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
Christine Bullard DBA Complete Building ServicesHello Max, It took awhile but here are some pictures of the beautiful pergola. When were done with the project I would like to send you a better picture. I was great working with you & I’ll e-mail you when it is complete. Thank You.
Collette PalmerWe actually put most of it up last weekend. The pergola made such a dramatic difference in the backyard. I'm very happy with the investment.
Steve and RheaMax and crew, Rhea and I both want to thank you for a great job and lots of hard work. We are extremely pleased with the pergola, the quality of work and your own personal effort. Architecturally it brings a new dimension to the scale of the existing farmhouse by balancing the composition. Functionally it will bring years and years of enjoyment.
Carol GarintherDear Max, The pergolas look great! The addition of rope lights was the key to the whole look. Thanks again.
Lynne HanrahanThe construction went flawlessly. Everything fit together perfectly, we didn't have to "tap" one purlin or rafter into place, they just seemed to fit. Thank you for all the help and instruction. We absolutely love, love, love it. It seems to fit perfectly on our patio and I know that we will enjoy it for many years to come. We would do this again in a heartbeat! I'm sending you pictures of the process and the finished product.
Found on Yelp.comhere is nowhere to buy wooden outdoor furniture of the same quality and for the same price. Nowhere! I own at least 8 pieces of Baldwin lawn furniture: two picnic tables with benches, a loveseat, two gorgeous adirondack chairs and a couple of other misc. tables and chairs by the pool. This furniture is so sturdy and dependable - and the design is fabulous! Check out their website, or sit in the furniture in person at North Cove Outfitters in Old Saybrook or at Baldwin in Middletown. You will be 100% sold. Our pieces have weathered wonderfully, and we leave them out year round. In the spring we pull them into the driveway one day and give them a good wash and put a quick restain on them. This is MINIMAL work, I assure you. And the furniture receives compliments from our guests year after year. This is a great family company with a great product. GREAT!
Pat D'AuriaHi Chris, We love the pergola and all our neighbors think it is great. The Baims next door are seriously considering doing one next year. Thanks so much for all your help. Pat
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
Bill SchlaepferMax I want to thank you for the promptness with which you handled this problem. The way you have handled this speaks volumes about the quaility of your company. I would not hesitate doing business with you again. Thanks again.
Dan HarmonMax - i'm forwarding you some pics of the assembled pergola for (address). I am very pleased with how it came out, and all of the friends and neighbors who have seen it have given it rave reviews.
"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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