Quick question for everyone: did any of you replace sliding glass doors at the same time as your windows? My home has the original 90s aluminum slider to the backyard, and I figure if I’m bringing in a window contractor, maybe I should do that door too.
Do the window companies like Karoly/Pro Tech handle doors as well, and is it worth doing together?
@geek888 Yep! I had my sliding glass door replaced at the same time as my windows. Many window contractors (including Karoly and Pro Tech) will do doors as well – it’s in their name “Windows & Doors” after all. 😉
I did everything together to kill two birds with one stone. The crew took out the old windows and my rusty patio slider in the same project. In my case, Karoly Windows & Doors did the work, and they even gave me a slight discount for doing multiple items at once (they called it a package price).
It was definitely worth doing together. The new slider door is hurricane-rated just like the windows, and it seals way better – no more drafts. Plus, only one installation appointment and one day of disruption instead of separate jobs. If you can budget it, I’d say go for both.
@geek888 I didn’t replace my sliders when I did my windows (trying to save some cash at the time). Now I kind of regret it. The contrast between my new windows and the old drafty patio door is noticeable.
I’m probably going to call the contractor back to do the door soon. In hindsight, it would have been easier (and maybe cheaper) to do it all at once like @jroberts86 suggested. So if you can swing it, do the door along with the windows. You won’t regret it!
Our impetus to replace windows came after Hurricane Irma a few years back. We had a couple of cracked panes (and a ton of stress) after that storm. Insurance was going to cover repairs, and we decided to pay the difference and do a full replacement with impact windows.
One thing I’ll add: choosing a contractor who is familiar with the insurance claim process was super helpful. We went with a local company (Pro Tech Windows & Doors) that had handled storm damage cases. They provided detailed quotes and documentation that my insurance company needed. It made the whole claim go smoother.
The end result: new impact windows throughout, and we feel much safer going into each hurricane season now. Kind of a “silver lining” situation from a bad storm. 🌩️
A benefit of choosing the right windows/contractor that hasn’t been emphasized enough: noise reduction. We live near a busy road (and not far from TPA’s flight path). Before, our old single-pane windows let in every truck rumble and plane roar.
We chose to install laminated impact windows (for storm protection primarily), and an unexpected plus is how much quieter our house is now. The contractor mentioned it in passing, but experiencing it was mind-blowing – it’s like we got soundproofing done.
So if noise is a concern where you live, bring it up when selecting your windows. Some types of glass and installation methods can really help. It’s not just about storms and energy, but peace and quiet too. 😌
Also, on a security note – those hurricane impact windows have an extra benefit: they’re tough for intruders to break. I sleep easier knowing someone can’t just smash a window and climb in easily.
Our contractor demoed how the laminated glass holds together even when cracked. Pretty impressive. It’s not something I initially thought about when window shopping, but now that they’re in, I feel a lot safer at home.
Small but satisfying perk: new windows did wonders for our home’s curb appeal. We replaced old crank jalousie windows on our porch (they were an eyesore and barely functional). The new clean-looking windows instantly modernized the appearance of the house.
Our neighbors literally came over to say how much nicer the place looks now. 😅 So aside from all the practical benefits, a good window upgrade with the right style can really boost your home’s looks.
If your home has a certain architectural style, mention it to the contractor – they can often recommend window designs or grid patterns that complement it. Ours helped us pick a style that matches the mid-century vibe of our house.
@language381 Haha, I hear you on the curb appeal. My spouse was on the fence about the expense until I showed how much better new windows would look. Once we had them installed, even our skeptical neighbor complimented the upgrade!
It’s great when something can be both functional and good-looking.
From all these replies, it seems like a couple of contractor names just keep popping up (in a good way!). Always nice to have a consensus from actual homeowners.
I know who I’ll be calling when it’s time for my project. 😉
So for someone in the market now, it sounds like the top two recommendations are Karoly Windows & Doors and Pro Tech Windows & Doors. For those who got quotes from both, what made you choose one over the other?
They both seem really well-regarded here (which is awesome). Is it just about price? Or did you find one specializes in something the other doesn’t? I’m trying to decide who to call first for my window project.