I've been thinking about replacing my old wooden windows with fiberglass ones since the winters here are brutal and summers get pretty intense too. Did a bit of research and it seems fiberglass is supposed to be great for extreme temps, but I'm kinda skeptical. I mean, manufacturers always say their stuff is amazing, right?
Anyway, here's what I've gathered so far about making sure fiberglass windows hold up long-term:
1. Pick a reputable brand known for quality materials (obviously).
2. Make sure the installation is done professionally—seems like poor installation can mess up even the best windows.
3. Regularly check and replace weather stripping to keep the seal tight.
4. Inspect frames yearly for any cracks or signs of wear and fix them quickly before they get worse.
5. If you live somewhere super sunny (like me), consider a UV protective coating to prevent fading or weakening.
That's my rough game plan anyway, but I'm curious if anyone else has fiberglass windows in a harsh climate and can share their experience or maybe some better tips?
I've had fiberglass windows installed for about six years now, and honestly, they've held up surprisingly well through some pretty nasty winters and scorching summers. Your points are spot-on, especially about professional installation—can't stress enough how much that matters. I did the install myself on a couple of windows (experienced DIYer here), and even though I was careful, the pro-installed ones definitely sealed better and have fewer drafts.
"Regularly check and replace weather stripping to keep the seal tight."
This is key. I overlooked it initially, and after a couple of harsh winters, I noticed some drafts creeping in. Once I replaced the weather stripping, it was night-and-day better. Also, good call on the UV coating—I didn't think about that at first, and now one of my south-facing frames has faded noticeably compared to the others.
One thing I'd add: keep an eye on the hardware too. Locks and hinges can loosen or corrode slightly over time, especially if your climate swings between extremes. A quick tightening or lubrication once a year goes a long way.
Curious though—are you considering double or triple-pane glass? I've heard mixed things about triple-pane being worth the extra cost...
I've had triple-pane fiberglass windows for about four years now, and honestly, I'm still on the fence about whether they're worth the extra cash. I did notice a slight improvement in noise reduction compared to my old double-pane ones, but energy savings haven't been dramatically better. Totally agree about hardware upkeep—had a hinge seize up last winter, and it was a pain to fix in freezing temps. Lesson learned: a quick spray of lubricant each fall saves a lot of hassle later...
Interesting to hear your experience with the hinges—I haven't run into that yet, but I'll definitely keep the lubricant tip in mind. I've been considering fiberglass windows myself, mainly because I'm tired of repainting wooden frames every few years. But your comment about energy savings not being dramatically better has me wondering... maybe installation quality or insulation around the frames plays a bigger role than the window itself?
I remember reading somewhere that even tiny gaps around the frame can significantly reduce energy efficiency. Did you notice any drafts or cold spots around the edges when it got really chilly? I'm curious if sealing around the frame with foam or caulk might make a noticeable difference, or if it's just marketing hype from insulation companies.
Good point about installation quality possibly being a bigger factor than the window itself. I've had fiberglass windows for about four years now, and while they're definitely easier to maintain than wood, I did notice a difference after redoing the caulking around the frames last winter. Before that, there were a couple spots where I could feel a slight draft when it got really cold—nothing major, but noticeable enough to bug me.
After sealing those gaps, the drafts pretty much disappeared, and the rooms felt warmer overall. I didn't track energy bills closely enough to say if it made a huge difference financially, but comfort-wise it was worth the effort. Also, your point about UV protection is spot on. One of my windows faces directly south, and after just a couple years, I noticed some fading on the interior paint trim. Wish I'd thought about UV coating earlier, honestly.
Anyway, seems like fiberglass is solid overall, but paying attention to those small details like sealing and UV protection can make a real difference long-term.