With cooler weather around the corner, it might be time to consider upgrading your home with replacement windows in Chesterfield, MO. Known for record rainfall and temperatures the dip below 24 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s not unheard of to seek out home improvements to combat inclement weather in Missouri. The biggest question is… which is the better, more eco-friendly option – fiberglass or vinyl windows?
Fiberglass and vinyl windows each have their positives and negatives but choosing the right one is dependent on your preferences and needs. Budget, for instance, is a big deal, especially if you plan on doing more home renovations after getting the windows replaced.
While window replacements can vary in price, depending on business, labor, and materials, there’s an average that you can use as a guide to planning your budget. The median for vinyl windows is around $606 per window. For fiberglass windows, the average is $516 per window. However, bear in mind that cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better, so don’t base your final decision on cost alone.
The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Windows
Like anything else, there are positives and negatives to replacing your windows with fiberglass. We have outlined some of the pros and cons for you to peruse and consider.
Pros:
- Fiberglass can be molded and cut into varying sizes and shapes, making it a unique renovation tool that you can use to bolster your home’s creativity.
- Fiberglass is an extremely strong material that can withstand the force of heavy rainfall and other hard, inclement weather. It’s a difficult material to break.
- Fiberglass is resistant to cracks, warps, rot, and expansion.
- With proper care, fiberglass windows can last for 50 years or longer.
Cons:
- Fiberglass can be expensive per window with the inclusion of installation and labor.
- Colored fiberglass is prone to fading due to exposure to the sun.
- Fiberglass is not fireproof.
The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows have their own sets of pros and cons, so you have additional options when looking for an eco-friendly way to renovate your home.
Pros:
- Vinyl is a natural insulator, which means your home will remain either warm or cool depending on the temperature indoors. It’s highly energy efficient.
- Vinyl is easier to install than other window replacement options, so labor will cost less because it takes less time.
- Vinyl is near maintenance-free and easier to upkeep than most other window replacement materials.
- Vinyl won’t rot or peel, and it’s resistant to bugs and mold.
Cons:
- Vinyl has a shorter lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
- Vinyl is plastic, which might not jive well with the aesthetic of an older home.
Which Window Materials Will You Choose for Your Home’s Renovations?
The most popular options for replacement windows are vinyl and fiberglass but bear in mind that you don’t have to pick either of those if you’re not 100 percent into the materials. There’s also wood and aluminum to consider, but neither of those is as eco-friendly as the original choices.
Home renovations can be both exciting and stressful, but your hardest job is over after you make those big decisions. From there, it’s the job of the installation and replacement company to worry about logistics.
You can learn more about replacement windows in Chesterfield, MO. Talk to us at Masonry & Glass Systems Inc to schedule a quote and learn more about our services. Visit our office in Missouri or call our location.
