Fiberglass Window Frame

Windows were traditionally made of wood, but there are many different materials used now. Fiberglass is a very new approach, including fiberglass window frame products.

Your window is a penetration into the envelope of the home. For most people, the only significance to the windows is how they look. If you live in an area that experiences the seasons, to wit, serious cold and heat, the insulation factor also certainly matters. One are that is critical, but often overlooked, is the life of the window system compared to the home. This is where the new fiberglass windows come in.


Wood is the dominant window choice for a number of reasons. Perhaps foremost, it is attractive. Second, it is thermally efficient, which means it is less inclined to exchange temperatures from the interior to exterior of the home or the other way around. So, why doesn't everyone go with wood? There are two primary reasons. The first is wood needs maintenance or it will degrade. Second, wood will eventually rot despite the marketing claims made by various window manufacturers.

To overcome these issues, window manufacturers have looked to a variety of sources. Vinyl was touted as the answer, but is now considered less than an optimal choice although they are a cost effective. Aluminum was also considered an option, but has terrible thermal efficiency that will send your utility bill through the stratosphere. Fiberglass frames are now considered the hot option.



As of the writing of this article, Marvin Windows has been pushing fiberglass frames and kits. The product is called Ultrex and is a fiberglass cladding. The components of these windows are pultruded, which means drawn through a resin base. The windows are considered an advancement over vinyl because they are much stronger and sturdier. They are also considered an advancement over wood because they don't rot or warp. All this being said, fiberglass is very susceptible to breaking down when exposed to the sun consistently. This means the windows much be painted and maintained continually. Marvin and other manufacturers do this at the factory, but you need to stay on top of the condition of your windows.

Going with a fiberglass window frame often makes sense for many projects. That being said, you can expect to pay a premium of 20 to 30 percent over the price of other options.

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