Generally, windows come in five materials: aluminum, vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and composite blends. Each material varies in cost, energy efficiency, durability, appearance, and other factors that are likely on your list when comparing options.
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Fiberglass and vinyl are two popular materials that provide great performance. Fiberglass is typically more expensive, but it has better longevity and energy efficiency. Vinyl windows are more affordable and widely available. Below, we go over each material’s advantages, which is better for your goals, and how to find a quality version of each.
We’ll let you know upfront that fiberglass is the more expensive choice, but it offers more bang for your buck. It’s more energy-efficient, durable, and long-lasting than vinyl. Whether or not it’s worth investing in, though, depends on a few factors, such as your climate and how long you plan to live in your home.
If you decide to go with fiberglass, we recommend Marvin and Pella. If you decide vinyl is the better choice, we suggest looking into our reviews of Castle, Window World, or Champion.
Live in a cold climate and want maximum energy performance
Are in a storm-prone area, as fiberglass holds up better to wind and impact
Care about curb appeal and aesthetic customizations
Are on a tight budget
Want to install the windows yourself
Live in a mild climate
Fiberglass performs better across the board, but if its price tag is out of reach for you, don’t worry. Today’s best window companies make plenty of high-quality vinyl options that still lower your energy bills and last for many years. Truthfully, the differences in the factors below aren’t astronomical. However, it may be worth investing in the edge fiberglass provides if your local climate calls for a more heavy-duty window.
The table below highlights the main differences between fiberglass and vinyl window frames.
As the superior performer, fiberglass is typically the more expensive window material. Vinyl is generally a more affordable window material, second only to aluminum. The price tag on your new windows comes down to the brand, special features (such as impact resistance, tinted glass, or noise blocking), window style, and size. The most basic fiberglass window from one brand could be comparable in cost to the most expensive vinyl option from another.
Because of those factors, price isn’t always straightforward. In early , we surveyed 1,000 homeowners who had recently purchased replacement windows and learned that fiberglass windows cost an average of $651 per window, while vinyl windows cost an average of $558. That may not seem like much if you’re just buying one or two windows, but if you’re upgrading your entire house, it can be a difference of several hundred or thousands of dollars.
Based on our survey data, vinyl windows cost roughly $5,580 per 10 windows installed. Fiberglass windows cost $6,510 per 10 windows installed.
Our team also sourced cost data from Fixr to give you a glimpse of how much vinyl and fiberglass windows cost, which we highlighted in the table below. Note that installation costs are per hour.
Installation costs can vary dramatically depending on numerous factors, such as project size, installation complexity, and installer experience. According to Fixr, installation costs $250 per vinyl window and about $300 per fiberglass window on average.
The long-term value of fiberglass or vinyl windows is a major reason to consider purchasing them. You don’t just increase your home’s curb appeal—you can also save money on your energy bills. The most important factor for energy efficiency is insulation, which reputable window brands add to both fiberglass and vinyl windows.
According to Energy.gov, fiberglass and vinyl have better energy efficiency than other frame types, such as metal frames. Due to their increased insulation, new windows can help keep unwanted heat or cold drafts out, which reduces the workload of your HVAC system.
According to our survey, the majority of homeowners saved between $25 and $60 (an average of $42.50) per month on energy bills after installing replacement windows. Homeowner Devin R. from Clarksville, Tennessee, reported that his new windows saved him an average of 20% in energy costs. He noted that his savings equaled roughly $450 annually.
Here’s how much you could save over 10 years if you replaced four fiberglass windows (the most common number in our survey):
Here’s how much you could save if you replaced four vinyl windows (the most common number in our survey):
Note: The average savings figures are for demonstration purposes only. Your actual savings may vary.
Just because vinyl windows are cheaper doesn’t mean they look cheap. Most people aren’t going to spot the difference in vinyl and fiberglass’s appearance at a glance. However, some differences may make fiberglass more appealing to some homeowners.
For starters, you can paint fiberglass. That means you can get it in more colors, whereas vinyl typically comes in five to 10 standard neutral tones. Note that painting your fiberglass windows will require repainting at some point, since paint can deteriorate over time.
Fiberglass is also easier to texturize. This is beneficial if you want to mimic the look of wood without dealing with the upkeep of wood windows.
Lastly, vinyl frames are often bulkier than fiberglass. Vinyl is a more flexible material, which means you have to build a thicker frame to uphold its structural integrity. This isn’t a major difference compared to fiberglass, but it results in a little less natural light and outdoor view.
While fiberglass frames slightly outperform vinyl in regions with extremely hot or cold temperatures, both are suitable, energy-efficient choices regardless of where you live. Instead of focusing on your frame material for energy efficiency, you’ll want to make the right choice for the glass inside the frame.
If you live in a cold-weather region, you’ll want a window with a high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which measures the solar radiation transmitted through a window. Windows with a low SHGC are better at collecting and retaining solar heat in the winter.
For example, if you live in a warm-weather climate, like Savannah, Georgia, you’ll want a window with an SHGC of 0.50 or above. On the flip side, homeowners in Portland, Maine, want an SHGC of 0.23 or below.
This number, along with the U-Factor, can be found on the sticker of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certified windows.
When comparing fiberglass and vinyl windows, the type of glass and spacer technology inside play a critical role in energy efficiency, comfort, and overall performance. For example, fiberglass windows often feature triple-pane glass that provides superior insulation and noise reduction, ideal for extreme climates. Gas fills and low-emissivity (low-e) coatings can enhance their performance further. Vinyl windows, typically equipped with double-pane glass, offer adequate insulation for moderate conditions but may not perform as well in very hot or cold climates.
Fiberglass windows often use advanced spacers, improving thermal performance, while vinyl models might include basic spacers that aren’t as effective at reducing heat transfer. If energy efficiency is a priority, upgrading vinyl windows to triple-pane glass could be an option, but be aware that the cost may compare to that of fiberglass.
A window’s lifespan is how many years its features will generally hold up and do the job manufacturers design them for, such as any glass coatings or insulation components. How long it can last varies based on the window’s construction and craftsmanship, but the window’s warranty is a good indicator.
Most window warranties cover the frame material and last 20 years or more. Some actually cover the material for as long as you own the home the window was installed in, meaning the manufacturer expects it to stand the test of time.
Fiberglass is known for having a longer lifespan than vinyl. Its structure is stronger and more weather-resistant. It’s not as prone to warping and cracking as vinyl is, so your window’s seal is less likely to break. In U.S. climates, it can last up to 50 years or longer before it starts underperforming.
Vinyl has a lifespan of 20–30 years, but typically gives way to the elements before fiberglass frames. It’s vulnerable to extreme temperatures, causing its appearance and energy features to break down more quickly.
Fiberglass was created specifically for insulation. It’s made from glass fibers embedded in resin. It doesn’t expand and contract much when exposed to fluctuating temperatures outside, so it’s better at stabilizing your home’s temperature inside.
Fiberglass windows typically have U-factor ratings as low as 0.20, meaning better insulation and reduced heat loss. Manufacturers often pair this window material with triple-pane glass for maximum efficiency. The thermal stability of fiberglass makes it a better choice for climates with extreme temperatures, such as northern areas or desert areas that have hot days but cool nights.
Brands build vinyl frames from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a synthetic plastic polymer. It’s durable but more vulnerable to heat and cold, since its U-factor is generally higher than fiberglass variants. This tendency to expand and contract with temperature swings makes it harder for it to stabilize your home’s temperature compared to fiberglass. For those in more moderate climates, vinyl should still provide the energy performance you need. Vinyl windows typically come with double-pane glass since it’s suitable for most climates.
We recommend looking for a window’s Energy Star label, regardless of which window material you’re considering. This label tells you it has a certification from Energy Star, plus the climate it’s best suited for.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website is fiberglass natural or synthetic.
Both fiberglass and vinyl are low-maintenance window materials—far more low-maintenance than wood windows, for example. If they accumulate any buildup, you can easily scrub it away with some warm, soapy water and a brush.
Be aware, however, that painted fiberglass may fade and eventually need to be repainted every 10–15 years. Also, because vinyl tends to expand and contract under long-term sun exposure, you may need to replace the caulking every few years.
Due to their differences in structure and rigidity, you must make different choices when installing a vinyl window versus a fiberglass window. We provide a detailed breakdown of each below.
Since vinyl is more flexible, it’s easier to install. It’s also more forgiving of slightly off measurements. Because of this, an experienced DIYer can likely install vinyl windows and avoid paying an extra $100–$200 per window for professional installation. That’s why it’s common to see premade vinyl windows in home improvement stores, whereas fiberglass windows come straight from the manufacturer. However, if you don’t have the required tools, you’ll need to weigh whether investing in the necessary equipment to do the job is still cheaper than hiring a pro.
Fiberglass is a rigid material, so everything must be exact. It’s also heavier and requires more reinforcement. For these reasons, you must hire a licensed installer or use the manufacturer’s in-house installation team.
Regardless of which material you choose, always check your window warranty to see if there are any terms stating that using an unlicensed installer will void your warranty coverage.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, vinyl windows make up more than 50% of residential window sales. Interestingly, we found that our survey respondents also preferred vinyl windows as their frame of choice. Over 32% reported buying vinyl windows, while nearly 23% chose fiberglass. We believe that the affordability, customization, and wide availability of vinyl windows contribute to their popularity with homeowners.
Our team also interviewed actual homeowners to hear about their preferences. Joy A. from San Diego said that she bought vinyl windows but would choose fiberglass if she could do it over again, mostly due to the better durability fiberglass offers.
Choosing between fiberglass and vinyl windows largely depends on your design preferences and budget, since each window type offers similar energy efficiency. Our team interviewed several experts to hear their thoughts on which frame material is best.
Kriss Swint, director of marketing communications and design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products, had this to say about fiberglass and vinyl windows:
We also spoke with Nicole Willits, the Strategic Product Initiatives and Sustainability Manager at Pella Corporation. Here are her thoughts:
Looking beyond fiberglass and vinyl? Consider these other popular window frame options:
As parents, we spend countless hours researching the safest products for our little ones. From car seats to sippy cups, every choice matters.
But one safety concern may fly under the radar: what's actually inside our children's mattresses. Many mattresses, including those made for babies, contain a bunch of hidden ingredients. A common one is something you've probably heard of called fiberglass.
While fiberglass can be used to meet certain safety standards, there's more to the story (and better alternatives) that parents should know about. Here's what parents should know about fiberglass in mattresses.
When you hear "fiberglass," you probably think of insulation – not your kiddo's mattress! This material is made from tiny strands of glass and reinforced plastic, and it has become a common ingredient in many mattresses, especially budget-friendly ones.
Why? Well, mattresses need to meet certain safety standards for fire resistance. Since , all mattresses sold in the U.S. must pass tests showing they can resist catching fire. Fiberglass is an inexpensive yet effective way for manufacturers to meet these requirements. If a mattress with fiberglass catches fire, the glass fibers are designed to melt and create a barrier that slows down the spread of flames. But, while fiberglass might help with fire safety, it unfortunately comes with its own set of concerns for our littles.
The safety of fiberglass in mattresses is controversial. See, fiberglass is supposed to stay safely contained in a perfectly intact mattress, but real life isn't always perfect.
If a mattress cover gets damaged or removed, those tiny glass fibers can escape. When they do, they become unwelcome guests, potentially causing immediate and long-term health concerns. Short-term effects can include:
Researchers have found that long-term exposure to fiberglass can be even more concerning. Over time, these persistent fibers might cause:
Some families have had to professionally clean their homes or even replace furniture and clothing after a fiberglass incident. That's a headache no parent needs!
A mattress might contain fiberglass even if it's not clearly labeled. However, there are several ways to check if your little one's mattress contains this hidden ingredient.
Start with the mattress tag, and look for these terms:
A parent-friendly tip: if your mattress warns "do not remove cover" or "warranty void if cover is removed," that's often a red flag that fiberglass might be lurking inside.
If you’re not sure about what you’re reading, try these steps:
Keep in mind that even if a mattress has a CertiPUR-US® certification, that only tells us about the foam inside. It doesn’t tell us whether it contains fiberglass. Sometimes, mattresses might contain fiberglass without listing it clearly on the label.
There are several safer ways to make mattresses meet fire safety standards without using fiberglass. Wool, for example is naturally flame-resistant thanks to its high keratin and moisture content. (However, wool is a highly common allergen, so might not be the best fit for a kids mattress – you might not know what all your kiddo's allergies are yet when they're so young!)
Polyester and plant-based materials like certain types of polyethylene can be great materials for creating an effective flame barrier while maintaining comfort. Just make sure your child's mattress is EWG VERIFIED® for chemical safety if choosing a mattress made with synthetic materials.
These materials are able to meet all the same safety standards as fiberglass without the worry of tiny glass fibers escaping. Peaceful sleep should be just that – peaceful! – for both little ones and parents!
Our kiddos are more vulnerable to fiberglass exposure than adults. That's why the mattress choice for your little one's room matters so much! Their tiny lungs work differently from ours, and research shows they may retain more glass fibers when exposed.
In , California investigated a case where a 6-year-old developed ongoing skin and breathing problems traced back to fiberglass from their mattress. The contamination was so bad, the family had to throw out their carpet and clothing. It’s a stark reminder that what’s inside a mattress doesn’t just stay inside – it can impact your entire home and, more importantly, your child’s well-being in ways you might never expect.
Lullaby Earth crib mattresses and kids mattresses pass all government flammability standards without using any flame retardant chemicals or fiberglass. Ever.
Many crib mattresses on the market contain some form of flame retardants – whether it's phosphates, boric acid, brominated chemicals or fiberglass. Some even market these as "natural" without telling you exactly what's inside. We believe in complete transparency, and think the safest chemical flame retardants are none at all!
We're on a mission to create truly safer sleep for your little ones, at prices any family can afford. That's why our mattresses meet every government safety standard while doing our best to keep questionable materials far away from your baby's sleep space.
As parents, we want our little ones' sleep spaces to be havens of comfort and safety. No parent should have to wonder if their child's mattress might be hiding hazards. So, while fiberglass has become a common solution for meeting fire safety standards, it doesn't have to be your only option. There are gentler ways to keep your kiddos safe while they dream.
Want to learn more about creating the safest sleep space for your little ones? Check out these helpful posts:
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