Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows: Which One is Best for Your Home?
When it comes to choosing the right windows for your home, the decision for many homeowners in Omaha often boils down to a choice between fiberglass and vinyl windows. Both of these window options provide unique advantages, and the decision will depend on various factors, including your personal budget, preferences, and specific needs. Reach out to Tevelde and Co. today for more information and a free consultation.
Both Window Types Are A Great Investment
Investing in new windows can significantly enhance the comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of your home! When trying to select the right windows for your home improvement project, it’s essential to consider the materials that will best meet your requirements and budget for your property. Two of the most popular window options in the United States are fiberglass and vinyl, with each material having its own set of advantages.
In this brief guide, we’ll explore the benefits of both window types, helping you make an informed decision that will suit your home and lifestyle while providing natural light for years to come!
Which Type of Window Is Best?
Windows usually last decades, so it’s wise to take time to research your options before deciding on what’s right for you. Homeowners who choose fiberglass window installation enjoy durable, beautiful windows that boost curb appeal, home security, and resale value. Vinyl window installation offers homeowners another viable choice when it comes to replacement windows. Its low maintenance and affordability make it an attractive option as well.
At Tevelde and Co., we understand that it can feel overwhelming to sift through facts about windows. We aren’t about high-pressure sales; we simply educate you so you can make the right decision for your home and budget. We give you options that fit your needs and lifestyle. And we don’t try to upsell you on products or services you don’t need.
How To Know It’s Time For New Windows
There are a variety of reasons for window replacement. Here are a few questions to help identify if it’s time for new windows:
- Are your current windows hard to open or close?
- Do you have broken windows that compromise your home’s security?
- Are there drafts or changes in temperature near your windows?
- Do you have wood rot, condensation, or water stains due to moisture accumulation?
- Are your windows moldy or warping?
- Have your utilities bills increased, but you’re not sure why?
Tevelde’s Replacement Window Buying Guide
Find out all you need to know when choosing new windows for your Omaha home with our informative window buying guide.
- Fiberglass Windows Overview
- Benefits of Fiberglass Windows
- Incredible Durability
- Customizable for Homeowners
- Energy Efficiency and Insulation
- Benefits of Fiberglass Windows
- Vinyl Windows Overview
- Benefits of Vinyl Windows for Your Home
- Lower Overall Cost Than Fiberglass Windows
- Low-Maintenance Over Time
- Benefits of Vinyl Windows for Your Home
- Tevelde and Co. is a Top-Rated Window Contractor in Omaha
- Trusted Window Repair and Installation Services
- Utilizing Top Window Brands in the Industry
Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Window Replacement
When deciding which material is right for your new windows, there are several factors to consider. Let’s take a look at some basics about fiberglass vs. vinyl replacement windows, and then look at their cost differences.
Fiberglass Windows Overview
Fiberglass window frames are constructed using a composite material consisting of glass fibers and resin – the result is an incredibly robust and long-lasting frame that offers several advantages! Fiberglass windows are typically known for their exceptional strength, making them resistant to warping, cracking, and expanding or contracting with temperature changes, making them an excellent choice for Omaha’s hot summers and cold winters!
Benefits of Fiberglass Windows
Fiberglass windows have gained popularity among property owners for many reasons. Whether it be their versatility, energy-efficiency, or their signature durability, fiberglass windows are an excellent option for those looking to spruce up their home or business in the region. Fiberglass replacement windows add great value to your Omaha home.
- Extremely strong
- Lasts up to 40-50 years
- Eight times stronger than vinyl
- Don’t expand or contract with temperature changes
- Won’t warp
- Thinner frames give you more glass to enjoy greater views and more natural light
- Greater energy efficiency
- Better insulation value
- Easy maintenance
- Eco-friendly material
- Longer lasting performance
- Look more like wood
- More color options available than vinyl windows
- Unlike vinyl windows, there are no join lines at the corners of fiberglass windows
- Self-extinguish if a fire occurs, and they don’t give off toxic fumes
Cons of Fiberglass Replacement Windows
- Higher priced than vinyl—due to their durable nature and labor costs
- Not as readily available as vinyl windows
- Require some maintenance—such as painting—to keep them looking good
- Darker colored fiberglass windows may fade over time
Vinyl Windows Overview
Vinyl windows are another popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their properties. Vinyl window frames are crafted from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable and versatile material that offers numerous benefits!
Pros of Vinyl Replacement Windows
If you choose vinyl window replacement, you never have to paint your windows again.
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- Readily available
- Fade resistant
- Low maintenance
- No painting needed—ever
- Resist condensation and heat transfer
Cons of Vinyl Replacement Windows
- Limited amount of colors available
- They expand and contract as the temperature changes, which could cause warping or a decrease in the effectiveness of their air seal
- There can be a join line at the corners of vinyl windows
- You can’t repaint vinyl windows, so if you change your siding color, your current window color remains the same
- In a fire, vinyl windows burn and release toxic fumes that are extremely hazardous to your health
The Price of Fiberglass Windows vs. Vinyl Replacement Windows
Replacement window prices vary based on the size of the window, type of glass and hardware. Your geographic location and current labor rates also impact the price of your window replacements.
In general, fiberglass windows are approximately 30-50% more than vinyl windows. Factor in the number of windows in your home as you look at the overall price. Installation is also a greater investment for fiberglass windows than it is for vinyl due to the flexibility of vinyl window frames vs. the rigidity of the fiberglass ones. Vinyl windows can cost around $450 per small window. Basic fiberglass windows can cost around $600 per small window.
Energy Efficiency of Replacement Windows
As you ponder the price of window replacement, consider also the year-round energy savings you will enjoy once your new windows are installed. Windows are a major contributor to energy loss inside a home, so expect savings after you replace your windows.
- Fiberglass Window Replacement—Enjoy optimal energy efficiency long-term with fiberglass window replacement. Fiberglass windows don’t expand and contract, so air gaps don’t form in the seals. Fiberglass insulates better than vinyl long-term.
- Vinyl Window Replacement—Vinyl windows expand and contract. As a result, air gaps can form in the seals, causing your heating and air conditioning to leak.
Installation Time for Window Replacement
- A vinyl window takes approximately two hours to install.
- A fiberglass window takes approximately 3 hours to install.
Benefits of Replacement Windows
- Improve comfort inside your home—Window replacements give you year-round indoor comfort, keeping temperatures consistent throughout your home.
- Enjoy low-maintenance windows—Replacement windows boast easy-to-clean features, saving you time and effort on home maintenance.
- Increase your home’s energy efficiency—Lower your utility bills for year-round savings.
- Enjoy greater views—Refreshing views of the outdoors await.
- Gain more natural lighting indoors—Light streaming through new windows boosts your home’s atmosphere.
- Enhance your home’s curb appeal—Increase your home exterior’s beauty and resale value.
- Decrease noise intrusion—Lower the possibilities of outdoor noise coming inside.
- Benefit from a high return on investment (ROI)—Window replacements offer you a high yield on investment.
Home exterior contractor, Tevelde and Co., installs Enerlux® windows, so you get every advantage on the market, including a lifetime warranty on the frame, replaceable glass, and paintable frames should you want to change the color in the future. We keep you informed during your window installation process and send you daily updates so you know what we just completed today, and what we plan to complete tomorrow.
We take the extra steps to remove all old window trim so that you get the best look on the block. We follow the manufacturer’s best practices to ensure your warranty is protected. Take a look at our gallery and dream a little about how new windows can transform your home. Contact us to set up a consultation.
Tevelde and Co. is a Top-Rated Window Contractor in Omaha
For window installation, repair, and replacement in Greater Omaha, Tevelde and Co. is proud to be a trusted partner for homeowners! Our steadfast commitment to excellence, alongside a decade of local experience, sets us apart from other contractors in the region! Check out our past projects here.
Trusted Window Repair and Installation Services
Our professional contractors can provide top-rated services, whether you need repairs, new installations, or replacement windows. Tevelde and Co. is dedicated to delivering quality workmanship and ensuring a job well done, no matter what your needs are. To learn more about our trusted window solutions, read our full service page.
Utilizing Top Brands in the Industry
At Tevelde and Co., we understand the importance of using high-quality materials when it comes to our home exterior solutions. That’s why we work with industry-leading brands like Pella, Enerlux, and more to provide your Omaha home with windows that are built to last and offer the latest advancements in technology and design!
Over a Decade of Local Experience
Choosing a contractor with extensive local experience can make all the difference when it comes to the success of your home’s next improvement project. At Tevelde and Co., we take great pride in serving Omaha and the surrounding areas since 2013.
During our decade of service, we’ve had the privilege of working with many property owners in the region, each with their specific needs and preferences when it comes to improving their properties. The team at Tevelde and Co. can also provide top-rated solutions for siding, roofing, and other exterior projects!
Article Updated: 5/19/24 | Published: 11/1/23
About The Author: Todd Tevelde
Todd Tevelde wrote this helpful article about Vinyl vs Fiberglass Window Materials to help educate homeowners about their window options. Todd is an expert in home exterior renovations and the founder of Tevelde and Co. With over 10 years of experience helping homeowners, Tevelde and Co. has become one of the most trusted contractors in the greater Omaha area. For more information contact Tevelde and Co. today!
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