Pros & Cons: Fiberglass vs. Vinyl

Choosing the right materials is an important part of window and door replacement projects. Any choice involves pros and cons, and it is crucial to consider a variety of factors when deciding between one material over another: environment, home design, energy efficiency, and budget must be weighed. In order to help you make this decision, we want to present you with information about the pros and cons of fiberglass and vinyl in window and door replacement.

Fiberglass pros and cons

Lower maintenance is one of the major advantages of choosing fiberglass windows and doors over other materials. Fiberglass can be painted, but it doesn’t require it, giving homeowners the choice. If you do paint fiberglass windows they don’t require the regular (every 2-5 year) repainting that other materials like wood need. Fiberglass is a strong, durable material that resists expansion and contraction caused by environmental factors (heat, humidity); fiberglass windows stay true within their frames. Other advantages fiberglass offers are excellent energy efficiency and thermal performance, good resale value, and fiberglass is “green” in the sense that it is made with about 60% glass—a recyclable material.

If you have a limited budget the only con when comparing fiberglass to vinyl is cost—fiberglass windows and doors are more expensive than their vinyl counterparts.

Vinyl pros and cons

Vinyl, also known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most widely used plastic in construction, and vinyl windows are affordable, efficient, and come in a wide variety of styles for both residential and commercial projects. PVC is more energy efficient than wood, and resists rotting, mold, and other water damage that wood windows often succumb to; vinyl windows can last up to 40 years. Vinyl replacement windows do not come in as many colors or styles as fiberglass, however, and they do not hold paint well which limits your ability to customize them yourself. 

We can help you decide!

If you are still trying to decide whether fiberglass or vinyl replacement doors and windows are right for your home, let Renaissance Windows and Doors help. We offer top-quality options in both materials; stop by our showroom to learn more about these replacement products for your home:

• Infinity by Marvin fiberglass Windows and Doors

• Showcase Custom Vinyl Windows and Doors

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