Windows in Steiner Ranch, Austin, TX (July 2023)

Why did this Steiner Ranch home need new windows?

Steiner Ranch homes from the early 2000s often shipped with builder-grade windows. Two decades of Central Texas sun takes a toll on those. The homeowner wanted better comfort and a fresh exterior look at the same time.

• Original frames showed age and heat wear
• Home sits in the 78732 ZIP, where west-facing glass bakes all afternoon
• The client chose a full-home replacement, not a partial swap
• Black frames were picked for a clean, modern update

What did we find when we inspected the home?

Our crew walked the home during the evaluation and measured every opening. Older builder windows here tend to have thin frames and worn weatherstripping. That lets conditioned air leak out and pushes your AC to run harder through July and August. We also checked the surrounding trim and sills for any hidden moisture damage, which is common when seals fail over time. The good news: the openings were sound and ready for a direct replacement once the new units arrived.

• Every window opening measured for a custom order
• Existing seals and weatherstripping had reached the end of their life
• Trim and sills inspected for rot before scheduling install
• Confirmed a clean fit for the Andersen 100 Series units

What materials did we use, and why?

We went with the Andersen 100 Series built from Fibrex composite frames. Fibrex matters a lot in Austin. It blends wood fiber and polymer, so it holds its shape when summer temps push past 100 degrees. Cheaper vinyl can soften and warp under that kind of steady heat, which loosens seals and lets air slip through. Fibrex stays stable, keeps the seal tight, and holds its color instead of fading in the sun. The black-on-black finish also hides cedar pollen streaks better than a bright white frame during allergy season.

• Andersen 100 Series in black interior and exterior
• Fibrex frames rated for extreme heat and color retention
• Low-maintenance surface that shrugs off Austin's spring pollen
• Dark profile chosen to match the home's updated exterior

How did the installation go?

Windows were ordered in late January and arrived June 30. Install began July 11 and ran across multiple days, since a full-home swap takes care and a steady pace. Our crew pulled each old unit, set the new Andersen window, and sealed it before moving on.

• Materials sourced through ABC Supply Co. and installer Pablo Martinez
• Each opening reflashed and sealed for a tight fit
• Work spread over several days to protect the interior
• No structural changes needed — a clean unit-for-unit replacement

What were the results?

The home now has a matched set of energy-smart windows and a sharper street presence. The dark frames pull the whole exterior together. Inside, the tighter seals help the AC keep up during those long Texas afternoons.

• Consistent black frames across the full home
• Reduced air leakage for steadier indoor comfort
• A modern look that fits the Steiner Ranch neighborhood
• Project closed out in September 2023