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Vinyl windows have become quite popular, boasting benefits like low maintenance requirements and energy efficiency. However, if you like the low-maintenance advantage of vinyl windows, there’s another window material you should keep in mind, too. Fibrex® composite offers a lot of the same benefits as vinyl and is also superior in a couple of ways. Here is a closer look at Fibrex and vinyl windows and how they compare as options for your Cincinnati home.
Energy-Efficiency
Vinyl is often touted as an energy-efficient choice. As vinyl is a better insulator than aluminum, it can save you a lot on energy bills when your vinyl windows are new. However, vinyl does not fare well when the temperature fluctuates, as it often does in the Cincinnati area. After a couple of years, it may crack and bow away from the glass. When this occurs, the window becomes a lot less efficient since air can start leaking through.
Fibex composite is an excellent insulator, and unlike vinyl, it remains energy efficient for many years. This material is specially designed to resist warping as the weather changes, so it won’t crack and cause leaks. If you care about lasting energy efficiency, Fibrex is the smarter choice.
Maintenance Requirements
The maintenance requirements are about the same for vinyl and Fibrex. That is, all you really need to do is clean the windows to keep them in peak condition. You can wipe both vinyl and Fibrex off with a damp cloth or an all-purpose cleaner. Fibrex may look like natural wood, but it does not require painting or staining like real wood. This makes Fibrex a smart choice for Cincinnati home owners who like the idea of wood windows in theory, but don’t want to commit to much maintenance.
Life Expectancy
Vinyl windows tend to be inexpensive, and many homeowners are drawn to their low price. However, this is a case in which you get what you pay for. Vinyl windows may work well for a few years, but as mentioned above, they tend to crack and leak before too long. Fibrex composite has a much longer life expectancy. In fact, it is protected by a 10-year limited warranty. Renewal by Andersen stands behind Fibrex windows with such a great warranty because we have confidence in the long life of the material. Many homeowners get far more than 10 years out of their Fibrex windows, especially if they clean them regularly.
Appearance
Vinyl is essentially plastic, and it looks like plastic. This is a very modern look, whether you opt for the ever-popular white vinyl windows or for a more adventurous color. Vinyl window sashes tend to be quite wide since a wider panel of vinyl is needed to keep the glass secure.
Fibrex, by comparison, can be fabricated to provide either a more modern or a more traditional appearance. You can opt for plain, white Fibrex windows or for ones made to look like natural maple or oak. There are also some darker colors available, like Terratone and Forest Green. If you have a more traditional home, Fibrex windows will look more in-place than vinyl ones.
Vinyl windows are low-maintenance and affordable, but Fibrex often serves homeowners’ needs even better. If you are looking for replacement windows for your Cincinnati home, contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our trained technicians.