Shedding Some Light On Windows!

Comparing Fiberglass And Vinyl Windows

24 February 2019

Arthur Menard

The material that your window frames are made out of plays a huge role in determining the functional qualities of your windows, as well as the appearance that they lend to both the interior and exterior of your home. Two of the most common types of materials used for the construction of windows are fiberglass and vinyl, each of which has a distinct set of advantages and drawbacks when compared to one another. Being aware of the key differences between each type of window material can help you figure out the best fit for your home.

Fiberglass Windows

Fiberglass windows are a highly durable option for your window frames that are designed to withstand all sorts of weather exposure and physical trauma without cracking, breaking or otherwise degrading. Additionally, they can be created to resemble the appearance of other window materials, such as wood, while still providing the natural durability – and rot and moisture resistance – that fiberglass as a material enjoys. Fiberglass can also be sourced from recycled glass materials, which can reduce the overall environmental impact of your home's construction or remodeling project.

However, fiberglass windows are somewhat more expensive than vinyl windows, with the actual price difference depending on the size of the window and the type of frame installed, which can make it hard to fit your windows into a tighter budget. This is compounded by the fact that fiberglass windows have to be custom made to fit your home – which drives up costs, and means that it can take much longer to have new windows installed than if you went with pre-fabricated vinyl frames.

Vinyl Windows

On the other hand, vinyl windows are much more affordable when compared to fiberglass windows. They come in a wide range of different sizes, and can be easily fitted to irregularly sized windows at a low price point. Another advantage of vinyl windows is that they are colored all the way through, which means that minor scratches and damages will not be visible or require painting to cover.

However, vinyl is not as physically durable as fiberglass is, and with time will lose its color and become more brittle due to extensive UV exposure, making the risk of damage and cracking much more likely. Further, vinyl's low price point means that it will not add to the resale value of your home to the same degree that fiberglass windows will. Furthermore, paint will not adhere very well to vinyl, which means that if you want to change the appearance of your windows at a later date, it will require the complete replacement of your windows.

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