We're building a cabin up in the mountains, around 8,000 ft elevation, and we're stuck deciding between vinyl and fiberglass windows. I've heard vinyl can warp or crack with extreme temp swings and UV exposure, but fiberglass is pricier and I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cost. Anyone have experience with either type in a similar climate? Curious if fiberglass really holds up better long-term or if vinyl is good enough, you know, for the money.
Vinyl gets a bad rap sometimes, but honestly I've had vinyl windows at around 7,500 ft for almost ten years now—no warping, no cracking. Fiberglass might be tougher, sure...but is it really worth the extra cash? I'd say save your money.
"Fiberglass might be tougher, sure...but is it really worth the extra cash?"
Had fiberglass windows installed about 12 years ago at around 8,000 ft. They're solid, but honestly, neighbors with vinyl haven't had issues either. If I did it again, I'd probably pocket the difference...
Yeah, fiberglass is sturdy, but honestly, vinyl's come a long way. Had vinyl windows in a cabin at 7k feet for about ten years—snow, wind, sun beating down—and they've held up just fine. I'd save the cash and put it toward something more fun...like a hot tub.
Installed fiberglass windows at 7,500 ft about six years ago. They've handled temperature swings and UV exposure exceptionally well—no warping or fading. Vinyl might suffice, but fiberglass definitely offers better long-term dimensional stability and durability.
"Installed fiberglass windows at 7,500 ft about six years ago. They've handled temperature swings and UV exposure exceptionally well—no warping or fading."
Good to hear fiberglass is holding up so well for you. I've been leaning toward fiberglass myself, mainly because of the altitude and intense sun we get here. Vinyl seems tempting due to cost, but I've seen a neighbor's vinyl frames warp slightly after just a few years...not terrible, but noticeable enough to bug me.
One thing I'm curious about though—how's the insulation performance been with your fiberglass windows? I've read they're generally better than vinyl in extreme climates, but real-world experience always beats marketing claims. Also wondering if you've noticed any condensation issues during winter months? That's been a bit of a headache for me with my current setup.
Thanks for sharing your experience—it definitely helps narrow things down.
Fiberglass definitely has its perks, but I wouldn't completely dismiss vinyl just yet. I've installed quality vinyl windows at similar altitudes, and they've held up surprisingly well—no noticeable warping after 8+ years. Condensation issues usually come down more to installation quality and proper sealing rather than frame material alone. Fiberglass might have a slight edge in insulation, but honestly, good glass packages and proper installation matter more than the frame itself...just my two cents.
Interesting points made here, though I'm still a bit skeptical about vinyl's long-term durability at higher altitudes. When I bought my first mountain home about five years ago, the previous owner had installed vinyl windows roughly two years prior. At first glance, everything seemed fine—no noticeable warping or condensation issues. But after living through a couple of harsh winters, I started noticing slight drafts and some minor deformation around the edges.
Granted, this could've been due to poor installation or lower-quality vinyl, as you mentioned. Still, it made me cautious enough to replace them with fiberglass frames last summer. So far, the fiberglass windows seem sturdier and more resistant to temperature swings. Not saying vinyl can't work—I know plenty of folks who've had good experiences—but from my limited experience, fiberglass seems like a safer bet for mountain climates over the long haul.
Your experience makes sense, especially with the harsh winters up there. I've installed vinyl windows in a few places myself, and honestly, quality and installation seem to matter a lot. Had one set warp badly after just three winters, but another set (better brand, careful install) is still holding strong after almost a decade. Curious though—did you notice any improvement in heating bills or indoor comfort after switching to fiberglass? Been thinking about fiberglass myself for the next project...
I've heard good things about fiberglass, but honestly, I'm not convinced it's always worth the extra cost. I replaced my old vinyl windows with higher-quality vinyl ones about five years ago, and they've held up great—even through some brutal winters. Heating bills dropped noticeably, and drafts are pretty much gone. Fiberglass might be better in theory, but if you pick a solid vinyl brand and install them right, you can save yourself some cash without sacrificing comfort...