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
Dennis HoslerI am putting in the patio with the dimension to fit the pergola on top. Thanks for your responses. You have good customer service. Your website looks great. Keep in touch with anything new or upcoming. God bless.
Mara CruzWe love it! Your assistance and patience during our installation was greatly appreciated.
Eric BarberioOur pergola looks remarkably good, the site, the positioning, the strength, the aesthetics, the measurements are all essentially perfect. My wife doesn't just like the pergola, she loves it! Thank you again.
Monica NakelskiAs I mentioned to you, we never thought we would be discussing another pergola within 7 years but it is a testament to the quality of your product and service that we did not even consider contacting anyone else. Should we ever build another house, it will be pergola #3 ! Thanks again
Daniel CarmanThe pavers have been laid for the terrace and sidewalks. Almost a year and half has gone into this phase of my yard transformation. Your pergola Fits into the picture just right. Thanks so much for the help! Dan
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!
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!
Jon & BethanyUploaded the final pictures. Came out great! My neighbor is now pricing out a patio so he can have a Baldwin Pergola on his property. Thanks again guys - very impressed with the quality and service of your company. The fit and finish is impeccable and we couldn't be happier. I'll be sure to recommend Baldwin in the future!
Jim and Lina P.Max and All the Folks at Baldwin, My wife tells me you fixed the boot on our pergola and even left some extra stain for us. That is excellent service and the reason we purchased it from you. Please accept our sincere thanks, we are loyal customers and your best advertisement.
Troy GordonThe guys just left and the pergola looks great! Thanks so much! ... The guys were great and everything looks super!
"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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