Hard look: fiberglass windows offer an attractive alternative for move-up houses

By Stephanie Herzfeld Courtesy Building Products

Fiberglass windows have been around for a number of years, but they are beginning to gain the attention of builders and remodelers nationwide. That's because fiberglass units resist rotting, warping, and cracking; are nearly maintenance free; and are more energy efficient and stronger than vinyl, according to manufacturers. Plus, unlike vinyl windows, fiberglass windows ate paintable.

"They dominate in my market," says Howard Kipnes, a Hauppauge, N.Y.-based builder.

In addition, fiberglass windows ate available with many of the same glass options as other types of windows, including low-E argon-filled, storm-resistant, and self-cleaning. Furthermore, they come in many of the same styles such as casement, double-hung, single-hung, and picture configurations and are available with a wide array of grilles.

"We're trying to focus on being a builder window by having more standard shapes and sizes," says Brett Boyum, marketing manager for Integrity, an original line of fiberglass windows made by Marvin.

But fiberglass products cost about 25 percent more than high-end vinyl units and about the same as clad-wood windows.

Cost aside, some builders are sold on fiberglass. Kipnes, whose firm, Cedar Knolls, builds homes in the $750,000 range, says he's been using Marvin's Integrity fiberglass windows for about six years and has not had any callbacks because the windows live up to their performance claims.

Pella and Milgard began making fiberglass windows in recent years. The firms say they differentiate themselves through their customization capabilities and professional services.

Fiberglass windows are no more difficult to install than any other window, manufacturers claim. "Installation-wise, it's all about the same. There's really no difference (between materials) to the installer and that's on purpose," says John Jervis, executive director of the North Palm Beach, Fla.-based Association of Window Dealers and Installers.

However, that's where the similarities end. For one thing, fiberglass windows are fabricated differently; the), must be mechanically fastened at the comers unlike their welded vinyl counter-parts, making for a stronger frame, according to the manufacturers.

What's more, fiberglass windows are suitable for all climates because manufacturers claim they maintain their rigidity even with extreme temperature changes. Vinyl frames can lose their shape in extreme heat, they say.

"Plastic has to be cooled slowly to maintain its shape (during the manufacturing process). In the heat of the sun it can warp, so the quality of a vinyl window varies maker to maker," Jervis notes.

Despite its many benefits, fiberglass represent a tiny portion of the window market. Vinyl units are the most widely installed windows in both new construction and remodeling because of their affordable price points and ease of customization, says Rick Perry, director of industry standards for the Des Plaines, Ill.-based Window and Door Manufacturers Association.

Mike Mirau, president of Fentech, a firm that customizes window profiles for a number of vinyl manufacturers, predicts vinyl window makers will begin offering more color choices (in addition to traditional white and beige) to keep vinyl competitive. "Solar-reflective paints will allow for darker colors and laminated foils will provide more choices in the future" Mirau predicts.

In the future, fiberglass window makers must expand their offerings to be competitive. "Window manufacturers will have to add custom and unique styles to their product lines because my clients are looking for lots of design choices and different shapes," says builder Kipnes.

Fantastic Plastic

Moving beyond decking, wood-plastic composites are making their way to the window market, specifically in Andersen's Renewal product line, made with the firm's patented Fibrex material.

Available since 1995, Renewal windows are gaining the attention of homeowners because they won't warp, rot, or deteriorate, according to the manufacturer.

"It was designed as a remodeling product to handle the issues that cause people to replace windows in the first place," says Linda Luksan, marketing manager for Renewal.

Sold and installed by authorized dealers directly to homeowners and remodelers, the composite line offers advantages to other window materials.

"It's twice as rigid as vinyl, which allows for thinner profiles to maximize views for the homeowner," notes Luksan. It also has better insulating values and can be painted, she says.

Although the manufacturer declined to provide specific prices, a spot check by BUILDING PRODUCTS in the Washington, D.C., area found that Renewal cost the same or more than clad-wood products.

Prospects for the composite material abound. "Andersen is searching for more ways to bring the benefits of the material to the public. Other companies will be looking for ways to use and create composites as well," predicts Luksan.--S.H.