The windows in your home can have a huge impact on the impression it gives to visitors and passers by. So why not give your home the look it deserves? Making the decision to replace your window offers far more benefits than just adding curb appeal. New windows bring greater indoor comfort and improved energy efficiency for your home!
One of the biggest decisions you have to make for your window replacements is the materials they are made of. Two of the most popular choice as fiberglass and vinyl windows.
But what are the differences between these two? And which material will offer the most benefits for your home. Herse a comparison of fiberglass and vinyl windows.
Both window types offer similar insulating qualities and do an excellent job of resisting heat transference. This offers much sought after energy efficiency qualities to your home, allowing you to save on energy usage.
Vinyl vs Fiberglass – Which One Is Best?
In the fiberglass vs vinyl windows debate , fiberglass windows offer slightly more strength within the material itself. This means that fiberglass windows feature slightly larger glass spaces. In some cases, this can affect the amount of light that infiltrates your home too. This is why both materials are also the best choice for use in storm windows.
Installations
Professional installations are always recommended for both these window types. Vinyl is a very flexible material and easy to work with. This leads to much faster installations. Fiberglass on the other hand is much more rigid and harder to work with. It does not expand or contract as much, so it also takes longer to install.
Fire Resistance
Fiberglass windows have self extinguishing capabilities. This means that in case of fire, they will not fuel the fire while releasing toxic fumes. One of the biggest advantages of vinyl windows is that they can burn while at the same time releasing toxic fumes which can be deadly, especially for children.
Why Choose Vinyl Windows?
Choosing vinyl offers a more budget friendly and versatile option when compared to fiberglass windows – which can cost up to 30% more. Vinyl windows are also lighter than fiberglass, making for easier installations and fewer potential problems. This might not seen like a big deal at first, but many of the problems that occur later on are due to bad installations from improper or poor techniques. With easy installation, vinyl generally comes with less hassles. Vinyl window are also available in a wide range of colour palettes. This gives you the versatility and flexibility to coordinate your new windows with the existing exterior of your home. You can even create a whole new look for an elevated curb appeal. bets of all, with vinyl windows, you wont have to worry about rot or insect damages.
| Range | Fiberglass Windows | Vinyl Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Low End | $150-$550 | $350-$600 |
| Mid Range | $600-$825 | $475-$950 |
| High End | $1,000-$2,000 | $1,500-$2,500 |
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, vinyl makes a great choice for homeowners looking for replacement windows. Offering budget friendly options with a wide variety of styles, its easy to see why vinyl windows remained popular for so long.