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
Troy GordonThe guys just left and the pergola looks great! Thanks so much! ... The guys were great and everything looks super!
Joe and Pat PifkoYou are wonderful! The pergola is spectacular, and we are thrilled. We promise to send pictures of wedding guests enjoying our new "outside room." Thanks again.
Alan LuuI completed the project and like to share some of the pictures with you. Everything was putted together nicely with all your works already in place. Thanks for a job well done.
Jonathon SweetI just wanted to let you know that the pergola and railings are installed. Everything came out fabulous. My customers are very happy with what they have now. Thank you very much!
Douglas RoseThe Pergola really is stellar, and your design features really lend themselves to our theme of an American \'Japanese Tea House\' with the layered and staggered entablature, rafter, and purlins. We have shown the Pergola to several neighbors and friends and now they are bringing their spouses and relatives to come look at it and its view overlooking the terraced garden.
Nathan MrozThe pergola looks great!
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.
John MitchellMax, it does look spectacular in the evenings. One of these days, I'll try for a night photo that shows it off.
Ed MigliaccioThanks Max, We were thrilled with the way everything came out! The pergolas are absolutely stunning and fit our needs perfectly. I especially like the down lights at the fireplace pergola - I tried to get them to come out but the effect is much better at night. Thanks for all of your efforts.
James and Marlene HauflerI recently purchased a pergola kit from Baldwin Pergolas. It was a large custom pergola measuring about 16 by 36 feet. I am totally happy with the materials, workmanship, and customer support provided by Baldwin Pergolas. My wife and I were able to assemble the pergola over the course of a few days. (With a little help from two neighbors on the first day.) We found that everything fit together exactly as planned. Everyone who has seen the pergola, including our neighbors, and the building inspector (!), has been very impressed with the design of the pergola, the quality of the materials, and the precision of its construction. Their comments have included "beautiful", "amazing" and quite a few "wows" ! Our experience with Baldwin Pergolas has been completely positive. Their personal commitment to quality shows in everything they do. Thank you, James Haufler Sparks, Nevada
"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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