Fiberglass windows

Fiberglass vs. Wood Doors and Windows vs. Vinyl

Fiberglass is a very durable product. The use of fiberglass in doors and windows has grown over the years.

We have been using fiberglass doors for roughly 30 years. Over that time the selection has grown form a choice of only a couple of patterns to now a large selection of doors.

The advantage fiberglass has over wood is that it is extremely resistant to the elements.

Direct sunlight will damage wood. The newer the home the less overhang of the roof to protect the doors and windows. As builders cut back on the protective overhangs, fiberglass is becoming more and more popular.

Wood usually stains better then fiberglass.

Wood doors do not scratch as easily as fiberglass.

Wood doors are usually heavier and have a more solid feel.

Fiberglass Doors cost:

The cost of a fiberglass door can cost more or it can cost less then a comparable wood door.

A door with no glass will generally cost less in fiberglass. A curved panel design in fiberglass does not cost more then a simple rectangle pattern.

In wood the more complicated the patter the more it cost.

A fiberglass door with glass in it usually does not cost less then wood.

The cost to install the glass and have it securely stay in place cost more to do in fiberglass then in wood.

Summery of cost:

No glass in the door: Fiberglass usually cost less.

Fiberglass doors with glass: usually cost the same as wood.

Vinyl is used for windows and sliding glass doors.

It last for a very long time,

Vinyl for patio doors and house windows is not the vinyl used for cheep patio chairs.

We have been installing Vinyl widows since 1991.

We have installed thousands of windows and rarely have a problem.

We have found that Milgard products, especially the sliding glass doors hold up better then any other brand that we have used.

When we first sold vinyl sliding glass doors we felt Milgard cost too much, they were $200 to $400 more then other brands.

We tried other brands to save our customers money, My head installer said he could see a definite quality difference.

I inspected several installed doors and agreed with my carpenter. We went back to using Milgard sliding doors and for over 20 years have been very happy with the results.

As for the other brands that we installed, it was a mistake to use them. Seeing the products even 10 years after installing, a high percentage of the lower cost doors were beyond repair.

To save a couple hundred up front the customer would have to spend a couple of thousand 10 years later. That is $200 per year for cost of ownership of a cheaper door. Milgard would never have to be replaced to the original owner. At 10 years you would still have a door that works and looks great; Even at 20 years or more; making the cost of ownership of a Milgard door a fraction of that of the cheaper door.

The vinyl windows have been great.

Because vinyl windows are welded at the corners it eliminates a lot of problems.

The vinyl itself is very smooth, when you slide a door or window they slide much better then aluminum.

Vinyl is very energy efficient, easy to clean and cost effective.

The most popular upgrade windows and sliding glass doors are vinyl.

Fiberglass and Wood windows:

Fiberglass exterior and wood interior gives the top of the line product.

For the high end.

If you really want the best possible, then that would be the wood window with a powder coated fiberglass exterior.

This gives you the classic and classy look of wood with a lifetime exterior.

Wood windows and patio doors:

We still sell all wood windows and patio doors, but most homes do not have the protective roof overhangs needed for wood windows. This could mean excessive maintenance.

Direct sun is hard on wood, sprinklers will ruin wood, no matter what wood needs maintenance

Despite the commitment to maintenance, wood is still used, our wood window manufacture stays very busy.

Wood is a great look, easy to paint, and has a nice feel to it.

For a hybrid see the Milgard Essence. A wood window with a minimal fiberglass exterior. The fiberglass is powder coated for the ultimate finish.

Fiberglass is by far the best exterior cladding. Metals and vinyls clads have seams that do not looks as authentic as the Essence fiberglass clad.

Fiberglass cladding is the most durable over time and does not shrink or separate like the other clads. Fiberglass not only looks better but also keeps moisture from rotting the wood.