When you are considering some exterior upgrades to your home, windows are often one of the first things you think of, and with fiberglass being so popular recently, you may be wondering what are the pros and cons of fiberglass windows. In many cases, you may see fiberglass windows framed as the “better” option in the usual “good, better, best” format.
Many contractors have fiberglass options that are able to be priced between wood and vinyl windows in the context of price, but there are many advantages to fiberglass windows that make them a solid value, not just a middle-of-the-road option. We’ll take a look at some of these benefits, as well as some of the potential drawbacks, as we dive into the pros and cons of fiberglass windows.
Pros And Cons Of Fiberglass Windows
Pros
Durability
Fiberglass as a material has been around for many decades, and for good reason. It’s stronger than vinyl or wood and is often used for larger windows. Since fiberglass is made from glass fibers that are woven into resin, it is highly resistant to damage and is difficult to scratch, dent, or warp. This makes fiberglass windows perfect for Chicagoland homes, where they will see a dizzying array of weather conditions and extremes.
Energy Efficiency
Fiberglass easily stands up to the hottest and coldest environments in the US, and the frames stay strong and rigid in temperature extremes. They insulate the home well and help it to stay cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold. The thermal expansion coefficient of fiberglass is also incredibly low, so they don’t expand and contract as much as other windows, keeping them from becoming drafty over time.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Since fiberglass doesn’t crack, rust, or warp, it doesn’t require as much periodic maintenance as other materials. It is so strong that it’s even challenging to damage by accident, and this strength gives them a very low need for maintenance. You’ll never need to scrape or repaint them, and they will never warp, rot, or become food and home for pests.
Cons
Initial Investment
In general, fiberglass is considered one of the more expensive window material options. It is much more costly than vinyl, though it is less expensive than wood windows. This cost, however, can be driven down considerably when stretched across the lifespan of the windows. While you are paying more initially for the windows, they will last much longer than vinyl windows, for example, and will look better, require less maintenance, and perform better for a longer time, which makes them an incredible value.
Limited Color Options
Fiberglass shouldn’t be painted, and it will need to be ordered in the color and style that you want. The problem is that it can be difficult to find an exact match for your home or the specific shade that you want to use to create your aesthetic. That said, while the color options can be somewhat limited, they are generally able to be found in several solid colors and some dual-color options that are able to be easily integrated with most exterior design plans and color schemes.
Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Windows: All Star Can Be Your Trusted Window Installation Partner
Researching window upgrades can be a challenging task, and with the myriad options out there it can even become intimidating at points. If you still have questions after reading about the pros and cons of fiberglass windows, or if you are ready to schedule an estimate for your project, reach out today and speak with a member of our expert installation team.
