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Fiberglass windows are not just aesthetically pleasing but also capable of reducing your electricity bills in the long run. With a growing demand for environmentally friendly construction materials, fiberglass windows are gaining continuous popularity.
More and more people are shifting from vinyl to fiberglass because of its advantages although fiberglass costs more than conventional materials. Before replacing your windows or installing new ones, let&#;s discuss the problems that many fiberglass window owners face. Is it really worth the investment?
Fiberglass is made up of multiple resins that enable it to be formed into different shapes. It offers additional strength than traditional glass panels. Fiberglass windows are ten times stronger than vinyl windows and weigh less than aluminum and steel window screens.
Many companies are switching to fiberglass windows because they are more durable and long-lasting. Moreover, for those who dislike cleaning, fiberglass windows will make their lives easier because they do not require the use of special chemical solutions to clean them.
Read also: Comparison of vinyl and fiberglass windows
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Fiberglass has a better strength-to-weight ratio than other window materials, but it still has some shortcomings depending on your environment, the size of the window, and other factors.
Fiberglass windows are more expensive than traditional glass panels because of the increasing demand and cost of raw materials. A fiberglass window measuring 4×5 inches costs around $350.
Windows made with fiberglass are harder to find because there are only a few manufacturers and a handful of companies that deliver nationwide. So, before ordering online or purchasing in-store, make sure you&#;ve planned everything out and determine how many windows you will need, and list their appropriate dimensions.
During the procurement process, the coating on the fiberglass is sometimes damaged or scratched. The paint on the window is usually damaged during installation and might require extra coating.
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To keep their original look, fiberglass windows require more maintenance than vinyl windows. It&#;s still prone to paint scratches after installation, and frequent cleaning is probably needed to keep the window from looking old.
The fiberglass windows are mechanically connected to the window opening. Because these windows tend to leak on the edges, a good sealant must be applied to adequately seal the frames.
Many homeowners who live in moist and rainy environments have realized that their fiberglass windows have gaps that enable rainwater to enter inside their homes. This is because most fiberglass window manufacturers do not seal the seams between the vertical and horizontal components of the panel. The corners are connected with fasteners and epoxy because the material cannot be forged.
Furthermore, most fiberglass windows&#; panel has no weep holes, causing water to accumulate on the frame. Even when a weep hole is provided, it frequently clogs and pushes the collected water into the frame, corroding the screws. Extensive water build-up will cause the water to flow to the window&#;s corner down the wall and might damage any electrical socket nearby.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of fiber mesh manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
People are satisfied with Fiberglass after several months because fiberglass windows are energy efficient and look better than vinyl. However, it might take years for them to notice any water infiltration issue, and the damage isn&#;t usually recognized until the problem has gotten out of hand.
One of the causes of water leakage is a fragile frame that can&#;t be soldered like vinyl windows. Fiberglass windows also have a larger percentage of service-related complaints than vinyl windows.
When purchasing a fiberglass window, expect a longer waiting time. This may not be the best material to use if you need to finish your construction project right away. Fiberglass windows are customized based on your preference, which requires more time because of the production process.
On average, it will take three to seven days for your customized fiberglass windows to arrive after the order is placed. If you noticed that you need more fiberglass windows for the project, you need to wait for days before your resources arrived.
Vinyl windows are more flexible than fiberglass windows and can be fitted much quicker and more effectively. Fiberglass is stiff and does not expand and contract as much as other materials, making it more difficult to fit into the window opening. It is better to ask professionals to install them for you because they are more fragile and harder to install than vinyl.
Read also: Review of Alpine Windows
It is important to note that fiberglass is not as bright as conventional glass windows, but fading of the original color of the glass is a prominent issue on fiberglass windows. Homeowners are having a hard time keeping the outside panel from fading. Fiberglass is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light and will fade if exposed to Ultraviolet light rays for a long time.
To maintain the window&#;s original appearance, a long-lasting external coating is required. If you live in a warm environment, consider installing fiberglass windows on walls that aren&#;t exposed to direct sunlight.
Another downside of fiberglass windows is their color variations. They are typically tinted rather than gel-coated because they are designed to last longer. So if you want colored windows other than black or transparent to match your house design, search for other alternatives such as colored and reflective glass.
In places with a long winter season and humid summers, many house owners install triple glass panels to make their fiberglass windows last longer. Damaged frames, warping, and peeling paint are common problems with fiberglass windows.
Another issue to be aware of when buying fiberglass, particularly black fiberglass windows, is the high rate of heat exchange which can lead to glass cracking. This is due to the attributes of fiberglass and because black absorbs more light and heat than transparent windows.
Fiberglass windows&#; drawbacks aren&#;t really popular since they are relatively new compared to the conventional window materials available. Remember to invest in the type of window that is suitable for your environment and preference.
Window screening was once characterized by bug barriers that were woven from horsehair. Modification in the textile looms replaced horsehair with galvanized screening; however, steel had limitations due to rusting. Steel gave way to non-rusting alternatives such as aluminum and fiberglass. Today, these are the most common materials in the market. The two make good window screening options. However, it helps to know the difference between aluminum and fiberglass window screens so that you can make the right choice based on the application.
Aluminum Screens
Aluminum screens are made from Al-Mg alloy wire. It is one of the top quality materials for window screens. It is typically available in three colors: dark gray, black and bright aluminum. Among these colors, black is the least noticeable. It is important to remember that darker colors offer better outward visibility. This is because they have less glare and light reflectance. Dark gray aluminum can be easily made to complement frame systems and painted windows. Bright aluminum resembles raw aluminum; however, it has a unique clear coating that goes a long way to help maintain the aluminum screen.
Aluminum screening is typically available in an 18 x 16 mesh. It can be used both for window and door applications. It is rust resistance, corrosion resistance and light weight. Durable and strong screening and does not sag. To strengthen the weave, a protective finish is applied. It is supplied in cut pieces and rolls, according to affordable window screens.
Fiberglass Window Screen
Over time, fiberglass has been the standard material for window screens, because it is affordable and flexible. Fiberglass also comes in a wide selection for different applications. Fiberglass is basically sold in heave-duty, fine and standard grades. Fine fiberglass is ideal in areas where there are small insects such as the coastal and marshy regions. The standard grade is the most common and also the cheapest option available. Heavy-duty fiberglass is ideal for large windows that need strong screens. It is also great in windy regions as it can withstand harsh weather. Fiberglass is easily broken and scratched and with time it can become brittle. Fiberglass provides up to 75 percent UV protection. Reduction in visibility can be achieved by using a closer mesh(18 x 16). During the day, the screen appears almost opaque but it still offers good visibility from the inside. You can get fiberglass in charcoal, black, gray, white, green and blue. The most common colors are gray and black.
Difference between Aluminum and Fiberglass window screens
Fiberglass is generally less expensive as compared to aluminum. It also does not dent when pushed or hit. Fiberglass however, is somehow darker than the aluminum mesh, this means that it gives it a darker external appearance and therefore reduces the amount of light getting into the room. Another disadvantage of fiberglass over aluminum is that it tends to degrade with time due to long exposure to UV light. This quality also makes it break and fray easily and hence does not last as long as aluminum. Fiberglass screens are sold in 100-foot rolls of varying widths ranging from 18 to 120 inches. Aluminum screens are also purchased in 100-foot rolls; however, the range available is limited as compared to fiberglass, according to wire screen.
As evidenced in the difference between aluminum and fiberglass window screens, both make good options it all depends on personal preferences.