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
Lee HausmanGood to hear from you. My pergola is doing fine and continues to be a great addition to my house. I had a lot of nice parties under it this year and I'm still collecting compliments about it. I hope you and the business continue to prosper and I look forward to adding some more Baldwin furniture to my collection next spring. Cheers,
Calvin and Elizabeth GoodrichChari, Thanks so much for working with us yesterday! My father dropped the chairs off to our home in Ri yesterday, and this morning we sat out there drinking our coffee discussing future home projects. Just wanted to share a photo of the chairs on our porch. While our porch is not quite completed, lattice, some garden work etc, the products we bought make our home that much nicer of a place to be and relax! Thanks again and have a happy Memorial Day!!
Douglas RoseThe Pergola really is stellar, and your design features really lend themselves to our theme of an American \'Japanese Tea House\' with the layered and staggered entablature, rafter, and purlins. We have shown the Pergola to several neighbors and friends and now they are bringing their spouses and relatives to come look at it and its view overlooking the terraced garden.
Debbie and SteveHi Max and Team, The Pergola exceeded our already high expectations. We thought we had a beautiful garden before. With the Pergola adding the focal point it is now breathtaking. You delivered the Pergola ahead of schedule and did an amazing job in the installation the most important part of which was pinpointing the optimum spot to locate it. If anyone in our area needs a reference we would be more than happy to show our Pergola and provide a glowing recommendation. Thanks Again,
SteveThanks so much, Matt. The craftsmanship of your Pergola is outstanding. My wife and I love it. Thanks again!
Lyra V.We couldn't be happier. My wisteria is going up the columns, and its just stunning. We removed the trees and its just stunning. Thank you so much for all your time and hard work. Sincerely,
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.
Joe and Terry MitlyngWe have had many positive comments on the pergola. It is a beautiful addition to the house. I am glad that we and you took the time to get the shades right. The decisions to mount the shade tracks to the inside of the beams, and to use the plexiglass section next to the house for year around cover when we are not using the shades, were just right. Feeling of pride each time I look at the finished product.
Elizabeth CarneyDear Max, Thanks again. We love the pergola. It's beautiful. We hope everything goes well for you.
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.
"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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