Common Myths about Fiberglass Replacement Windows
In this video, Jeff explains the most common myths spread by window company salespeople who do not sell fiberglass windows. They tend to bash companies as trying to sell something unproven and new to the replacement window market, claiming it is only a trend.
This is simply not true! Fiberglass has been around for many decades (the first patent was in 1880) and has been adopted for construction and aerospace use since 1932.
Myth Number 1: Fiberglass windows will fade. The truth is that nearly all materials will eventually fade, no matter what you use. However, fiberglass will not fade as fast as a dark color painted on vinyl. The fiberglass Marvin Infinity Windows and Doors uses is called Ultrex. The paint used on aluminum fades much faster.
Fiberglass is a durable material, but its longevity depends on various factors such as the quality of the fiberglass, the manufacturing process, and the environmental conditions it is exposed to. In general, fiberglass can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years or more with proper maintenance.
Fiberglass (layers of glass mat and resin) can fade over time, especially when exposed to prolonged sunlight and harsh weather conditions. The UV rays from the sun can break down the resin that holds the fiberglass together, causing it to fade and discolor. However, the fading process is gradual and can take many years, depending on the level of exposure and the quality of the fiberglass. Marvin Integrity fiberglass window and door frames are not glass mat and resin. Ultrex is different…
What is Ultrex?
Ultrex fiberglass is a specific type of fiberglass composite used for windows and patio doors, and it’s trademarked by Marvin Fiberglass Windows Doors. It’s known for several advantages over regular fiberglass and other window materials:
Marvin’s Ultrex is a pultruded fiberglass material used in window and door frames. According to Marvin, Ultrex is highly resistant to fading and discoloration due to its unique manufacturing process and the acrylic cap that protects the material. The company claims that Ultrex maintains its color and finish for years, even under extreme weather conditions. Marvin offers a 10-year warranty against fading on their Ultrex products, which is a testament to their confidence in the material’s durability.
- Superior Strength: Ultrex is claimed to be eight times stronger than vinyl and even more durable than other fiberglass options. This translates to better resistance to warping, bending, and weathering.
- High Stability: Due to its strength, Ultrex windows and doors maintain their shape well, even in extreme temperatures. They can withstand heat up to 285°F without melting or losing form.
- Low Maintenance: Ultrex boasts a thick acrylic finish that is resistant to chipping, fading, and peeling. This makes it easier to maintain than materials that require frequent repainting or refinishing. Marvin comes with a lifetime finish warranty.
The acrylic cap used on Marvin’s Ultrex fiberglass is a thin, transparent layer that is co-extruded onto the surface of the fiberglass during the manufacturing process. This acrylic cap serves several purposes:
- UV protection: The acrylic cap acts as a barrier against harmful UV rays, preventing them from breaking down the fiberglass and causing fading or discoloration.
- Weathering resistance: The acrylic cap helps protect the fiberglass from exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
- Color retention: The acrylic cap helps maintain the color and finish of the Ultrex fiberglass, ensuring that it looks new for years.
- Durability: The acrylic cap adds an extra layer of protection, making the Ultrex fiberglass more resistant to scratches, dents, and other forms of wear and tear.
The combination of the pultruded fiberglass manufacturing process and the co-extruded acrylic cap makes Marvin’s Ultrex windows and doors exceptionally durable and resistant to fading. This is why the company offers a 20-year warranty against fading on their Ultrex products, providing customers with peace of mind and assurance in the longevity of their investment.
Overall, Ultrex fiberglass is a high-performance material designed for windows and patio doors, offering exceptional strength, stability, and low maintenance requirements.
Myth Number 2: Fiberglass and wood must be painted, repainted, and maintained. Vinyl can also be painted, but painting aluminum-framed windows is often unsuccessful as the paint will not stick to the aluminum.
Myth Number 3: Fiberglass is very brittle and prone to chips and cracks. The truth is that Marvin Ultrex Fiberglass is 10 times more impact-resistant and stronger than vinyl. Fiberglass is a thermoset (Ultrex)material vs. vinyl, which is a thermoplastic material and will become more brittle over time.
Myth Number 4: Fiberglass is too new? Well, we’ve already established that fiberglass was first patented in 1880 and used in aerospace since the 1930s. Marvin patented and started using Ultrex in its windows and doors in the late 1990s.
Myth Number 5: Vinyl and Fibrex window frames are welded. Why aren’t fiberglass windows? Ultrex can’t be welded, so there is a cleaner assembly method created by folding over the corner material, resulting in a finished edge against a finished edge. A composite reinforcement (called a corner key) is inserted into the corners, similar to dowelling in woodworking. The end result is a cleaner corner void of welding seams and scaring. Some inexpensive vinyl window frames have significant scaring and jagged butt joints. It’s really difficult to see the corner on Ultrex Fiberglass windows from Marvin.
Myth Number 6: Fiberglass causes lung cancer! This sounds scary, and some window company competitors will have a baggy of loose insulation, which they’ll show you. But, the truth is, Ultrex is nothing like the fiberglass used in attic and wall insulation, but that doesn’t stop dishonest individuals from attempting to make you think they are one and the same.
Myth Number 7: Fiberglass outgases formaldehyde fumes! No, again, that is another scary untruth used by other companies. As we pointed out in Myth Number 6, attic insulation does give off fumes when it’s first unpackaged; fiberglass window frames do not.
Myth Number 8: Isn’t fiberglass only strong in tensile strength (pulling action). This is False. Ultrex fiberglass boasts a tensile strength of 40.14 ksi (kilopounds per square inch); Vinyl tensile strength is only about 5.68 ksi. Ultrex fiberglass is also more ridged than vinyl. Your windows will not sag or deform when your foundation settles. Ultrex is 8 times stronger than vinyl, 2.5 times stronger than Fibrex (composite used by Anderson) and 3 times stronger than wood.
Myth Number 9: Vinyl is better at insulating? False. Comparison of NFRC data from Vinyl vs. Fiberglass and both are equivalent.
Myth Number 10: Fiberglass just doesn’t look as good as wood. False. Marvin’s interior composite wood-grained frames look just like wood. See the interior example shown in the video. This material can be treated just like wood, only it is waterproof. Wood can get wood rot and termites, not Ultrex!
The bottom line is that Jeff believes that fiberglass windows are here to stay and will become the most popular window frame material in the not-too-distant future. We believe fiberglass replacement windows and doors are the best choice available. Are they expensive? They are more expensive than other window frames, but the value for what they offer is far superior!
Contact us for a consultation and demonstration of these top-quality windows.
