Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows

Why Are Integrity Fiberglass Windows Better Than Vinyl?

At some point an innovative manufacturer takes a risk on a product that ends up changing the face of the industry for good. When it comes to windows, Marvin has done that with Ultrex fiberglass. 8x stronger than vinyl and with far greater design flexibility, Integrity Ultrex is the perfect window making material. As we wait for the other manufacturers to catch up, we’ll continue installing the absolute best window ever made.

Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows: The Comparison

Superior Strength

Fiberglass is 8x stronger than vinyl. The most common problems with vinyl windows are seal failure, misalignment, and frame skewing. These failures are common because of vinyl’s weakness. Because of it’s strength Fiberglass is used to make marine bridges, underground gas tanks, and sports cars.

More Glass/Less Frame

Because of the Strength and Low Expansion qualities of fiberglass, less material is used in manufacturing the windows and doors leaving you with thin, beautiful windows that are durable and energy efficient but don’t look like they belong on a bomb shelter. The images to the right show how much more glass you’ll have with Integrity windows.

Power Expansion

Vinyl distorts in extreme heat and can streak or crack in fluctuating temperatures, but Ultrex Fiberglass has 833% less expansion than vinyl meaning it won’t swell, shrink, warp, split or crack like vinyl. Ultrex fiberglass maintains a tight seal between sash and frame despite temperature fluctuations.

Beauty

J.D. Power and Associates ranked Marvin higher than any other major window company in the category of “Appearance and Design Features”. With Vinyl windows you are instantly cornered by limited available options including lack of color choice, no option for real wood interior and limited hardware choices. Integrity windows from Marvin can be ordered in 5 different exterior colors, wood or white interior, and with 5 hardware finishes.

Eco-Friendliness

Ultrex is made from sand, a safe and abundant resource. Ultrex also requires 39% less energy to produce than vinyl. Due to harsh chemical leaching the production of vinyl is already limited in some states. Many environmentalists are fighting to further limit or ban the use of vinyl.