Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Windows

In the market for replacement windows? With so many window materials to choose from, it’s hard to know which one will best suit your needs. Fiberglass windows are one of the newest materials available, providing many advantages you’ll want to know about before making a purchase.

Fiberglass is a material that contains glass and plastic fibers embedded in a resin material. This material has become a popular building material and is even likely used for things you might own such as certain car components, boats, and even the insulation in your home. Fiberglass is strong, durable, but also very lightweight, which makes it particularly ideal for windows.

Low Maintenance

Sanding, painting, and sealing are not needed. Fiberglass windows are much lower maintenance than other materials, due to the fact that they are resistant to fading, flaking and peeling. With the colors infused into the fiberglass itself, chips and scratches are virtually unnoticeable, removing the need for costly and inconvenient maintenance.

Paintable

While painting fiberglass windows isn’t necessary, it can still be done if you’re wanting a change in color. Sanding, priming, and painting are recommended to achieve a nice finished product.

Excellent Thermal Performance

Fiberglass has the tendency to hold its shape perfectly. This small difference can be huge, as a window that fails to hold its shape can leak air in or out, which causes a decrease in energy efficiency.

Most fiberglass windows come with multiple layers of glazing which can provide a higher layer of insulation. Glazing is installed depending on your needs, but it’s most commonly used to reduce noise, increase energy efficiency, and add strength. 

Tints are another feature commonly found in fiberglass windows. Window tinting can keep harsh sun rays out and provide added security.

Green Material

Fiberglass windows take less energy to produce than wood, aluminum or vinyl, and fewer emissions are released during manufacturing. Combined with the energy-efficient benefits mentioned above, the environment will thank you.

Strength

Fiberglass windows are up to ten times stronger than vinyl, allowing the window frames to remain smaller and less bulky than other materials. Once the fiberglass resin has cured during the manufacturing process, the result is a strong and resilient material with a low occurrence of window seal failure due to warping.

Expense

Fiberglass windows can potentially cost nearly twice as much as traditional windows. Saving money on energy bills will help offset the cost, but it could still take years for homeowners to break even.

Ready to learn more about replacement windows for your home? In the Kansas City area, call Precision Windows & Doors at 816-524-8999 or 913-649-1199 for a free estimate.