Fibrex® vs. Vinyl: Which Window Reigns Supreme?

Fibrex® vs. Vinyl: Which Window Reigns Supreme?Exterior of home with brick walls and large bay windows with Fibrex frames

If your house windows are causing your monthly energy bill to increase, dragging down the overall appearance of your home, or both, a window replacement is likely in order. If that’s the case, you’ve probably begun the hunt for new house windows. Chances are, you’ve come across vinyl windows as a viable option and perhaps have heard about Fibrex® windows—crafted by Renewal by Andersen®—as being a contender as well. But which is the best choice for your home? Here is our breakdown of the two window materials based on the following factors:

Durability

Vinyl windows are fabricated using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the same material commonly used for plumbing products. While vinyl windows are impervious to water and insect damage and rotting, they have a tendency of warping after years of exposure to the sun, which can lead to openings in the seal. Fibrex® windows, on the other hand, are made from a blend of wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer. This ultra-strong bond makes for a window frame that won’t rot like wood windows, corrode like aluminum windows, or even warp like vinyl windows.

Energy Efficiency

Not all vinyl windows are made with the same level of quality. So, while some brands of vinyl windows boast ENERGY STAR® ratings with energy-efficient features such as dual-pane glasses with argon gas fills, other vinyl windows contribute very little—if at all—to a home’s thermal performance. Conversely, there is only one level of energy efficiency to expect out of Fibrex® windows: one of excellence. With impressive ratings from both the NFRC and ENERGY STAR®, Fibrex® frame windows are among the most energy efficient on the market, thanks in large part to High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass that outperforms dual-pane glass windows when it comes to heat transfer.

Effects on Environment

Environmentally-friendly home improvement products are becoming more heavily prioritized among homeowners. If maintaining an eco-friendly home is something you take great pride in, vinyl windows are probably not the route to take. As a material that is created using chemicals, vinyl does have an impact on the environment. And although efforts have been made to improve the recyclability of vinyl windows, the quality of these products are often compromised. When it comes to diminishing your carbon footprint, Fibrex® windows are the safer bet once again, as they are made from repurposed wood and plastic.

Aesthetic Appeal

Equally as important as any of the other factors mentioned prior is visual appeal. As a homeowner with unique tastes and preferences, you’re likely after replacement windows that fall in alignment with your vision of the ideal home. If this is accurate, vinyl windows may not be the best option. While they are widely available in a number of colors, vinyl windows don’t do an effective job at replicating the elegant wooden look that so many homeowners love. Not only are Fibrex® windows available in a full range of exterior colors but they complement virtually any home interior with various woodgrain finishes to choose from. And for further customization, these windows can be outfitted with optional grille patterns.

The Winner is…

While a case can be made for vinyl windows as a feasible option for a home, their shortcomings in comparison to Fibrex® windows are too great to ignore. So, where can you get these Fibrex® windows for your home? For residents of Green Bay and surrounding areas, there’s only one name that comes to mind: RBA of Greater Wisconsin. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation where we can discuss how Fibrex® windows from Renewal by Andersen are the right choice for your window replacement project.

Hear From Our Customers

RBA did an excellent job and fast! 5 windows in 3 hours from the time they arrived, did the work & cleaned up. It was as if they had never been there, other than having these excellent replacement windows in place!

Green Bay, WI

Absolutely great experience. The installation team was very professional. We have also decided to replace two more windows next spring!

Appleton, WI

We love our new windows! It’s beautiful, just what we wanted! No more leaky windows and matches my other windows perfectly!

Oshkosh, WI
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