If you’re looking into replacement windows for your home, you’ve likely considered both vinyl and fiberglass options. Each comes with distinct advantages and drawbacks, including differences in pricing, design options, life spans, and the practicality of conducting DIY installations.
Choosing the right window frame materials can feel overwhelming. Vinyl windows, known for their affordability and easy DIY installation, are a popular choice if you want to save on initial costs. They also come in a variety of colors. On the flip side, fiberglass windows, though more expensive, offer superior durability and can mimic the look of wood. They are ideal if you’re willing to invest in long-term quality and design.
In this article, I’ll examine the key differences, costs, and overall impact on your energy bills and resale value of these two window types. By the end, you’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons to make the best choice for your home improvement project.
Fiberglass Windows Overview
Homeowners who want professional window installation should consider using fiberglass windows. Their rigid construction makes them more durable and far less DIY-friendly. They cost anywhere from 30% to 50% more than vinyl and present a far more high-quality look that can mimic the texture and feel of wood windows. These windows can also be repainted and refinished to match nearly any home exterior.
Vinyl Windows Overview
If you’re looking to save money and do your own home improvements, then window materials like vinyl (also known as PVC) may be more your speed. For the money you’ll pay, these window frames are fairly low-maintenance, stand up to extreme temperatures, and have a long life span. Depending on the window options available for your particular home, vinyl could be a cost-effective option. These windows will yield a high return on investment. They can last for 20 years or more. While saving costs, you can still get quality vinyl windows by buying from trusted companies
Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows Cost
According to Angi, professional installation costs for any new windows will range between $100 and $300 regardless of the type of window. Industry average rates for general contractor or window installer labor are between $40 and $45 per hour — expect installation costs for your fiberglass window frames to be higher due to increased labor costs.
Vinyl window frames are the best option for homeowners on a tighter budget. Typical vinyl double-hung windows will cost between $250 and $400 per unit, according to current retail averages from Lowe’s, Home Depot, and similar outlets.
A similar Low-E double-hung fiberglass window would cost between $400 and $600 per unit from the same retailer before labor costs have been factored in.
Appearance, Style, and Aesthetics
When deciding on window materials for your home improvement project, consider the aesthetics. Vinyl and fiberglass replacement windows offer a variety of textures and finishes to suit different building styles and homes.
Whether you’re in the market for new construction or replacement windows, you’ll find that both vinyl and fiberglass options exist in a variety of finishes and colors.
Vinyl Windows
You will most commonly find vinyl windows with a smooth finish. If you’re viewing floor models at a big-box retailer or online, these will usually be a smooth white or off-white color. However, this material comes in various color options besides basic hues and can be purchased in textured or wood grain finishes.
Fiberglass Windows
Fiberglass windows are available in many of the same finishes as vinyl windows. However, many homeowners find that the wood grain textures these frames come in are more realistic than those found on vinyl windows.
Many fiberglass windows are sold with real wood interiors that can be refinished and painted multiple times over to match the inside of a home. The rigidity of the material also allows for thinner muntins (bars or dividers) and rails. This means the actual windowpanes will be larger, allowing for more in-home natural light.
Read also: Problems of fiberglass windows
Installation: DIY and Professional
Whether you choose high-quality vinyl or fiberglass, your installation time per window — as well as installation method — will differ.
Generally speaking, vinyl windows are easier to install on your own. A typical double-hung vinyl replacement window will take between three and seven hours to install. When attempting any home improvement task that requires precise measurement and leveling, I recommend handling it with a partner. However, you should be able to tackle this job independently if needed.
Hiring a general contractor or window professional would be best if you’ve chosen to go with fiberglass windows. Fiberglass offers more resilience and style options but is far more difficult to install. DIYers with home maintenance experience can attempt installation with these windows, but I still recommend getting qualified assistance.
Durability and Strength of Each Window
Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are highly durable and long-lasting. However, there is a marked difference in life span between the two.
- Fiberglass window life span: 50 years or more
- Vinyl window life span: 20 to 40 years
Both vinyl and fiberglass windows will usually outlast wood windows because they’re fully resistant to moisture, mold, and corrosion. Typically, manufacturer warranties will reflect this — most purchases will come with protection plans of up to 20 years. However, this will vary between manufacturers.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Friendliness
Despite some negative customer impressions about how the manufacturing process for vinyl windows impacts the environment, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials can be recycled at the end of their life spans. This is also true of the glass panes and metal hardware in any window frame construction. Vinyl windows are excellent thermal insulators, which means your home will generally be more energy-efficient with vinyl windows than with wood. These windows have hollow cavities, which can be filled with better insulation to aid in this regard.
Fiberglass windows are made from the same material used to insulate attics and similar spaces. As a result, these windows are extremely energy-efficient. This, combined with the fact that these windows allow more natural light into your home, makes them a highly attractive option.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are easy to maintain and clean once installed. To preserve the existing finish and condition of either window, you should avoid using abrasives or strong chemicals. Basic soap and water are more than enough for cleaning.
For maintenance, you should purchase windows with competitive maintenance plans attached. Examine manufacturer warranties and be sure of exact coverage before buying. Similarly, if you hire a contractor to handle your window installation, you should inquire about labor warranties.
Return on Investment
According to Angi, replacement windows have an average return on investment (ROI) of 68%. So, if you spend $10,000 outfitting your home with new windows, you can expect its value to increase by $5,000-$7,000. Both vinyl and fiberglass will have an ROI toward the upper end of this range due to energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
Due to life span, increased energy efficiency, and the greater amount of light they will allow into your home on average, I recommend fiberglass windows as the best choice. However, the higher cost makes many homeowners question which type of window to purchase — especially if they plan to outfit their entire home.
If you’re concerned with keeping a tight budget, vinyl windows are a cost-effective option that can last up to 20 years and come in a variety of styles and colors. They are also easier to install yourself and require less upfront investment. If budget constraints are a priority, vinyl windows still provide good energy efficiency and durability.
Ultimately, the choice between vinyl and fiberglass will depend on your budget, installation preferences, and how much value you place on long-term durability and design options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Fiberglass Windows Not Popular?
Fiberglass windows are less popular because they cost more, they need special help to install, and they can have problems like water leaks, fading, and warping from UV.
What Are the Other Types of Windows Available?
Besides fiberglass, other window types include vinyl for affordability and energy efficiency and aluminum for sturdiness. Composite windows offer strength and low maintenance, while wood-clad windows provide a traditional look. Double-hung windows offer easy cleaning, and casement windows provide good ventilation.
What Is the Main Difference Between Vinyl and Fiberglass?
The main difference between vinyl and fiberglass windows is that fiberglass is stronger, more durable, and more energy-efficient than vinyl, but vinyl is cheaper and easier to install.
Methodology: How We Rank Window Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our window company ratings emphasize what matters most to you—a wide range of well-designed products with reliable installation and great curb appeal.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with renovation and building experts.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories, converted to a five-star scale. We researched dozens of windows installation and replacement companies to develop the following formula:
- Product Offerings (30 points): Window installers can earn the maximum point value in this category if they offer a wide variety of window styles, frame materials, hardware designs, and glass and coating options. Companies earn more points if they design custom windows for your home. We also score the quality and energy efficiency of the windows each company installs.
- Service Offerings (10 points): When evaluating this category, we consider factors such as consultations, post-installation cleanup, and additional product offerings. We also look at each company's installation team structure – including whether it uses certified window installers or subcontractors to complete work – as this can cause variances in quality.
- Affordability (25 points): Our affordability rating considers the provider’s average window prices and how they align with industry averages, as well as discounts and payment plans.
- Warranty and Support (20 points): A best-in-class window installer will back up its work with a solid warranty to give you added peace of mind. Companies receive the maximum point value in this category if they offer lifetime warranties for their products and workmanship.
- Company Reputation (15 points): To ensure we’re recommending worthwhile installers, we check each company’s reputation and standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider how many years of experience it has in the window industry.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
