Fiberglass Windows in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Who Fiberglass Windows Suit

Picture a homeowner who wants slim frames, a paintable surface and a window that does not need much attention once it is in. That person often ends up asking about fiberglass.

Fiberglass is a composite frame, made from glass fibers set in a resin. This page walks through what you are buying, which window styles work, and what to ask an installer. When you want a quote, we can arrange one. Get a Free Quote

Is Fiberglass Right for Your House?

Fiberglass tends to suit a few kinds of homeowners:

• People who like a slimmer frame that leaves more glass showing
• People who want to paint the frames a custom color, now or later
• People who want a low-maintenance frame without the look of plastic
• People who would rather not repaint or reseal often

It may be less suited to a tight budget, since fiberglass often costs more than vinyl. It is also a poor match if you want the look of real, stained wood on the inside. For that, read about wood and clad windows. If price is the main concern, vinyl windows are worth comparing side by side.

What You Are Really Buying

A window is more than its frame. You are paying for the frame, the sash, the glass package, the seals, the hardware and the way it is all put in the wall. Two fiberglass windows from different makers can differ in every one of those parts.

When you compare quotes, ask each installer to name the frame product, the glass package and the hardware. A vague line that only says "fiberglass windows" is not enough to compare. Ask to see a full sample and work the sash yourself.

Choosing a Window Style

Fiberglass frames can be made in most of the common styles. Here is how each one tends to work.

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows have two sashes that slide up and down. They are the classic look on many Michigan houses, and they work well when you want a window that matches what is already on the street.

Casement and Awning Windows

Casements hinge at the side and crank open like a door. Awnings hinge at the top and open outward. Both suit fiberglass well because the frame can stay slim around a sash that closes tight against the frame.

Sliding Windows

Sliders move side to side on a track. They fit wide, short openings and are easy to operate.

Picture Windows

A picture window does not open. It is a fixed pane for light and a view, and it can sit next to windows that do open.

Bay and Bow Windows

Bays and bows project out from the wall and are made of several units joined together. They are larger projects, so ask who handles the seat, the roof cap and the support below.

Garden Windows

A garden window is a small box that sticks out from the wall, with a shelf for plants. Whether it can be made in fiberglass depends on the product line, so ask directly.

What a Clear Quote Lists

Before you accept anything, look for these items in writing:

• The frame material and the specific product
• The glass package, with the number of panes, coatings and any gas fill
• The style of each window and which way it opens
• Screens, locks and hardware
• Removal and disposal of the old windows
• Sealing, insulation and trim, inside and out
• Who applies for any permit

Get every item in writing. Get a Free Quote

Care and Upkeep

Fiberglass is known as a low-maintenance frame. Mild soap, water and a soft cloth handle most cleaning. If you paint the frame, follow the maker's advice on paint type and prep, because the wrong coating can peel. Keep drain openings and tracks clear.

How the Project Goes

Most projects follow the same path:

1. You send a request with the number of windows, your home type and your timing.
2. A local installer reaches out and sets a visit.
3. The installer measures each opening and talks through styles and options.
4. You get a written quote to compare.
5. If you accept, the installer removes the old windows, sets the new ones, seals them and finishes the trim.

Insert Replacement Versus Full-Frame Replacement

An insert replacement keeps the existing frame and trim, and the new window slides into it. It is quicker and leaves more of the wall alone, but the glass area can shrink a little. A full-frame replacement takes the old window out to the studs. It lets the installer check the wall for damage and fix flashing, though it costs more and disturbs more of the finish. The installer who looks at your house can tell you which one fits.

What Moves the Price

No honest figure is possible before someone sees the house. These factors drive a fiberglass quote:

• Window count. More openings mean a bigger total.
• Style and size. Bays, bows and large openings cost more than standard units.
• Glass package. Extra panes, coatings and gas fills add to the price.
• House age and wall type. Brick, siding and older framing need different trim and sealing work.
• Access. Upper-floor windows take more time and equipment.
• Opening changes. Making an opening larger or smaller adds carpentry.
• Permits. Where one is needed, it adds time and cost.

For research-based ranges, read our window replacement cost guide.

Permits in Grand Rapids

The city says most permit types are applied for by a licensed, registered contractor, and that a building permit is needed to change a house's structure. Whether a window swap needs one depends on the work, so call the Development Center at 616-456-4100 and ask. If your home is in a local historic district, exterior work can need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission first, and the city's guidelines book has a section on windows and doors. Ask any contractor about their Michigan license and check it with LARA.

Related Pages

If only one pane is cracked or a seal has fogged, repair may be enough. See window repair and glass replacement. You can also compare vinyl windows or wood and clad windows, or browse all window services in Grand Rapids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Compare Fiberglass Quotes?

Tell us how many windows you have and when you would like to start, and we will arrange a quote from a local installer. You are never required to accept it. Get a Free Quote