We're finally replacing the old windows at our beach house, and I'm stuck between vinyl and fiberglass. I've heard vinyl is cheaper and pretty good against moisture, but fiberglass supposedly holds up better long-term against salty air and humidity. Anyone have experience with either type near the coast? I'm leaning toward fiberglass, but if vinyl can hold its own, saving some cash wouldn't hurt, you know?
We recently replaced windows at our place—not exactly beachfront, but close enough to get that salty breeze. We went with vinyl mainly because of budget constraints, and honestly, they've held up pretty well so far (about 3 years in). But I've heard fiberglass is tougher long-term, especially if you're right on the water. If you plan on keeping the house for a long time, fiberglass might be worth the extra upfront cost...but vinyl isn't exactly flimsy either. Tough call!
We've had vinyl windows at our coastal spot for about 8 years now. Honestly, they've been pretty solid, but I do notice some fading and slight brittleness on the side facing the ocean. Nothing major, but it makes me wonder if fiberglass would really hold up better over, say, 15+ years.
"fiberglass is tougher long-term, especially if you're right on the water"
Makes sense, considering fiberglass boats handle saltwater so well. Curious if anyone's had fiberglass windows for a decade or more near the beach...how've they held up?
Vinyl's done you pretty well if you've made it 8 years with only minor fading and brittleness—honestly, that's not bad at all considering the salty beating coastal windows take. Fiberglass does have an edge durability-wise, especially against UV and salt corrosion. I've seen fiberglass windows pushing past the 12-year mark at beachfront properties, and they're still holding strong. A bit faded, sure, but structurally solid and no brittleness yet...so your logic checks out. Plus, if boats trust fiberglass on open seas, I reckon your windows would handle ocean spray just fine.
Fiberglass is definitely tougher long-term. Installed some at a client's beachside place about 10 yrs ago—still solid, minimal fading. Vinyl's decent, but salty air eventually gets to it. Fiberglass costs more upfront but saves headaches later, IMO.
"Fiberglass costs more upfront but saves headaches later, IMO."
Interesting point. I haven't personally tried fiberglass yet, but your experience makes me curious. A few years back, I put vinyl windows in my uncle's cottage near the coast—seemed like a good idea at the time (budget-friendly and all). But now, about six years later, they're definitely showing signs of wear from the salty air. Frames look faded and brittle in spots, and we've already had to replace some seals.
I always thought fiberglass was just marketing hype to justify higher prices...but maybe there's something to it after all. Did you notice any issues with installation compared to vinyl? Wondering if it's trickier or pretty much the same deal. Might consider giving fiberglass a shot next time around.
Fiberglass definitely holds up better near the ocean. Helped a buddy swap out his vinyl windows for fiberglass at his beach house about 8 years ago—still look great today. Installation wasn't much different, maybe slightly heavier frames, but nothing major. Worth it in the long run, IMO.
Fiberglass is solid advice, but if you're stuck with vinyl for now, here's a quick tip: spray 'em down regularly with fresh water. Buddy of mine does this every couple weeks—windows still look decent after 5 years. Not perfect, but buys you some time...and saves cash.
Yeah, rinsing vinyl regularly does help, but how practical is that long-term? I mean, are you really gonna remember to hose down your windows every couple weeks for years? I've seen neighbors try similar routines—starts off strong, then life happens and they slack off. Before you know it, the salt damage creeps in anyway. Fiberglass might cost more upfront, but isn't it worth considering if it saves you from constant maintenance hassle down the road?
Tried the vinyl route myself—honestly, lasted about two months before I got lazy. Fiberglass was pricier upfront, but zero regrets now. Less hassle, more weekends free... worth every penny imo.