Why Pros and Homeowners Prefer Fiberglass to Vinyl

Justin Hoey, Ph.D., Research and Development Manager at Marvin, dives into why many are choosing fiberglass, such as Ultrex^®, a proprietary fiberglass material from Marvin, over vinyl to achieve that lasting beauty. 

Why do homeowners and professionals prefer fiberglass to vinyl?

Strength, performance, and durability. Windows and doors made from Ultrex^® fiberglass, like the products within the Marvin’s Elevate^® and Essential™ collections, last 38% longer than vinyl. This means a homeowner’s investment will last 38% longer than if vinyl was installed. Fiberglass is also stronger than vinyl, which affords narrower sightlines for more expansive views.

                                                                              Marvin Elevate^®

                                                                               Marvin Essential™

Does Ultrex fiberglass perform better over time than vinyl does?

Because it's 8x stronger than vinyl, and has a low thermal expansion rate, Ultrex fiberglass material performs better than vinyl in both the short- and long-term. More specifically, it expands at virtually the same rate as glass, so it stays true and tight without warping or swelling—unlike vinyl—to prevent leaky seals, poor operation, and loss of structural integrity. Ultrex is also heat resistant, non-corrosive, and has low conductivity—all of which make sure that Ultrex fiberglass endures whatever the elements throw at it over its lifetime.

What makes fiberglass a more design-forward choice than vinyl?

With fiberglass you can achieve more expansive views than with vinyl. Because of Ultrex’s superior strength, windows and doors made with it have narrower, more streamlined frames and sashes. This creates a clean aesthetic with less frame and more glass, achieving the goal of bringing more of the outdoors, in.

When it comes to colorways, you have more options with Ultrex—including darker hues found in both the Elevate and Essential collections—because it’s more heat- and fade-resistant than vinyl. Ultrex also achieves AAMA 624 verification making the finish “best in class” among fiberglass products.
 

Are fiberglass windows and doors more difficult to maintain than vinyl?

Not at all. Ultrex is heat-resistant, fade-resistant, and non-corrosive. All of this adds up to superior performance that is super low maintenance along with products that will stay beautiful and operational for many, many years.

Why choose fiberglass over vinyl when looking for new windows and doors?

It comes down to two things: having design flexibility to realize your vision, while also protecting a homeowner’s investment for the long haul. The Marvin Elevate and Essential collections leverage the strengths of Ultrex fiberglass to achieve both of these things.

The Elevate collection is a blend of remarkable design and superior strength with warm wood interiors that offers a full suite of windows and doors. And, the Essential collection offers simplified options with clean lines, versatile styles, and fiberglass exteriors and interiors that meet your project demands.

Choosing new windows and doors are a large part of every project, and when you choose fiberglass windows and doors, you get products that give you the best of both form and function.

Ultrex fiberglass windows and doors are the answer.

Marvin uses Ultrex fiberglass because the material you choose for your windows matters. It outlasts and outperforms other options in virtually every way. Get the right performance, right on time with lead times as low as 5 weeks.

Learn More About Ultrex Fiberglass