When it’s time to replace your home’s windows, the options can feel overwhelming. Vinyl, fiberglass, composite—what’s the difference, and which one delivers the best performance and long-term value?
At BNW Builders, we help homeowners across Richmond, VA make confident choices. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of four of today’s most popular window materials:
- Infinity® from Marvin® Ultrex® Fiberglass
- Vinyl Windows
- Febrex® Composite Windows from Renewal by Anderson
- General Composite Windows
Let’s compare them across key categories that matter most to homeowners: durability, energy efficiency, maintenance, cost, and overall value.
1. Durability and Strength
✅Infinity Ultrex Fiberglass:
Ultrex® fiberglass is 8x stronger than vinyl and resists warping, cracking, and expanding—even in extreme temperatures. It’s pultruded fiberglass, meaning it has a structural integrity similar to steel, making it ideal for long-term performance.
Vinyl Windows:
Vinyl is lightweight and affordable, but it can soften or warp over time—especially in hot or humid climates like Richmond. Not ideal for homes that experience extreme seasonal shifts.
Febrex Composite:
Febrex is a proprietary blend of PVC and wood fibers used by some window brands. It’s more stable than pure vinyl but still not as structurally robust as fiberglass.
Other Composites:
Generic composites vary widely. Many are blends of resin and wood fibers. While better than vinyl in some aspects, they rarely match the strength and rigidity of Ultrex.
2. Energy Efficiency
✅Infinity Ultrex Fiberglass:
Ultrex holds glass securely in place, minimizing seal failures. Combined with ENERGY STAR® glass packages, it helps lower energy bills year-round. The strength allows for narrower frames and more glass—translating to more natural light without sacrificing insulation.
Vinyl:
Many vinyl windows offer energy-efficient glass but the frame’s flexibility may lead to long-term seal failures. Budget options often lack advanced thermal breaks.
Febrex Composite:
Offers better thermal performance than vinyl. Performance depends on window design and glass package offered by the manufacturer.
⚫Other Composites:
Some composites perform well thermally, especially those with insulating cores. However, quality varies widely by brand.
3. Maintenance Requirements
✅Infinity Ultrex Fiberglass:
Ultrex’s factory-applied finish resists fading, peeling, or chalking. No painting, scraping, or refinishing needed. Virtually maintenance-free.
Vinyl:
Also low maintenance, but more prone to discoloration or chalking over time. Difficult to paint or customize if you want a new look.
Febrex Composite:
Low maintenance, but finish durability depends on manufacturer. May require refinishing or touch-ups after years of exposure.
Other Composites:
Similar to Febrex. Many are marketed as low maintenance but can require repainting or refinishing down the line, especially if wood content is high.
4. Cost Comparison
✅Infinity Ultrex Fiberglass:
Sits in the premium tier but offers unmatched strength and long-term value. You’ll likely pay more up front, but benefit from fewer issues and a longer lifespan.
Vinyl:
Generally the least expensive option. Great for short-term budget needs, but may need replacement sooner—especially in tough climates.
Febrex Composite:
Priced between vinyl and fiberglass. A step up from vinyl but not quite at the performance or longevity level of Ultrex.
Other Composites:
Pricing varies widely. Some high-end composites approach fiberglass pricing without delivering equal performance.
5. Overall Value
| Window Type | Durability | Energy Efficiency | Maintenance | Cost | Best For |
| Infinity Ultrex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ | Long-term homeowners, resale value |
| Vinyl | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ | Budget projects, rentals, short-term use |
| Febrex Composite | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ | Moderate budgets with aesthetic goals |
| General Composite | ⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐ | $$–$$$ | Case-by-case basis—buyer must compare |
Why BNW Builders Recommends Infinity® Ultrex® Windows from Marvin®
Being locally owned and operated, BNW Builders has installed thousands of windows and doors across Richmond, VA. When homeowners want a window that lasts decades—not just years—we recommend Infinity® from Marvin® with Ultrex fiberglass. It delivers top-tier performance, timeless style, and long-term peace of mind. And at BNW Builders, you can get fiberglass windows for the price of some of our competitors vinyl windows.
Plus, we back it with expert installation and our Everyday Best Price GuaranteeSM—no high-pressure sales or gimmicks, just real value. We invite you to experience the BNW difference just as other Richmond’s have over the years.
Ready to Compare in Person?
Visit our showroom at 8601 Staples Mill Road in Richmond, VA or schedule a free in-home consultation. We’ll help you compare your options and see firsthand why Ultrex fiberglass is in a class of its own.
👉 Schedule a Consultation
👉 Learn More About Infinity from Marvin®
