Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows

When you’re replacing your home windows, you have to decide what material you want your new windows to be made out of. Today, we’ll examine vinyl vs. fiberglass windows. Looking to compare other window types? Here are the main differences in vinyl and aluminum windows, including their cost, as well as details on how long each material lasts. 

In this post, you’ll learn the main differences between vinyl and fiberglass windows, what they each cost, and why you may want to choose one over the other.

The Material Itself

Fiberglass and vinyl have major differences in cost as well as in what the material itself is best at.

Fiberglass is a lightweight, yet super strong material made with polyester resins and reinforced with glass fibers. It’s definitely stronger than most other options in materials due to this complex construction. 

Vinyl is an abbreviation for a material known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC. It is more flexible than aluminum windows, but not as strong as fiberglass. 

Both have a similar look from the outside, so your choice will not come down to appearance so much as overall durability, lifespan, and cost.

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Cost of Vinyl and Fiberglass Windows

Vinyl windows are cheaper than their fiberglass counterparts. All told, a pro will charge about $500 to $800 to purchase and install one vinyl window vs. about $600 to $1,000 for a single fiberglass window. Here’s how those costs break down.

Vinyl Window Cost

Vinyl windows will typically cost about $600 each for the window alone. Vinyl windows are about 10- to 30-percent less expensive than fiberglass windows both in terms of material cost and labor cost. 

Vinyl Windows

Average Installation Cost $450 - $750

Cost Breakdown

• Materials 93.8%
• Labor 6.3%

Fiberglass Window Cost

Fiberglass windows average about $750 each for the window alone. Installation costs also tend to be a bit higher for fiberglass windows.

Fiberglass Windows

Average Installation Cost $600 - $1000

Cost Breakdown

• Materials 93.8%
• Labor 6.3%

Window Installation Cost

Pros will typically charge between $30 and $50 per window to install. And window installation is definitely a job for a pro. It involves replacing something in your home’s essential structures, and if done incorrectly, can result in places where air, water, and pests can get in.

Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows: How to Choose

Let’s break down the pros and cons of both vinyl and fiberglass windows. We will also take a look at the regional factors that may influence your decision.

Appearance

These windows have a very similar appearance and come in several colors. Here’s what to know about each:

• Fiberglass windows come in far more colors than vinyl windows do, making them easier to customize for your exact specifications. They’re also thinner than vinyl windows, which means they allow for more natural light to filter into your home because more glass is visible. The thinner frame changes the overall appearance of the window, so there is more glass and less bulk around the edges. 
• Vinyl windows come in several colors, though not as many as fiberglass. Though vinyl windows can be painted, it’s not a particularly straightforward job, so it’s best to pick a color you want to stay with for the long-term.

Durability, Life Span, and Upkeep

Both vinyl and fiberglass windows have a long lifespan when they are properly cared for.

• Fiberglass windows typically last as many as 50 years.
• Vinyl windows can last upwards of 20 to 40 years. 

To ensure they last as long as possible, fiberglass windows should be cleaned regularly. You might also have to repaint them once or twice over their 50-year lifespan to keep them looking sharp.

Vinyl windows can be susceptible to inclement weather, and perform poorly against wildfires. These windows can warp with temperature changes, meaning the seal becomes compromised. You can combat this by reapplying caulk periodically. However, they do withstand rain, snow, and other elements well.

The good news is, neither vinyl nor fiberglass is susceptible to rot or termite damage unlike wooden windows, and they also don’t rust. You can easily hose off any dirt, debris or mildew that collects. 

Purpose

If you’re building a new home or upgrading your current home, fiberglass windows are the long-lasting option that will promise decades of use. If you’re flipping a home or looking for a cheaper, similarly long-lasting product then vinyl is a good alternative. 

Both types of windows are acceptable for use in any room in your home from the kitchen to the bathroom and beyond. 

If you live in an area prone to wildfires or large swings in temperature, fiberglass may be the better choice for your home. If you live somewhere where temps are fairly consistent or swing more toward cold than hot, vinyl will suit you well. Both frame materials are good insulators, with fiberglass being slightly better.

There are five main types of window frame materials to choose from. If you want to see how they all stack up against each other, click below.

Best Window Frame Materials

Read about the pros, cons, costs, and more for the five best window frame materials.

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