@history_gandalf Absolutely agree – sometimes the cheapest quote can cost you more later. I encountered one guy who quoted super low, and my gut feeling was “this is too good to be true.” I later heard a neighbor had a bad experience with that same guy. Dodged a bullet there.
And good point on the crew being in-house. My installers were employees of the company as well, and you could tell they really took pride in their work.
We’ve built a great list of questions to ask and things to verify from everyone’s input here. I almost feel like we could compile a checklist from this thread, haha. 😄 It’s truly been a group effort.
This might be a bit off-topic, but does anyone know if there are any rebates or tax credits for replacing windows? I remember hearing something about an energy efficiency credit. With how much these projects cost, every bit helps!
@science536 Yes! Starting in 2023, there’s a federal tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements, which includes windows. If the windows you install meet ENERGY STAR criteria, you can claim 30% of the cost of the windows (product only, not installation) as a credit on your taxes, up to $600 per year. It’s not huge, but hey, $600 is $600. You’ll need to keep your product receipts and get a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement (a document from the window manufacturer stating the windows qualify). Come tax time, you file IRS Form 5695 to claim it.
Florida doesn’t have a state rebate for windows that I know of, but sometimes utility companies have efficiency programs (though it’s more common for AC units or insulation than windows). Also, check if your county offers any incentives for hurricane mitigation – some places had grants or low-interest loans for hardening homes, and impact windows could qualify as hardening.
So definitely take advantage of the federal credit. I did this for my project this year and it was a nice little bonus when I did my taxes. 😎
I’ve got a question for the group: has anyone attempted a DIY window replacement in this area? I’m pretty handy (I built my own shed and have done my own drywall), and the thought of saving on labor costs is appealing. But I’m not sure about the permitting and whether a homeowner can even do their own impact window install by code. Part of me says leave it to the pros because of the warranty and all, but I’m curious if anyone here went the DIY route or knows someone who did.
@film_mocha I strongly considered DIY for about 5 minutes, then thought better of it 😅. In Florida, you (as the homeowner) actually can pull a permit and install your own windows (assuming it’s your homestead property), but you still have to get everything inspected and up to code. The tricky part is that impact windows are heavy and must be installed exactly according to manufacturer specs (specific screws, spacing, shims, etc.). If you mess something up, you could fail inspection or, worse, compromise the window’s performance in a storm.
I’m pretty handy too, but I wasn’t willing to risk a very expensive product on my mediocre install skills. Also, manufacturers often only honor the warranty if a licensed contractor installs the window. If you DIY and something goes wrong, you might eat the cost.
That said, I have a friend in north Florida (less strict codes) who replaced a couple small windows himself (non-impact) and it went OK, but even he hired pros when it came to the big openings.
So my take: unless you’re extremely confident and maybe have a friend in the trade to help, it’s best to hire professionals for this, especially in wind-borne debris regions like Tampa Bay. The stakes are high if an installation is poor (water intrusion, etc.). Save your DIY energy for projects that won’t affect your home’s structural envelope – just my opinion!
@sky_paws Haha, you sound like me – brave in thought, cautious in action. Thanks for the reality check. You’re right; probably not worth potentially voiding the warranty or failing inspection. I’ll stick to finding a good contractor.
Quick thought on window aesthetics: when I replaced mine, I had to choose whether to have grids (muntins) in the new windows or not. My old windows had those colonial grids, but I opted for clear glass (no grids) on the new ones for a more modern look. Just be aware it can really change the appearance of your house. I love the clear view and it updated the look, but one of my neighbors actually preferred the old grids and was surprised I changed it. If you have an HOA or a historical style to maintain, consider that. Some HOAs in Tampa Bay might require you keep the same look (grids vs no grids). In my case it was fine.
Also, color: I went with white frames (most vinyl windows are white by default), but some companies offer bronze or almond frames. Those sometimes cost more or have longer lead times. So factor that in if you want something other than white. I almost went with bronze for a coastal look, but the extra cost and 4-week longer wait made me stick with classic white.
Does anyone have tips for maintaining these new windows, especially impact ones? For instance, is it OK to pressure wash them or could that damage the seals? And do the moving parts (tracks, locks) need periodic lubrication? I want to protect my investment. I assume using a mild soap on the glass and frames is best rather than harsh chemicals.
@geocacher77 Good questions. Maintenance for modern windows is relatively easy:
Cleaning glass & frames: Avoid pressure washing directly on the windows. High pressure can potentially damage seals or the caulk over time. It’s best to use a regular hose or a bucket of water with a soft sponge/cloth. Mild dish soap and water works great for cleaning the glass and vinyl frames. If using a glass cleaner, avoid anything with strong solvents or abrasives that could scratch.
Tracks and hardware: It’s a good idea to keep the window tracks clean of debris (dirt, dead bugs, etc.). Every now and then, vacuum out the tracks. For lubrication, use a silicone-based spray (not WD-40, which can attract dirt). Once or twice a year I spray a bit of silicone lube on the tracks and rollers and wipe it, which keeps the sliders gliding nicely. Same for the hinges on crank windows or the locks – a tiny spritz of silicone lube keeps them from rusting or sticking.
Inspect caulking: Every year or so, give a quick look at the caulking around the exterior of the windows. Our Florida sun and rain can deteriorate caulk. If you ever see cracks or gaps, re-seal them or call your installer to touch it up. Keeping a good seal prevents any water intrusion.
Hurricane prep: Impact windows don’t need any special prep (that’s the beauty of them), but it’s still a good idea to make sure they’re closed and locked if a storm is coming (they’re strongest when fully shut). And obviously, for non-impact windows, use your shutters or panels as usual.
Other than that, just normal cleaning. No special treatment is required for impact glass day-to-day. They’re built to handle tough conditions, so normal use and weather is fine. I even asked one installer if I need to do anything about UV on the frames and he said quality vinyl has UV inhibitors and should last for decades without significant fading.
Enjoy the new windows and the fact that you won’t have to do much maintenance on them at all!
@zshadow38 Awesome, thank you! Good call on the silicone spray – I wouldn’t have thought of that. I’ll be gentle with them and hopefully they’ll stay like new. 😁