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
Becky HansenThanks Max. I'm glad you like the photos. We enjoyed working with you and your company even though it was long distance! We absolutely love our new outside room and so do neighbors walking by. In fact, I think I'm heading back outside now to enjoy the stars under our pergola. Take care and thanks for an outstanding product.
Christine Bullard DBA Complete Building ServicesMax wrote: I thank you for all the hard work coordinating this complex project. The devil is in the details and together we worked it all out!
Christine Wrote: I feel the same way. The owners are very pleased & it went together like butter. I will get a you a good set of pictures. It was great working with you!
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.
Jonathon SweetI just wanted to let you know that the pergola and railings are installed. Everything came out fabulous. My customers are very happy with what they have now. Thank you very much!
SteveThanks so much, Matt. The craftsmanship of your Pergola is outstanding. My wife and I love it. Thanks again!
Charlie NicolaMax - Thanks for the instructions on assembling the pergola - went together nicely and looks great in our small back yard! Regards, Charlie
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,
Edwin HydeMax, I like those screws you use, haven't seen them in Home Depot. I will upload a picture of the pergola with me resting underneath. It went together really well and things just dropped in - I kept expecting something to go wrong, but it fit together well from start to finish. Thanks for a quality product!
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.
Steve and Rhea SchappacherWe love our house and greatly enjoy the pergola. Every evening is spent under our new outdoor room that the pergola has created. A few photographers have already approached us for use in magazines, I think we will wait until all work has been completed and when the landscape grows in more. All the best, Steve
"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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