Window technology has advanced over the years and there are now better options for homeowners. A lot of people may think that fiberglass is the more energy efficient option.
Most homes are insulated with fiberglass so that must mean fiberglass windows are the more energy efficient option, right?
In reality, this is not true. While fiberglass might be a good insulator itself, window frames made from fiberglass are less efficient than their vinyl counterpart. How can this be? Fiberglass windows actually have less insulation than vinyl windows which can lead to leaks and air infiltration.
Well-designed vinyl windows will have multiple chambers within the frames that feature foam insulation. This helps create an airtight seal and prohibits any outside air from leaking into your home.
If both window materials have an energy efficient glass, vinyl windows will best fiberglass in energy efficiency and durability. As a homeowner, you want to minimize maintenance as much as possible in every aspect.
This includes windows. In terms of fiberglass vs vinyl windows, the material with the least maintenance required is vinyl. Fiberglass windows can chip, crack and will need to be repainted every so often to keep their beauty.
Maintaining your fiberglass windows in the Midwest can end up costing you a lot of money due to the hectic weather. Vinyl windows were made for the Midwest. The only maintenance that vinyl windows require is a good cleaning every once in a while. Wood windows used to be the go-to, but now it's all about vinyl vs fiberglass as these variations have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their more accessible price points, different levels of durability and even potential to add value to your home So which should you pick and why?
With pros and cons to both vinyl and fiberglass windows, it's key to know the main differences so that you choose the best material for your home accordingly. Ben Neely, President of Riverbend Homes says 'I like to tell clients your home is only as energy efficient as your windows. The window market has really evolved over the years, but the 2 most popular types of windows still are Fiberglass and Vinyl.
The dividing factors between fiberglass and vinyl windows are mainly cost and resilience — both of which are important when replacing any window. The down side of a lower cost means that some worry about vinyl windows looking cheap. However, this comes with the benefit of easy installation and no need to paint. Fiberglass is more tricky to install mainly because the material is so tough and rigid.
Michael Dean, founder of Pool Research says 'Vinyl windows have been around for over 50 years because they're cost-effective, easy to manufacture, and you don't need to paint them; however, they're not as durable and not as visually appealing.
You also don't need to paint them, but if you want to paint them, it's not recommended since they don't hold paint well. They're not as durable as fiberglass and are more likely to fracture. They also never need to be re-painted or touched up, however this can be both a pro or a con depending on what way you view it, pro if you are happy with the colour you selected day one, con if you are the type of homeowner who tends to re-paint the property.
Fibreglass came into the spotlight a little more in the s as vinyl's more resilient and often better looking rival. Dean says 'Fiberglass is durable, visually appealing, and comes in a wide variety of colors, but it's expensive and difficult to put in yourself. Fiberglass is made by using glass and insulation pieces and infusing them with resin, making them extremely hardy. Fiberglass has become more popular because it's available in a wide variety of colors, and it fits in easily to any decor.
You need to know exact measurements, and many professionals have techniques to put it in that many homeowners simply don't have. Plastic is a good insulator, making vinyl a good option for homeowners looking to manage energy costs. By contrast, aluminum has not historically had a great reputation for managing heat loss in homes. Metal is a conductor, rather than an insulator, and older style aluminum windows have not been a great choice for homes and regions with wide temperature swings throughout the day and the year.
Fiberglass windows are also a great choice when it comes to energy efficiency. Of course, the bigger factor in managing energy loss around windows is the glass itself.
A fiberglass window with a single pane of glass may still lose more heat than an old aluminum window retrofitted with low-E or triple-pane glass.
Make sure homeowners know what type of glass they need to get the energy savings they want when choosing a window. Contact the store nearest you to schedule a consultation today. Considering Aesthetics Overall, homeowners are more likely to be concerned with window aesthetic questions like whether they should choose simple casement windows, instead of double-hung sash windows, a slider or swing window.
Energy Efficiency Needs When working with remodels, homeowners typically undertake home window replacement for one of three reasons: The existing windows are old and damaged. They want to improve the energy efficiency of their home. Fiberglass, Vinyl or Aluminum: Ready to Choose?
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