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
Lynn & JimThe pergola is the focus of our garden and patio area. It succeeded in bringing it all together as we had hoped! The shade is more than ample. I do not believe that I would change any of the specs or proportions if I had a chance to alter the order. It worked out marvelously and have received tons of compliments! Your attention to detail and quality construction is to be commended. Thank you for a job well done.
Susan HallHey Max, I thought you would enjoy these. Feel free to use them. Anytime you have someone in the area that would like to see a pergola. I am happy to show them ours. Thanks so much it is absolutely beautiful!!! I just added it to HGTV. I am sending you a link so you can see. Enjoy!
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.
Joe TanYou guys are awesome. Very impressed with the product so far: quality, thoughtfulness, engineering, form and fit and everything. Thank you so much again for taking care of the shipping issue for me - it really speaks volumes to your business integrity.
Pat and Joe PifkoTo Max and all the folks at Baldwin Pergolas who contributed to the creation and installation of our beautiful pergola - Thank you, thank you, thank you! Not only did you get the job done right on schedule and in time for our wedding, but the craftsmanship is impeccable. You are all very talented and deserving of great success.
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!
Terry McKinneyMax, I wanted to drop you a line on the pergola. I have received nothing but rave reviews on this "magnificent structure". All of our expectations have been meet and exceeded - your shop has done a great job. We are celebrating an engagement and it will get a lot of usage during that party. Thanks again for your commitment on getting it here as you promised. We will look forward to many years of enjoyment.
Terry CleavelandYou had asked me to send you some photos and I'm just getting around to it. Installation was smooth and we weren't missing any pieces. Good instructions. We love it. I installed rope lighting and it really pops at night.
Pat D'AuriaWe have gotten lots of compliments for our pergola and we love it.
"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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