Wood vs Fiberglass Windows Review

Dating at least as far back as Ancient Rome, some of the very earliest windows had wooden frames. Some things never quite go out of style! Solid wood windows are still a popular option for today's homeowners, especially those in need of replacement windows for historic homes.

Fiberglass is a much newer invention. Introduced in the early 20th century, fiberglass is one of the newest options for window frames. Fiberglass windows are becoming more widely available and are often praised for their longevity and energy efficiency, and in many cases mimic the look of wood remarkably well.

Wood vs Fiberglass Windows

Deciding between wood and fiberglass windows can be a tough call. For many homeowners, it's a matter of choosing the material that best suits the aesthetic and architectural style of their home. But cost, availability of materials and many other considerations also come into play, such as:

• Construction: How are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Made?
• Aesthetics/curb appeal: How do Wood and Fiberglass Windows Look?
• Durability: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Durable?
• Maintenance: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows High-Maintenance?
• Energy Efficiency: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Energy Efficient?
• Cost: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Expensive?
• Availability: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Easy to Find?
• What are the Pros and Cons of Wood Windows?
• What are the Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Windows?

Construction: How are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Made?

Fiberglass is a composite material made of glass fibers and plastic. It's made through a process called pultrusion, in which polyester resins are pultruded (i.e. pulled) through a heated die, and then impregnated into strands of glass or glass mats. Fiberglass can be cut or molded into the shapes and textures needed for window frames.

Solid wood windows are cut and assembled from real wood, much as they have been for centuries. Although the process is often more automated now that it was in the past, many wood windows still include handmade details. Wood windows can also be custom designed to fit almost any sized and shaped opening.

Clad wood windows, made of wood that is clad in another material (often fiberglass, but possibly vinyl or metal), are another option. Fiberglass clad wood windows give you the weather-resistance of fiberglass with the durability of wood.

Aesthetics/curb appeal: How do Wood and Fiberglass Windows Made?

Aesthetics are a personal choice, and there will always be those who prefer the traditional look of wood, while others favor the more modern, streamlined look of fiberglass windows. Both can boost your curb appeal, and both are well suited to certain architectural styles. Wood tends to look best on historic homes, while fiberglass is well suited to more modern architecture.

That being said, fiberglass is versatile, and can be molded to mimic the grain of real wood. It passes for wood at a distance, but the handmade quality and unique natural texture of wood is unmistakable up-close. Fiberglass clad wood windows—made with a layer of fiberglass over a real wood core—may offer the best of both worlds.

Durability: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Durable?

Fiberglass is arguably the most durable window material. Extreme weather has little to no impact on fiberglass; it's waterproof and does not warp, crack, expand or contract as temperatures change. Fiberglass windows are expected to have a lifespan of 50 years or more.

Wood is susceptible to moisture and insects in a way that fiberglass windows are not. Even so, wood windows are known to stand the test of time, and can last decades if they are well cared for. The life expectancy of wood varies depending on maintenance as well as the type of wood (hardwoods like oak and walnut last longer than soft woods like pine and cedar).

Maintenance: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows High-Maintenance?

One of the greatest advantages of fiberglass windows is that they require little to no maintenance. Although you do have the option of painting fiberglass window frames, they don't require paint or stain to keep them looking like new. Cleaning them is as simple as scrubbing off dirt and grime with warm water and a sponge.

Wood windows are durable, but as strong as they may be, they require a lot of maintenance. Wood is considerably more vulnerable to the elements than fiberglass, and frequent scraping, sanding, painting and staining is often needed to keep them leak-free and looking like new.

Energy Efficiency: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Energy Efficient?

Wood and fiberglass are both very energy efficient, and it's hard to say which is better. Wood is a great natural material with minimal thermal transfer, and fiberglass—commonly used to make insulation—also offers outstanding energy efficiency.

The problem with wood windows is that they can warp, expand and contract over time, which can cause their energy efficiency to decline. Over the years, wood windows usually become leaky and need to be re-sealed. Fiberglass doesn't have this problem; it maintains a higher level of energy efficiency for a longer period of time.

Cost: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Expensive?

Wood is a natural and highly sought-after material, and as a result wood windows tend to be the most expensive type of windows. Even so, wood windows can add value to your home, so they may be a worthwhile investment. Fiberglass windows are less expensive than wood, but cost more than vinyl windows.

Availability: Are Wood and Fiberglass Windows Easy to Find?

These days, wood windows are not quite as common as they used to be, but they are still widely available. Many of the top window manufacturers make wood windows. Fiberglass windows, while they have become increasingly popular in the last 20 years, are still not quite as widely available as wood. Some of the top brands that make these types of windows include:

• Andersen Windows & Doors - fiberglass clad wood windows
• Sierra Pacific - solid wood windows
• Marvin Windows - full fiberglass windows

Pros and Cons of Wood Windows

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Windows

It's unlikely that solid wood windows will ever fall entirely by the wayside. But for many homeowners, fiberglass windows and fiberglass clad wood windows represent a better or more budget-friendly option.

Contact us today to talk with the experts at Brennan Enterprises about finding the perfect replacement windows for your home.