Whether you’re considering Fibrex® material and fiberglass for replacement windows or are looking for the best window frames for your new home, these two materials are popular options with excellent benefits. From their lightweight strength to the available design options and superb insulation, it’s no wonder people rely on these materials.
But which is better for your home? Below, we’ll highlight the differences between these two window frame materials to help you find your ideal choice.
When comparing fiberglass and Fibrex® material, considering the main factors below will help you make an informed decision for your home.
These two materials have vastly different constituent components, with Fibrex® consisting of 60% thermoplastic polymer and 40% recycled wood fibers. The recycled wood content makes it an incredibly environmentally friendly solution while ensuring it has the best possible structure. Similarly, fiberglass consists of a plastic matrix or polymer, blended with glass fibers, which isn’t environmentally taxing, but lacks the green manufacturing advantage of Fibrex® material.
The manufacturing processes for these two materials differ significantly, with Fibrex® material being extruded, allowing for greater versatility in shape and design. Fiberglass manufacture relies on pultrusion, which gives it excellent strength but severely restricts the shaping possibilities, and essentially limits these frames to straight sections. One advantage of the wood-infused window frames made from Fibrex® material is that it can easily be made to look like natural wood without its maintenance requirements.
Fiberglass window frames and windows made with Fibrex® material have similar lifespans, expected to last around 35 years in ideal conditions. They offer superb structural integrity and can generally handle a wide range of temperatures. However, it’s worth noting that fiberglass is susceptible to UV-related fading, while Fibrex® material is not.
A recent 20-year durability study on Fibrex® material showed that these windows faced harsh climatic conditions without fading or losing function. The windows were as-new and still worked as well as they did at the time of installation.
Unlike most fiberglass products, windows made with Fibrex® material also come with a robust warranty.
Windows made with Fibrex® material have a definite edge in the design department, though there are some similarities between them:
While it isn’t generally necessary to refresh the look of windows made with Fibrex® material, they can be repainted or stained if needed.
Both fiberglass frames and window frames made from Fibrex® material have fairly low maintenance requirements:
Both products offer excellent insulation and are classified as extremely energy-efficient. Windows made with Fibrex® material have an insulation power around 700 times that of aluminum and a low thermal expansion rate, allowing them to withstand temperature changes easily.
Since Fibrex® material doesn’t fade, require repainting or have high maintenance requirements, it tends to have more curb appeal than fiberglass. It has a long lifespan and enhances your home’s curb appeal through aesthetic improvement, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
Plus, this product’s comprehensive warranty ensures your home will benefit from thermal and aesthetic advantages for years without requiring repairs and refreshes. On the other hand, fiberglass may crack or fade, requiring repairs and restoration.
Yes, windows and window frames made from Fibrex® material are generally superior to fiberglass in terms of curb appeal, durability and design options. However, fiberglass offers some advantages as well, especially in terms of resistance to extremely high temperatures.
The better option for you will depend on your needs and goals. Before deciding on a specific window material, consider the following:
If you need a basic window design with good insulation, fiberglass windows are an excellent option. However, if you want the best possible design options, supported by robust warranties and reliable durability, consider investing in windows made with Fibrex® material.
Don’t try to figure it out yourself when you can have the best assistance from experienced, knowledgeable technicians and salespeople. The team at Renewal by Andersen® would love to discuss the benefits of both fiberglass windows and windows built with composite Fibrex® material, helping you make the best selection for your home in the Carolinas.
Schedule a free consultation today, and one of our experienced staff members will get back to you as soon as possible.
