Replacement Windows: Vinyl vs Fibreglass – Which is Best?

When it is time to replace your windows, you want to make sure you are using the right material. After all, you are making an investment so it is important you are well-informed about your options. If you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home, improve the functionality, comfort, or just lower your utility bills, replacing your windows can be a cost-effective way to do so.

When replacing windows, a lot of people choose vinyl or fibreglass. But you may be wondering which material is right for you? Most of the insulation of your home is made of fibreglass, so you might assume that fibreglass would be more energy efficient than a vinyl frame. However, the frame material only makes up a small part of the R-Value calculation of the entire window (the R-Value is a measurement of the resistance of a glazing material or fenestration assembly to heat flow.)

While replacement windows are made from other material choices, , in this article, we will be focus only on vinyl and fibreglass. There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing between vinyl and fiberglass, such as cost, color and finishes, durability and maintenance over time. The purpose of this article is to help you understand the difference between vinyl and fibreglass window replacements so that you can make an informed decision next time you need to replace your windows.

Durability 

The good thing about vinyl and fiberglass windows is that they are both made from materials that do not rot or decay over time, and they will not attract termites or ants. Wood windows, for example, are made from natural materials that termites seek out.  So in terms of long term performance, you cannot go wrong with either vinyl or fiberglass.

Insulation

Interestingly, vinyl and fiberglass windows can offer similar insulation to your home. Due to the hollow cavities present in the frames of vinyl and fiberglass windows, they can both be filled with insulation and they both likewise offer an outstanding job of slowing the transferal of outside temperature inside.  This may be an upgraded option, depending on the window manufacturer.  However, the cost of this option can be justified in terms of increasing the performance of the window and the energy efficiency of your home, which can reduce your energy bills over time.

Cost

When looking at overall costs in very general terms, vinyl windows are less expensive than fiberglass windows. You can expect the price of fiberglass windows to be about 10 to 40 percent times the cost of a quality vinyl equivalent, depending on the manufacturer and the options that come standard on each unit. However, just because vinyl windows have a lower price tag in general, this does not mean that the quality is lower. Vinyl replacement windows are durable, maintenance free and will last for years, just like fiberglass windows.

Colors and finishes 

If you want to have greater choice in terms of colors and finishes, you will find that both vinyl and fibreglass windows come in a variety of ready-made colors and custom applications.  Many manufacturer’s also offer staining and laminates, to make the windows look and feel more like wood.

Glass options

Since the majority of a window is comprised of glass, the glass you choose will very well end up contributing greater performance and energy efficiency than the frame materials. Vinyl windows that have Energy Star-rated glass will generally be more energy efficient than fiberglass windows. However, it is important to inspect and compare all the window data before you make a decision.

The verdict?

A lot of homeowners opt for fiberglass or vinyl windows over wood due to the strength, durability and ability to withstand harsh elements without much maintenance. However, a house with fiberglass windows tends to have a higher resale value than a house with vinyl windows, because the initial investment is higher.  Both materials have positive qualities that need to be weighed in conjunction with their price, as each home has a unique value proposition.