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
Anthony MassaI want to thank you folks, again, for doing such a nice job on the pergola. It really adds to the deck, and I'm sure that we'll really enjoy it in the spring and summer. I'll probably be in touch, some time in the future, regarding retractable canopy shades.
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.
Nathan MrozThe pergola looks great!
Joe HollandThe Pergola is GREAT! What a difference it makes to the house ... inside and out. The height (for this sized Pergola) seems like it is matched up perfectly. The effect is a room outside the house. Let's see how many 'Wow's' we get Friday night. You should have left some of your business cards. My daughter (Sarah) loved the butterfly joint!
Dr. Patrick DeFrancescoMy friend Max you amaze me, a busy business owner reaching out to one customer and providing service. That is not common any longer in this country. This is why US production facilities are far and few between and most going over seas, because someone forgot to pay attention to details. Your attention to detail is unwavering. You are a fine American and the team that works at Baldwin I believe can not be matched. A business is only as strong and passionate at its leader. Hats off once again to you and your wonderful conscientious team. First off please let me know my balance for this amazing piece of art that sits behind my home called pergola. Also would like to investigate the sunshade system for big pergola. Thank you again and again. Happy wife happy life. Peace.
Ralph DeFalcoHello Max and Matt, I ordered a pergola from you in 2013 and have been just delighted with it. Looks great and is very easy to maintain with an annual pressure wash. See the enclosed pic of the pergola in the 'Low Garden.'
Tim, Cathy, and Elizabeth.It was such a beautiful day on Sunday I had my coffee under the pergola and Sunday night we ate dinner under it. We never spent any time out on the patio in the past.
Sonja Hansen and Dennis Szabaday in Nashua, NHGreetings! Attached are photos of our Baldwin Pergola which we love. We are very happy. Here are photos showing what it looks like when we hang the colored sheets up for added shade - very festive and inexpensive. Thank you again!
Minh VuThere is still landscaping to do but I thought you would like to see the completed pergola on location. The quality and packing were quite excellent and I've received rave reviews about the pergola from neighbors.
Missy SiennaI thought I would share with you some of the photos I took tonight of the grape arbor! It looks beautiful--I almost hate to cover it with grapes!
"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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