Vinyl windows are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic commonly found in blinds, sunshades, and shower curtains. According to InterNACHI data, vinyl is the second most produced plastic in the world. It is recyclable and has various design options.
Fiberglass window frames are durable and waterproof. They are made from recycled fiberglass and are a substitute for fossil fuel vinyl. These fibers are embedded in resin, usually polyester or epoxy resin, to complete the frame.
Like vinyl windows, fiberglass is lightweight, but this material is harder and can withstand expansion and contraction caused by thermal waves. This minimizes bending, cracking, peeling, or warping to the greatest extent possible. If you live in an area with drastic seasonal temperature changes, fiberglass windows are a good choice.
Fiberglass windows also offer more color customization than vinyl windows (although less than wood). This material is sold in solid or dual colors, and can even have textures. The contour of fiberglass is lower than that of vinyl, providing a smooth appearance and larger field of view for windows of the same size.
Both are excellent in durability and energy efficiency, but fiberglass has a longer service life due to its strength and crack resistance and warpage under thermal expansion pressure.
Helm said, "Compared to fiberglass, the expected lifespan of vinyl windows is about 30 years, and the expected lifespan of fiberglass is around 50 years.
Glass fiber has a longer lifespan than vinyl due to its excellent strength and crack resistance under extreme temperature and weather conditions. Due to its toughness, you often see fiberglass windows in new buildings.