Fiberglass windows are an ideal choice for homeowners seeking to increase energy efficiency and save money in the long term. Furthermore, they can add value to your home’s resale value.
Wood and vinyl windows may not be as strong, but aluminum has numerous benefits when it comes to insulation for your home. Furthermore, vinyl windows require less upkeep than their wooden counterparts.
Cost
Fiberglas windows are an attractive option for homeowners seeking durable, low-maintenance windows. Furthermore, they’re more energy-efficient than vinyl or aluminum frames and come in a range of colors and features.
The cost of fiberglass windows varies based on several factors, including the size and style of your window, how many panes you desire and degree of customization. For instance, you can add wood cladding inside of a fiberglass window for the look of wood while still enjoying all the advantages of using plastic material with lower maintenance requirements.
Single-hung fiberglass windows can range in cost from $100 per square foot, depending on the brand and features selected. Double-hung windows tend to be more costly but come in various styles. Casement windows are another popular choice due to their easy crank style openings that open or close quickly.
Custom-sized windows tend to be more costly due to the extra work involved in their creation, but they can be beneficial in older homes where standard sizes may not be feasible or affordable.
These windows tend to be harder to come by than other types of windows, and you may have to order them directly from a manufacturer instead of visiting home improvement centers or discount stores.
Installation of a fiberglass replacement window typically costs between $100 and $300, including taking out the old window and adding on the new one. Due to special tools, knowledge, and expertise required for installing fiberglass windows, it’s best to have them professionally installed.
Fiberglass windows may be more expensive than vinyl and aluminum-clad wood, but they will save you money in the long run. Plus, their higher energy efficiency helps lower utility bills as well.
PRO: Temperature Stability
Fiberglass-framed windows boast superior temperature stability, with glass that resists warping or swelling and the risk of leaks around the perimeter. Furthermore, its strength surpasses that of comparable vinyl or wood windows, making it more resistant to cracking and breakage.
If you’re replacing a window, fiberglass is the better option over other materials due to being up to 15 percent more energy-efficient than vinyl or aluminum windows. Plus, fiberglass windows tend to last longer before needing replacement – giving you peace of mind for an extended period before needing repairs or replacement.
Energy Efficiency
If you’re in the market for replacement windows to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, fiberglass windows could be the ideal choice. Not only are they durable and affordable, but they offer numerous advantages over other popular window materials like vinyl or wood-framed ones.
Fiberglass windows are an attractive choice and come in a range of colors and styles to match the interior decor of your home. This makes them the ideal choice for Michigan homeowners who wish to change the aesthetic without replacing all their windows at once.
Fiberglass windows are extremely strong and won’t warp or crack from extreme temperatures, allowing for thinner window frames compared to vinyl.
Vinyl, on the other hand, is made of up to 60% recycled glass – an environmentally friendly material that’s difficult to recycle once no longer in use.
Fiberglass windows are eight times stronger than vinyl windows, making them the ideal choice for multi-paned windows that need a sturdy frame.
They can achieve a U-factor of 0.3 and an ENERGY STAR rating higher than some vinyl windows, making them more energy efficient than other window materials and helping you lower your energy bills over time.
Additionally, they don’t expand or contract like other window materials, helping prevent air leaks and keeping your home comfortable year-round. Furthermore, their resistance to moisture makes them ideal for homes with high humidity levels.
Finally, fiberglass can be treated with a low-emissivity coating to increase energy efficiency and save you money on utility bills. These coatings block out UV rays and deflect heat, thus lowering cooling costs.
Maintenance
Fiberglass windows are incredibly resilient and don’t deteriorate or warp like wood, meaning they require little upkeep. However, they should still be cleaned occasionally.
Maintain the aesthetic of fiberglass frames by wiping them down with a mild soap solution and water. This will help remove dirt, moss, and other grime that may accumulate on the frame over time.
For difficult-to-reach places, you can try using a nonabrasive cleaner with either a sponge or soft bristle brush to clean your fiberglass window frame. Just remember to test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before applying it throughout the entire frame.
Once you’re finished, rinse the frame thoroughly with clear water to eliminate any stains or residue left behind. Doing this will help keep your windows sparkling and beautiful for years to come.
If your window has a sliding sash, you can usually take it out and clean the top side with a cloth and some mild cleaning solution. Afterwards, simply slide it back in to its frame and snap it shut securely.
Another effective way to clean fiberglass frames is by spraying them down with a hose. This will eliminate mold, mildew and other spores that might accumulate on the exterior of the frame.
In addition to clearing away surface dirt, you can also polish the glass of your fiberglass windows for a sparkling appearance. All it takes is some diluted dish soap and water – an easy task!
Glass cleaners can also be used on the glass to prevent streaking and discoloration. Although this method is generally safe for all glass types, you should still exercise caution not to spill any window cleaner onto it.
Wood and vinyl window frames both require some level of upkeep to maintain their visual appeal. If you choose wood windows, be sure to inspect them regularly for dirt accumulation, damaged areas, and the need for repainting if the paint starts to fade or chip.
Appearance
Your windows can make or break the aesthetic of your home. Whether you are building a new residence or replacing existing ones, it is essential to consider which type of window will be most pleasing to the eye.
Vinyl and fiberglass are two popular window materials currently on the market. Each has distinct advantages and drawbacks that depend on your individual requirements.
Fiberglass is more durable and effective than vinyl as an insulator due to its inflexibility; unlike vinyl which expands and contracts with temperature changes like vinyl does, creating gaps that let in air.
Additionally, fiberglass is more resistant to water damage and rot than wood, making it the ideal choice for homes undergoing extensive exterior renovations or older structures that could sustain damage due to water intrusion.
Fiberglass windows come in an array of colors, both inside and outside. This allows you to match your current decor or select a hue that complements a different home style.
Another advantage of fiberglass windows is their texture, which can be painted to simulate natural wood grain and give you more color options. This is especially helpful if you like to alter the exterior color of your house regularly.
Fiberglass is not only more durable, but it’s also more energy efficient than vinyl. This is because it has a higher R-value than vinyl, meaning less heat or cold will pass through your windows and into your home.
Maintaining your heating and cooling costs will not only help save on energy bills, but it is also beneficial to the environment as fiberglass windows are made from recycled materials that tend to be more eco-friendly than other window types. Additionally, selecting fiberglass windows over vinyl can reduce the environmental impact that your home will have since they are made from recycled materials.
Fiberglass windows are an attractive, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly choice for homeowners who desire an aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to other window types. Not only are they durable and easy to maintain, but offer more color choices than vinyl windows – which has led them to become increasingly popular as “green” homes continue to gain ground in popularity.