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Part 3 of a 4 part series | How much do Replacement Windows Cost?
How Much Do Fiberglass Windows Cost? Great Question! Let's Find Out!
Fiberglass windows will generally cost more than vinyl windows in a replacement project. A Fiberglass replacement window project will cost anywhere between $800 - $2500/ unit installed.
More and more homeowners, builders, architects & contractors are choosing fiberglass for their windows of choice. This is because fiberglass is a strong & stable component in all climates which makes it a popular option for windows. It doesn’t expand & contract like vinyl in hot and cold climates. It is extremely strong so it resists dents and damage to the surface.
There are not as many fiberglass window brands as vinyl window brands, however most of the big players have some form of a fiberglass window. Some of the more popular fiberglass window brands are Infinity & Integrity from Marvin, Pella Impervia, & Andersen A-Series. The most interesting thing about fiberglass windows is how very different they are between the different manufacturers. This is probably due to the proprietary nature of how the different window manufacturers are producing their fiberglass.
Let’s begin by looking briefly at the Marvin, Pella & Andersen fiberglass options.
Infinity & Integrity from Marvin
Both Infinity from Marvin & Integrity from Marvin use a pultruded fiberglass called Marvin Essential, which is the proprietary brand name. Marvin Essential is made from pultruded fiberglass. Marvin Essential has a patented acrylic cap finish which not only gives Marvin Essential it's smooth appearance, it also allows Marvin Essential to have the only AAMA 624-10 verified exterior finish in the industry (outdoor weathering tests that determine durability of the exterior finish).
The Infinity from Marvin product offers a fiberglass exterior with a stainable laminate interior. The Infinity from Marvin fiberglass product was produced for the replacement window segment.
Infinity Fiberglass Window Exterior View
Infinity Window Interior View of Stainable Laminate
The Integrity from Marvin was originally produced for new construction, however it is now produced for the replacement market as well. The Integrity from Marvin product offers two fiberglass options.
Integrity All Ultrex Exterior View
Integrity All Ultrex Interior View
The Wood-Ultrex window is a fiberglass window with a true wood interior.
Integrity Marvin Elevate Exterior View
Integrity Marvin Elevate Interior View
Check out “Integrity by Marvin vs. Infinity by Marvin: What are the Differences?” for more information about Marvin’s Fiberglass Window Lines.
Pella Impervia
Pella’s fiberglass window, the Impervia, is an all fiberglass window made from Duracast, Pella’s patented five-layer engineered fiberglass composite. It does not offer a wood or wood laminate option, however it does have some interior color options such as black or gray, which are hot in the market right now. For a more in-depth comparison between the Pella Impervia & Integrity from Marvin, check out our blog, “Integrity by Marvin vs. Pella Impervia: Which is Better?”
Pella Impervia Exterior View
Pella Impervia Interior View
Andersen A-Series
The Andersen A-Series is a wood window with a fiberglass cladding on the sash (the moving part of the window). The frame is Andersen’s Fibrex composite material. The name Fibrex can be confusing because it sounds like fiberglass. Fibrex is actually a wood and vinyl composite material. Fibrex is the material used for Renewal by Andersen's windows as well as Andersen’s 100 series. Fibrex is stronger than vinyl but not as strong as fiberglass. The Andersen A-Series has the most exterior color choices as well as interior paint and stain options when comparing it to the Pella or Marvin Products.
Andersen A-Series - Exterior View
Andersen A-Series - Interior View
Fiberglass windows are available in many of the same window styles as vinyl such as Single Hung, Double Hung, Casement, Awning, Sliding & Specialty Shape Windows. Fiberglass windows will cost more in up-front costs than most vinyl window options. However, some of the fiberglass options will be comparative in price to the high end vinyl lines such as the Provia Aeris Window line.
In general the fiberglass windows that are “all fiberglass” like the Pella Impervia or the All Ultrex will be a little more cost effective because there isn’t any wood finishing (painting or staining) required, however even this can vary depending upon selections and features. The all fiberglass windows will run $800-$1500/unit installed on average.
The fiberglass windows with a wood interior will run slightly higher depending on selections and features, such as interior finishing, grids with simulated divided lite bars or grilles between the glass, and hardware finishes. Depending on your selections, you are looking at $1200-$2500/unit installed.
It is important to note, since we are looking at replacement windows, that new construction fiberglass windows will be much more cost effective than in the replacement situation. This is due to a couple of reasons:
Replacement windows can run 2-3x more than new construction windows, especially when round tops or specialty shapes are involved. Every brand has their own “standard sizes” so it is highly unlikely that a standard size will fit properly in a replacement opening.
This is why it is so important to not skimp on your windows when building a new home so you can splurge in the kitchen. Appliances are much easier to replace than windows. Not to mention it is likely you will want to remodel your kitchen in 10 years when the design trends change as they always do.
Another factor, as I mentioned in Part # 2 of this Series “How much do Vinyl Windows Cost?”, is the installation method used in your replacement project. A Full Frame Replacement Method will cost you more than an Insert Replacement Method. To learn more about the different replacement installation methods, check out “Window Installation: What is the Best Installation Method for my Home?”
If you are considering replacing your current windows with a fiberglass window, it is important to research the different brands, options and installation methods available. Fiberglass windows vary greatly depending on how the manufacturer is producing its fiberglass.
Read part #1 in the series, How Much do Vinyl Replacement Windows Cost?
Read part #2 in the series, How Much do Vinyl Replacement Windows Cost?
Read part #4 in the series, How Much do Aluminum Clad Windows Cost?
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