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
Troy GordonThe guys just left and the pergola looks great! Thanks so much! ... The guys were great and everything looks super!
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.
Dan and Carolyn DeBlasioThe pergola was an easy set up and looks beautiful...just what the yard needed. I will send you pictures. Thanks again.
Joe TanYou guys are awesome. Very impressed with the product so far: quality, thoughtfulness, engineering, form and fit and everything. Thank you so much again for taking care of the shipping issue for me - it really speaks volumes to your business integrity.
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.
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.
Charlotte LambertoMax, Thought you'd like to see the finished product. We are extremely pleased with our new pergola, and enjoy it almost every evening. Thank you, and have yourself a great rest of the summer!
Bill SchlaepferMax I want to thank you for the promptness with which you handled this problem. The way you have handled this speaks volumes about the quaility of your company. I would not hesitate doing business with you again. Thanks again.
Bill AdamsMax, The pergolas arrived right on time and with all needed material. I have two of the units installed and one to go. I can see that a lot of thought went into the design and production. The units are going up with only modest adjustments to fit some job site pecularities. Excellent workman ship. I am very very happy with the product.
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!
"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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