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
MichaelHello Matt, This could not have been easier, and it looks absolutely beautiful! took us just shy of 6 hours to put it up, and my wife is already priming the mahogany caps. wish i had another one to put somewhere! thanks again
Jim JohnsonMax, What's the status on the wood that I ordered for the stairs? By the way, the pergola went up without a hitch. Very nice. Looks great and was a joy to assemble.
Charlotte LambertoMax, Thought you'd like to see the finished product. We are extremely pleased with our new pergola, and enjoy it almost every evening. Thank you, and have yourself a great rest of the summer!
George G. Stumpf, APLDThe pergola is spectacular, and my clients are absolutely thrilled. Just as planned, it totally transforms the patio area into an inviting, dramatic, and complete outdoor space. They are very impressed with the precision of the construction as well. Thank you again!
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!!
Jamie DunstI just want to tell you working with you and putting up the pergola was a pleasure. It went together like a dream and you have obviously put a lot of thought into the design and the way everything fits so well. I must admit, before my neighbor approached me about this project I didn't know what a pergola was, at least not by name. Now I know and it has been great to be part of this project. Thanks for answering all my questions along the way.
Daniel CarmanThe pavers have been laid for the terrace and sidewalks. Almost a year and half has gone into this phase of my yard transformation. Your pergola Fits into the picture just right. Thanks so much for the help! Dan
John EndicottOne of these days, I may be back in touch about a second pergola for the patio in front of my house. I am quite happy with the one you built here, which we use a lot in the summer.
Joe and SteveMax, We are so taken with our pergola. It is the perfect transition from the screened porch to the deck. We are so pleased with the entire transaction. If only we'd had the time spent with the deck people that we spent with you. The results are breathtaking. Take that from someone who works in millimeters.
Molly and Dave Stanley at Stanley Ranch, AZ.And here's how it looked at noon today. Mark said it went together very well, and they enjoyed working with your work. It surely has already made a wonderful difference in the quality of light coming into that entry room, as well as the overall looks on the house. We are very pleased with your good work and are planning a larger square pergola on another house at the ranch about this time next year.
"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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