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
Ellen BowenWe love our beautiful pergola! It's exactly what we wanted and we're really enjoying it. We've planted yellow Leverkusen roses and pink lemonade honeysuckle around the posts.
Joe HollandThe Pergola is GREAT! What a difference it makes to the house ... inside and out. The height (for this sized Pergola) seems like it is matched up perfectly. The effect is a room outside the house. Let's see how many 'Wow's' we get Friday night. You should have left some of your business cards. My daughter (Sarah) loved the butterfly joint!
Jeff LauferMax, Thanks for all your help. Installed pergola yesterday. Looks great.
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!
Carla AvilaHi Max- everyone loves the pergola - its really great--thank you. And the chairs are so comfortable.
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
Jon ZHi Click, I mean Max! You were right, 7" falls exactly where we were hoping it would on the siding. No chganges necessary, You are the king of pergolas!
Nathan MrozThe pergola looks great!
Carol GarintherDear Max, The pergolas look great! The addition of rope lights was the key to the whole look. Thanks again.
Michael DivittoNothing but rave reviews on the pergola. You really out did yourself.
"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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