Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows: Which Is Best to Install in Your Home

Thinking about buying new fiberglass windows or vinyl windows for your home, but not sure which is the better choice for you? No problem.

At Quality Window & Door, we carry top window and door products from today’s best manufacturers. Infinity By Marvin replacement windows are among our most popular products. The entire line features windows made of Ultrex fiberglass, a pultruded fiberglass material that sets Ultrex apart from other windows available today, including vinyl.

When you have the choice between ordinary vinyl windows and Infinity By Marvin replacement windows made from Ultrex fiberglass, you’ll see below why homeowners are choosing Ultrex fiberglass from Infinity By Marvin for its superior performance, strength, and durability.

Cost of Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows

Cost will be the one factor that might influence you to choose vinyl windows over fiberglass. If you’re looking to save money in the short run, vinyl windows tend to be the cheapest option for home window replacement. Fiberglass windows are often more expensive than vinyl replacement windows due to its manufacturing process.

Manufacturing fiberglass takes a greater amount of time and expertise than manufacturing vinyl windows—and this added time and labor is reflected in the cost. However, Infinity By Marvin’s Ultrex Fiberglass windows are more energy efficient than traditional vinyl, so this upfront cost can be offset over the life of the windows through savings to your energy bills.

Fiberglass Windows Are Stronger Than Vinyl Windows

Ultrex fiberglass goes through a meticulous manufacturing process. Every step of the way – from saturating sturdy glass cables in compounded resins to pulling these cables through a heated die – helps to create a remarkably strong material that outlasts the competition. In fact, Ultrex fiberglass is eight to nine times stronger than vinyl on average. It’s so tough that a diamond-edge blade is needed to cut it during the manufacturing process.

While vinyl windows are generally less durable than fiberglass windows, many leading brands manufacture high quality vinyl windows that are extremely strong and durable. Here at Quality Window & Door, we are a local dealer & supplier of Weather Shield Windows & Doors, which offer window options in both vinyl and aluminum-clad.

Low Expansion & Contraction Rates

Unlike vinyl windows, extreme temperatures have almost no impact on fiberglass, so they are less prone to expansion and contraction. This leads to less warping and cracking—which leads to a longer lifespan and better energy efficiency. Vinyl windows can expand up to 87% more than fiberglass when there are extreme fluctuations in temperature.

The Look of Ultrex fiberglass vs Traditional Vinyl Windows Frames

Fiberglass & vinyl windows frames both offer several color options to match any home’s color combination, including a faux wood that mimics the look of natural wood windows. However, fiberglass windows take the advantage when it comes to custom colors. You are able to paint most fiberglass windows without voiding the warranty due to their durability and aversion to warping. Vinyl windows, on the other hand, will almost always have their warranty voided if you decide to paint them a custom color.

And if you’re looking for more light and bigger views, Infinity By Marvin Ultrex fiberglass is your best choice. The strength in their fiberglass frames allow for slimmer frames and more glass area.

Energy Efficiency of Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows

Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are very energy efficient, making them eco-friendly choices for your home. If you want to have the most eco-friendly windows available on the market, however, fiberglass is the choice. Fiberglass not only provides greater energy efficiency than vinyl windows with comparable features, they require less energy to be manufactured and can be fully recycled after they are replaced.

Fiberglass and Vinyl Windows in MD, DC, & VA

If you are looking for fiberglass windows or vinyl windows in the Washington, DC metro area and would like a window replacement estimate, contact the replacement window professionals at Quality Window & Door today or visit one of our showrooms in Maryland or Northern Virginia.

Simply fill out the contact form on the right or call us at 1-800-370-8751 to request a free in-home replacement window consultation today!