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
Elba & Edward BorgesThank you so so much for all of the perfect work that you put into our Pergola. Eddy and I love it, it is simply !BEAUTIFUL!, and looks wonderful on our patio. A great reason for wishing for Spring to arrive.
Joe and Terry MitlyngI have been meaning to send you these pictures of our pergola, showing the Shade Tree awnings, for over a year now. The pictures were taken in September this year, about a year after the pergola was first assembled. My brother and I had just finished washing the pergola with Murphy Oil Soap, and it had that wonderful, like new, honey glow.
LisaHi Matt I just wanted to tell you how happy we are with the pavilion. The installers you sent today were wonderful. They did a fantastic job. It truly looks amazing! It's exactly what we wanted and we are so impressed with the quality of the structure. Thank you for the attention you gave to our project. It was a pleasure doing business with you. Thank you.
Tom PetitMatt, I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the new pergola. As a woodworker I appreciate the precision and thoroughness of the kit. I installed the cement pads the previous weekend and did the entire remaining installation in about 6 hours the following weekend with one helper. Very nice looking and I know I am going to enjoy the long term benefits of using a fiberglass products. I will send you a photo as soon as I finish the 10' dining table and benches that I am building to complete the pergola/dining area.
Dan HarmonI was very impressed with how easily the assembly went - the process was intuitive, every part just dropped into place.
James and Marlene HauflerI recently purchased a pergola kit from Baldwin Pergolas. It was a large custom pergola measuring about 16 by 36 feet. I am totally happy with the materials, workmanship, and customer support provided by Baldwin Pergolas. My wife and I were able to assemble the pergola over the course of a few days. (With a little help from two neighbors on the first day.) We found that everything fit together exactly as planned. Everyone who has seen the pergola, including our neighbors, and the building inspector (!), has been very impressed with the design of the pergola, the quality of the materials, and the precision of its construction. Their comments have included "beautiful", "amazing" and quite a few "wows" ! Our experience with Baldwin Pergolas has been completely positive. Their personal commitment to quality shows in everything they do. Thank you, James Haufler Sparks, Nevada
Jeff LauferMax, Thanks for all your help. Installed pergola yesterday. Looks great.
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
Michael & Maria D'AmbroseThe pergola has truly transformed our backyard into an outdoor paradise! We enjoy the hot tub every night. The privacy wall and beautiful drapery makes our pergola a wonderful enclosed outdoor room.
Glenn Scott of ArizonaAgain I would like to say thanks, dealing with you has been a distinct pleasure. In my line of work it is really refreshing to know there are honest reputable people still around.
"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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