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,
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.
Charlie NicolaMax - Thanks for the instructions on assembling the pergola - went together nicely and looks great in our small back yard! Regards, Charlie
Kent WarkentinWow, Chris. I really appreciate your help on this effort. These plans are excellent and will definitely make my job easier. Again, thank you so much for your help. I will send you pictures when we get it all done. This pergola is the centerpiece of the Rosa Parks elementary school's outdoor classroom so it is a big deal to them that we are helping them out.
Dan and Carolyn DeBlasioThe pergola was an easy set up and looks beautiful...just what the yard needed. I will send you pictures. Thanks again.
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
John MasonMax, the Pergola turned out great. No problems with installation and my customer and I are very pleased with the product. I look forward to doing business with you in the future.
Glenn ScottMAX!!!! You are unfriggin believable! This thing went together so easy I still can't believe it. Especially when I went to measure down 28 inches on the posts to set the gussets and found that you had already put lines there.....Your attention to detail was great. This whole thing slid together. I didn't have to touch one piece with anything but my hands. The most labor intensive part was screwing down all the purlins at the end.
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.
Mitch DavisDear Mr. Baldwin, The Pergola is everything I had hoped for and exactly what I ordered. You did an AWESOME Job and the masons are almost finished with the stone work. I will send pictures when the setting is complete. You may post them on your website. My hearty thanks. it was right on time and my project is continuing as scheduled.
"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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