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
Patrick DMy 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 Pat D
Chuck KrickMax, We couldn't be any happier with our new Baldwin pergola. We get a lot of jaw dropping when people see the project and they are drawn to the pergola. The service and quality you provided was outstanding. Our landscaper and his assistant did the construction of the pergola in only 4 hours. It's amazing the "warm" feel the structure provides even though it is so open. My wife and I sit out and chat for hours every night. Looking forward to ordering some Adirondack chairs soon. Regards, Chuck Krick
Dean W Ingram IIIMax & Chris, Thank you both for your help on this project. My 13 year old son & I installed the pergola the day you delivered it. It took us about 6 Hours and it looks great. You can see the completed project here. Fell free to use whatever pictures you like. Thank You.
Lynne HanrahanThe construction went flawlessly. Everything fit together perfectly, we didn't have to "tap" one purlin or rafter into place, they just seemed to fit. Thank you for all the help and instruction. We absolutely love, love, love it. It seems to fit perfectly on our patio and I know that we will enjoy it for many years to come. We would do this again in a heartbeat! I'm sending you pictures of the process and the finished product.
Lynn TempleThank you Max! You and your team are awesome and we are proud to have a "new" Baldwin Pergola!
Tom PetrelliThe pergola is up and looks great. You made this task so easy, we really reaped the benefit of your experience. I will send you a photo. Thanks for all your help.
Steve and RheaMax and crew, Rhea and I both want to thank you for a great job and lots of hard work. We are extremely pleased with the pergola, the quality of work and your own personal effort. Architecturally it brings a new dimension to the scale of the existing farmhouse by balancing the composition. Functionally it will bring years and years of enjoyment.
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.
Mr. EvansMy wife loves the fine details and I love the natural beauty of the cedar. Nice job. My neighbors are envious. Thanks for everything from the Evans in sunny Colorado!
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.
"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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