Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows
If you’re planning on having new house windows installed in the near future, it’s highly probable you’ve become overwhelmed with the various material choices available within the marketplace. Two of the more popular man-made window materials are vinyl and fiberglass. While they may be similar in appearance there are some key differences to be aware of before making a final selection. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Vinyl House Windows:
Vinyl windows are a favorable selection for homeowners and contractors alike because of their affordability, energy efficiency, and sturdiness. They are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is lauded for its malleability and endurance. Vinyl acts as an insulator which means that in the winter months, the warm air will stay in your home and in the summer months, hot exterior air will remain outdoors. This equates to home energy savings.
Bear in mind that there are different classes of vinyl windows and those labeled as builder grade will have a shorter lifespan and lower performance level than a premium window. Quality vinyl windows installed by expert craftsmen are resistant to rotting, fading, chipping, denting, and warping. They do not require painting or staining to keep looking their best.
Vinyl windows cannot be painted, so it’s important to be confident in your color choices. It’s recommended that homeowners stick with a neutral palette so that they enjoy the look of the windows for years to come.
Learn More About Vinyl SeasonGuard Windows:
Fiberglass House Windows:
Fiberglass windows are an upscale product and there are many reasons for homeowners to gravitate towards them. Fiberglass is a combination of plastic and glass fibers and is stronger than vinyl. This makes fiberglass an ideal material for oversized windows that can benefit from the additional stability fiberglass offers.
In the realm of durability, fiberglass windows hold up against dents, scratches, warping, cracking, rusting, mold, and corrosion. Fiberglass window frames are stable and inflexible, making them energy efficient. Fiberglass does not expand and contract during hot or cold spells which lowers the risk of air leaks around the window edges.
Homeowners that are looking to upgrade wood windows to a maintenance-free product appreciate that fiberglass is offered in an array of shades and can even be manufactured with a woodgrain effect. A frustration that some homeowners express about fiberglass windows is that they come at an additional expense over vinyl windows.
Learn More About Infinity from Marvin® Fiberglass Windows:
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