Alright, so we're finally replacing the old windows in our house (good riddance to drafts and peeling paint, haha) and narrowed it down to Milgard fiberglass or vinyl. I'm leaning toward fiberglass because I've heard they're tougher and handle weather swings better—important since we get some intense summers and winters here. But my partner thinks vinyl is the way to go since they're cheaper and supposedly just as easy to take care of.
I mean, honestly, anything beats scraping paint every few years, you know? But I'm wondering if the fiberglass ones really justify the extra cost. Or is vinyl pretty much just as good over time?
If you've had either kind for a while, I'd love to hear your experience—especially if you're not exactly a fan of home maintenance chores like me, lol.
"But I'm wondering if the fiberglass ones really justify the extra cost."
We went vinyl about six years ago and honestly they've held up great, even through some brutal winters. Fiberglass might technically handle temperature swings better, but in day-to-day life, I haven't noticed any issues with our vinyl windows warping or cracking. Plus, maintenance-wise, they're a breeze—just wipe 'em down occasionally. Fiberglass is nice, sure, but if you're looking to save a bit without sacrificing much, vinyl could surprise you.
We've installed both types for clients over the years, and honestly, your experience lines up pretty closely with what I've seen. Fiberglass does have some technical advantages, especially in extreme climates, but for most homeowners, vinyl windows hold up surprisingly well. I've seen vinyl windows installed 10+ years ago still looking great with minimal upkeep. Sounds like you made a solid choice—no need to second-guess yourself on this one.