The biggest differences between C&L Ward and Renewal by Andersen are in product lines and installation. In this article, you’ll compare the cost, potential drawbacks, and reviews of each company. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll understand the differences and know when each company is right for you.
Andersen Windows & Doors is a manufacturer. They make windows, but they do not sell them. Renewal by Andersen is an installer. They will put Andersen windows in your home, but RBA does not make the windows. C&L Ward is also an installer. Like RBA, we sell Andersen Windows and will install them in your home, but we do not manufacture them.
Table of Contents
What to Look For in a Window Installer
There are a few factors to consider when deciding which window installer is best for you. Do they provide the services you need? If your project requires a full-frame replacement, you shouldn’t hire a company that only offers insert window replacements.
If they do offer the right installation, do they also sell the material and color you’re looking for? How much does all this cost? Finally, who will be performing the labor, and what warranties protect their work?
By the time you finish reading this article, you will have a better understanding of how Renewal by Andersen and C&L Ward perform and compare in each of these categories.
Replacement Options
The problems you want to address with new windows dictate what kind of window replacement you need. A damaged frame (leaks, water damage) needs a full-frame replacement. This costs more upfront, but addresses underlying issues.
An insert window replacement updates the glass and costs less, but will not fix any problems within the frame.
TIP: Want to learn more about Insert vs. Full-frame Replacements? Check out our article, Window Replacement: What Southeastern Michigan Homeowners Need to Know about Insert Windows vs. Full Frame Replacements.
Adding a new window or making an existing window bigger qualifies as a new build. Your new or existing window may be a standard size, which can be ordered directly from the manufacturer, or a custom size, which has to be built-to-order.
Materials: What Products Do C&L Ward and Renewal By Andersen Use?
Though both companies use Andersen as a manufacturer, C&L Ward and Renewal by Andersen do not offer the same products.
At C&L Ward, we offer five Andersen product lines. We offer Andersen’s 100-Series and 200-Series windows, made of Fibrex or composite materials. We also offer Andersen’s wood 400-Series, A-Series, and E-Series windows.
C&L Ward also offers our own brand of UpWARD vinyl windows.
Renewal by Andersen offers one Andersen Window series, their exclusive Acclaim line. While Andersen manufactures vinyl, Fibrex, and wood windows, Acclaim series windows are only available in Fibrex.
Color Options
Paints and stains are applied on-site by C&L Ward at our Davison location by our finishing craftspeople. We offer up to 50 standard exterior colors and 7 Anodized finishes, as well as custom paint colors and nine of our own stain options.
Renewal by Andersen offers 48 different color combinations on specialty windows. RBA does not have a finishing department. Beyond what comes finished from Andersen Window & Doors, applying paints and stains is left to the homeowner’s discretion.
Price: How Much do C&L Ward and Renewal by Andersen Cost?
The exact cost of any window installation will depend on the scope of your project. Some product lines, however, cost less than others.
On average, the cost of Renewal by Andersen’s Acclaim series is comparable to 400-Series and A-Series products. C&L Ward’s 100-Series and 200-Series Andersen windows are less expensive, as is our exclusive UpWARD line.
Below, we have shared a table of each window line, who installs it, and how the cost of each compares.
If you’d like an idea of how much your project might cost with C&L Ward, you can use our Instant Online Estimator. Or, you can get an exact quote by Scheduling a Consultation with one of our in-home consultants.
Renewal by Andersen does not share pricing or estimates online. To receive a quote from RBA, you must schedule a consultation with the company.
Who Installs My Andersen Windows?
At C&L Ward, we rely exclusively on employee installers for all windows and doors. The person performing your installation will be hired with background screening, extensively trained, and fully covered by C&L Ward.
Renewal by Andersen is a national company. They utilize “Certified Master Installers,” or 3rd-party laborers. These independent installers are trained by Andersen and perform work on behalf of RBA, but are not RBA employees.
How do C&L Ward and Renewal by Andersen Warranties Differ?
Both Renewal by Andersen and C&L Ward offer a fully transferable, limited warranty which includes a 20-year glass warranty and a 10-year warranty on non-glass components (locks, hinges, etc.).
Renewal by Andersen offers a 2-year labor warranty on professional installations.
C&L Ward also offers a Limited Lifetime warranty on UpWARD vinyl windows. Our Peace of Mind guarantee also backs all C&L Ward installations on Andersen and UpWARD products. If at any time a problem arises due to the quality of our installation of your windows, doors, or siding, C&L Ward will pay for the materials and labor needed to correct the problem.
C&L Ward vs. Renewal by Andersen: Quick Company Comparison
C&L Ward is located in Davison, MI. Our business began in 1972, and we have been locally owned and operated since. Our in-house installers offer vinyl, Fibrex, and wood options for full-frame or insert window replacements and patio doors.
Renewal by Andersen was founded in 1995 and is based in Roseville, MN. They are a national franchise servicing the United States. RBA exclusively offers Fibrex® windows and patio doors. Their third-party installers replace existing windows with Fibrex windows from their exclusive Acclaim line.
What are the Potential Drawbacks of Each Installer?
What are the possible drawbacks of C&L Ward?
C&L Ward may not be the best fit if…
- You only want a basic insert replacement at the lowest possible cost
- You’re outside our service area
- You want a national provider with locations throughout the country
TIP: You can check if you are in our service area online with our ZIP Code Lookup tool.
What are the possible drawbacks of Renewal by Andersen?
Renewal by Andersen may not be the best fit if…
- You want material options beyond Fibrex or composite
- You want to work with a local company and in-house employees
- You’re looking for a flexible price range
When is Each Option the Best Choice?
Who Is Renewal by Andersen Best For?
- Homeowners wanting a turnkey replacement process
- People who only need insert replacements
- Homeowners comfortable choosing from one product line
- People prioritizing a nationally recognized brand
Who Is C&L Ward Best For?
- Homeowners wanting full-frame replacement options
- People comparing multiple Andersen product lines
- Customers seeking wood, composite (Fibrex), or vinyl choices
- Homeowners wanting in-house installation crews
- New construction or custom-size projects
- Those who value extensive workmanship warranties for added peace of mind on their investment
What Do Clients Say?: Reviews
Reviews are great because they offer insight into real client experiences. A company can talk up its strengths all day, but reviews are a chance to see how they actually perform.
Common Positive Themes for C&L Ward
- Professional installers
- Quality workmanship
- Sales process built on designing with you
- Product quality
Common Criticisms for C&L Ward
- Longer project timelines during peak season
- Communication issues
- Mid-to-premium pricing
TIP: Check out What Real Clients Say About C&L Ward to learn how C&L Ward improves based on client reviews.
Common Positive Themes for Renewal by Andersen of Detroit
- Professional installation
- Product quality
- Communication
- Appearance
Common Criticisms for Renewal by Andersen of Detroit
- Premium pricing
- Pushy sales process
- Limited product selection
FAQs
Q: Is C&L Ward the same as Renewal by Andersen?
A: No, C&L Ward and Renewal by Andersen are not the same. C&L Ward and Renewal by Andersen are both window installers. They both use products manufactured by Andersen Windows & Doors, but offer different product lines and services.
Q: What’s the difference between Renewal by Andersen and Andersen Windows sold by dealers?
A: Renewal by Andersen uses an exclusive Andersen Window & Door product, the Acclaim Series. Other dealers, such as C&L Ward, sell non-exclusive Andersen Window & Door products, such as the Andersen 100-Series or 400-Series.
5 Questions to Ask Any Window Contractor
- Do they offer full-frame and/or insert window replacements?
- Are their installers employees or subcontractors?
- What warranties cover labor? For how long?
- What materials do they offer?
- Can they provide local references?
How Do I Compare Two Window Installers?
Renewal by Andersen and C&L Ward are both Andersen-certified installers, but they serve different homeowner needs. If you’re looking for multiple product options, full-frame replacement capabilities, and employee installers, C&L Ward may be worth exploring. If you’re interested in Renewal by Andersen’s exclusive Fibrex offering and replacement-focused approach, RBA may be a better fit.
The best next step is to compare quotes, installation methods, warranties, and product options from both companies before making a decision.