Tampa Bay First-Time Window Replacement

Has anyone here done garage windows or is it just living spaces? I have a window in my garage and was debating replacing it or just sealing it up (maybe turning it into a glass block or something for security).
User12 (handyman, replying): @phill68, I actually converted a garage window to glass block for a client before. The reason was security – they wanted to prevent break-ins. Glass block is strong and non-operable, and still lets light in. It worked for them, but note: it wouldn't count as an "egress" or anything, so if your garage is just a garage, it's fine.

If you want to keep it a regular window, you can certainly replace it with an impact window for security too. Impact glass is pretty darn tough. I'd say it comes down to whether you need that window to open for ventilation or not. Many people just leave garage windows closed, so glass block or even just boarding it up and siding over it (from outside) is an option.

In Florida, garages aren't usually living space, so you have flexibility there. If you do replace it, do impact (for storm protection) or plan to cover it with a shutter when needed.

I'm late to this party but wanted to chime in with a small anecdote: I ended up having to call my window installer back after a week because I thought one window was "leaking" air. Turned out, I just hadn't locked it properly. 🤦 On many double-hung or single-hung windows, you have to lock them to fully seal the window. If it's just slid shut and not locked, there can be a tiny gap that allows draft or whistling wind. Once he showed me that, I felt dumb but also learned a useful thing. Now I always lock the windows even when they're closed, just to make sure they're sealed.
So pro-tip: ask the installer to show you all the features of your new windows – how to open the tilts for cleaning, how to remove screens, any trick to locking, etc. They usually do a quick demo at the end, but if you're overwhelmed you might forget. It's good to know how to use your pricey new windows properly!

I have to give a shoutout to everyone here for the great info. I followed a lot of this advice on my project and it went well.
Just to close the loop on my story: I ended up hiring a local company (not sure if I should name them, but one of the ones frequently mentioned above) and got all impact vinyl windows and an impact sliding door. The install happened last week over two days. The difference is amazing. The AC runs less, the house is quieter, and it just *feels* more secure. We already had our first thunderstorm and I was kind of excited to not hear every raindrop like I used to with the old leaky windows.

The inspector came and passed everything. I got the stickers and warranty info from the installer. Now I'm just waiting on my wind mitigation report to send to insurance and planning to claim the tax credit at year-end as @lindafisher438 reminded.

So to anyone on the fence: yes it's a big investment and a bit of a process, but in Tampa Bay, it's almost a no-brainer if you plan to stay in the house a while.

Slight pivot, but related – what do you all do with old windows after replacement? Does the contractor take them? I have these old aluminum frames and glass and I'm not sure if I can sell them for scrap or something.

@pauls51, typically the contractor will haul away the old windows and dispose of them. Mine did. They often just take them to the dump or recycling. If you specifically want to keep them (some people make greenhouse cold frames or sell the aluminum for scrap), tell them ahead of time. The aluminum isn't worth a ton but you could probably get a little money at a scrap yard if you accumulate enough (I took some aluminum gutter scraps once and got like $10, haha).
The glass is usually not recyclable in curbside programs, but there are facilities that take plate glass. Honestly though, it's easiest to let the pros handle it. They charge you basically for disposal in the quote anyway. One neighbor kept a big old sliding glass door and made a shed window out of it, but that's an unusual case.

A friend of mine insisted on putting in bullet-resistant film on his windows instead of replacing with impact glass. He argued it was cheaper. For Tampa Bay folks reading this, let me clarify: window film is NOT a substitute for impact windows or storm shutters. It can keep glass from shattering everywhere, but it doesn't strengthen the window to keep the wind out if debris hits it.
My friend ended up still having to put up plywood every hurricane threat. After seeing my impact windows, he's now saving up to do the same properly. Just throwing it out there because some people see DIY solutions like security film or lexan panels – those can be supplemental but won't get you the full benefits or code compliance of real impact-rated windows.

For those who did not have any hurricane protection before, get ready to feel a lot less stress this hurricane season. I used to dread every named storm, thinking "ugh, gotta drag out the metal shutters and hope I have all the wingnuts." Now with impact windows and doors, I still monitor the weather (and I do have a couple of plywood pieces for my garage door and such just in case), but I generally feel safer. One less major prep task to worry about.
And don't forget: the garage door itself is another opening to consider in storms. I reinforced mine with a kit a while back. But that's another topic. At least windows and doors will be sorted!

- Final Update: Hello again! I promised an update, and here it is. I went through with the project and it's now complete. Here's how it went down:
- I got 4 quotes. Prices (for 12 windows + 1 patio slider) ranged from $19k to $27k. I chose a local family-run business (yes, one of the sponsors we subtly mentioned here) that quoted about $22k and had great references.
- All windows are vinyl, double-pane, Low-E, argon gas, impact-rated. The patio door is also impact vinyl with dual-pane Low-E.
- Took 3 months from order to installation (supply chain is still a bit slow, but not terrible).
- Installation took 2 days. They had a 4-man crew. Very professional, cleaned up each day.
- Inspector came on day 3, passed everything. He was impressed with the quality of work (shoutout to my awesome installers!).
- The house already feels cooler and quieter as many of you said. Aesthetically, it's like my house got a facelift.
- I did get a wind mitigation inspection after and my insurance premium will drop by about 8% (I'll take it).
- Also filed for the federal tax credit which will give me $1,200 back (I did windows plus door, hitting the max).

I want to sincerely thank everyone here for the advice and encouragement. As a first-timer, I felt way more confident dealing with contractors and making choices because of this thread. This is definitely going to be a sticky thread I bookmark for any fellow Floridian asking about windows.

Cheers, and if anyone in the future has questions, feel free to tag me. I'll stick around these forums. Good luck to all tackling similar projects!

I've gotta agree that vinyl windows can hold up pretty well, but honestly, I think the shading advice might be overstated. My cousin lives in Clearwater and has had vinyl windows completely exposed to direct sun for over a decade - no awnings, no landscaping - and they're still looking decent. Sure, a bit faded, but nothing dramatic. Regular cleaning and caulking checks definitely help, but I wouldn't stress too much about planting trees or installing awnings unless you actually want them anyway...