Fiberglass windows are stronger and more durable than most windows, including all-wood windows. Extreme temperatures have almost no impact on fiberglass, so they are less prone to expansion and contraction. This leads to less warping and cracking—which leads to a longer lifespan and better energy efficiency.
Fiberglass windows are up to eight times stronger than vinyl, which means they generally last longer. A good quality vinyl replacement window can last up to 30 years or more, while fiberglass windows can last 50 years or more. The reason fiberglass replacement windows are stronger and more durable is due to its makeup.
Fewer options Compared with wood, fiberglass is more difficult to customize into unique shapes and profiles, and has fewer color and hardware options to choose from. Harder to find Only a handful of companies make these windows, and not all of them distribute nationwide.
Fiberglass windows are a great all-around solution for those looking to balance visual appeal, quality, durability and energy efficiency. As an added bonus, fiberglass replacement windows are less likely to take damage during installation than other composite windows.
Vinyl Window Frames - A very affordable and durable window frame material that is extremely energy efficient, has good insulating qualities, and are very low maintenance. Vinyl window frames are the modern alternative for replacing wood or aluminum frames.
You probably remember from school that wood is a bad conductor of heat. Obviously, this makes it a perfect choice for insulation. Quality wood frames are actually the best insulators available today. Wood provides 400 times more insulation than steel and 1,800 times more than aluminum-framed windows.
While vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, fiberglass windows are completely maintenance free. While wood windows have a traditional look, fiberglass windows are customizable as well.
Fiberglass replacement windows can be made to look just like wood, but they will not have the same aesthetics as real wood.
Leakage. All mechanically fastened windows, including fiberglass windows, leak in the corners. Enterprise believes one cause is a weak frame that cannot be welded like vinyl windows. The company also reports a higher percentage of service-related issues with fiberglass windows than with vinyl windows.
Because vinyl is slightly flexible, it's far easier to install than rigid fiberglass; it's also more forgiving of very slight measurement discrepancies. Plus, you'll find pre-made vinyl windows in standard sizes at many home improvement centers, whereas fiberglass windows must be ordered from the manufacturer.
Best Energy Efficiency
In fact, the same fiberglass that is used in windows is used for insulation material in attics! Fiberglass is extremely energy efficient and about 15% better than vinyl windows at insulating your home. And being less likely to form air gaps makes them 30% more energy efficient.
Fiberglass window hazards are often associated with insulation dangers. In fact, some hazards with fiberglass windows do exist but not to the same extent as with the insulation. Additionally, when proper safety procedures are used, fiberglass windows can be safely used.
Inhaled slivers of fiberglass irritate the alveoli and can cause lung disease. There is some data which suggests fiberglass in the lungs may cause cancer, by slicing DNA and causing cell mutation, in the same way as mineral wool. Some fiberglass still uses formaldehyde as a binder, which leaks out into the air.
Fibreglass last a long time, it can be coloured, shiny or dull. It is low maintenance, anti-magnetic, fire resistant, good electrical insulator and weatherproof. The disadvantages is that it needs to be re-gel coated about every five years and can result in airborne fibres which may be an issue to asthma sufferers.
Durability & Front Doors
When comparing the durability of wood and fiberglass doors, fiberglass is the clear winner. Fiberglass is much more resistant to sun exposure and weathering and will not warp or rot as wood is prone to do.
250x Stronger Than Glass: Polycarbonate plastic windows are also 30x stronger than acrylic. Clear polycarbonate plastic has an incredible level of impact resistance, but it is also just as clear as glass. It provides a margin of safety that no other clear glazing material on the market can surpass.
It's the painted vinyl windows you need to worry about. They can start to fade as early as 2 to 6 years from when you've installed them. Black fiberglass windows, on the other hand, are more long-lasting and will not fade quickly.
The heat and pressure in the bonding process make the finish durable and maintenance free. It does not fade. So while new fiberglass windows do not need to be painted, you can refinish them when you decide to switch up the color. They will take a coat of paint, just like natural wood.
Cost and Value
Fiberglass windows tend to be more affordable than wood upfront. As long as you choose a quality manufacturer and installer, fiberglass windows can also increase the value of your home. Plus, fiberglass is an incredibly durable material.
Use a solution of water and white vinegar, and scrub away dirt and debris with a cloth or gentle brush. Doing so will improve the appearance of your windows while removing mold and mildew to keep your home healthy. 3. Replace Seals When your window seals wear out, they no longer insulate your home from moisture.
Maintenance: Wood requires more maintenance than vinyl or aluminum. Wood is more vulnerable to rot, termite infestation, and cracking or warping due to heat and moisture. Cracks and gaps in the wood can cause energy bills to rise.
Fiberglass or Composite Windows:
Pros: Fibreglass frames are lightweight, durable and strong. They offer one of the higher insulation values, and they have the best resistance to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Best type of wood for windows
Pine will work well in most environments and all Marvin windows are designed with pine. If a different look is desired, you can opt for Douglas Fir or Honduran Mahogany, which is the most durable, will perform well for a long time, and is decay resistant.