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Comparing Fibrex, Wood, Fiberglass, And
Vinyl Replacement Windows In Mandarin

How Do They Compare? And Which Is
Right For Your Jacksonville Home?


Luxury house exterior with brick and siding trim


When considering installing replacement windows on your Mandarin, FL home, you may have questions about which material to choose. You have numerous options, including Fibrex®, wood, fiberglass, and vinyl.

Wood is, of course, a natural material, while vinyl is a PVC plastic composed of vinyl chloride. Fiberglass is a reinforced plastic made of glass fibers and resin, while Fibrex® is a composite that combines wood grains and plastic polymers. Each of these is a good choice for replacement materials. The information below will help you select one.


The Pros And Cons Of Vinyl Replacement
Windows In The Mandarin, Florida Area

Vinyl is among the most popular types of replacement windows on the market, in part because of its affordability. It is often the least expensive material, but the low price often comes with drawbacks.

For instance, its color may fade, and the frames may warp under the intense Mandarin, FL sun. You may also have only a limited number of options in terms of colors and styles. Moreover, vinyl does not offer the sound-dampening capabilities of some other materials. This can be a drawback if you sleep or work from home during the day.


Why Choose Wood Replacement Windows
In The Jacksonville, Florida Region?

Wood is a natural and renewable material. It degrades over time, and its components return to the earth, nourishing the soil and furthering the cycle of life. Wood grain is very attractive, and it is prized for its beauty.

It is a very dense material and contains countless layers – as depicted in the numerous rings of the trunk. As such, it offers more insulation capability than vinyl does. This keeps heat indoors during winter and outdoors during summer. Because of this, you may spend less on heating and cooling your home with windows of this type.

Wood takes stain, paint, and other coatings well, which means you can change its color and texture almost at will. When you tire of the current paint or stain, you can refinish it. This makes it ideal for homeowners who like frequent changes.

On the other hand, wood takes the most upkeep of any replacement window material. It must be painted and stained regularly to protect the material from absorbing moisture. Stain fades and paint peels, leaving the wood susceptible to water damage.

Water damage can include warping, rotting, staining, and swelling. Other materials do not suffer these consequences.


Advantages Of Fiberglass Replacement Windows
On Your Mandarin, FL-Area Home

Fiberglass window frames are exceptionally durable. They do not warp, crack, or fade as wood windows can. They typically last 20 years or longer without significant problems arising.

Fiberglass resists heat transfer, so windows of this type are more energy-efficient than some other choices – such as vinyl or aluminum – although less so than wood. They have very low maintenance requirements because they never need painting, staining, or scraping. Simply clean them occasionally and keep the hardware clean and oiled.

Fiberglass is considered eco-friendly because of its low thermal conductivity and because many makers use recycled materials to manufacture it. It is available in many colors, textures, and styles, so you are sure to find a style you like and that fits your home’s architectural style.


The Pros And Cons Of Fibrex® Windows
On A Mandarin, FL Home

Fibrex® windows are a mostly environmentally friendly option because they are often made from recycled materials. They are robust and durable. They usually last for decades, and – because they are made of wood and plastic polymers – they do not require the upkeep that wood does. They can be painted, but this is not required.

They do not absorb moisture and maintain their shape, whatever the weather. They come in different styles and colors and only need occasional cleaning to look their best for decades.

On the other hand, Fibrex® windows are the most expensive type. They are an exclusive product of Andersen, which means they are not as widely available as other types, and installers are limited. They are also limited in their available colors, so you might not find windows that fit your home’s style.


Trust Jacksonville Doors And Windows For Stunning
Replacement Windows On Your Jacksonville Home

If you want replacement windows installed on your Greater Jacksonville area home, contact us at Jacksonville Doors and Windows in Mandarin, FL. We have 30 years of combined experience and are proud of our friendly service, quality products, and competitive pricing.

Call us at (904) 503-0680 to make an appointment, or reach out to us on the web for a free estimate.