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Home | Our Blog | Fiberglass Windows: A Comprehensive Guide to Pros, Cons, and Cost to Install
Reviewed by Tomas Kalkys. President.
Qualifications: More than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial exterior remodeling.
Founding farther of Legacy Service.
Written by LegacyUSA Team
posted on Oct 24, 2022
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If it’s time to install or replace your windows, then you’re probably wondering which material to choose. Fiberglass is one of the most popular options out there, and it may be an excellent choice for your home. This article will cover the pros and cons of fiberglass windows, the cost to install them, and more.
At Legacy Service, we install and replace roofing, siding, and more. If you’re looking to replace your fiberglass windows in Southampton, PA, or any of the surrounding areas, look no further. We serve homeowners throughout New Jersey, Delaware, and southeastern Pennsylvania.
If you’re looking for fiberglass windows near me, call us at 215-798-9790 to get started or continue reading to learn more.
Fiberglass is one of the most commonly used materials to frame windows. Its popularity among homeowners stems from the fact that it’s durable, waterproof, and affordable.
In appearance, they mimic the look of wood windows. They have plenty of options for color and style since they can be painted. However, this means that they may fade and peel over time and may require maintenance. On the other hand, vinyl windows tend to be plainer overall, but they require little to no maintenance.
If you’re looking for fiberglass windows near me, then you’ve come to the right place. We provide window installation and replacement services to homeowners throughout southeastern PA, NJ, and DE.
Along with vinyl and aluminum, fiberglass is one of the leading window installation materials among homeowners. For this reason, many of the top window brands offer fiberglass window options for installation and replacement. Some of these brands include Andersen, Marvin, Pella, and more.
Andersen is known for being made with top-quality materials. It offers 35 different window types with multiple wood frame types, shapes, color options, and operational styles.
Marvin offers a good range of windows, from double-hung and casement to skylights. It’s known for having high thermal efficiency and some of the strongest fiberglass in the industry.
Pella is known for its strong fiberglass windows. Their window options are also quite energy-efficient and visually pleasing.
Fiberglass windows reviews will tell you that this material offers plenty of benefits, which we discuss below. Knowing the advantages will help you determine whether they would be a good match for your home, depending on your tastes and preferences. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite advantages:
The reason why this product is so strong is due to how it’s made. During the process, a weft inserter weaves and knits glass fibers into a resin injector. The strategic placement of the glass fibers ensures maximum strength. This new material is several times stronger than wood or vinyl. These window frames resist the scratches, dents, and corrosion you may see in other materials.
Homeowners have become increasingly interested in energy-efficient fiberglass windows over the years for various reasons. Since glass is an insulator, this material is manufactured to withstand extreme cold and heat. It also won’t expand or contract due to its stable and rigid frames. Energy-efficient windows help maintain the comfort of your home throughout the year.
Their strength and durability make them easy to maintain throughout their lifespan. Not only are they difficult to damage during harsh weather, but they’re also resistant to rusting, cracking, and warping over time. Pella products will not even need to be repainted because of their durable powder-coat factory finish.
If you’re wondering, “What are the disadvantages of fiberglass windows?”, then continue reading.
While this material offers plenty of benefits, there are still a few drawbacks to be aware of. Before you make any decisions, consider the disadvantages of fiberglass windows. Let’s take a look at the cons:
One of the problems with fiberglass windows includes the cost. This material is typically more expensive than other popular materials like vinyl. However, fiberglass is designed to be more durable and long-lasting than vinyl. In 2022, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $8,700 and $11,000 to install 10 48-inch windows.
On the other hand, fiberglass window’s cost is usually less expensive than wood, but you’ll have fewer color options. If you’re looking for an exact color match to your home’s design, wood will provide more flexibility. However, fiberglass still offers a variety of options to help you find a complementary color scheme.
Now let’s get into the cost of fiberglass windows. While the cost will differ from homeowner to homeowner depending on their house, the area they live in, and the contractor they choose, we can still discuss the average cost.
So, how much do fiberglass windows cost?
In 2022, homeowners can expect to pay about $340 to $720 per window, and the national average is about $530 per window. This includes both labor and materials. Keep in mind, though, that the cost can increase for higher-end styles.
Fiberglass typically costs more than vinyl, but they’re also known to be more durable and long-lasting.
On average, fiberglass lasts longer than vinyl due to the materials they’re made from. For this reason, they tend to be more expensive. However, many homeowners will say that it’s worth it. In many cases, this product has been known to last for up to 50 years.
Labor adds only a little extra to the overall cost of installation (about 6-7%), and most people will agree that it’s well worth it. Having a professional install your windows will ensure that the project is done correctly, on time, and remains within your budget. Many contractors will also be able to offer some of the best warranties.
If you decide to install them yourself, then you’ll need to take the cost of accessories and tools into account. Tools needed include safety glasses, utility knife, putty knife, screwdriver, power drill, caulk gun, small pry bar, tape measure, hammer, level, and waterproof shims.
Should you do the installation yourself or hire a pro? That depends on your experience level and how comfortable you are with doing it yourself. You should also know that while some manufacturers will sell directly to homeowners, others will only sell through approved installers.
Hiring a team of professionals is recommended to maximize the lifespan of your windows by ensuring they’re installed correctly the first time. If you’re interested in finding the best fiberglass replacement windows for your home, contact us at any time! We’ve been providing window replacement in southeastern PA, NJ, and DE for nearly two decades.
We often get asked, “How long do fiberglass windows last?” Fiberglass may be more expensive than vinyl, but it’s also known to last longer. In fact, it’s considered to be one of the most durable window frame materials on the market today, and it has the ability to last up to 80 years!
These windows can effectively resist weathering, and the frames don’t have to be thick to be strong and stable. They’re also resistant to heat because the glass panes and window frames expand and contract with heat at a similar rate. All of this contributes to their lifespan.
While they are considered low maintenance, they will require some care over the years. The good news is that it’s not much!
So, what types of maintenance do these windows need?
Fortunately, they do not expand or contract, so they will sit tighter in the frame and not leak.
This brings us to how they’re made.
What makes fiberglass windows so durable?
Along with being a strong, durable material in general, how they’re made is a major reason. Let’s take a look at the manufacturing process:
An automated process called pultrusion fabricates most parts of a fiberglass window. During the process, lengths of fiberglass roving and strand mat are bathed in a resin and then heated in a die to harden the resin. A smooth, rigid lineal is what emerges from the die, and then it’s typically cut to length, coated, and fitted with corner blocks that are reinforced by nylon.
If you’re interested in installing the best fiberglass windows on your home, please contact us today to schedule a free appointment.
Before you make any decisions, conduct research and consult with professionals to find out if these windows are right for you. Here are several factors to consider:
Some homeowners prefer wooden windows simply for their appearance, which provide homes with a traditional charm. While fiberglass may not offer that same charm, people can install interior wood trim on top of the frames.
In most cases, fiberglass will cost more than vinyl. This is due to its strength and durability. Most fiberglass owners will agree that the durability and long lifespan are worth it.
Once you decide to install, you’ll want to pick a style. A variety of choices is available, including wide open, bathing beauty, wall of glass, seeing green, historic look, and throw a curve. Read our descriptions to see which one (or multiple) you’d be interested in.
Along with being structurally sound, these windows are also known as beautiful and versatile. Frames and sashes made of fiberglass can be quite narrow, and the sashes can’t even warp.
It can be tough finding the right windows for a bathroom. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about that with this product since most of the windows are manufactured to be immune to humid air and moisture that can often be found in bathroom environments.
Large windows offer stunning views, but keep in mind that they will also need to be resistant to harsh winds. Fiberglass windows provide peace of mind because certain types can resist winds up to 140 mph and others can resist winds up to 190 mph!
While dark colors have become increasingly popular over the years, it’s important to note that these colors are especially prone to fading. The good news is that with the powder-coat finish on certain styles, you can rest assured that they’re virtually immune to fading from UV rays.
Certain styles of fiberglass windows are ideal for historic homes. Not only are they long-lasting and durable, but they can also be designed to match their surroundings. For example, a homeowner could install interior wood trim on top of the fiberglass frames, which helps combine strength and appearance.
Bow windows are popular due to their ability to add space to a room while funneling in natural light. Not only that, but these windows also help increase a home’s curb appeal and value for those who are looking to sell their home at some point.
If you’ve read the best fiberglass window reviews and you’re interested in installing them in your home, then you may have some questions before you commit. In this section, we answer some of the questions that we’re most frequently asked about fiberglass windows. If you’d like to speak with an expert, get in touch with our team to schedule a free appointment.
Fiberglass windows are typically more expensive than other types of popular window materials like vinyl, but they’re also designed to be more durable and longer-lasting. They’re also fairly versatile in appearance since their frames can be fitted with wood trim to look more like a wooden frame.
In most cases, fiberglass windows are worth the cost, especially if you’re looking for frames you won’t have to replace for decades to come. They also require little to no maintenance because they’re resistant to warping, bending, peeling, and cracking.
Fiberglass windows are designed to last for up to 50 years or more. Their frames are reinforced with strong glass fibers to enhance their durability and add considerable strength to the product. For this reason, they’re known as one of the longest-lasting window materials on the market.
Fiberglass windows are more rigid than other material types, causing them to be challenging to install. Precision is required, so homeowners are not usually recommended to complete this task themselves unless they have plenty of experience. Hire a team of professionals to ensure the installation process is done right and maximize the durability and lifespan of the windows.
Wood and fiberglass are two of the most energy-efficient materials for windows since they’re made to withstand extreme cold and heat. Fiberglass is already an excellent insulator, and it can also be filled with foam to create even higher insulation levels. Fiberglass frames also take less energy to manufacture than vinyl, aluminum, or wood frames.
Some of the best fiberglass window lines include Andersen, Marvin, and Pella. We’ve provided a brief description of each brand in this article’s aforementioned section called Best Fiberglass Window Brands. Comfort Line fiberglass windows are also one of the leading types among homeowners throughout the United States.
While they offer plenty of advantages, there are also a few disadvantages to consider before you make any decisions. The leading complaints we receive about them include:
Yes, this product is manufactured to withstand extreme heat and cold. Not only do they provide excellent insulation, but the frames are also stable and rigid, so they won’t expand and contract due to fluctuations in temperature. When these windows are combined with double- or triple-panes, they help increase your home’s energy efficiency as well as your savings.
These windows don’t require much care other than cleaning them regularly and repainting them as needed. You can clean fiberglass windows like you would any other window: with basic soap and water. Windex and similar products can also be used. Just remember that it’s best to use a soft cloth to wipe the glass and avoid using abrasive cleaners that can cause scratches.
If you’re interested in replacing your windows, visit https://legacyusa.com/contact/ or contact us at 215-798-9790 to schedule a free estimate. We also offer roofing, siding, and door replacement to homeowners in southeastern PA, NJ, and DE.
Posted on Oct 24, 2022 in Roof
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