty-shape selection or places greater emphasis on architectural authenticity and performance.
A-Series Specialty Windows
A-Series is Andersen’s architectural and performance-focused specialty line. Andersen identifies it as its best-performing specialty window and the current series with the widest variety of specialty shapes.
A-Series combines wood interiors with fiberglass and Fibrex composite exterior protection. The series is designed around architectural authenticity, making it particularly relevant when the shape, frame profile, grille pattern and surrounding windows need to reinforce a specific home style.
- Best starting point for: projects where specialty shapes are an important architectural feature and premium materials, performance and coordinated design details matter.
- Compare 400 Series when: the desired shape and design are already available in 400 Series and the additional A-Series architectural options are not needed.
Which Series Offers the Most Specialty Shapes?
A-Series currently offers Andersen’s widest variety of specialty shapes. The 400 Series is also notably flexible, with Andersen listing 20 shapes plus custom sizing. The 100 Series focuses on the company’s most popular shapes while still providing several curved and angular choices.
The exact shape is often the first filter in a specialty-window project. Instead of choosing a series first, identify the architectural shape the opening requires and then compare the current series that can produce it.
Popular Curved Specialty Shapes
- Circle and true-circle windows: Round fixed windows that create a strong focal point. Andersen has recently updated its 100 Series true-circle offering for improved half- and quarter-circle geometry.
- Half-circle windows: A classic semicircular shape often placed above rectangular windows or doors.
- Quarter-circle windows: Useful at the edge of larger window combinations or in designs that need a partial curved form.
- Arch and Springline™-style windows: Curved-top shapes that can add height and soften the geometry of a window arrangement.
- Oval windows: Decorative fixed windows that can work as standalone architectural accents, depending on series availability.
Popular Angular Specialty Shapes
- Triangle windows: A natural fit for gables, vaulted ceilings and sloping rooflines.
- Trapezoid windows: Useful where one or more angled sides need to follow the architecture.
- Pentagon and polygon windows: Multi-sided shapes that can fill distinctive gable or custom wall openings.
- Custom geometric shapes: Select Andersen lines support additional shape and sizing flexibility for openings that do not match common specialty forms.
Shape availability and dimensional limits vary by series, so the actual opening should be checked against current Andersen sizing information before the design is finalized.
100 Series vs. 400 Series Specialty Windows
| Priority | 100 Series | 400 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Interior material | Fibrex® composite | Wood |
| Exterior material | Fibrex® composite | Vinyl |
| Shape selection | Popular specialty shapes | 20 shapes with custom sizing |
| Design approach | Focused and value-oriented | Broader wood-interior flexibility |
| Best fit | Composite specialty project | Versatile wood-interior specialty project |
The biggest difference is material and breadth. 100 Series is the logical starting point when Fibrex composite construction is preferred. 400 Series adds a natural wood interior and a substantially broader specialty-shape offering.
400 Series vs. A-Series Specialty Windows
| Priority | 400 Series | A-Series |
|---|---|---|
| Interior | Wood | Wood |
| Exterior protection | Vinyl | Fiberglass & Fibrex® composite |
| Shape breadth | Broad; 20 shapes listed | Andersen’s widest current variety |
| Product positioning | Best-selling specialty window | Best-performing specialty window |
| Design emphasis | Versatility | Architectural authenticity and performance |
Both lines can work well in premium window packages. The 400 Series emphasizes proven versatility, while A-Series is the stronger starting point when the specialty shape is tied closely to architectural style or higher performance priorities.
What About E-Series Specialty Windows?
E-Series specialty shape windows appear in older Andersen projects, product literature and online examples, but Andersen now states that E-Series specialty windows are no longer available to order. Existing products continue to have access to applicable service, parts and warranty support.
For a new Hampton Roads project, E-Series should therefore not be presented as a current specialty-shape choice. Focus new-order comparisons on 100 Series, 400 Series and A-Series.
What About Andersen Aluminum Specialty Windows?
Andersen also lists specialty windows in its Andersen Aluminum line. However, that product line is limited to select Southwestern markets, including Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas. It is not a standard specialty-window option for a Virginia or Hampton Roads project.
Choosing Specialty Windows by Material
- Choose Fibrex composite inside and out: Start with 100 Series.
- Choose a wood interior with vinyl exterior protection: Compare 400 Series.
- Choose a wood interior with fiberglass and Fibrex exterior protection: Compare A-Series.
Material preference can quickly narrow the product list, but it should be considered alongside shape availability. The best material choice is only useful if the series also supports the shape and dimensions the opening requires.
Choosing a Shape for the Architecture
Specialty windows work best when their geometry has a reason to be there. A triangle can follow a gable, an arch can echo a doorway or roof form, and a circle can become a deliberate focal point. Selecting a shape only because it is unusual can make the window feel disconnected from the rest of the home.
- For sloped rooflines: Compare triangles, trapezoids and other angular shapes.
- For traditional curved details: Compare arches, half circles, quarter circles and related forms.
- For a standalone focal point: Consider circles, ovals or another distinctive fixed shape supported by the selected series.
- For larger window walls: Use specialty shapes to complete a composition built around picture windows and operating windows.
Specialty Windows in Combination Units
Specialty windows are frequently most effective as part of a larger group. Because they are typically fixed, they can provide the architectural shape while another window supplies ventilation.
- With picture windows: Extend a fixed-glass composition upward or outward with arches, triangles or other shapes. For fixed-window options across Andersen’s major series, compare the Andersen Picture Window Series.
- With casement windows: Use operable casements for ventilation while specialty units follow the roofline or complete the design. See the Andersen Casement Window Series comparison for the available product-line differences.
- With double-hung windows: Place curved or angular fixed shapes above traditional vertically operating windows. You can compare those options in our Andersen Double-Hung Window Series guide.
- With gliding windows: Specialty units can also be coordinated with horizontally operating products where the overall opening benefits from fixed architectural glass plus sliding ventilation. See the Andersen Gliding Window Series comparison.
- With multiple specialty units: Join complementary shapes together to fill a unique opening or create a custom feature wall.
For projecting window arrangements, specialty fixed shapes may also be considered alongside Andersen bay and bow window configurations when the goal is to create a larger architectural focal point.
Glass Options by Series
Andersen’s specialty-window comparison includes multiple Low-E and solar-control glass choices, with exact options varying by product line. Triple-pane glass is available in select specialty products, including A-Series.
Because specialty windows are often installed high on walls or in larger fixed-glass arrangements, glass should be chosen for the actual orientation and exposure. Direct sun, glare, solar heat gain, UV exposure and interior comfort can matter as much as the shape itself.
Grilles and Specialty Window Design
Grilles can either emphasize the shape or allow the glass itself to remain the focal point. Andersen offers standard and custom grille options depending on the series and shape. The 400 Series, for example, lists four grille patterns with custom options.
When specialty windows sit above or beside other windows, grille alignment should be planned across the complete group. A coordinated pattern can make several separate units read as one intentional architectural feature.
How Large Can Andersen Specialty Windows Be?
There is no single maximum size that applies to every Andersen specialty window because dimensional limits vary by shape and series. Some 400 Series Flexiframe® custom specialty configurations, for example, allow substantial custom dimensions subject to shape-specific design criteria.
For large or unusual openings, the better approach is to start with the required geometry and dimensions and then verify which Andersen series can manufacture the shape within its current limits. Structural requirements, glass selection and installation access should also be considered early in the process.
Which Andersen Specialty Series Is Best for Hampton Roads?
There is no single best specialty-window series for every Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads home. The right choice depends on the shape, dimensions, architecture, interior material preference, exposure, performance requirements and budget.
- For composite construction and value: start with 100 Series.
- For broad wood-interior versatility: compare 400 Series.
- For the widest current shape selection and architectural focus: compare A-Series.
For homes with greater coastal exposure, review the actual performance specifications, glass, installation details and applicable product options for the specific opening rather than selecting a series based on appearance alone.
How Much Do Andersen Specialty Windows Cost?
Specialty-window pricing can vary more than standard rectangular windows because shape, custom sizing and installation complexity have a larger influence on the project. Series, dimensions, glass, grilles, colors, interior finish, installation height, access, surrounding trim and whether the unit is part of a larger combination can all affect cost.
A useful comparison starts with the same required shape and opening. From there, homeowners can determine whether moving from 100 Series to 400 Series or A-Series provides materials, design options or performance features that justify the difference for that particular project.
Quick Guide: Which Andersen Specialty Series Should I Consider?
| If Your Priority Is… | Start By Comparing… |
|---|---|
| Fibrex composite construction | 100 Series |
| Wood interior and broad versatility | 400 Series |
| Widest current variety of specialty shapes | A-Series |
| Best-performing Andersen specialty line | A-Series |
| Best-selling Andersen specialty line | 400 Series |
| Popular shapes at a value-oriented level | 100 Series |
What We Recommend Comparing in the Showroom
Specialty windows are highly visual, so the best choice is easier to make when shape, material and finish are considered together.
- Shape and proportions: Compare the specialty form against the roofline, wall and surrounding windows.
- Interior material: Compare Fibrex composite with the wood interiors of 400 Series and A-Series.
- Exterior protection: Compare Fibrex composite, vinyl, and fiberglass/composite exterior systems.
- Glass: Choose glass based on the size, orientation, height and exposure of the opening.
- Grilles: Review how patterns follow the specialty shape and align with adjacent windows.
- Combination design: Plan specialty, picture and operating windows as one composition rather than choosing each unit independently.
- Installation requirements: Account for access, flashing, trim and structural conditions, particularly for high or unusually shaped openings.
Andersen Specialty Window Series FAQs
Which Andersen series currently offer specialty windows?
For new orders relevant to Hampton Roads, the primary Andersen specialty-window choices are 100 Series, 400 Series and A-Series.
Which Andersen specialty series has the most shapes?
Andersen identifies A-Series as offering its widest variety of specialty shapes.
How many shapes does 400 Series offer?
Andersen currently lists 20 shapes for 400 Series specialty windows, along with custom sizing.
Which specialty series uses Fibrex composite inside and out?
100 Series specialty windows use Fibrex composite material on both the interior and exterior.
Which specialty series have wood interiors?
400 Series and A-Series specialty windows have wood interiors.
Does Andersen still sell E-Series specialty shape windows?
No. Andersen states that E-Series specialty shape windows are no longer available to order. Existing products may still receive applicable service, parts and warranty support.
Is Andersen Aluminum a Hampton Roads specialty-window option?
No. Andersen Aluminum is limited to select Southwestern states and is not a standard Virginia-market product line.
Can specialty windows be combined with windows that open?
Yes. Fixed specialty shapes are commonly combined with casement, double-hung, gliding and other operating windows so the group can provide both architectural character and ventilation.
Compare Andersen Specialty Windows at Better View Windows & More
Better View Windows & More helps homeowners throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads compare specialty windows based on the actual architecture of the home. We’ll help you evaluate 100 Series, 400 Series and A-Series options based on shape, materials, glass, grilles, interior finishes, performance and budget.
Visit our Virginia Beach showroom to compare replacement window options in person. If you’re still deciding what type of specialty shape is right for the opening, see our Guide to Andersen Specialty Windows. For related Andersen product comparisons, explore our Picture Window, Casement, Double-Hung, Gliding, and Bay & Bow guides. For the complete Andersen lineup, visit our Ultimate Guide to Andersen Windows in Hampton Roads.
Call Better View Windows & More at 757-689-6210 or request your estimate online to get started. Better Variety. Better Service. Better Prices.