Yeah, good point about installation—seen plenty of fancy windows installed badly and they leaked air like crazy. Fiberglass is solid, but quality vinyl can definitely hold its own if done right. Plus, vinyl usually saves you a few bucks...more cash for hot cocoa supplies during those brutal winters, right?
When I replaced mine a couple winters back, I went vinyl mostly for budget reasons. Honestly, haven't regretted it yet—house stays cozy and bills dropped noticeably. Curious though, anyone notice fiberglass holding up better long-term in harsh climates?
Vinyl's definitely solid for the price, especially if installed right. Fiberglass does have a slight edge in extreme cold, though—less expansion/contraction means fewer seal issues down the road. I've seen vinyl windows warp slightly after several harsh winters, but honestly, that's usually due to poor installation or cheaper brands. If your vinyl's holding up well so far, you're probably good. Just keep an eye on the seals every year or two...a little preventive caulking goes a long way.
Fiberglass definitely has its perks, but honestly, I've seen quality vinyl windows handle brutal mountain winters just fine without warping. Usually comes down to brand quality and proper install. Fiberglass might be a safer bet, but good vinyl isn't far behind...
Had a project up near Aspen a couple years back, and we went with vinyl windows—good brand, reputable supplier. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, given the harsh winters and all. But three winters later, the homeowner hasn't reported any issues with warping or drafts. Proper installation was key, though...seen plenty of high-end windows fail because someone cut corners on sealing or insulation. Fiberglass might give peace of mind, but quality vinyl can definitely hold its own.
Interesting to hear vinyl held up so well for you. I'm a first-time homeowner myself, and I've been leaning fiberglass because everyone keeps saying it's sturdier in extreme cold. Do you think the long-term durability might be different though? I mean, three winters is good, but what about 10 or 15 years down the line...would vinyl still perform as well then? Curious if anyone's had experience with older vinyl installations in mountain climates.
Honestly, fiberglass probably does have a slight edge long-term, especially in harsh mountain climates. My neighbor had vinyl windows installed about 12 years ago, and they're still doing alright—no major cracks or anything—but you can definitely see some warping and fading. Fiberglass seems tougher overall, but I wouldn't totally rule out vinyl if budget's a big factor. Either way, good on you for doing your homework...windows aren't cheap, and it's smart to think long-term.
- Good points above, but just wondering...is the warping on vinyl windows mostly cosmetic or does it affect performance too?
- I've had fiberglass for about 8 years now—no issues yet, but they're definitely pricier upfront.
- Curious if anyone's tried reinforcing vinyl frames somehow to prevent warping? Might be a DIY rabbit hole I'm about to fall into...
Honestly, reinforcing vinyl frames sounds like more trouble than it's worth. Had vinyl windows at my old place—warping wasn't just cosmetic, it messed with the seal and insulation. Fiberglass upfront cost stings, but probably saves headaches down the line.
Fiberglass definitely holds up better in extreme cold. Vinyl's thermal expansion rates are higher, so warping and seal deterioration become real issues over time. Had a similar experience myself—vinyl windows started leaking air after just a few harsh winters. Fiberglass has lower expansion and contraction, which helps maintain structural integrity and insulation performance. The upfront cost difference isn't trivial, but considering long-term durability and energy efficiency, fiberglass seems the more practical investment for harsh mountain climates.