While shopping for new windows in Redmond, WA, you may have noticed the wide variety of window material options currently available on the market. There are four main window materials available: wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum, and each come with their own list of benefits and disadvantages. However, if you put any weight into a single decision while shopping for new windows, make sure it’s on the material you choose. The right window material can enhance the overall comfort, energy efficiency and affordability of your home. Here, we will be comparing two window materials that, while they differ greatly, are both very popular among homeowners: vinyl and fiberglass.

Aesthetics

Vinyl: There are a number or reasons homeowners buy vinyl windows, but aesthetics typically isn’t one of them. Until recently, you could only find vinyl windows in white and cream colors and even now, the color selection is limited. In addition to this, homeowners find the shiny, almost plastic look of the vinyl windows to only work with some architectural types.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass windows made a splash on the market thanks to the fact that they’re virtually indistinguishable from wood windows. These windows provide the same warm look and feel as wood windows, without the extra upkeep and hassle. You’ll also find fiberglass windows are available in a number of “species” styles, giving homeowners a wide variety of options.

Durability

Vinyl: One reason why homeowners love vinyl windows is their ability to help them save money and while this may be true in the short term, vinyl windows can actually cost more in long term. This is due to their poor durability and short lifespan that will have homeowners shopping for replacement windows sooner than expected.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass windows are the longest lasting windows on the market. This is especially true when you purchase a high quality fiberglass window model like Infinity by Marvin that has a lifespan up to 8x’s greater than most vinyl windows.

Energy Efficiency

Vinyl: Many homeowners believe that vinyl windows are the most energy efficient window model, thanks to their impressive expansion capabilities. However, vinyl windows expand more than 4x’s the expansion of their glass, which leads to wear and tear like the formation of gaps or drafts, causing this energy efficient quality to result in more harm than good.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass windows also have the ability to expand, however they do so at the same rate of the glass to provide optimal insulation without further problems.

If you’re still unsure about which window material is the right choice for your home, then we suggest stopping by Signature Windows and speaking with a window expert who can help point you in the right direction. Our experts are passionate about helping homeowners find their dream windows and will happily provide you with free consultation where you can have all of your questions answered. To get started, just call 253-887-7792 or come by and see our showroom floor located at 22613 68th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032.