It is unsurprising that ‘how long do fiberglass windows last’ is a common question from homeowners thinking about replacement windows in Elkhart, IN. After all, the material’s durability determines the return on the investment.
Today, we’ll answer this question in addition to the maintenance routine you will need to undertake to ensure you recoup your cost.
How Long Do Fiberglass Windows Last?
Fiberglass windows can last up to 50 years if installed and maintained properly. This is 20 years more than the average life of a quality vinyl or wood replacement window. It is also 30 years more durable than an aluminum window, which lasts 20 years on average.
What makes fiberglass last this long? After all, both vinyl and fiberglass are made from plastic. Well, it’s because manufacturers reinforce the plastic with glass fibers to create fiberglass.
This gives it extra strength, about eight times stronger than vinyl. Fiberglass reinforced durability makes it more resistant to the sun, unlike vinyl, which expands and contracts when exposed to heat.
It’s not just heated, too. Fiberglass window frames can withstand most extreme weather conditions, including rain, ice, and snow.
But fiberglass extended durability is not a given. It still requires ample maintenance for your fiberglass replacement windows to last 50 years.
How to Maintain Fiberglass Windows
Because fiberglass windows are as strong as they are, they require low maintenance, making them even more appealing to homeowners.
Familiar sources of dilapidation like mold, mildew, dirt, or moss can be easily washed off and scrubbed down like a sponge and some warm water. You only have to do it occasionally, too—once every three months.
The most demanding maintenance routine for fiberglass windows is repainting. Like every material, the color fades and peels over time.
Thankfully, repainting is a straightforward exercise. All you need is a sprayer and paint to bring new life to your fiberglass windows.
An added advantage is that it’s a way to get the color that suits your style. Fiberglass windows come in a limited color palette and may not be available in the color you want.
When you paint, your newly painted fiberglass windows look better and match your vision.
So, are fiberglass windows worth the investment?
Considering fiberglass costs 10-30% more than vinyl, the following best material, its durability may not be enough to justify the investment.
So far, vinyl has proven to be worth the cost, as homeowners with vinyl windows see a return on investment of 74%.
The jury is still out on fiberglass windows. They are relatively new, and no exact figures have been reported. That said, fiberglass doors and entryways perform about the same as vinyl.
We expect similar performance with fiberglass, especially since most window materials recoup at least 70% of their value at resale. It is safe to say a more substantial, lasting material like fiberglass is a good investment in any home.
But the road to great ROI starts with proper installation. That’s our job. We provide expert installation for finely crafted replacement windows in Elkhart, IN. Contact us to get a free in-home consultation or virtual estimate today.
