Fiberglass vs Composite Windows | Which Is The Better Replacement Window Material



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Fiberglass vs Composite Windows

In the battle between fiberglass vs composite windows, here are four key places to compare and contrast these distinct materials - price, style and appearance, durability and strength, as well as energy efficiency. Let's compare and contrast these two materials. Click to check out our best fiberglass replacement windows currently on the market.

Have a question -- shoot me an email and I'm happy to give you my opinion!

tommy@homewindowreplacementcost.com

Tom - HWRC Editor - Updated In 2023


Composite vs Fiberglass Windows Cost

Both of these materials will be more expensive than vinyl, but less than wood clad (by a lot). Fiberglass windows cost will be approximately 35% more than vinyl, while composite window prices are all over the place. For instance, Renewal By Andersen prices are some of the most expensive in the industry, while the Amsco Renaissance window is priced more like a top tier vinyl. One of the reasons for this "all over the board cost" is simply that there are less composite options so they tend to be very specific to the particular window unit. The Okna Starmark is a great composite-option and one of my favorites.


Style And Appearance

Fiberglass tends to look very similar to vinyl -- so much so that it is often impossible to tell them apart. In addition, it is stronger so the frames are generally thinner, which most homeowners really like since it maximizes glass area. Composite windows are again a mixed bag because the make up of the frame differs according to the individual manufacturer. The Andersen 100 composite series gets high marks for aesthetics as it is available in a ton of colors and finishes. In general, composites are quite nice looking and are often resemble the look of real wood, without the maintenance requirements.




Durability And Strength

Fiberglass is a strong material and probably gets the nod over composite. Either material should provide good durability and strength - it's probably a toss up in terms of long term durability between these two. Either will be stronger than vinyl, although in most residential applications, the strength issue is really not that important as the window is not carrying any load. The strength issue does tend to make these two frame materials thinner (as I noted above) -- one of their strengths over vinyl.


Energy Efficiency

Fiberglass is at the top of the list in terms of energy efficiency and offers slightly better numbers than comparably priced vinyl windows. Composites, in general, offer decent performance numbers, although again they tend to be very specific to the actual window itself. While the Renewal and Andersen 100 series get just okay energy efficiency, the Okna Starmark offers fantastic energy efficiency value. I'm going to give the nod in this category to fiber-glass in this category.


Bottom Line

Fiberglass is a step up from vinyl in terms of price and performance and they are solid performers in most climates. Composite windows are relatively new and so it's difficult to make general statements about how they perform, look and are priced out. In the end, top composites are going to be well made, as are fiberglass, so it will come down to the manufacturer and series as to how they look and how they work in your home. I had recommended the Okna Starmark series from composites. The recommendation I will make for fiberglass is the Marvin Infinity window.







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