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The cutting-edge fiberglass framing systems of SeriousWindows offer superior performance to conventional fenestration materials in a number of ways: durability, stability and efficiency. Over the past 10 years, fiberglass is used more and more in residential and commercial construction. It is becoming the preferred material for window frames and door panels. What is Fiberglass? - Fiberglass is a composite structural material that consists of fiber reinforcements (typically glass) that are bound together in a resin matrix. Fiberglass has a high strength-to-weight ratio, resists warping and is resistant to corrosion from chemicals or salt air. It insulates from heat, cold and electricity, works well in temperatures from -40 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and can cost-efficiently be made into complex shapes. Advantages of fiberglass: Fiberglass-framed commercial windows offer significant advantages compared to traditional aluminum, vinyl, or wood framing materials – offering super-insulating and structural performance, lower embodied energy, and new design choice. According to the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Pultrusion Industry Council and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Fiberglass Material Council: - Fiberglass’ thermal conductivity is 800 times less than aluminum, making it the optimum material for super-insulating windows and preserving overall performance for the life of a window.
- Low thermal expansion maintains the windows’ structural integrity and minimizes warping or leakage, making fiberglass the most durable framing material that will not compromise the performance of the full window over time.
- Fiberglass particularly resists environmental damage caused by corrosive salt air or high temperatures.
- Comparing U-value of materials, fiberglass offers 89% better insulation than aluminum (fiberglass U-value is 0.2 – 0.3 compared to aluminum thermally broken of U-value 1.0).
- Superior strength to weight ratios making Heavy Commercial SeriousWindows ideal for large window openings - 86% of the yield strength of aluminum and, pound-for-pound’s, stronger than aluminum in the lengthwise direction.
- Pultruded fiberglass distributes impact load to prevent surface damage even in sub-zero temperatures.
Unique properties of fiberglass: - Dimensional stability with a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to glass
- Low thermal conductivity
- Low environmental impact – made of readily available silica sand
- Rot and corrosion resistant
- high strength-to-weight ratio and resists warping
- Chemically inert
- Easily paintable and re-paintable with minimum preparation
Benefits of Fiberglass - The fiberglass framing system of SeriousWindows’ products are dimensionally stable having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which maintains seal integrity and minimizes warping or leakage in high inside/outside temperature differentials. - Performs well in humidity extremes and hot and cold environments.
- High condensation resistance helps keep humidity within a proper range and limits the growth of molds and mildew.
- Very low coefficient of thermal expansion and contraction (CTE).
- Stresses on seals, caulks and joints are minimized, contributing to higher efficiency windows.
- Tight seals maintain the resistance to air leakage and water penetration.
- Practically maintenance free.
- Takes paint easily with excellent adhesion.
- Dimensional stability with extreme thermal cycling Similar sightlines as aluminum but with a significantly lower U-Value.
- Superior strength to weight ratio ideal for large window opening.
U-Value Comparison of Frame Materials | Frame Material | U-Value
| | Aluminum (no thermal break) | 1.9-2.2 | | Aluminum (with thermal break) | 1.0 | | Aluminum-clad wood/reinforced vinyl | 0.4-0.6 | | Wood and vinyl | 0.3 - 0.5 | | Fiberglass | 0.2 - 0.3 | Material Comparison* | | Fiberglass | Aluminum | Wood | | Corrosion Resistance | Superior weatherability and resistance to a broad range of chemicals. | Can cause galvanic corrosion. | Can warp, rot and decay from exposure to moisture, water and chemicals.
Coatings or preservatives required to increase corrosion or rot resistance can create hazardous waste and/or high maintenance. | | Weight | Very lightweight - about 70% the weight of aluminum on a density basis. Specific gravity = 1.7
Pultruded fiberglass has significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to both wood and aluminum | Lightweight - about 1/3 that of copper or steel. | Specific gravity = .51 (oven dried). | | Electric Conductivity | Non-conductive - high dielectric capability. | Conducts electricity - grounding potential. | can be conductive when it is wet. | | Thermal Conductivity | Insulates - low thermal conductivity.
0.17 BTU/h-ft-F 5.0 x 10-6 in/in/°F
100 in. sample at a temperature change of 100°F = 0.05 | Heat conductor - high thermal conductivity.
Pure Aluminum – 136.9 BTU/h-ft-F Alloyed Aluminum – 92.4 BTU/h-ft-F Thermal coefficient of expansion 11-13 (IN/IN/Fo)106. | Insulates - low thermal conductivity.
Pine/Spruce/Fir/Larch/Mahogany (softwoods) – 0.08 BTU/h-ft-F Oak/Maple (hardwoods) – 0.09 BTU/h-ft-F Low thermal coefficient of expansion 2.5 (IN/IN/Fo)106. | | Strength | Ultimate flexural strength (Fu)
LW = 30 ksi
CW = 10 ksi.
Compression strength is 30,000 psi.
Tensile Strength (KSI) 60.0
Modulus of Elasticity (PSI x 106) 3.0
Pultruded fiberglass has 86% of the yield strength of aluminum and, pound-for-pound's, stronger than aluminum in the lengthwise direction.
Stiffness: Pultruded fiberglass is approximately 1-1/2 times as rigid as wood. Modulus of elasticity LW = 2.5 x 106 psi, CW = .8 x 106 psi. | Flexural strength (Fu) 35 ksi. | Extreme fiber bending = up to 2800 psi.*
Compression parallel to grain = up to 1800 psi.*
Stiffness: Modulus of elasticity = up to 1.8 x 106 psi.* Deteriorates with age | | Finishing | Pigments added to the resin provide color throughout the part. Special colors available. Composite design can be customized for required finishes. | Silver color. Other colors require pre-finishes, anodic coatings and paints. | Must be primed and painted for colors. To maintain color, repainting and refinishing may be required. | | Impact Resistance | Glass mat in pultruded fiberglass distributes impact load to prevent surface damage even in sub-zero temperatures. Will not permanently deform under impact. | Easily deforms under impact. | Permanently deforms or breaks under impact | | Cost | Initial higher cost but lower maintenance, and longer product life equates into lower overall cost | Low cost but material susceptibility to impact damage and corrosive environments increase long term cost of material to moderate/high | Low to Moderate initial cost but maintenance and short life expectancy drive up long term cost to high | | Life expectancy | 80+ years without any maintenance. | 30 to 40 years less if exposed to a corrosive environment such as coastal environments and acidic rain. | 15 to 20 years if properly maintained, sanded, sealed and refinished every year. Less if not properly maintained |
Learn More Learn more about the advantages and benefits of Fiberglass and why it's an excellent "green" choice by downloading our Fiberglass Advantages brochure. *All information derived from: American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Pultrusion Industry Council and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Fiberglass Material Council
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Download Advantages of Fiberglass Windows
