Vinyl and fiberglass are among the most popular window materials used today. In fact, vinyl frames dominate when it comes to residential windows — more than 50% of the market share is vinyl windows, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
Window frame materials influence the window’s durability, energy efficiency and aesthetics. Vinyl is a widely used window material because of its durability, heat retention and lightness. Fiberglass windows are even stronger and more customizable if you don’t mind the higher cost.
The ultimate decision between vinyl and fiberglass frame materials will hinge on factors such as your budget, durability requirements, tolerance for energy bills and local climate.
What are vinyl windows?
Vinyl windows
- Material: polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Advantages: Energy efficient, recyclable, available in several silhouettes and designs, low-maintenance, low-cost
- Disadvantages: Less durable, susceptible to sagging, twisting, warping and discoloration, difficult to paint, plain
Vinyl windows are constructed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic commonly found in blinds, shades and shower curtains. Vinyl is the second most produced plastic in the world, according to InterNACHI. It is recyclable and available in various design options.
We like that vinyl frames are resistant to fading and rotting (unlike wood windows), even if they look a little bland and have fewer colors than fiberglass windows. The material also contains ultraviolet light (UV) stabilizers that help prevent sunlight from breaking down the material.
These windows are lightweight and affordable, though the plastic is less rigid than fiberglass and prone to sagging over time. They’re fairly durable, though not as durable as fiberglass, and the popularity of the material allows for a wide array of shapes, sizes and colors to fit niche window designs.
What are fiberglass windows?
Fiberglass windows
- Material: Recycled glass fibers
- Advantages: Rigid and reinforced, energy-efficient, resistant to thermal expansion, low-profile, waterproof, low-maintenance
- Disadvantages: More expensive, available in fewer silhouettes
“Fiberglass windows are better because they last longer and are reinforced better than vinyl,” said Hollywood, Florida-based Guy DiBenedetto, founder of Sempre Avanti Woodwork & Design. The downside to these functionally superior windows is the higher price tag.
Fiberglass window frames are durable, long-lasting and waterproof. They’re made from fibers derived from recycled glass, an alternative to fossil fuel-based vinyl. These fibers are embedded into a resin, typically polyester or epoxy, to complete the frame.
Like vinyl windows, fiberglass is lightweight, but the material is more rigid and resistant to expansion and contraction from heat fluctuations. This minimizes bending, cracking, peeling or warping. Fiberglass windows are a sturdy choice if you live in an area with drastic seasonal temperature changes.
Fiberglass windows also offer more color customization than vinyl windows (though less than wood). The material is sold as solid or dual-colored and can even be textured. Fiberglass is lower-profile than vinyl, delivering a sleek appearance and a larger viewing area for the same-size window.
Vinyl vs. fiberglass windows: Which is easier to care for?
Both fiberglass and vinyl windows are low maintenance and “will outlast wood as they won’t rot or decay from moisture or insect damage,” said David Heim, a retired contractor with 17 years of experience in Broward County, Florida.
Both are great for durability and energy efficiency, but fiberglass lasts longer due to its strength and resistance to cracking and warping under pressure from thermal expansion.
“A vinyl window’s life expectancy is about 30 years compared to fiberglass, which has a life expectancy of about 50 years,” Helm said.
Fiberglass outlasts vinyl because of its superior strength and resistance to cracking and warping under extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Because of its toughness, you’ll often see fiberglass windows used in new constructions.
Furthermore, fiberglass frames have insulation cavities, linked to superior thermal performance compared to an uninsulated vinyl window. However, while it’s not the default configuration, vinyl frames can also be insulated.
Vinyl vs. fiberglass windows: Which is cheaper?
Both vinyl and fiberglass windows commonly cost $1,000 or more based on prices we found at big-box retailers such as Home Depot and direct-to-consumer companies. However, if you’re looking for a cheap window replacement, vinyl is the better choice.
Vinyl window pricing
The average cost for vinyl windows ranges from $800 to $1,900, according to prices we found on Home Depot. However, your specific price heavily depends on local permitting and labor rates, number of windows and window details — such as window type, number of panes, energy-efficient coatings and whether it is new construction or a replacement.
The estimates below are per window and include the window, permitting, installation and taxes.
| Vinyl Window Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sliding | $800–$1,300 |
| Double-hung | $825–$1,400 |
| Awning | $925–$1,250 |
| Shaped | $1,000–$1,600 |
| Casement | $1,000–$1,900 |
| Bay | $4,750–$6,000 |
Fiberglass window pricing
“Fiberglass is known for durability, customization options and energy efficiency, but at a higher cost.”
David Heim
Retailers such as Pella Windows and Marvin Windows & Doors sell fiberglass windows online and in select showrooms. The prices listed on their websites range from $690 to $3,300.
What’s next?
Whether you prefer the practicality of vinyl windows or the performance of fiberglass, consider the energy efficiency of specific products. Each window has an Energy Star label that signifies it meets or exceeds specific energy efficiency criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
These ratings provide valuable information about the energy performance of the windows. While both vinyl and fiberglass windows are considered efficient when correctly installed, fiberglass has the edge, so you’ll have to decide whether to invest more upfront or tolerate higher energy bills down the line.
When you know what you want, look for reputable window brands, such as Pella and Marvin. Research the company — including its third-party customer reviews — and inquire about an available warranty. We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three companies before making a decision.
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