Compare vinyl fiberglass wood windows

Because the material is so new, fewer manufacturers make them, and fewer contractors keep them in stock, resulting in a longer lead time. Fiberglass is up to eight times stronger than vinyl, which means that with care it can last significantly longer.

A good quality vinyl window is rated for up to 30 years , and fiberglass windows can last 50 years or more. Both frames are made of a type of plastic, but fiberglass frames are reinforced with glass fibers, which adds considerable strength to the product.

This means that the windows can have thinner frames with more glass. The fiberglass frame does not weaken in the sun like vinyl, which can expand and contract with the heat. At temperatures of more than degrees, vinyl begins to melt, which can cause problems on extremely hot days, distorting and warping the frame.

Fiberglass maintains its integrity even in hot temperatures. The glass fibers added to a fiberglass window frame mean that the material does not expand and contract and does not conduct heat or cold.

The same fiberglass that is used in attics as insulation is already in the frame, which means that the frame is more energy efficient. The same glass fibers that make fiberglass window frames better energy insulators also make them better noise insulators. Fiberglass is one of the best noise insulators available.

Vinyl does not have the same insulating properties, which means that noises from the outdoors may travel through the frame more easily. Both types of windows are considered low maintenance. However, both require some care over time.

Fiberglass windows may fade or peel and need to be repainted. Vinyl windows may warp or contract, which can cause a poor air seal that needs to be filled with caulk periodically to prevent air from coming in. However, both are durable materials.

Vinyl has welded corners that prevent air or water leaks when properly fitted into the frame, while fiberglass does not warp or contract, so it sits tighter in the frame and does not leak.

In the event of damage, vinyl windows may be marginally easier to repair because the flexibility of the frame means that they are easier to remove and install. Fiberglass windows are better insulators than vinyl.

For this reason, fiberglass windows are considered the greener choice. Fiberglass windows are still relatively new, so no exact figures have been reported.

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CONS Can warp in heat Expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations May cause poor air seal Little insulating value in the frame. Find Pros. Fiberglass Windows PROS Thinner frames with more glass Better insulating frame for energy and noise control Does not expand, contract, or warp Better appearance Increases home value Lasts up to 50 years. Appearance The majority of any window is glass, but there are a few differences in the frames between vinyl and fiberglass.

Energy efficiency The glass fibers added to a fiberglass window frame mean that the material does not expand and contract and does not conduct heat or cold. Vinyl windows first appeared in meaningful numbers in the s when small window fabricators began offering vinyl-framed windows to meet custom sizes that large window manufacturers could not offer. It was not until the s, though, that vinyl windows truly became a popular option.

Large companies quickly saw the merit in producing vinyl windows. Today, hundreds of major window manufacturers offer full lines of vinyl-framed windows.

The main advantage of vinyl-framed windows is that they are affordable, costing only about half of wood-framed windows, on average. Vinyl windows, too, are energy efficient since they are fabricated using hollow cavities that can be filled with insulation to trap air which improves R-value.

Vinyl windows can be fabricated to fit any opening size. Vinyl windows never need to be painted. This advantage can be a parallel disadvantage, though, if you want to paint your vinyl windows. Vinyl windows can be painted , but not effectively as the paint will soon peel away. Vinyl windows are only available in a limited range of colors. Where vinyl windows succeeded in building a customer base that did not exist before, fiberglass frame windows took it to the next step.

Fiberglass is created when polyester resins are activated by a catalyst and then pultruded, or pulled, through a heated die. Strands of glass or glass mats are impregnated with resins. The finished product is called a lineal and it is machinable and can be shaped.

Fiberglass has long been used to create ultra-strong, lightweight materials for skis, surfboards, and canoes. Fiberglass and fiberglass-composite windows began to gain popularity around They were originally developed to address certain limitations to vinyl windows.

During vinyl's lifespan, it progressively loses its resiliency—a drawback that fiberglass does not have. Fiberglass is also stronger than vinyl. Fiberglass windows also can accomplish the same level of energy-efficiency with smaller frames with a lower profile, making fiberglass frames a more attractive option. And fiberglass can be fabricated in a manner that closely resembles wood—right down to being able to paint it different colors. Recent fiberglass windows are more accurately described as fiberglass composites since they are fabricated with a mixture of fiberglass and polyester resins.

Stronger than wood and occupying a price range between vinyl and wood, fiberglass-framed windows are an increasingly popular choice. Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are cheaper than wood, but of the two, vinyl is the less expensive alternative.

Vinyl windows are roughly to percent cheaper to buy and install. Fiberglass is also a popular alternative to wood, as it can be made to look very much like real wood. Aluminum windows have made a comeback recently after not being popular for several decades. There was a massive boom in the population of America and a directly related boom in the construction of houses in the years after World War II.

Many of the houses that were built around this time had aluminum windows. These aluminum windows can still be seen in many houses from this era, which should give you a good idea about how durable aluminum windows really are. These days, the modern and modern contemporary styles are utilizing aluminum windows in large numbers, so it is more and more common for new houses to have aluminum windows. No type of window is necessarily better than another type. Wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum windows all have advantages and disadvantages.

Read on to learn more about the features of these different types of windows so that you can learn all you need to know to make an informed buying decision. The beauty of wood is its main benefit as a window material. Wood windows are usually only exposed on the inside because the outside is protected from the elements with materials like PVC, aluminum, or fiberglass.

The two most popular types of wood windows are pine and Douglas fir, although other types of wood windows are available. Wood windows are relatively high-maintenance. They must be painted and sealed regularly. However, you have to be careful when painting them because the paint can cause them to stick and become difficult to open.

Vinyl windows are by far the most popular in this day and age primarily because vinyl is a very cheap material. Vinyl is a type of plastic, so it can be manufactured quickly and easily.

It should be noted that vinyl windows are usually white or tan. This is because vinyl tends to fade over time, especially in sunny climates.

More colors are available, but they come at a premium. Vinyl provides good insulation. It is a better insulator than aluminum, but not as good as wood. Vinyl windows are very low-maintenance. Fiberglass is the second most popular material for windows these days, behind only vinyl.

Fiberglass is created by impregnating glass mats with polyester resin. This creates a light yet strong material. Fiberglass windows were created to address the shortcomings in vinyl windows, especially longevity and durability.

As a result, fiberglass windows are longer-lasting than vinyl windows. Fiberglass is also stronger than vinyl, which allows thinner frames. Finally, fiberglass can also be made to look almost exactly like wood, which is a desirable style for many homeowners. Aluminum is an increasingly popular material for windows. This allows for big panes and thin window frames. Many people also like the look of aluminum windows. Aluminum windows are more costly than vinyl but less costly than wood. Aluminum is essentially unusable as window material in cold climates unless it includes a thermal break.

Fiberglass windows are more of a modern look and may not fit the interior of a traditional or historic home as well.

There are numerous reasons to choose real wood : Classic and Contemporary Style — Genuine wood has a natural look and feel that is unlike any other kind of material. From traditional dark woods, like mahogany and maple, to lighter woods, such as oak, pine and cherry wood, an array of options can highlight the look of any home.

Sleek and modern black wood window frames are a popular choice among many homeowners. A Natural Insulator — Wood frames help keep things comfortable around your home. Since they are a natural insulator, wood windows are also very energy-efficient. Wood windows can help homes stay warm in the winter and protected from the heat in the summer leading to increased savings on your utility bills over time. Protection from Sound and Weather — Wood-framed windows feature the thickest, most dense material for window frames.

The heft of wood also offers increased defense against outside noise, as thicker wood will dampen more outdoor noises than other types of window frames. Cost — Wood frames usually have a greater initial cost than vinyl or fiberglass options.

However, properly maintained wood frames can last much longer than most other styles. They also bring a tremendous asset to home resale value. Upkeep and Maintenance — Wood window frames can suffer from damage if left untreated. Blog Categories. Inspired Design.