Most window replacements are relatively straightforward. A double-hung here, a casement there — familiar shapes, familiar sizes, familiar installation process. But every so often a project comes along that requires a different level of skill, experience, and attention to detail. This Manasquan, NJ homeowner had one of those projects.
The existing window configuration was a striking architectural feature on the front of the home — a large arch window assembly spanning two stories, with a half-round specialty window at the top and double-hung windows below. It was a beautiful setup, but years of age, failing seals, and persistent drafts had taken their toll. The windows were no longer performing the way they should, and for a feature this prominent on the home's exterior, that wasn't something the homeowner was willing to live with.
They called ACRE — and this is exactly the kind of job we're built for.
The Project
The Problem: Age, Drafts, and Failing Seals
Specialty windows like this arch configuration are architectural statements. They define the look of a home from the street and bring in natural light in a way standard windows simply can't replicate. But they also come with a challenge: when they fail, replacing them isn't as simple as pulling out an old unit and dropping in a new one.
This homeowner had been dealing with drafts around the window assembly for some time — a clear sign that the seals had broken down and the window was no longer providing the thermal performance it should. For a window this size and this exposed on the front of the home, failing seals mean energy loss, uncomfortable rooms, and potential moisture issues that only get worse over time. Age had caught up with the existing windows, and it was time for a proper replacement.
Why the Andersen 400 Series?
When a project involves specialty or architectural windows, product selection is critical. Not every window line offers the custom configurations required for non-standard shapes — and not every product that fits will perform at the level a home like this deserves.
The Andersen 400 Series was the right call for several reasons:
Custom specialty configurations. The 400 Series supports a wide range of specialty shapes including half-rounds, quarter-rounds, and arch windows — making it one of the few product lines that can handle a project like this without compromise. Andersen engineers these specialty units to the same performance standard as their standard windows, which matters enormously when you're dealing with a large, exposed opening on the front of a home.
Proven performance. The 400 Series is one of the most trusted window lines in the industry, and for good reason. High-performance Low-E4 glass, durable Fibrex composite frame material on select configurations, and tight manufacturing tolerances mean these windows seal properly, insulate effectively, and hold up over the long haul.
Aesthetic continuity. For a home with this kind of architectural detail, the finished appearance matters as much as the performance. The Andersen 400 Series delivered a clean, white finished look that honored the original character of the window while giving it the performance it had lost over the years.
The Installation
This is where experience makes all the difference. Specialty window installations — particularly large arch configurations on multi-story homes — require careful planning, precise measurements, and a crew that knows how to handle complex jobs without cutting corners.
Our team managed the full installation from start to finish:
1. Assessment and Measurement Before anything comes out, specialty window projects require exact measurements and a thorough assessment of the existing opening. Arch windows don't follow standard sizing, which means every dimension matters. Our crew took the time to measure carefully and plan the installation before a single tool was picked up.
2. Removal of the Existing Windows The existing arch assembly and double-hung windows were carefully removed. On a project like this — a prominent front-facing feature on a brick home — removal has to be handled precisely to protect the surrounding masonry and trim.
3. Opening Preparation With the old windows out, the opening was cleaned up and properly prepared. Any areas where the old seals had failed were addressed before the new units went in. This step is critical on specialty installations because an improperly prepared opening will undermine even the best window.
4. Installation of the Andersen 400 Series Specialty Window The new arch specialty window was set and secured, followed by the double-hung windows below. Alignment across a multi-unit configuration like this requires careful attention — every component has to work together as a cohesive assembly. Our crew handled it entirely in-house, with no subcontractors involved at any point.
5. Sealing and Finishing Every edge was sealed properly, the trim was finished cleanly, and the completed assembly was inspected before we left the job site. The result is a window that seals the way it should, performs the way it should, and looks exactly the way it should on a home like this.
The Result
The finished installation is exactly what this home deserved. The arch specialty window sits cleanly in the brick facade, the double-hung windows below are crisp and well-aligned, and the entire assembly looks like it belongs there — because now it actually performs like it belongs there too. No more drafts. No more failing seals. Just a properly installed, high-performance Andersen window configuration built to last for decades.
This project is a good example of something homeowners with specialty or architectural windows often wonder about: can my window actually be replaced? In almost every case, the answer is yes — it just takes the right contractor and the right product to do it properly.
Why Homeowners in Manasquan, NJ Choose ACRE
ACRE serves homeowners across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware — including Monmouth County, Ocean County, Bucks County, Delaware County, and beyond. Here's what sets us apart on every project, from the most straightforward double-hung replacement to complex specialty installations like this one:
- Andersen Certified Elite Contractor — a top-tier certification that reflects a higher standard of training, product knowledge, and installation quality backed directly by Andersen. Not every contractor in our area holds this designation.
- No Subcontractors, Ever — the team that walks through your home and quotes your job is the same team that shows up on installation day. On specialty projects like this one, that continuity and accountability makes a real difference in the quality of the finished result.
- Experience With Complex Installations — specialty windows, architectural configurations, and custom shapes are jobs many contractors turn away. Our crew has the experience and training to handle them properly.
- 0% Financing Available — making the right window accessible, not just the most affordable one.
- Free In-Home Consultations — no pressure, no obligation, just an honest conversation about what your project requires and what it will take to do it right.
Have a Specialty Window That Needs Replacing?
If you have an arch window, half-round, palladian, or any other non-standard window configuration that's showing its age — don't assume it can't be replaced. ACRE handles specialty window installations across NJ, PA, and Northern Delaware, and we'd love to take a look at what you're working with.
Schedule your free in-home consultation today. We'll assess your existing windows, walk you through your options, and give you an honest recommendation with no pressure and no subcontractors involved at any point.
