If your home suffers from rundown, old, leaky, or drafty windows, it’s time— time for a window replacement. The replacement process is a large investment, and the bigger your home, the costlier this investment will be. So, you’ll want to ensure that you invest in the right windows. But what window type makes the replacement worthwhile?
Our American Home Contractors teamoffers installations of fiberglass, vinyl, and wood windows to the New Jersey area. Each of these window replacements comes with its own set of home benefits, so what window replacement you need will truly depend on your specific home. Vinyl and fiberglass are two of the most popular window replacement types. If you are considering either replacement option, here is a comparison guide for fiberglass vs. vinyl to help you determine which type of window is best for your home.
An Overview of Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a much lighter material than wood but has impeccable strength and resilience. Fiberglass is created when thin strands of glass are combined with a resin. In fact, the product is woven together to make it strong and provide greater heat resistance.
An Overview of Vinyl
Vinyl is a form of plastic. It is a synthetic material made from ethylene and chlorine. The material is heated to an extreme temperature where it is melted together to form the vinyl itself. It is extremely affordable to make and can be utilized in a variety of ways including siding, windows, doors, and more.
Which Will Last?
When replacing your windows, you’ll want to ensure that your new windows will last and keep your home well-protected during their lifespan. Durability is one of the most important factors to look for. It will impact the overall cost, lifespan, and performance of your new windows.
Fiberglass replacement windows are roughly eight times stronger than vinyl. So, if you are looking for windows with longevity, fiberglass is your friend.
Vinyl is still designed to last for years. It is rot-resistant unlike wood, but it is not fire-resistant. It can melt with severe heat, such as a fire, and fluctuates in extreme temperatures. However, fiberglass is fire-resistant and will not fluctuate with temperature changes.
Which Has Better Insulation?
Fiberglass is one of the most insulated window options. In fact, it can provide up to 15% greater insulation than vinyl. The interwoven glass that is used in the creation of fiberglass frames keeps the material from conducting heat. It, therefore, keeps unwanted air from entering and exiting the home.
Vinyl is more likely to warp or create air gaps. The plastic material is also not as insulated as the woven glass within the fiberglass.
Which Is More Affordable?
Vinyl pulls ahead of almost every window replacement option, including fiberglass, when it comes to cost. Vinyl is one of the most cost-effective window replacement options available. Its plastic composition makes it an affordable option for homes. Its lightweight makeup makes it easier to install than fiberglass, so installation costs are often more affordable as well.
Vinyl windows also provide nearly as much as a 70% return on investment, one of the best window investment returns for the New Jersey area. This makes them a great option for flip homes or homes nearing resale.
What Look Do They Give a Home?
Both fiberglass and vinyl work to provide a home with the traditional look of wood frames. However, the makeup of fiberglass allows for a more accurate imitation. Fiberglass is also the better option for homeowners who will potentially desire style changes as they are easy to paint, giving you unlimited color choices. And because of their durability and strength, fiberglass windows boast more surface area of the glass panes than vinyl windows as the material requires less frame for sturdiness.
Fiberglass also has cleaner corners. Because vinyl is heated and melted together to create the product, it often has visible fusion welds that protrude from the corners of the frame. Fiberglass does not, providing a more seamless, cleaner look.
How Much Maintenance Do They Require?
The good news is that both fiberglass and vinyl windows are low-maintenance options. Apart from the routine maintenance of cleaning your windows and resealing them as needed, both fiberglass and vinyl do not require the same upkeep as other replacement window options like wood.
Neither window type needs painting or sealing to keep it intact. Vinyl’s color will never fade. However, if fiberglass is painted due to a desire for a color change, that paint may eventually chip and require touchups. But fiberglass that is left unpainted will not require painting.
Are They Environmentally Friendly?
Fiberglass is a much friendlier material to the environment than vinyl. It is often made from recycled glass, whereas vinyl is a plastic composition. Vinyl also contains certain chemicals that can be toxic in the event of a fire. And the manufacturing process of vinyl typically emits harmful chemicals into the air as well.
The Right Window Replacement, the Right Contractor
We want your window replacement investment to be worthwhile. Finding the perfect window replacement for your home comes by assessing your home’s specific needs. But having a lasting and stress-free window replacement involves a seamless installation by a window replacement expert. Our highly trained team is dedicated to providing a seamless installation, and we are devoted to customer satisfaction.
With our extended warranty, top-of-the-line products, commitment to satisfaction, and quality craftsmanship, you can be sure you are gaining windows that will protect and beautify your home. Whether you are looking for vinyl or fiberglass windows, our team can help. Request a quote today.