Vinyl and fiberglass are the two most common materials used in modern window frames. While both materials are great options, there are several differences between them that you should know about before picking one over the other:
- Appearance – fiberglass windows come in plain versions as well as in variants that mimic the appearance of wood windows and they come in a very wide range of colors and textures. Vinyl also comes in many color options, but not in textured variants that look like natural materials;
- Costs – vinyl is a more affordable option, the price of a standard-sized, 48-inch window ranging between $520 and $730, with installation fees being around $250. Fiberglass windows are 10-30% more expensive, with installation adding about $300 to the overall costs;
- Strength and longevity – both materials are able to resist harsh weather without warping or cracking, but they are different in terms of the expected lifespan. While vinyl windows can last for around 30 years, fiberglass frames can last for almost twice as long, their longevity being around 50 years;
- Insulation – fiberglass is around 15% more efficient than vinyl in terms of thermal insulation and it is also superior in terms of noise insulation;
- Maintenance – both options come with very low maintenance needs, needing only cleaning, inspections and some minor touch-ups.
You can find out more about window replacement and other home improvement projects at https://www.eagleeyerenovations.com/. Eagle Eye Renovations is a licensed and insured company whose owners have been proud to serve residential and commercial property owners since 2019.