Vinyl vs Fiberglass Windows

You are not alone if you have difficulty deciding between vinyl or fiberglass replacement windows. Homeowners need to consider a few essential things when choosing between vinyl and fiberglass windows, which is not always easy. Homeowners must assess strengths, durability, cost, aesthetics, and more. This article seeks to examine the contrasts between vinyl and fiberglass replacement windows and their pros and cons to help you make the right choice for your home, budget, and lifestyle.

Thinking of Replacing Your Windows?

Replacing your windows can be a great way to improve the look and feel of your home. Not only will your home look better, but you'll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency. If you're thinking of replacing your windows, be sure to finish reading this article about fiberglass replacement windows. With these tips, you'll be able to find the perfect windows for your home and get them installed quickly and easily!There are plenty of window materials out there, from vinyl to aluminum to wood. Perhaps the two most popular styles found on modern homes in the U.S. are vinyl and fiberglass. If you’re considering upgrading your windows soon, it’s fair to question which material will best fit your home. Some factors to consider are strength, durability, cost and energy efficiency, among others.

Window Appearance

You may not think much about window appearance – the whole point is to look through them, after all – but fiberglass and vinyl windows have some aesthetic differentiators worth noting. Fiberglass windows can be painted, customized upon purchase and can closely mimic the appearance of wood windows. But if you want to paint vinyl windows, it's not advised since they don't hold paint well. They're less stable than fiberglass and are more likely to warp.

Fiberglass windows are much more stable than vinyl ones, so they don't need to be as wide. This means that fiber glass frames have a smaller visible daylight opening- perfect for your home!  If more natural light and more versatile appearance options are important to you, consider fiberglass over vinyl.

Window Price

Vinyl windows are more cheaper because the thermoplastic material is less expensive and installation tends to be less labor intensive.  Fiberglass is more expensive to make because of the manufacturing process to make it a thermoset material. Labor to install it is also done by trained craftsman.

Prices will always vary depending on the window size and installation job, but overall, you can expect to pay about 10 to 30 percent more for fiberglass windows than vinyl.

An additional part of the price difference is attributable to the fact that fiberglass windows must be professionally installed and cannot be purchased from a home improvement store. This means it is not some window off the shelf.  On the plus side, this should provide some peace of mind because you’ll be getting the best possible product as well as installation with a certified installation company.

Window Durability

Home builders today commonly use vinyl windows because they’re more affordable, readily available, easier to install and nearly maintenance-free. Another plus is they’re often made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with ultraviolet light (UV) stabilizers, so they won’t fade in the sun or rust. Most vinyl windows should last up to 30 years on average.

Fiberglass windows are also very durable, with an estimated lifespan of about 50 years. Because the frame is reinforced with glass fibers rather than just plastic, fiberglass windows are more resistant to expansion and contraction in high or low temperatures, frame warp, and general distortion. Homeowners who choose to paint their fiberglass should know that they may have to re-paint it at some point if peeling occurs.

Energy Efficiency

Overall, both vinyl and fiberglass tend to be energy-efficient choices, especially when compared to outdated or damaged windows. However, the hollow frames and air gaps that can develop in vinyl windows make for less-than-ideal insulation. If contraction occurs in a vinyl window, gaps and seal leaks can develop and lead to window fogging and the buildup of moisture in between the panes. Fiberglass windows are better insulated and will not shrink or expand.

Resale Value

If you’re looking to add resale value to your home, fiberglass is the way to go.  More resale value data exists for fiberglass windows because they’re a more durable product. However, many experts believe they will potentially have a more significant impact on resale value because of their durability, energy efficiency and versatile appearance. When you install fiberglass windows, your home will withstand every seasonal change, from freezing winters to showery springs and sizzling summers.

Fiberglass Windows are the Best Choice for Your Home

Windows are an essential part of every home. Not only do they protect you from the elements and allow sunlight into your rooms, but they also improve your home’s aesthetic and could potentially raise its curb value. However, not all windows are created equal. Specific windows won’t provide the same benefits for every home, and each type of window has its fair share of pros and cons that homeowners should be aware of before making any significant renovations or purchases.

At Gravina’s Window Center of Littleton, we recommend our customers choose the best fiberglass window on the market, Infinity from Marvin. The Infinity’s Ultrex® fiberglass is tough, energy-efficient and completely customizable to fit your aesthetic needs. If you’re ready to make the upgrade to fiberglass windows in your Denver-area home, contact Gravina’s Window Center by filling out an online form to receive a FREE estimate today!