Fiberglass Windows Make Energy Efficiency Inroads
There are two options when undertaking a replacement window program with energy efficiency in mind ' vinyl or fiberglass replacement windows. Fiberglass windows are increasingly becoming the replacement window of choice because of the distinct advantages they have over vinyl window frames, however, many home-owners who are the ultimate end consumer simply have little or no idea of the benefits of using them.
Keith Smallwood is the president of Creative Energy Exteriors, a leading provider of Richmond home improvement services and product such as Richmond vinyl replacement windows and Richmond vinyl siding. Creative Energy Exteriors can be found online at: CreativeEnergyExteriors.com .
Fiberglass window frames are made from shaped and molded sheets of glass fibers (hence the name 'fiberglass') and this allows for excellent molding characteristics together with high tensile strength. Fiberglass itself is used in the manufacture of a wide range of everyday objects including roofing and car bodywork, in fact, any application where high strength but low weight are preferred.
Fiberglass windows also lend themselves to ultra-low maintenance as they do not corrode or weather when exposed to the elements. Architects and designers favor fiberglass windows because they can be painted, unlike vinyl windows which come in the color they are supplied with (usually white).
Compared to vinyl windows, fiberglass does not provide so much insulation protection ' if your priority is to insulate and become extremely energy efficient, you are likely going to choose vinyl windows rather than fiberglass. If you are looking to reduce the cost of your home improvement project both over the lifetime of the product, then fiberglass replacement windows are probably going to be a better home improvement investment. When comparing upfront costs however, fiberglass is likely going to be more expensive than vinyl windows. Certainly, most fiberglass replacement window products are stronger than their vinyl counterparts, though you need to be very careful when checking the relative specifications of replacement window products.
Fiberglass replacement windows are ideal for use in environments where there are extremes of temperature between the seasons. The Eastern seaboard from North Carolina through Virginia, Baltimore and New York are ideal examples of where fiberglass replacement windows should be seriously considered before vinyl replacements. This area is characterized by very high summer temperatures and freezing winters which cause weaker building materials to warp, twist and lose tensile strength over time. Fiberglass is unaffected by wide temperature variations because it has a very high melting point (that of glass which is effectively sand). Fiberglass is also impermeable i.e. water proof, and because of the molded and high strength of the glass fibers is almost impervious to water or the effects of ice over time.
In summary, fiberglass replacement windows should always be considered whenever vinyl windows are. Vinyl windows offer a higher insulation efficiency rating than most fiberglass alternatives and are usually cheaper when considering the initial cost. Fiberglass has a number of distinct advantages over vinyl replacement windows ' they are extremely strong and hard wearing, meaning you are not likely going to need to replace them as soon as vinyl windows. Fiberglass is also extremely strong, especially compared to vinyl replacements and eminently suitable for use where there are wide temperature fluctuations and harsh weather.
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