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
Dr. Patrick DeFrancescoMy friend Max you amaze me, a busy business owner reaching out to one customer and providing service. That is not common any longer in this country. This is why US production facilities are far and few between and most going over seas, because someone forgot to pay attention to details. Your attention to detail is unwavering. You are a fine American and the team that works at Baldwin I believe can not be matched. A business is only as strong and passionate at its leader. Hats off once again to you and your wonderful conscientious team. First off please let me know my balance for this amazing piece of art that sits behind my home called pergola. Also would like to investigate the sunshade system for big pergola. Thank you again and again. Happy wife happy life. Peace.
Debbie and SteveHi Max and Team, The Pergola exceeded our already high expectations. We thought we had a beautiful garden before. With the Pergola adding the focal point it is now breathtaking. You delivered the Pergola ahead of schedule and did an amazing job in the installation the most important part of which was pinpointing the optimum spot to locate it. If anyone in our area needs a reference we would be more than happy to show our Pergola and provide a glowing recommendation. Thanks Again,
David PetersonI am very happy with your product and now know where to go when I need a pergola. It was a pleasure speaking with you and I wish you much success with your growing business.
PaulHi Max The pergola is awesome. It really fills a design flaw and completes the section of the house where it sits. We moved a table out and enjoyed dinner under the pergola facing the garden last night. You guys did a great job and the quality of your work is outstanding. Please let me know if I can ever be a reference. I will also try and get you some pictures when we get some good sun on the project. Thanks again
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.
Tom PetitMatt, I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the new pergola. As a woodworker I appreciate the precision and thoroughness of the kit. I installed the cement pads the previous weekend and did the entire remaining installation in about 6 hours the following weekend with one helper. Very nice looking and I know I am going to enjoy the long term benefits of using a fiberglass products. I will send you a photo as soon as I finish the 10' dining table and benches that I am building to complete the pergola/dining area.
Troy GordonThe guys just left and the pergola looks great! Thanks so much! ... The guys were great and everything looks super!
Elizabeth CarneyDear Max, Thanks again. We love the pergola. It's beautiful. We hope everything goes well for you.
Rachel KiskerThe Baldwin Pergola looked great at the Boston Flower Show- I overheard many wonderful compliments from people in the crowd. I just know that you'll get many orders for it- in red! Thanks for designing such a lovely structure for us.
Carol GarintherDear Max, The pergolas look great! The addition of rope lights was the key to the whole look. Thanks again.
"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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