Do I Want Fiberglass Windows?
Are you planning to install replacement windows in your home, but aren’t sure which material is best? You are not alone. So to make the process a little easier, here is some information on one of the most popular window materials on the market: fiberglass.
Fiberglass is manufactured by pulling strands of glass through a heated die. The material is durable, strong, and weather resistant. But because it is often more expensive than vinyl, many homeowners dismiss it as out of their range. What they fail to account for is the longevity of these products. So if you are planning on getting replacement windows in your home and haven’t considered fiberglass, it is time to give these windows a second look. These are just some of the many benefits you can expect if you decide to go with fiberglass windows:
1. Insulation
Fiberglass has a thermal conductivity that is 800 times less than aluminum. When paired with the right glazing options, these windows discourage heat transfer, keeping your home more comfortable no matter what is happening outside.
2. Low Thermal Expansion
These window frames do not expand and contract as much as other materials. This minimizes warping and leaks and maximizes the window’s performance long term.
3. Strength
Fiberglass window frames are eight times stronger than those made of vinyl. This allows for larger panes of glass on thinner frames, so you get uncompromised views and even more natural light. It also means you get better security and greater resistance to forced entry. They are also very lightweight.
4. Durability
Fiberglass resists damage from corrosion, rot, and pests. The material will not become brittle, crack, or shrink. It also resists degradation caused by pollution or chemical attacks. Best of all, it does not require a lot of maintenance to keep these windows looking and performing like new. So these replacement windows can easily last up to 40 years or more.
5. Design Options
Many homeowners want versatility and unique design options, which isn’t easily achieved with vinyl or aluminum. With fiberglass, you can have these windows finished by the factory or onsite. You can choose a smooth finish, or clad them in real wood if you are a traditionalist. Best of all, fiberglass is a paintable material, so you can choose to match the color of your replacement windows to the trim of your home.
6. Environmentally Friendly
The embodied energy or amount of energy needed to produce the product from beginning to end, for fiberglass is 80 percent less than that of aluminum and 39 percent less than that of vinyl. Fiberglass is mostly made from sand, an abundant and readily available material, and is easily recycled, making it one of the greenest materials on the market.
7. Better Suited for Multi-Pane Windows
Because fiberglass is such a stable and rigid material, it is more suitable for windows comprising of two or more panes of glass. Even double pane windows with larger spacing between the panes of glass are improved with fiberglass frames.
Where to Buy Fiberglass Replacement Windows
Fiberglass windows have structural and thermal advantages over vinyl, wood, and aluminum replacement windows. To find out more about these cutting-edge products, stop by 160 Van Winkle Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506. The experts of Home Supply Window and Door possess detailed product and design knowledge. We can certainly help you find the best material for replacement windows. Contact us at 973-949-5401 to schedule your consultation.