Fiberglass Windows Are Gaining Popularity

Once regarded as a niche product with maybe 2% share of total U.S. window sales, fiberglass products have gained traction during the last few years. The most recent market report jointly released by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association shows fiberglass with a 3.2% share of market, fiberglass chopped strand mat with 2.6% of remodeling/replacement. More contractors are installing them because more homeowners are asking for them.

Two factors have helped push fiberglass windows out of the niche category and toward the mainstream: More manufacturers — including Marvin Windows and Doors, Pella Corp., and Milgard Windows & Doors — offer fiberglass products, and more homeowners know about them.

Companies that offer both vinyl and fiberglass, or all three — wood, vinyl, and fiberglass — windows, see stronger interest in fiberglass. Another selling point: The fact that because the window is, in effect, all glass, it comes without the frame expansion and contraction, which can cause vinyl windows to lose their dimensional integrity. There is never a seal failure on fiberglass windows.

Contractors who install fiberglass say that cost alone makes it unlikely that fiberglass will rival wood and vinyl in market share, but it is becoming a product of demand. If it’s 3.5% now, fiberglass’ market share will be 10% or 12% in the foreseeable future.