Find a Dealer in Your AreaIf you still have old aluminum single-pane windows you need to know about their abysmal thermal performance compared to vinyl vs fiberglass windows. Aluminum is a highly conductive metal, and without the “thermal breaks” found in modern aluminum frames, it acts as a highway for heat transfer.
In the winter, the frames become ice-cold, sucking heat out of the room. In summer, they radiate outdoor heat inward. Coupled with a single thin pane of glass, these windows offer almost no insulation, leading to drafty rooms and utility bills that can be up to 30% higher than those of homes with modern glazing.
It’s not only the energy loss, these windows are notorious for excessive condensation and moisture damage. Because the interior aluminum surface drops below the dew point so easily, water often pools on the sills, leading to mold growth, wood rot, and the eventual pitting or corrosion of the metal itself. Additionally, the lack of an insulating air gap between panes means they provide virtually no soundproofing, leaving homeowners vulnerable to constant noise pollution from traffic and the outdoors.
What Can Be Done About These Out-Dated Energy Hogs?
The answer to this is an improved insulating frame material and double panes of glass. There are many different manufacturers offering several solutions. The Window Experts has evaluated, tested and installed windows from dozens of manufacturers in a variety of frame materials and specifications. Two of the most popular replacement window frame styles are vinyl and fiberglass. Let’s dive into vinyl vs fiberglass windows.
When choosing between vinyl vs fiberglass windows, the primary trade-off is affordability versus longevity. Vinyl windows are the most budget-friendly, offering excellent insulation and low maintenance at a lower entry cost. Fiberglass frames provide superior structural strength and thermal stability. Because fiberglass expands and contracts at the same rate as glass, it maintains its airtight seals longer than vinyl, which can warp or crack over time in extreme temperature fluctuations. Fiberglass also tends to be more expensive when comparing vinyl vs fiberglass.
Anlin Vinyl Windows – A Window Experts Favorite
There are a significant number of window manufacturers crafting windows with vinyl frames. Anlin Windows and Doors is one of our top choices in vinyl. Jeff explains the benefits in a great video where he shows the quality of corner welds and superior insulating features.
Anlin has styles and colors to complement many home styles. Being vinyl, they offer great performance at an affordable price point. Quality is heads and shoulders above what you’ll find at the big box home improvement stores. Many manufacturers try to offer “exclusives” which are often just the same entry level brands you can buy at DIY outlets but with a fancy sounding re-branding.
Infinity From Marvin – A Cut Above In Style and Price
Fiberglass windows by Infinity From Marvin offer several advantages over vinyl. Available in all the same window styles to complement most homes, where they stand out is in longevity, colorfastness and strength. For example, in a hailstorm, vinyl can dent and chip. Fiberglass is stronger. Strength also allows larger windows…huge picture window that make a curb appeal style impact that is unparalleled.
Most people know a little bit about fiberglass. Corvettes and other sports cars are constructed of fiberglass mat impregnated with resin. Infinity windows are different. They take fiberglass strands and extrude frame pieces in a process called pultrusion under the brand name Ultrex. Ultrex is stronger than vinyl, can withstand higher temperatures and holds its shape better (less shrinking and expansion with temperature changes).
The image below show raw fiberglass fibers to the left (1), extruded frame (2), and their acrylic coating which is 3 times thicker than painted vinyl finishes.
With These Great Choices, How Do You Make A Decision Between Vinyl vs Fiberglass Windows?
The Window Experts makes it easy. We’ve put together a portfolio of the top window brands, almost 2 dozen, in what we term Best Products. Our showrooms display a variety of vinyl vs fiberglass windows styles and colors, as well as other frame materials, in a setting you can stroll through, operate the windows, and feel the quality, textures, and finishes. All while getting an education on the pros and cons of each brand and style. Every window we install is expertly and accurately crafted that we provide an exclusive Lifetime Leak-Free Guarantee.
Should you choose to do business with us, you’ll experience our Best Processes in action. Professional installation as well as all the processes and procedures from procurement, warehousing and delivery to your home. Processes so tight and accurate that you’ll be delighted with the experience.
Speaking of experience, you’ll notice that with every contact with The Window Experts you’ll be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. That’s because we hire and train the Best People throughout our company!
It’s easy to get started! Just a quick phone call or, if you prefer, complete one of our contact forms. We look forward to meeting you and demonstrating the vinyl vs fiberglass windows we offer. All so you can receive an excellent window shopping experience.
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