Colorado homeowners face window challenges most of the country never experiences. Between hailstorms that can damage cars, UV exposure 25 percent stronger than at sea level, and temperature swings that can exceed 40 degrees in a single day, windows here must be built for extremes.
When comparing fiberglass and wood windows for Colorado homes, the decision goes far beyond appearance or initial cost. It’s about choosing materials that protect your investment and maintain performance through decades of Front Range weather.
Let’s look at how these two window materials perform under Colorado’s demanding conditions — and what to consider before making your choice.
Understanding Fiberglass Windows in Colorado
The Fiberglass Promise
Fiberglass windows are marketed as
low-maintenance and
durable. Materials such as
Ultrex® fiberglass (used in
Infinity from Marvin®) offer dimensional stability and minimal expansion or contraction across temperature swings.
The Colorado Reality
Fiberglass performs well overall but has some considerations in high-altitude environments:
- Acrylic Finish Exposure: Fiberglass products such as Infinity use an acrylic-capped finish for color stability. Under intense UV radiation, these surfaces can gradually chalk or fade over many years.
- Repair Limitations: When fiberglass finishes are damaged by hail or impact, repairs may remain slightly visible depending on color and texture. Simulated wood interiors like
EverWood® cannot be sanded or refinished like real wood.
- Thermal Performance: Fiberglass provides good insulation but lacks the natural thermal mass of wood, which can moderate interior temperature fluctuations.
Wood Windows: Beyond the Maintenance Myths
The Old Reputation
For years, homeowners associated wood windows with high maintenance. Today’s products are very different.
Modern Wood Window Reality
Engineered wood systems — especially
aluminum-clad wood windows — have transformed durability and upkeep expectations:
- Aluminum-Clad Protection: Premium lines such as
Marvin Signature® Ultimate feature extruded aluminum exteriors that completely shield the wood frame from the elements.
- Advanced Engineering: Engineered lumber, factory-applied sealants, and moisture barriers drastically reduce the maintenance once required for wood.
Refinishable Beauty: Real wood interiors can be sanded, stained, or repainted to look new even after decades of use.
Colorado Climate Performance Comparison
Hail Resistance
- Fiberglass: Acrylic-finished fiberglass can occasionally show cracking or surface marks after severe hail. Some repairs may be visible.
- Aluminum-Clad Wood: Extruded aluminum provides exceptional hail resistance; minor dents can often be repaired or are barely noticeable.
UV and Sun Exposure
- Fiberglass: High-altitude UV can gradually fade or chalk acrylic finishes. Infinity from Marvin includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty for the original homeowner.
- Aluminum-Clad Wood: AAMA 2605-rated finishes withstand strong UV exposure and carry 20-year warranties against fading and chalking.
Temperature Extremes
- Fiberglass: Dimensionally stable but can feel brittle in deep cold; rapid swings may stress the finish over time.
Aluminum-Clad Wood: Combines wood’s natural insulation with aluminum’s exterior toughness for consistent structural integrity.
Real-World Colorado Example: The Parker Hailstorm
During a recent hailstorm in Parker, a homeowner had a mix of fiberglass windows (Infinity) on the north side and aluminum-clad wood (Ultimate) on the south and west.
The Results:
- Fiberglass units showed small cracks in the acrylic finish requiring professional touch-up.
- Aluminum-clad units had only light marks that were buffed out during routine maintenance.
Both systems protected the home, but the aluminum-clad frames needed less post-storm repair and retained their appearance longer.
(Results may vary by installation and exposure.)
Maintenance Reality Check
Fiberglass Windows
Marketing: “Virtually maintenance-free.”
Reality:
- Acrylic finishes still require cleaning and inspection.
- Surface repairs can be noticeable.
- Hardware and seals need periodic maintenance.
- Color changes cannot be made after manufacturing.
Aluminum-Clad Wood Windows
Marketing: “High maintenance.”
Reality:
- Exterior aluminum cleans like fiberglass.
- Interior wood can be touched up or fully refinished.
- Nearly unlimited color and finish options.
Professional refinishing can restore decades-old units.
Comparing Marvin’s Two Approaches: Fiberglass and Aluminum-Clad Wood
Marvin Signature® Ultimate (Aluminum-Clad Wood)
- Real wood interiors that can be refinished
- 20-year exterior finish warranty (AAMA 2605 standard)
- Extensive customization options
- Strong resistance to hail, UV, and temperature extremes
- Excellent long-term value retention
Infinity from Marvin® (Fiberglass)
- Ultrex® fiberglass frame for strength and stability
- EverWood® interior for a wood-like appearance
- Limited Lifetime Warranty for the original homeowner
Clean, low-maintenance design ideal for standard replacements
Investment Perspective: The 20-Year View
| Fiberglass (Infinity) | Aluminum-Clad Wood (Ultimate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Lower upfront investment | Higher initial investment |
| Finish Warranty | Limited Lifetime (frame/finish) | 20 years (AAMA 2605 finish) |
| Repairability | Surface repairs possible; may remain visible | Refinishable interior; exterior touch-ups rarely needed |
| Longevity | 20–25 years typical | 30+ years typical |
| Resale Impact | Moderate | High, due to premium materials |
While the upfront price differs, the lifetime cost gap often narrows once you factor in maintenance, refinishing potential, and energy efficiency over 20 years or more.
Making the Right Choice for Your Colorado Home
Choose Aluminum-Clad Wood If:
- You’re staying long-term.
- Your home faces frequent sun, wind, or hail.
- You value authentic materials and custom design.
- You want the strongest protection against Colorado’s extremes.
Consider Fiberglass If:
- You need strong performance at a moderate cost.
- You’re planning to sell within 10 years.
- You prefer standard sizes and low-maintenance finishes.
Why Colorado Builders and Homeowners Favor Clad-Wood
Colorado architects and builders often specify aluminum-clad wood windows for high-end or long-term projects. The reason is simple: they withstand Colorado’s climate for decades while maintaining timeless beauty.
At Five Seasons Windows & Doors, we’ve seen the same pattern among homeowners. Those who choose Marvin Signature® Ultimate consistently report greater satisfaction, durability, and lasting value compared with mid-range fiberglass alternatives.
Ready to Protect Your Colorado Home?
Contact
Five Seasons Windows & Doors today for an expert consultation. We’ll assess your home’s exposure, explain the differences in performance and warranty, and help you choose windows that look stunning and stand strong for decades.
Get Started Today
Five Seasons Windows & Doors is Colorado’s top-rated local window company with 230+ 5-star reviews. We offer expert advice, no-pressure quotes, and flexible project options — including phased installs. Schedule your consult today.
