Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows
Choose the Right Windows for Your Home
Emmons is a home improvement contractor serving both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and our company is fully licensed and insured in both states. Among the most common home improvement projects that we plan and carry out is window replacement, and our clients often have to compare fiberglass vs vinyl windows in the process of making decisions for their homes. Emmons installs all manner of windows for residential applications. But we do recommend vinyl over fiberglass more often than not because vinyl windows provide many advantages and a better long-term value.
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Window Replacement Considerations
When searching for replacement windows or brand new windows for an addition, thoroughly consider your options to determine which window frame material is best for your home. Fiberglass and vinyl frames are two popular options, with fiberglass frames being thinner to allow for more glass and vinyl frames being less expensive and easier to install. Both materials provide wonderful windows, but your needs will dictate the right choice of replacement windows.
Why Choose Emmons for Your Window Replacement?
If you’re looking for a trusted window replacement contractor, Emmons will meet or exceed your expectations. We’re fully licensed and insured to replace windows in South Jersey, the Jersey Shore, and Southeastern Pennsylvania. No matter the shape and size of your windows, or how many that you want to replace, our technicians are experienced and trained to complete any home window replacement project the right way and on time.
We strive to perform the highest quality workmanship possible and only use top-notch window products from leading brands. Also, we make providing excellent customer service a priority. If you don’t know enough about windows to choose the best ones for your house, our experts are more than happy to explain all of your options so that you can make a knowledgeable decision. We offer honest recommendations and fully transparent estimates.
Low Maintenance Windows
Both vinyl and fiberglass windows require little to no maintenance when compared with traditional wood windows, which require resealing and repainting on a regular basis. Fiberglass and vinyl windows are both easy and convenient to clean as well. While fiberglass windows don’t have to be repainted as often as wood windows, you will likely have to repaint them periodically over their lifespan. That is one of the advantages of vinyl when comparing fiberglass vs vinyl windows. Vinyl windows never have to be repainted, and their color will never fade or otherwise change over the life of the product.
Window Durability and Longevity
Durability and longevity are important considerations for homeowners when comparing fiberglass vs vinyl windows. Both options are among the most durable windows on the market, and neither will warp the way that wood windows can. Vinyl windows have an expected lifespan of 30 years or more. Fiberglass windows have an expected lifespan of 50 years or more. If you opt for a high-quality window, the product you choose will come with a warranty that reflects that life expectancy. Both materials have high impact resistance, but fiberglass does tend to have a higher rating due to a more rigid frame.
Energy Efficient New Windows
Vinyl and fiberglass windows both provide excellent energy efficiency and products that are Energy Star rated are available in both cases. It’s often said that fiberglass windows are as much as 15% more energy efficient, but that may mislead the average consumer in regard to the practical difference. Fiberglass is a better insulator as it does not expand and contract in the manner that vinyl does. That said, the difference is not great, and another factor to consider when comparing fiberglass vs vinyl windows is that vinyl windows are welded whereas fiberglass windows are fastened. Those fasteners loosen over time, which means that vinyl tends to be more energy efficient over the life of the product.
Aesthetics and Customization
It’s difficult to spot the differences between wood, fiberglass, and vinyl windows from the road, and you have the option of all windows styles with all three materials. From the perspective of curb appeal, the most important aspect is that you choose the perfect color. On closer examination, you can tell the difference between vinyl and fiberglass windows. Both are beautiful, but if your preference is windows that look as close to natural wood as possible, then fiberglass may be your choice. But vinyl windows are available in a wide range of beautiful colors that will retain their vibrancy for decades to come. Fiberglass windows are available in many colors as well, but those colors will fade over time, and you will have to repaint them in order to restore the attractiveness they had when installed.
Cost and Value for Your Money
The higher cost of installation when it comes to fiberglass is not the only concern when comparing fiberglass vs vinyl windows. The fiberglass windows themselves cost more. The additional cost is at least 10% and can be as high as 30% depending on the window quality. In terms of resale value, both window types tend to return 70% of the total project cost. Earlier we mentioned that fiberglass windows often last 50 years whereas vinyl windows often last 30 years, but that difference is not that great when you factor in how much more fiberglass will cost you upfront and over the long term.
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Installing Replacement Windows
Vinyl windows are the clear winner when comparing fiberglass vs vinyl windows when it comes to installation. Vinyl is flexible. It’s therefore much easier to work with, and its ability to contract and expand makes it much less difficult to achieve a perfect fit and thus a tight seal. The typical vinyl window can be installed in about two hours whereas the typical fiberglass window can take twice as long. That means that the cost of installation will generally be at least 20% more if you choose fiberglass windows.
Can You Replace Fiberglass Windows with Vinyl Windows?
Yes! Whether you have wood windows or fiberglass windows, you can have them replaced with vinyl windows. Emmons has extensive experience replacing all manner of residential windows, and our expert window installers not only install vinyl windows but fiberglass and wood windows as well.
Types of Windows We Replace
Emmons installs all styles of windows that are used for residential purposes. The most prevalent house window is the double-hung window, but we also install single-hung, bay, casement, sliding and many other styles, including architectural shapes and custom windows. We can replace a window with a similar style, but we also perform conversions and new window installations.
Our Window Installation Process
Emmons emphasizes customer service and care above all else. Our process is transparent. We communicate with our customers and keep them in the loop throughout the project. During the initial consultation, we’ll answer all of your questions, explore your options, provide professional guidance as you make your design choices, and then provide you with an accurate and upfront estimate. The next step will be to measure your home and order your new windows based on those precise measurements. Once the windows arrive, we’ll remove your old windows and install the new ones in a single day. We’ll perform a walkthrough to ensure your complete satisfaction, but we’ll also schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that your new windows are perfect.
Choose Emmons for Window Replacement
Emmons is a trusted and established name when it comes to window replacement, and we’re here to help with all of your window-related needs. Call us or contact us online if you have any additional questions about fiberglass vs vinyl windows or would like to schedule a consultation.
