What custom replacement window is best depends entirely on the shopping criteria and preferences of the homeowner. Both window materials have their benefits and what is ultimately a correct materials decision will depend entirely on the customer. For the purposes of this discussion, lets use our company and lets assume that we are comparing premium products in both materials.
Cost
Fiberglass is a more expensive material and when comparing windows of similar size and option, it will be more expensive than its vinyl counterpart. One would think that the name “fiberglass” would lead to more energy efficiency but there are no real performance advantages to fiberglass as compared to vinyl and most of the top performance windows on the market today are made of vinyl.
Aesthetics
What many consumers do not like about the vinyl industry is their synthetic look and feel. Many consumers are replacing wood windows and despite the fact that most of them are poorly functioning and rotting out, they do not want to loose that organic feel and warmth of wood. Vinyl is at a bit of disadvantage when compared to fiberglass in this application because of its construction (materials and method of fabrication). Fiberglass’s construction is more similar to wood and it does not have the fusion welded joinery that most vinyl windows employ. A fusion weld allows for minimal lines and less air infiltration at the joint. Again, some vinyl manufacturers do a better job than others about weld clean up and nice lines whereas others can look very synthetic and unfinished.
A Compromise
Most of the premium vinyl windows on the market will do a very nice job on clean up and construction and will partially bridge that aesthetic gap between fiberglass and vinyl. When a customer looks at a well crafted vinyl window with an attention to detail construction, most are surprised by the quality look and find that it meets their criteria quite well. Some customers are firm on the joinery and construction of the window and therefore opt for fiberglass and do not mind the slight premium for the material because they want the look and feel of a wood window.
When determining whether to go with a vinyl or fiberglass replacement window, you would be well served by visiting with a straightforward contractor that sells both vinyl and fiberglass. Windows on Washington sells both vinyl and fiberglass windows and can give you a factual breakdown on the two windows features and benefits. At that point, you can make the decision on what is best for your home.
