Fiberglass Windows

If you’re considering replacement windows for your home, you’ve likely been presented with two choices: wood and vinyl. Vinyl is by far the most popular choice in replacement windows, because they’re maintenance free, inexpensive and very energy efficient. Vinyl is usually preferred over wood because wood windows need to be painted every few years, wood windows expand and contract with the weather, and eventually, even the best wood windows will rot. In addition, wood windows cost more up front that vinyl.

However, there is a third choice in replacement windows, though you’ll likely have to ask for them specifically. Fiberglass windows may actually be the best replacement window choice for your home, though you may never be presented with the option of buying them unless you ask. Here are some advantages of fiberglass windows.

• Fiberglass windows are the one of the most structurally sound windows you can buy. Fiberglass is a structural material that will maintain its strength in every climate.



• The strength of the fiberglass allows very slim sightlines, which is great for minimalist or modern home styles. You get a larger glass area and a more open view.



• Fiberglass will not warp or rot like wood windows. Humidity is hard on wood windows; they often discolor and then eventually warp and rot.



• Fiberglass windows will not shrink, sag or crack. Though vinyl windows last far longer than wood windows, eventually vinyl will shrink, sag or become brittle and crack. However, keep in mind that with the vinyl material windows are made from today, you’ll probably be dead when that happens!



• Fiberglass windows can be repainted unlike vinyl windows. The material that vinyl windows are made from becomes severely degraded by the chemicals in paint. If you choose to paint your vinyl windows down the road, you risk significantly reducing their structural stability.

So, why doesn’t everyone choose fiberglass replacement windows? Well, there are four reasons, really. The first is cost. Fiberglass windows cost just about double what high quality vinyl windows cost.

Secondly, fiberglass windows are not as energy efficient as the highest quality vinyl windows. If you compare the energy star ratings on fiberglass windows to those on the best vinyl windows, the vinyl windows will be better every time. Looking at the energy star ratings on windows is a better way to compare than listening to the sales pitch of either type of window. This is because Energy Star ratings are independent government ratings.

Thirdly, fiberglass windows are not maintenance free like vinyl windows. They do need to be painted every few years, though not nearly as often as wood windows.
Finally, fiberglass windows are simply not offered by as many window companies as vinyl and wood windows. Even the companies that do make them don’t usually present them to consumers unless asked, because they’re not as popular.

If you’d like to evaluate fiberglass windows for your home, look for companies that have a line of these windows. Then take the time to compare them to wood and vinyl replacement windows and decide for yourself.