Windows contain two major material components: the glass, and the material that makes up the frame and sash. Though many homeowners choose fiberglass for their sashes and frames, Fibrex®, a composite material from Renewal by Andersen, actually offers many benefits over fiberglass.
Here’s a closer look at Fibrex, how it compares to fiberglass, and what makes it such a great choice for your Dayton, Ohio home.
Fibrex is Andersen’s proprietary composite material used to make window frames and sashes. It was patented in 1992, and ever since, it has satisfied countless customers with its versatility, durability, and good looks. Fibrex is made up of reclaimed wood fiber and PVC polymer that is fused together and is unique to Andersen. Fibrex has the look of natural wood, but is much more resistant to moisture and water damage. It’s because of Fibrex that Renewal by Andersen is able to offer one of the best warranties in the window industry.
Fiberglass windows have become quite popular. They are a pretty durable option, especially when compared to vinyl and wood, and they do offer good energy-efficiency ratings.
However, Fibrex is just as durable, and often even more durable in areas where your windows are exposed to a lot of temperature and humidity fluctuations. It does not expand or contract easily, so it’s not prone to cracking or splitting.
Here are a few more ways in which Fibrex out-competes fiberglass window sashes and frames.
Fiberglass window frames are typically painted. Every few years, when the paint becomes worn, you’ll need to scrape and re-paint them. Fibrex never requires painting. The color goes all the way through the material. It also does not need paint to protect it from moisture. The composite material automatically resists damage from rotting and decay.
Fibrex is very strong, so frames and sashes made from it can be made thinner than those made from fiberglass and other materials. This allows more of your window space to be taken up by actual glass. This, in turn, allows more natural light to shine into your Dayton home.
When considering Fibrex vs. fiberglass, keep your home’s color scheme in mind. Fiberglass windows only come in a few colors. Fibrex, however, comes in an array of finishes and colors such as Terratone, a deep gray color, and canvas, a beautiful cream shade. This makes it easy to coordinate your new windows with your Dayton home’s current color scheme.
Even though Fibrex is not 100% wood, it retains a natural wood appearance and can be finished to look like wood. Fiberglass is not wood, and attempts to make it look like wood tend to look quite artificial. Fibrex is a much better choice if you’re trying to create a rustic look.
Fiberglass can really only be made into rigid shapes. Fibrex is a lot easier to mold into curved features and other shapes, making it a good choice for unique specialty windows.
To learn more about Fibrex vs. fiberglass, speak with a representative from Renewal by Andersen. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at (866) 609-5033, and we will recommend the windows that are best for your Dayton home.
