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
LisaHi Matt I just wanted to tell you how happy we are with the pavilion. The installers you sent today were wonderful. They did a fantastic job. It truly looks amazing! It's exactly what we wanted and we are so impressed with the quality of the structure. Thank you for the attention you gave to our project. It was a pleasure doing business with you. Thank you.
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.
Becky HansenThanks Max. I'm glad you like the photos. We enjoyed working with you and your company even though it was long distance! We absolutely love our new outside room and so do neighbors walking by. In fact, I think I'm heading back outside now to enjoy the stars under our pergola. Take care and thanks for an outstanding product.
Dan HarmonMax - i'm forwarding you some pics of the assembled pergola for (address). I am very pleased with how it came out, and all of the friends and neighbors who have seen it have given it rave reviews.
Nathan MrozThe pergola looks great!
Dan HarmonI was very impressed with how easily the assembly went - the process was intuitive, every part just dropped into place.
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
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.
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.
Glenn ScottMAX!!!! You are unfriggin believable! This thing went together so easy I still can't believe it. Especially when I went to measure down 28 inches on the posts to set the gussets and found that you had already put lines there.....Your attention to detail was great. This whole thing slid together. I didn't have to touch one piece with anything but my hands. The most labor intensive part was screwing down all the purlins at the end.
"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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