The previous columns in our Fiberglass Window series were about strength and efficiency properties as they apply to the use of fiberglass. Fiberglass enables windows to handle anything the demanding climate changes in New England throws at them. It is important to note that in New England, other materials such as vinyl don't perform well over time. Not only does fiberglass outperform other materials in strength, fiberglass also overachieves in its beauty!

While window energy efficiency and performance play a primary role in the decision making process for most condominium associations, a beautiful window matters just as much—if not more—to the person who has to live with it day in and day out. Windows made of fiberglass age gracefully, which is critical for those who think about the resale value of their home further down the road.

It is difficult to find a solution that will be all things to all people, but fiberglass might just be the thing! As the representative of the buying process for your association, if your buying decision is made solely based on performance or aesthetics — the critics will be sure to let you know. Fiberglass offers a solution that can give you the best of both worlds — beauty and strength!

Just as you would get all of the facts about your upcoming window purchase for u-values, ease of operation, cleaning and investment — the same level of homework needs to go into selection process for a window that adds charm and value to your home.

Manufacturer websites and catalogs are great ways to gather the factual information and pretty pictures, but the best way to make a well informed decision regarding your visual likes and dislikes of a significant purchase such as windows is to see them up close and personal. Find out who your local window retail dealers are and pay them a visit. Ask them to show you around the windows and come prepared with questions.

When it comes to fiberglass, you want to be sure that the manufacturer has done a good job creating a window that to the naked eye looks like wood. Some other things to look for are: clean-smooth corners, narrow profiles that create large glass area to allow more light in and not obstruct your views, a color selection that is appropriate for your project, and easy operation so that the windows don't get banged up when opening and closing them. Another wonderful aspect of fiberglass windows is that you can paint them, something you cannot do with aluminum or vinyl. If you cannot get to the retailer, have them come to you and do a presentation with samples for your entire board to review. A reputable company will jump at the chance to assist you.

Fiberglass frames: more glass and better views

There are a few basic options that should be available to choose from when it comes to the grille design of your windows. If you are looking for easy cleaning — grilles between the glass (GBG) are a wonderful opportunity to incorporate a more traditional, homey feel to your window. They should have a profile that makes them look more attractive and be secured properly between the panes of glass to ensure they do not move. For those looking for a more authentic traditional look, a simulated divided lite (SDL) option will give you just that. Divided lite patterns can really make a statement. Whether you are looking to replace what you have or make a change to Rectangular, Prairie, Cottage or maybe no lite cuts at all, these are options you want to be sure are available to you.

Color is also important. Most condominium associations look for neutral, earth tone colors. Keep in mind that while some of the brighter colors may look great on a house, that may not be the case with a large building. Take the time to understand the color combination available between the interior and exterior. This can often times be a surprise. If you select an exterior color of bronze with grilles of any type, you want to be sure that they are bronze to the exterior, but more than likely white to the interior. Not all companies provide a split option.

Condominiums built 10 years or more ago are now experiencing the effects of the sun, cold, wind, sand and salt. They have faded or look chalky, because vinyl (which was primarily what was available back then) and other products simply aren't able to withstand the extreme changes in our environment.

The sun will play a major role in how a window looks long-term depending on the material from which it is made. Vinyl windows will spot, streak and crack, and once they do there is little that you can do to help them. Painting vinyl can worsen the situation by causing it to distort even further. This will be especially pronounced with dark colors. Fiberglass on the other hand will not spot, streak or crack. In addition, fiberglass won't chip or dent like aluminum, making it simply a much more attractive solution.

Temperature fluctuations are a critical aspect to the long-term look of a window. The good news is, these fluctuations have no impact on fiberglass. All windows will naturally expand with extreme heat and cold swings. The problem lies with the different rates at which the frame and glass expand and contract.

Because fiberglass is just that -— glass — it will expand and contract along with the window glass. This keeps the seals intact (providing they have been installed correctly), which will keep moisture from entering between the pieces of glass, which causes the windows to fog up. Vinyl is another situation altogether. Vinyl will heat up and expand far faster then glass and contract far more quickly when it cools down, making the seals weak.

With so much to consider when making a window replacement decision, the best word of advice is to not go it alone. Find a reputable manufacturer, retail dealer and installer if you do not have someone you employ through your association. Each step is important to the overall lasting success of selecting a window that is energy efficient, beautiful and will be both — for a very long time.