Fibreglass windows were first produced in Canada in 1984, were subsequently introduced to the USA and European markets and are becoming increasingly popular. Market studies conducted on behalf of North American manufacturers predict a tenfold increase in the next few years. In the UK, pultruded FRP profiles windows have been available only since the early 2000s.
Pultruded fibreglass windows offer a number of advantages over other types of window systems.FRP profiles have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity that compares favourably with other low conductivity products like PVC or wood. Because of its great strength, profiles can be very thin, thus limiting the potential for cold bridging. Therefore, the thermal performance of the manufactured product is very good.
Pultruded FRP profiles have greater flexural and tensile strengths than other materials used in fenestration. Therefore, they are suitable for large openings without the need for metal reinforcements.