15Aug

Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows: Which Is Better for Toronto Homes?

Replacing your windows is a big deal. It affects your home's look, comfort, and even your energy bills. It’s tough to choose the right one.

Two top contenders for new windows are fiberglass and vinyl. Fiberglass windows are popular for their durability and energy efficiency.

On the other side, vinyl is great for its affordability and low maintenance. Both have their strengths, but which one reigns supreme in Toronto's unique climate?

Stay tuned as we compare the features, weigh the pros & cons to help you make an informed decision!

A Quick Overview Of Fiberglass And Vinyl Windows

So, you're ready to upgrade your windows? Great choice! But fiberglass or vinyl? Let's break down the basics!

Fiberglass:

Think of fiberglass as the athlete of the window world. It's super strong, resists warping, and lasts for ages (like, 50 years!).

Plus, it's energy-efficient. Keeps your Toronto home cool in summer and home cozy in winter. The downside? It's pricier than vinyl, and installation can be a bit trickier.

Vinyl:

The budget-friendly champ! Vinyl windows are easy on the wallet and low maintenance. They're energy efficient and come in a decent range of styles.

However, they might not be as durable as fiberglass in extreme weather. In terms of style, it has fewer color options.

Key Differences Between Fiberglass Vs. Vinyl Windows

Feeling a bit confused with the features of both windows? Having trouble finding the best fit for your Toronto home?

Here's a comparison table outlining the key differences between fiberglass and vinyl windows:

Feature	Fiberglass Windows	Vinyl Windows
Material	Reinforced glass fibers & resin	Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Durability	Highly durable, resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting	Durable but may be prone to warping and cracking over time
Lifespan	40-50 years or more	20-30 years
Energy Efficiency	Excellent insulation; performs well in extreme temperatures	Good insulation; effective but less efficient than fiberglass
Aesthetics	Can mimic the look of wood; customizable with various finishes	Limited customization options; typically available in white or off-white
Maintenance	Low maintenance; resists fading and weathering	Low maintenance; may discolor or warp with age
Cost	Higher upfront cost; long-term value	Lower initial cost; budget-friendly option
Installation	Need expert installation for best results	Easier to install, suitable for DIY projects
Environmental Impact	Eco-friendly; often made from recycled materials	Less eco-friendly; can be less sustainable
Strength	Superior strength; can support larger window sizes	Adequate strength for standard window sizes
Noise Reduction	Excellent soundproofing capabilities	Good, but not as effective as fiberglass

Both have their perks, so it's all about finding the perfect fit for your home and budget. Let's dive deeper into the pros and cons in the next section!

Fiberglass Vs Vinyl Windows: Pros & Cons

It’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of fiberglass and vinyl windows, when you are looking to choose one for your home.

Both windows offer distinct advantages and drawbacks:

Feature	Fiberglass Windows	Vinyl Windows
Pros	Strong and long-lasting Excellent insulation Modern appearance Low maintenance Environmentally friendly	Budget-friendly Good insulation Various styles Easier installation
Cons	Higher upfront cost Limited design options Professional installation required	Less durable Can warp or discolor Lower aesthetic value Environmental concerns

As you can see, fiberglass windows are ahead with more advantages. Vinyl windows are equally popular, but they lack durability and aesthetics.

Detailed Comparison Of Fiberglass Vs Vinyl Windows

Want to know the differences between these two popular window types in detail? Then, scroll down as we cover everything thoroughly.

Durability and Longevity:

Durability matters especially when it comes to something you can't easily replace like windows! You want windows that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them.

Fiberglass Windows

These windows are like superheroes – tough and resilient! They resist warping, cracking, and fading, even in the harshest weather. Hot summers and cold winters won't phase them one bit.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl is pretty durable too, but it might show some wear and tear over time. Extreme heat can cause warping or discoloration. It's not tough as fiberglass, but holds up well in most conditions.

Energy Efficiency:

Who doesn't love saving cash? Both fiberglass and vinyl windows are designed to keep your home cozy in winter and cool in summer.

Fiberglass Windows

Fiberglass is great for thermal insulation properties. The material doesn’t expand or contract much with temperature changes. This makes it a highly energy efficient window.

They also have a lower thermal conductivity than many other materials. This helps prevent heat transfer and keeps indoor temperatures stable.

Vinyl Windows

ER ratings of vinyl windows proves they are decent for energy efficiency. But they may not quite match the performance of fiberglass.

Vinyl is a poor conductor of heat, which helps keep your home insulated. They can expand & contract more in temperature changes, which may reduce energy-efficiency over time.

Aesthetics and Customization:

Let's face it, windows aren't just about function; they're also a key part of your home's style. So, how do fiberglass and vinyl stack up in the looks department?

Fiberglass Windows

Fiberglass windows are famous for their sleek, modern appearance. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve a sophisticated look.

Plus, they are compatible with different architectural styles. Whether you have a modern, traditional, or somewhere-in-between home, fiberglass can likely blend right in.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows offer a decent range of options, but they might not be as versatile as fiberglass. They typically come in white or a few standard colors.

While they can mimic wood grain, it might not be as realistic as fiberglass. They're a good option if you're looking for a classic look, but don't expect to push the boundaries of window design.

Installation and Maintenance:

Before choosing one, you must consider installation and maintenance of these windows. Who wins the installation and window maintenance showdown?

Fiberglass Windows

Fiberglass windows are sturdy but require precise installation, which may increase labor costs. They’re low-maintenance, resist warping, rotting, and rusting, and rarely need repainting.

Their durability and resistance to weather make them a long-lasting option. So, you need only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are lighter, easier, and quicker to install. You can easily measure vinyl windows and fit into anywhere. They’re also low-maintenance, routine cleaning is enough.

While vinyl doesn’t need painting and resists fading, it can warp or crack in extreme weather over time. But regular window upkeep extends their life.

Environmental Impact:

It's not just about the window itself, but also how it's made and disposed of. When choosing windows, consider their impact on the environment.

Fiberglass Windows

In terms of eco-friendliness, Fiberglass takes a step ahead. The production process uses fewer resources and emits lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to vinyl.

Fiberglass is also highly durable, which means less frequent replacements and, therefore, less waste over time.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows, on the other hand, come with environmental concerns. The production of vinyl (PVC) involves chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and human health.

While vinyl can be recycled, the process is less straightforward and less commonly practiced, which often leads to more waste.

Fiberglass Vs Vinyl: Which One is Better for Toronto Homes?

Deciding between fiberglass and vinyl windows can feel like choosing between chocolate and vanilla – both delicious, but different! Let’s make it easier for you to choose!

Choose Fiberglass:

Go for Fiberglass Windows if,

You prioritize durability.
Energy efficiency is key.
You want a modern aesthetic.
Long-term value matters.

Choose Vinyl Windows:

Opt for Vinyl windows if,

Quick installation is a priority.
You want low maintenance.
You’re on a budget.
You prefer simplicity.

Delco Supply #1 Windows In Toronto

So, fiberglass or vinyl? Both offer great benefits for Toronto homes. The best choice depends on your unique needs and budget.

At Delco, we're window experts, ready to guide you through the decision-making process. Let's work together to find the perfect windows for your home.

What Homeowners Say

Amazing service and quality products. Installation was on time and on budget. Our windows look awesome. Edan gave us his full attention from the first call and every step of the way after. Highly recommend.

Adam Rivers

New windows and door for basement and new metal/glass back door for main house - even through my indecisiveness and the covid-19 challenges Ayal and his installers were patient with me and I am very happy with the look and quality of the install.

Geraint

It was a pleasure dealing with Jack and all Delco's stuff. The windows arrived on the date for which were promised. The quality of the service, product and workmanship were excellent. I would gladly recommend Delco to anyone need Windows and Doors

Ruven Y.

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Jim Bird

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Maureen Fuller

Delco supplies my windows and doors for renovations throughout the GTA. Edan and his staff are the best. Well priced quality products and personalized service. Highly recommended.

Noah Klar

We have 3 sliding doors and a double front door replaced. All work was done professionally but well qualified craftsman. Watching them work it was clear they new what they were doing and work is first class.

R. Pierce

We used Delco to replace our windows and patio door and door glass inserts. We are very happy with the quality of the windows and patio door and were very impressed with the installers as well who were very professional and clean. Thank you Nasho and George for your hard work and patience. Also, a big thank you to Ayal who always returned my calls and answered all my questions.

Sandra

Delco provided all the exterior doors for our new home build. Ayal was great and the company is very customer service oriented. The doors look beautiful, the hardware is high end and the install went very well. Overall we are very happy with the product and service.

Sarah

Ayal and Edan were great to work with. They provided extensive product knowledge and had a great selection in their showroom. The windows and doors changed the whole look of the house and gave a much needed modern yet classic update. Great quality and workmanship! Thank you!

Stephanie Lannaci

Both my wife and I could not have been happier with the product and service displayed by the owner and the installers. They had kept true to there word and the timelines. The process was catered to our schedule and was seamless.

Fabrizio Macieri

Had a great experience with Delco. They were professional and did a great job on time.

Joey Oliveira

Our experience with Delco Doors has been very good. We needed to replace out front door. Our old 6 feet Steel doors were removed and replaced with Delco 8 feet Fiberglass Doors. The installation went very smoothly, and the guys made sure that everything was fitting squarely and tight. They cleaned up after they were done and were very pleasant to work with. Would highly recommend them.

Angie Gandhi

A fantastic company to deal with from start to finish. They were professional, courteous and the project was completed in the timeframe agreed upon. Would highly recommend Delco.

Linda

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Serban Dinca

Very good and timely service. A pleasure to work with Edan Next time I need windows and doors I will definitely call them again

Adrian Nema

Recently ordered a custom window from Delco. We are extremely happy with the level of customer service - Elyse went out of her way to notify us when the window came in and came in to work on her day off so we could come pick up the window. If we need another window we will definitely come back to Delco!

Jonathon & Sheri Mcintosh

I would highly recommend this company, the final product was beyond my expectations, My new front door makes my house standout so happy thank you Delco Windows and doors. I will definitely use Delco Windows and doors again in the future thanks to Edan and the installers

Maria

Existing door replacement is a delicate project. I am very satisfied with job well done by Ayal Jack and his installer. Highly professional team, they know their business well, easy to deal with, very accommodating. He guided us step by step to select the best fit for our purpose.

Alfy

I would highly recommend this company. They were very easy to deal with, accommodating and professional. The final product was beyond my expectations. The products completely transformed the front of my house and for sure increased its value and curb appeal. Thanks!

Happy experience from start to finish. Thank you to Edan for going out of his way to meet us late one evening and his helpful consultation in the showroom especially thank you to the extremely professional, clean and friendly crew of installers. Everything was as promised, the men arrived on time, their work was immaculate and complete, their craftsmanship beyond reproach.

Esther Tobin

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