Did you know that fiberglass windows made up a $3.8 billion market in 2021? That’s already impressive, but experts project this sector to reach $5.85 billion come 2031.
This 2023, though, vinyl window sales may outperform those for fiberglass. Analysts even say vinyl will grow the fastest out of all window types this year.
So if you’re in the market for new or replacement windows, your top 2 options are fiberglass and vinyl. They’re ideal alternatives to wooden windows, which can cost thousands of dollars apiece. That’s because they cost less, are easier to maintain, and are more resistant to elements than wood.
But how do fiberglass windows stack up against vinyl and vice versa? Fiberglass Windows vs. Vinyl Windows – Which one should you choose for your home?
We’ll discuss both types in more detail below, so read on, as what you learn here can help you make the right choice.
What Is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a material made of glass melted under extremely high heat. The molten glass then gets pulled into super-fine fibers and woven together.
For solid construction materials like residential windows, fiberglass requires reinforcement. This usually requires mixing it with resins. Resins also render the glass fibers more malleable, making them easier to mold.
What About Vinyl?
Vinyl, short for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a type of plastic. It’s one of the most widely produced forms of plastic, as the world uses over 40 million tons annually.
Window manufacturers use vinyl to create the window frames themselves. The panes, in turn, are still glass.
What Advantages Do Fiberglass Windows Have?
Fiberglass windows outperform vinyl windows in terms of energy efficiency. They also last longer and offer more decorative features and options. Last but not least, they’re eco-friendlier than plastic.
Greater Energy Efficiency
Fiberglass windows don’t expand or contract under fluctuating temperatures. Their tightly woven construction also allows them to provide better insulation. These energy-efficient characteristics give them an edge over vinyl.
Fiberglass windows’ glass base also makes them better than plastic as sound insulators.
Longer Lifespan
Fiberglass windows are several times stronger than vinyl since they boast resin-reinforced glass. This is also why they have longer lifespans; they can last up to five decades or more with proper care. While vinyl is also durable, it usually lasts only 20 to 30 years.
Thinner Profiles That Let More Sunlight In
Fiberglass windows have thinner profiles than their vinyl counterparts. This causes more of their glass panes’ surface to be visible and exposed. As a result, they allow more sunlight in, letting you make the most of natural light.
More Color Options Available
Fiberglass windows are available in more color options because they’re paintable. You can also repaint them to ensure they match or complement your home’s exterior.
By contrast, you can’t paint vinyl-framed windows since paint doesn’t adhere well to PVC. However, you can still find them in some pretty baked-in colors.
Better for the Environment
Since fiberglass is more energy efficient than vinyl, it’s an eco-friendlier choice. That’s because the more efficient a window is, the fewer heat gains and losses it causes. As a result, it can help reduce your energy consumption and, thus, your carbon footprint.
Another reason fiberglass is eco-friendlier is that most fiberglass comes from recycled glass. This means fewer glass materials end up in landfills. It also reduces the need to harvest raw materials to manufacture new glass.
Vinyl, while made of plastic, isn’t as easy to recycle.
When Should You Get Vinyl Windows Then?
While vinyl windows don’t last as long as fiberglass ones, they’re still more durable than wood. Compared directly with fiberglass, vinyl costs much less, both material- and maintenance-wise. It’s also easier to install, so much so that handy DIY homeowners can do it themselves.
If You’re on a Budget
Vinyl is a better choice if you need new windows or window replacement on a budget. Indeed, of all your options, vinyl costs the least due to its wide material availability. The manufacturing process is also less complex, so there’s less labor involved.
To give you an idea, installing one vinyl window can cost as little as $500, according to online estimates. That may already seem a lot, but not if you compare it to fiberglass, which costs about $600 to $800 a pop! So if you opt for vinyl, you can reduce your bill by around 10% to 30%.
Vinyl’s affordability can be especially beneficial if you need to replace multiple windows. For instance, suppose you must replace ten windows; if you go with vinyl, you’ll pay around $5,000. However, if you choose fiberglass, you’ll likely spend $1,000 to $3,000 more.
If You Want Windows With Low-Cost Maintenance
Both fiberglass and vinyl windows only need some hosing off as long as they’re in good condition. Then, as they age, they’d still only need minor touch-ups; new paint for fiberglass and new caulk for vinyl.
While both are easy to perform, paint costs more than caulk. The painting process also requires more preparation than caulking.
So if you want your windows to be low-maintenance and cheap to upkeep, go with vinyl.
If You’re Planning a DIY Window Installation
Do you know how to use a hammer, tape measure, power drill, and utility knife? If so, then you can install vinyl windows yourself.
Thanks to PVC’s slight flexibility, vinyl windows are easier to install than fiberglass.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, is rigid. Thus, it’s not as forgiving of measurement discrepancies as vinyl. So even the slightest mistake with window dimensions can lead to installation failure.
That difficulty is also why fiberglass window makers often require pro installation. Failure to meet this requirement can void the windows’ warranties.
Fiberglass Windows vs. Vinyl Windows: Time to Choose Your New Windows Wisely
Now you know that fiberglass windows last longer and are eco-friendlier than vinyl. They’re also available in more color and design options. If these perks and pros are crucial to you, then fiberglass is your best bet.
However, if you’re on a budget but still want durable windows, you may be better off with vinyl.
Also Read: Four Smart Ways to Make Your Home Look Elegant
