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
Steve FlintI set this up by myself in two days (using sawhorses to brace the uprights) and although I'm reasonably handy, I'm no carpenter! All in all it was an excellent experience and my hat's off to you for being able to construct and ship such a good kit. Even considering the shipping costs, there is no way we could have purchased lumber and paid people to construct something like this for the same money. We're considering doing another identical unit in the opposite corner of our courtyard. Well done. And good luck in this economy!
Lee HausmanGood to hear from you. My pergola is doing fine and continues to be a great addition to my house. I had a lot of nice parties under it this year and I'm still collecting compliments about it. I hope you and the business continue to prosper and I look forward to adding some more Baldwin furniture to my collection next spring. Cheers,
Joe and Terry MitlyngI have been meaning to send you these pictures of our pergola, showing the Shade Tree awnings, for over a year now. The pictures were taken in September this year, about a year after the pergola was first assembled. My brother and I had just finished washing the pergola with Murphy Oil Soap, and it had that wonderful, like new, honey glow.
Ted YipThe pergola looks amazing and you and your team went above and beyond the call of duty. I'd also like to thank you for helping to get our kitchen cabinets off the delivery truck and into our driveway. You and your team have been true professionals and I would be glad (and proud) to be a referral in the future. I'll be sure to send pics once the outdoor kitchen is completely installed. Thanks again.
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.
Dennis Hosler, Hosler's HomescapesYour pergola went together with ease. We were impressed with the precision and craftsmenship of each piece of the pergola. There was minimal work to align the pieces into there proper position. I wanted to also put a plug in for an opportunity to be an installer of baldwin pergolas and other structures if you needed a crew to install in my location (PA). Thanks again!
Elba & Edward BorgesThank you so so much for all of the perfect work that you put into our Pergola. Eddy and I love it, it is simply !BEAUTIFUL!, and looks wonderful on our patio. A great reason for wishing for Spring to arrive.
George G. Stumpf, APLDThe pergola is spectacular, and my clients are absolutely thrilled. Just as planned, it totally transforms the patio area into an inviting, dramatic, and complete outdoor space. They are very impressed with the precision of the construction as well. Thank you again!
Douglas RoseFinished pergola is beautiful. Neighbors have commented very positively. View of yard from inside the pergola is difficult to describe. Can 'look through' the pergola lattices, but also 'look' out the 'windows' onto the garden. Very three-dimensional experience. One neighbor said that if he lived in our house, he would sit and read every day in the pergola.
Eric BarberioAs a customer, I would highly recommend your company to others.
"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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