"Curious if anyone's tried fiberglass windows yet... heard they're tougher against impacts, but haven't installed many myself."
Yeah, I've installed a few fiberglass windows over the past couple years. They're definitely more resistant to dents and hail damage than aluminum-clad wood—had a client whose vinyl siding was wrecked by hail, but the fiberglass windows held up surprisingly well. They're also pretty low-maintenance, which is nice. Only downside I've noticed is they're pricier upfront... worth considering depending on how often storms roll through your area.
Only downside I've noticed is they're pricier upfront... worth considering depending on how often storms roll through your area.
Fiberglass does sound pretty solid, but honestly I've had vinyl windows for almost 15 years now and they've been through some nasty storms without issues. Sure, fiberglass might hold up better in extreme cases, but for the price difference... vinyl's been plenty tough for me.
I agree, vinyl windows can definitely hold their own. I've had mine installed for close to a decade now, and they've weathered some pretty intense storms without any noticeable damage or leaks. Fiberglass does have its merits, especially in extreme climates, but considering the significant upfront investment...
"vinyl's been plenty tough for me."
Exactly my experience as well. Unless your area is frequently hit by severe weather, vinyl offers solid performance at a more practical price point.
Vinyl's definitely solid, but has anyone else here had experience with wood windows long-term? I installed wood windows in my old house about 12 years back—mostly because I loved the look and feel. They were beautiful, no doubt, but maintenance was a bit more than I bargained for. Every few years I had to sand, repaint, and reseal them to keep them looking good and protected from moisture.
Now, in my current place, I've got vinyl windows. Honestly, they've been pretty hassle-free so far. No painting, no sealing... just a quick wipe-down every now and then. But I do wonder about longevity—will they still look decent after 20+ years? Has anyone here had vinyl windows that long yet?
I guess it comes down to what you're willing to trade off: aesthetics and traditional charm vs. lower maintenance and affordability. Curious if anyone else has switched from wood to vinyl (or vice versa) and noticed a big difference in comfort or energy bills?
Had vinyl windows in my first house for about 18 years. They held up great structurally, but I did notice some fading and slight discoloration from sunlight. Energy-wise, didn't see much difference from wood. Wonder if newer vinyls handle sun exposure better...?
Had vinyl windows installed about 4 years ago, and so far, they've been champs. Here's what I've noticed: newer vinyls usually come with UV stabilizers built right in, which helps a lot with fading. Not saying they'll stay pristine forever (nothing does), but the tech has definitely improved. If you're worried about sun exposure, just make sure to ask specifically about UV protection when shopping around... and maybe avoid bright white if slight discoloration bugs you. Learned that one the hard way, lol.
I've installed plenty of both vinyl and wood windows over the years, and honestly, vinyl has come a long way. Like you said, UV stabilizers make a huge difference now, and they're way easier on maintenance. Wood still has that classic charm, though—you just can't replicate that warmth and character. But if you're not into regular upkeep (scraping, painting...ugh), vinyl is definitely the practical choice. Either way, just don't skimp on quality—windows aren't something you want to replace often, trust me on that one, haha.
Vinyl's definitely improved, but honestly, I've seen some composite windows lately that kinda blend the best of both worlds. You get that wood-like feel without the constant upkeep. Might be worth checking out if you're torn between vinyl and wood...
"You get that wood-like feel without the constant upkeep."
Good point about composites—I've noticed a lot more clients leaning toward them lately. If you're still undecided, here's a simple way to narrow it down: First, consider your climate—composites handle moisture and temperature swings better than wood. Next, think about aesthetics—if you love the authentic grain patterns, wood might still edge out composites slightly. Finally, budget-wise, composites typically sit comfortably between vinyl and wood, offering solid value without breaking the bank. Hope that helps!
I've worked with both wood and composite windows, and honestly, composites have really grown on me lately. Had a client last year who insisted on wood, then called me back after one rough winter...guess who's switching to composite now? Live and learn, right?