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
Wendy NeeseI had been working with Diane on having some custom draperies made for our tropical patio covers which are called Palapas. She made one set last summer, and we liked them so much we had another set made this summer. They turned out quite nice and I thought you might want to see some of the pictures I took. I was so glad to have found your website on the internet. We can now actually use our outside table to eat dinner. Prior to having our draperies we had the setting sun right in our eyes. Thank you for the awesome product! Diane does really great work!
Bill SchlaepferMax I want to thank you for the promptness with which you handled this problem. The way you have handled this speaks volumes about the quaility of your company. I would not hesitate doing business with you again. Thanks again.
Duane DottaWe are extremely pleased. If there is any picture that I haven't taken and you need one a special way, Don't hesitate to call or write. Max made everything easy for us, make sure he sees these pictures.
Alan LuuI completed the project and like to share some of the pictures with you. Everything was putted together nicely with all your works already in place. Thanks for a job well done.
Dan HarmonBefore I made my purchase decision, I did get a quote from a local, highly-regarded pergola constructor. Baldwin's price was lower, and from what I've seen, I think the quality is higher. In summary, I'm pleased with how the pergola came out, and satisfied that I choose Baldwin as my supplier.
Carol GarintherDear Max, The pergolas look great! The addition of rope lights was the key to the whole look. Thanks again.
Tim, Cathy, and Elizabeth.The Pergola looks wonderful! The arches came out great. This is exactly what we were looking for. We spent most of the day yesterday putting it together and finished late afternoon. It went together smoothly and everyone helped. We had fun setting it up. Thanks for spending the day with us and working with us through all of this. We love it!
Kevin ToomeyHi Max, The pavilion is looking excellent. We're really happy with our choice and your guys have worked very hard to get things just right. Thanks
PaulHi Max The pergola is awesome. It really fills a design flaw and completes the section of the house where it sits. We moved a table out and enjoyed dinner under the pergola facing the garden last night. You guys did a great job and the quality of your work is outstanding. Please let me know if I can ever be a reference. I will also try and get you some pictures when we get some good sun on the project. Thanks again
JonathanChris, Max Here is a picture (it looks pretty much just like the rendering you sent me) - obviously without the railings. I'll send you a better picture when it is all done in the end. Thanks again for everything. Customer and his wife are VERY happy with the pergola. Customer is one of my most repetitive clients, and I have never seen him soo happy about a project.
"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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