What Is The Difference Between Vinyl And Fiberglass Windows?

When it comes time to replace your windows, you may be wondering what the difference is between vinyl and fiberglass. Both types of windows have their benefits, but there are some key differences that you should consider before making a decision.

 

Vinyl and fiberglass are both synthetic materials. When you install either vinyl or fiberglass windows, the material is made into a frame that can be placed around your window opening. You then install glass in the frames, just as you would with real wood, aluminum, or other traditional frame materials.

 

Read More : How Often Do You Need To Replace Windows?

 

Fiberglass Windows

 

 

Fiberglass windows are one of the best options on the market today. They offer many benefits that other materials just can’t compete with.

 

Fiberglass is a very versatile material made out of fiber-reinforced plastic, which is composed of glass fibers.  It is strong and rigid, with good corrosion resistance. It has many uses in the construction industry, most notably for windows.

 

What makes fiberglass windows such a good option?

 

• Glass fiber-reinforced plastic is an incredibly strong material that is also lightweight. This makes it perfect for use in windows where you need to be able to open and close the window often.
• Another factor that makes fiberglass great for windows is its ability to transfer light very well, making it an excellent option for windows placed high up on a wall or in rooms that aren’t very well lit.
• Fiberglass windows are corrosion resistant and therefore can last a long time. They also require very little maintenance, don’t warp or shrink over time, and insulate better than other materials such as aluminum or wood.  
• Fiberglass windows are also easy to open and close, making them easy for users in wheelchairs or that have other mobility issues. The material is strong enough for people to sit on the window ledge without fear of the window breaking.  
• Fiberglass windows are also an excellent option for those living in high-moisture or humid climates as they are resistant to mold and mildew, which can cause doors and other materials to warp or shrink.
• Fiberglass makes a much better insulator than wood or vinyl, which results in energy savings when operating your windows.

 

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Vinyl Windows

 

 

Vinyl windows are a type of window made from a rigid plastic called vinyl. They can be identified by their smooth, shiny surface and tend to have a white or off-white color. Some vinyl windows include patio doors, garden doors, sliding glass doors, and double-hung/vertical slider windows.

 

Vinyl is used as the outer “skin” of the window and is usually surrounded by aluminum or wood. They are used extensively on new homes, where they are often paired with low-cost construction materials like plywood siding to create an inexpensive facade. However, vinyl windows can also be installed in older structures where more expensive double-hung or sliding antique glass windows are present. They can be painted to match the color of older window surrounds, making them virtually indistinguishable from non-vinyl windows.

 

Here are good reasons why home and business owners prefer vinyl windows for their properties:

 

• Vinyl windows are an excellent option for homes, businesses, and other buildings because they can be made in any size or shape with minimal effort.

 

• They come in a variety of colors and finishes, which means that they will match the color of your house and trim and any furniture or flooring you may have.

 

• Vinyl window frames do not corrode like steel, and aluminum windows tend to do overtime, and will keep looking like new for many years with very little upkeep.

 

•  Because the frames are made of vinyl, the windows are completely recyclable when you no longer want them or become damaged.

 

• They help reduce your energy bills by blocking most UV rays from sunlight. Outside noise will also be reduced with these windows because they are incredibly thick and durable.

 

• Vinyl window frames can also be easily painted or stained, so if you decide down the road that you no longer want them in their current color, it is not difficult to change them.

Read More: How Do I Know If My Windows Are Energy-Efficient?

Fiberglass VS Vinyl Windows: Which is Which?

 

Vinyl and fiberglass are popular choices for replacement windows, but there are many significant differences between the two.

 

Style. Vinyl comes in various colors and styles, while fiberglass window frames can only be painted. They may come pre-painted or be factory finished to match your house’s paint color.

 

Materials. Vinyl replacement windows are made from plastic and wood fibers, which are combined in liquid form at the factory to produce window casings. Fiberglass window frames are typically made by adding glass to an insulation product containing wood fibers. This results in much greater strength than vinyl but also adds weight.

 

Production. Vinyl is easier to produce, which makes it cheaper than fiberglass. Fiberglass can also be manipulated into many different shapes and sizes, but virtually all vinyl replacement windows come in the standard form of rectangular double-hung windows.

 

Exposure. Vinyl is ideal for replacement windows with many large panes of glass, such as bay and triangle windows. Fiberglass offers superior stability and doesn’t expand and contract as much as vinyl when exposed to temperature changes.

 

Efficiency. Vinyl replacement windows are considered more energy efficient than fiberglass, so vinyl maybe your best option if you live in a colder climate where heat loss is a serious concern.

 

Warranty. Fiberglass typically comes with better warranties than vinyl products, but the difference isn’t as great as you might expect. Most fiberglass window products come with a lifetime warranty for the material, while some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on the product itself. Vinyl replacement windows are more likely to come with a warranty of only five to fifteen years for the product and its workmanship.

 

Strength. Fiberglass window frames are stronger than vinyl. This means they’re less likely to warp over time under the weight of all that glass or break from being accidentally hit by something hard.

 

You can’t go wrong with either of these two as your replacement windows. They’re both durable, long-lasting, and of good quality. Just be sure to find the best window replacement company in Toronto that offers top-notch materials and reliable services to work on your project.

 

Vinyl and fiberglass windows are two very different window frames, but both offer great benefits. If you’re unsure which type of frame is best for your home or business, it’s always wise to consult an expert like the team at Eco Choice Windows.

 

Our team has been installing vinyl and fiberglass windows professionally for many years, so trust us when we say they both have their pros and cons. We also offer free consultations with our expert staff who can walk you through all the details about each type of material, so don’t hesitate to give us a call today!