We went through something similar a few years back—vinyl windows in a mountain climate. Here's what we found:
- Vinyl windows are actually pretty decent if they're installed well and maintained. Ours were about 15 years old, and we noticed drafts creeping in during colder months.
- Like you, we tried resealing and heavy curtains first. It helped a lot, especially the curtains (thick thermal ones from Costco). But it wasn't quite enough when temps dropped below zero regularly.
- Eventually, we replaced a couple of the worst offenders with fiberglass just to test the waters. Honestly, fiberglass did perform noticeably better at insulating—less condensation and fewer cold spots around the frame.
- BUT...the cost difference was significant. We couldn't justify replacing all the windows at once. Instead, we prioritized rooms we used most often (living room, kitchen) and left vinyl in bedrooms where heavy curtains were enough.
- One thing I learned: installation quality matters as much as window material. A poorly installed fiberglass window won't outperform a properly sealed vinyl one by much.
If your vinyl windows are still holding up structurally, I'd say stick with them and keep doing what you're doing—reseal, insulate, heavy curtains. Maybe consider fiberglass selectively down the road if budget allows or if certain rooms stay stubbornly chilly.
Just my two cents from experience...
"One thing I learned: installation quality matters as much as window material."
Couldn't agree more with this. When we moved into our first home, the previous owners had just installed brand-new fiberglass windows, but they skimped on the installation. We still had drafts and condensation issues until we got someone to properly reseal everything. Honestly, good installation can make even average vinyl windows perform surprisingly well...definitely worth investing in quality workmanship first before splurging on pricier materials.
Totally relate to this. We went with mid-range vinyl windows a few years back, mostly because the budget was tight. But we made sure to hire someone who really knew their stuff for the install. Honestly, they've held up great through some brutal winters—no drafts or condensation issues at all. I think people underestimate how much proper sealing and insulation around the frame matters...sometimes more than the window itself.
"I think people underestimate how much proper sealing and insulation around the frame matters...sometimes more than the window itself."
You're spot-on about installation being critical, but I'd caution against downplaying the window material too much. I've replaced plenty of vinyl windows that warped or cracked after several harsh winters—especially on south-facing walls with intense sun exposure. Fiberglass tends to hold up better structurally over time in extreme climates. Proper sealing is key, no doubt, but durability of the material itself shouldn't be overlooked if you're planning long-term.
You're definitely onto something there. When we first moved into our place, I thought sealing alone would do the trick...but after a few brutal winters, those vinyl frames started looking pretty rough. Fiberglass has held up way better for us long-term.
Interesting to hear fiberglass has held up better for you. I've had decent luck with vinyl myself, but I think it really depends on the quality and installation. When I replaced mine a few years back, I made sure to go with a higher-end vinyl option and spent extra time insulating around the frames with spray foam. So far, they've held up pretty well through some harsh winters—no cracking or warping yet.
One thing I've noticed though is that south-facing windows seem to degrade faster, probably due to the constant freeze-thaw cycles and sun exposure. Have you noticed any difference in durability between windows facing different directions at your place? Curious if fiberglass handles that better or if it's just a universal issue regardless of material...
I've definitely noticed south-facing windows taking more of a beating at our place too—vinyl or fiberglass, seems like the sun just loves to roast 'em. Fiberglass has held up a bit better tho...no warping yet, but ask me again in 5 yrs, lol.
Same here, south side of our house gets absolutely blasted by sun year-round. We had vinyl windows originally, and after about 6-7 years they started looking pretty rough—warping a bit, color fading unevenly...not great. Switched to fiberglass about 3 years ago, and so far they're holding up way better. Still early days though, so fingers crossed they don't turn crispy like the vinyl did, lol.
Interesting experience, but I'm curious—do you think the vinyl issues were more about quality or installation rather than material itself? I've seen some higher-end vinyl windows handle intense sun exposure surprisingly well over the long haul. Fiberglass is definitely solid, no argument there, but I've also noticed that proper installation and quality coatings can make a huge difference with vinyl durability. Maybe your original windows weren't up to par...?
"I've also noticed that proper installation and quality coatings can make a huge difference with vinyl durability."
Totally agree—installation seems key. Our neighbors went with mid-range vinyl windows but invested in a pro installer, and they've held up great through some harsh winters. Maybe it's less about material and more about getting the details right...?