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
JonathanChris, Max Here is a picture (it looks pretty much just like the rendering you sent me) - obviously without the railings. I'll send you a better picture when it is all done in the end. Thanks again for everything. Customer and his wife are VERY happy with the pergola. Customer is one of my most repetitive clients, and I have never seen him soo happy about a project.
Sonja Hansen and Dennis Szabaday in Nashua, NHGreetings! Attached are photos of our Baldwin Pergola which we love. We are very happy. Here are photos showing what it looks like when we hang the colored sheets up for added shade - very festive and inexpensive. Thank you again!
Dennis HoslerI am putting in the patio with the dimension to fit the pergola on top. Thanks for your responses. You have good customer service. Your website looks great. Keep in touch with anything new or upcoming. God bless.
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.
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.
Molly and Dave Stanley at Stanley Ranch, AZ.And here's how it looked at noon today. Mark said it went together very well, and they enjoyed working with your work. It surely has already made a wonderful difference in the quality of light coming into that entry room, as well as the overall looks on the house. We are very pleased with your good work and are planning a larger square pergola on another house at the ranch about this time next year.
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!
Ralph DeFalcoHello Max and Matt, I ordered a pergola from you in 2013 and have been just delighted with it. Looks great and is very easy to maintain with an annual pressure wash. See the enclosed pic of the pergola in the 'Low Garden.'
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.
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.
"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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