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
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.
Steve and RheaWe are on island and the pergola looks GREAT!!! It is better than we had hoped for and as you know by now, I think it through to the end, so we had high expectations. You have exceeded them all! Thanks for all of the effort and all of the hard work getting this installed in a day. It really adds another dimension to the house, balances it in the yard, and best of all creates a new exterior room to enjoy. The wisteria have been ordered and will be planted in the next couple weeks. Thanks again.
Tom PetrelliIt is awesome.
Glenn Scott of ArizonaAgain I would like to say thanks, dealing with you has been a distinct pleasure. In my line of work it is really refreshing to know there are honest reputable people still around.
Jim and Lina P.Max and All the Folks at Baldwin, My wife tells me you fixed the boot on our pergola and even left some extra stain for us. That is excellent service and the reason we purchased it from you. Please accept our sincere thanks, we are loyal customers and your best advertisement.
James ShawThe pergola arrived safely, heck of a box you guys made. I fabricated the roof mounts, got the ledger installed, installed the columns and support beam - and wouldn't you know it... The rafters fit perfectly! I'd say it's a great success. 100% level and square - but took a lot of measuring. Thanks again! I'll send you guys some pics when I finish up and have the lights and fans installed. Just wanted to thank you for a heck of a product, I am very pleased.
Troy GordonThe guys just left and the pergola looks great! Thanks so much! ... The guys were great and everything looks super!
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,
Mr. EvansMy wife loves the fine details and I love the natural beauty of the cedar. Nice job. My neighbors are envious. Thanks for everything from the Evans in sunny Colorado!
Minh VuThere is still landscaping to do but I thought you would like to see the completed pergola on location. The quality and packing were quite excellent and I've received rave reviews about the pergola from neighbors.
"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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