When choosing the right windows for your home, the decision often boils down to the materials. Wood is popular but requires more maintenance than other options. Two popular options that require less maintenance are vinyl and fiberglass. Both have their advantages, but understanding the differences can help you make the best decision for your home.
Vinyl windows usually cost less than other materials, which makes them a popular choice. However, vinyl tends to expand and contract with temperature changes, which can lead to warping. That can make vinyl windows difficult to open and close over time.
Fiberglass is known for its exceptional strength. It’s built to withstand more pressure and stress without warping or swelling. This strength allows for slimmer frames, providing your home with natural light and bigger views.
One of the standout features of fiberglass is that it requires very little maintenance. Generally, fiberglass resists fading, chipping, and peeling, ensuring that your windows maintain their look and function. Vinyl windows also require little maintenance but require more frequent replacements due to discoloration and damage from environmental factors.
Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are energy efficient. However, vinyl windows can expand up to 87% more than fiberglass, so their energy efficiency can be compromised over time. Compared to vinyl, fiberglass windows retain their energy efficiency far better. Fiberglass expands and contracts at nearly the same rate as glass, which helps maintain a tight seal and prevents leaks.
Both vinyl and fiberglass are available in a variety of colors, including one that mimics the look of traditional wood windows. If you're looking for a custom color, some fiberglass windows are fully paintable without voiding the warranty. Vinyl windows, on the other hand, are typically not recommended to be painted due to their rapid expansion and contraction, potentially hindering the appearance of the painted finish over time. And if more light and bigger views are better, the strength of fiberglass allows for slimmer frames, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your home with larger glass areas. Vinyl windows, with their thicker frames, can limit your views and let in less natural light.
While vinyl windows often cost less than other options, fiberglass offers more for your money. Fiberglass windows offer a unique balance of strength, durability, energy efficiency, value, and beauty. Infinity from Marvin harnesses the strength of our proprietary Ultrex® fiberglass to create windows built to last a lifetime. They’re 8x stronger than vinyl, paintable, virtually maintenance-free, and designed to bring new life to your home.
