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
Jane Hastay and Peter WeissDear Baldwins, WE LOVE OUR NEW FURNITURE! It is so beautiful, comfortable and functional and it smells good too! We feel like we have a whole new outdoor room on our deck. Thank you for giving us a break on the delivery charges - the fellow who brought the furniture was a very nice young man. We're very happy with our choice. Sincerely,
Nathan MrozThe pergola looks great!
Mara CruzWe love it! Your assistance and patience during our installation was greatly appreciated.
Rachel KiskerThe Baldwin Pergola looked great at the Boston Flower Show- I overheard many wonderful compliments from people in the crowd. I just know that you'll get many orders for it- in red! Thanks for designing such a lovely structure for us.
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!
Carol GarintherDear Max, The pergolas look great! The addition of rope lights was the key to the whole look. Thanks again.
Lou and Barbara RicciMax, the pergola went up in a snap and we are very happy with it. We've recieved many complements already!
Kelly SpencerThe pergola looks beautiful and is getting rave reviews. It took about 7 hours to erect with 2 fairly good hands to help me. Thanks Max, I think I will have more work for you in the future.
Jonathan SweetThanks Max! I'll send you a picture today once we finish the install. It is truly AMAZING how well everything went together, especially considering the custom nature of the job and the need to build it against an existing structure.
Dennis Hosler, Hosler's HomescapesYour pergola went together with ease. We were impressed with the precision and craftsmenship of each piece of the pergola. There was minimal work to align the pieces into there proper position. I wanted to also put a plug in for an opportunity to be an installer of baldwin pergolas and other structures if you needed a crew to install in my location (PA). Thanks again!
"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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