Every home should have a free flow of natural light, fresh air, sound, and warmth. For a home to be considered a home, these things must exist. And to achieve this, windows are essential, not “nice-to-have.”

That said, although it’s vital to install windows in your home, choosing the right window type is equally important. There are various types of windows, but the most notable ones are fiberglass and vinyl windows.

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely wondering which is better: a fiberglass window or a vinyl window. Luckily for you, that’s what we’re here to talk about.

In this article, we will talk about fiberglass and vinyl windows. We’ll cover the descriptions, highlight the pros and cons, and even attempt a direct comparison of fiberglass and vinyl windows.

Fiberglass Windows: All You Need to Know

Fiberglass windows have frames made from a combination of glass fibers and resins. To produce these types of windows, glass is melted under high heat, stretched into clusters of fine glass fiber, mixed with resins, and molded into frames for windows. 

Fiberglass windows are the more popular types amongst homeowners because they’re smooth and can be painted and textured to resemble real wood. Also, due to its light and thin nature, people have found fiberglass windows more aesthetically pleasing than other window types like wood and vinyl.

In addition to looking pretty, fiberglass windows are highly durable and will stand the test of time. These windows are strong, warp-resistant, and can last more than 50 years after installation. To top it off, when you have these windows in your home, you can rest easy, knowing you’ll only need to spend a little time and energy maintaining them.

Fiberglass windows are safe for not only you but the environment as well. They’re made from recycled glass (which means less glass lying around at landfills), their production process releases no chemicals into the environment, and the end product will not release harmful chemicals if it’s exposed to fire.

All of the above are great perks, but they don’t come cheap. Although less expensive than wood windows, the price of fiberglass windows is still significantly high. In addition to being expensive, they’re also cumbersome to install. In fact, you would need to call in a professional installer and pay them for their fiberglass window installation service.

Pros of Fiberglass Windows

  • More durable than vinyl windows
  • Can last more than 50 years
  • Fairly easy to paint and customize
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Most attractive type of window

Cons of Fiberglass Windows

  • Expensive, going for about $770 – $2,300 CAD
  • Requires professional installation
  • Not as readily available as vinyl windows

Vinyl Windows: All You Need to Know

Vinyl windows, as the name implies, are windows with frames made from vinyl. Also referred to as polyvinyl chloride or PVC, vinyl is a type of plastic. Thanks to this makeup, vinyl windows are impervious to rot and decay, which could be caused by water and humidity.

Vinyl windows are made from a blend of ethylene and chlorine, which makes them strong and sturdy. In fact, vinyl windows can last as long as 30 years after installation. To top it off, these windows are low-maintenance, and any dirt or grime can easily be removed by wiping them off.

Vinyl windows come in various shapes, styles, and sizes, all of which are easy to find and purchase. Moreover, they’re not as expensive as other types of windows, such as fiberglass or wood.

In addition to the above, vinyl windows are quick and easy to install. As a matter of fact, if you’re handy enough with work tools, you can install these windows yourself without having to call in any professional.

All this being said, there are downsides to vinyl windows. For one, being made of polyvinyl chloride or PVC, they are extremely difficult to paint, as vinyl and paint don’t go together. Additionally, being made of vinyl means these windows are flexible to a certain point. As a result of this, vinyl windows are prone to warping and cracking when temperatures change.

Pros of Vinyl Windows

  • Affordable, coming at around $670 – $1,015 CAD
  • Lasts around 30 years after installation
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Requires no professional installation 
  • Readily available in various styles

Cons of Vinyl Windows

  • Less durable than fiberglass windows
  • Highly difficult to paint and customize
  • Prone to cracking and warping

Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows: Direct Comparison

Price

Fiberglass windows are more expensive than vinyl windows. Fiberglass windows cost an average of $770 – $2,300 CAD, while vinyl windows can go for around $670 – $1,015 CAD.

Life Span

Fiberglass windows last longer than vinyl windows. While the former can last more than 50 years, the latter only endures up to 30 years after installation.

Appearance

Fiberglass windows are more attractive and easier to customize than vinyl windows. Also, the former is easy to paint, while the latter is cumbersome to paint and or repaint.

Installation 

Vinyl windows can be installed without the help of a professional. To install fiberglass windows, you would need to hire the services of a professional window installer.

Accessibility

Vinyl windows are largely more accessible than fiberglass windows. While the former comes in standard shapes, sizes, and styles and can be procured at home improvement stores, the latter is purchased directly from the manufacturers.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between fiberglass and vinyl windows, there are several factors to consider. By weighing the attributes of fiberglass windows against the features of vinyl windows provided in this article, you can make an informed and rational choice. However, if you’re still unsure of which path to take, you can’t go wrong with contacting professionals like Phoenix Siding. Our home improvement specialists can not only advise you on the best type of window to use but can also handle the installation for you.