Fiberglass vs Plastic Pergolas
Both fiberglass and plastic pergolas offer the benefit of a low maintenance outdoor structure. There are two types of plastic pergolas currently available, the first and most common is constucted from vinyl(also known as PVC). The second type of plastic pergola is constructed from a material similar to composite decking(Azek or Palite). These are low maintenance materials, however they differ significantly in terms of quality, lifetime and finish. Below is a detailed comparision of these materials.
Fiberglass
* Maintenance free
* Available in any color
* Structural material with free-spans of up to 20'
* Will not mildew, mold or yellow
* One piece CNC rafter tails
Vinyl
* Low maintenance but will mildew and yellow over time
* Non-structural vinyl tubes
* Pressure treated lumber is inserted into the vinyl and can sag, twist and rot
* Available in a limited number of colors
* Snap-on rafter tails
Azek
* Requires bi-annual painting
* Yellows and mildews over time
* Sheets of Azek are glued to either aluminum or lumber for structural support
* Azek will delaminate and fall of over time
* High cost of ownership
Comparison Chart
| Fiberglass | PVC(Vinyl fencing) | C-PVC(Azek) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance: | Maintenance free. | Maintenance free. Will yellow & mildew. | Requires bi-annual painting. Will yellow & mildew. |
| Finish: | Available in any color | Limited color options | Limited color options |
| Durability: | Hard industrial coatings. Durable cast fiberglass column bases. | Scratches easily. Plastic post bases break easily | Azek delaminates and fall off over time |
| Lifespan: | Designed to last a minimum of 15 years | Minimum of 5 years | Minimum of 5 years |
| Structural Properties: | Structural fiberglass pultrusions will not sag or warp. | Structural pressure treated core. Prone to sagging and warping. | Structural pressure treated core. Prone to sagging and warping. |
Azek Pergola Fail
Mildew
This Azek pergola was poorly constructed. It experienced yellowing, excessive rot and sagging as a result of the manufacturer cutting corners.
Beams
This what the main structural support beam looked like when the Azek fell off and the remainder was removed.
Baldwin to the rescue!
The client's contractor reached out to us and we replaced the existing structure with a fiberglass pergola that will last for years to come.
Testimonials
Douglas RoseFinished pergola is beautiful. Neighbors have commented very positively. View of yard from inside the pergola is difficult to describe. Can 'look through' the pergola lattices, but also 'look' out the 'windows' onto the garden. Very three-dimensional experience. One neighbor said that if he lived in our house, he would sit and read every day in the pergola.
Christine Bullard DBA Complete Building ServicesHello Max, It took awhile but here are some pictures of the beautiful pergola. When were done with the project I would like to send you a better picture. I was great working with you & I’ll e-mail you when it is complete. Thank You.
Dean W Ingram IIIMax & Chris, Thank you both for your help on this project. My 13 year old son & I installed the pergola the day you delivered it. It took us about 6 Hours and it looks great. You can see the completed project here. Fell free to use whatever pictures you like. Thank You.
Lynn & JimThe pergola is the focus of our garden and patio area. It succeeded in bringing it all together as we had hoped! The shade is more than ample. I do not believe that I would change any of the specs or proportions if I had a chance to alter the order. It worked out marvelously and have received tons of compliments! Your attention to detail and quality construction is to be commended. Thank you for a job well done.
Lynne HanrahanThe construction went flawlessly. Everything fit together perfectly, we didn't have to "tap" one purlin or rafter into place, they just seemed to fit. Thank you for all the help and instruction. We absolutely love, love, love it. It seems to fit perfectly on our patio and I know that we will enjoy it for many years to come. We would do this again in a heartbeat! I'm sending you pictures of the process and the finished product.
Jim and Lina P.Max and All the Folks at Baldwin, My wife tells me you fixed the boot on our pergola and even left some extra stain for us. That is excellent service and the reason we purchased it from you. Please accept our sincere thanks, we are loyal customers and your best advertisement.
John PolitoOUTSTANDING JOB!!
Dennis Hosler, Hosler's HomescapesYour pergola went together with ease. We were impressed with the precision and craftsmenship of each piece of the pergola. There was minimal work to align the pieces into there proper position. I wanted to also put a plug in for an opportunity to be an installer of baldwin pergolas and other structures if you needed a crew to install in my location (PA). Thanks again!
John EndicottMax and Chris, Just wanted you to know how pleased I am with the pent roof you designed and fabricated. The fit came out perfectly, installation was easy, it\'s performing as designed (including headroom for my daughter\'s 6\'7\" fiance), and looks great, of course. Many thanks! Best,
Steve and RheaWe are on island and the pergola looks GREAT!!! It is better than we had hoped for and as you know by now, I think it through to the end, so we had high expectations. You have exceeded them all! Thanks for all of the effort and all of the hard work getting this installed in a day. It really adds another dimension to the house, balances it in the yard, and best of all creates a new exterior room to enjoy. The wisteria have been ordered and will be planted in the next couple weeks. Thanks again.
"First, man defines his architecture. Forever after, his architecture defines him."
It's been a tremendous honor to design and build these fantastic structures for our customers. We look forward to upcoming challenges and the beauty they bless us with.
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