We went through a long decision process on brand and installer. Looked at Pella and Andersen (through their dealers), and also Simonton and PGT (popular Florida brands) via local companies. In the end, we chose a local manufacturer that Karoly Windows works with to make custom vinyl windows for our house in Clearwater. Karoly handled the install too. We got 12 impact double-hung windows custom-sized for our openings. Very happy with the result.
Some thoughts: the big national brands (like Andersen's Renewal line) were excellent quality but extremely expensive. Simonton and PGT offered impact windows more tailored for Florida and were more affordable. The local manufacturer option ended up the best value – essentially we got windows made for our specs without paying for a big brand name markup. Karoly had good things to say about the quality (they wouldn't use them otherwise, I guess) and so far I have no complaints. The windows feel solid and tight. If you trust your installer, their recommendation on products can be valuable. They often know what performs well locally (heat, humidity, storms).
For those who chose vinyl windows, how are they holding up in the Florida heat over time? Any issues with warping or discoloration? I've heard that older vinyl windows could yellow or warp in high heat/sun over many years. I'm hoping the newer vinyl formulations are better, but I'd love to hear from someone who's had theirs for, say, 10+ years in this climate. Are they still looking good and functioning well?
@marketing_becky I can chime in. I had white vinyl windows installed in my Tampa home back in 2008. So it's been about 17 years. Overall, they've held up pretty well. No warping that I've noticed – all the sashes still fit and slide nicely, and we can still lock them fine. The color did dull a tiny bit over time; like, they aren't as bright white as day one, but there's no major yellowing, just a slight off-white tint now. But you really only notice if you put something pure white next to the frame.
I think the key is to get windows from a reputable manufacturer (mine were Simonton, a decent brand). Also, vinyl technology has improved, and many have UV inhibitors in the material to prevent sun damage. Our south-facing windows get brutal sun and they're okay. So I'd say vinyl is generally durable here, as long as it's good quality. Just avoid the really cheap off-brand stuff. And if you have a dark color vinyl (some newer ones are black or bronze vinyl), I'm not sure if those fade more or not – might be something to ask. But white/beige vinyl seems to last fine.
I'll mention another consideration: One company tried to upsell me on triple-pane windows for "ultimate efficiency". Honestly, in our Florida climate, triple-pane is usually overkill. 😅 The extra pane can slightly improve insulation (great for up north), but here the bigger issues are solar heat and air leakage. Double-pane with a good Low-E coating already addresses that pretty well. Triple-pane also makes the window heavier and more expensive. The salesperson was saying it'd help with noise too, which might be true, but I felt the cost/benefit wasn't worth it for me. I stuck with double-pane (and in fact went with laminated impact glass which also cuts noise). Not knocking triple-pane entirely – if you have the budget and really want the maximum, go for it, but most homes in Tampa Bay won't need it to meet efficiency goals.
Just thought I'd share that experience, so you know what to expect from some sales pitches. They sometimes push the highest-end option, but you might not recoup the extra cost. My mid-range double-panes are doing great so far.
We chose to go with aluminum-framed impact windows (from ProTech Windoors) for our place in Palm Harbor. The reason was we wanted a slimmer frame profile (like our old windows) but still the strength and efficiency. These aluminum frames have a thermal break (to reduce heat conduction), and coupled with the impact glass they meet energy codes. So far, so good – no condensation or anything, and the frames feel sturdy.
One thing we love is how quiet the house is now. I think the laminated impact glass really dampens sound. We live near a busy road, and after the window upgrade it was noticeably more peaceful inside. So even though vinyl is more common, the aluminum option worked for us because of the aesthetics (thinner frames match the original look better). ProTech did a nice job on the install too, including some custom flashings since aluminum frames don’t have the same flange system. We’re very happy with the result, and it should protect us come hurricane season.
If your budget allows, I strongly believe impact windows (which usually means full replacements) are worth it in our area. The peace of mind during hurricane season is huge. Not having to worry about putting up shutters or boards is a relief. We did ours a piece at a time – first the front of the house, then a year later the back – to spread out cost, but now everything is impact glass.
I sleep better knowing we have that protection (plus, it deters break-ins too). It's one of those things where you won't truly appreciate it until a big storm is headed your way and you're already set. Energy efficiency was our initial motivator, but the storm safety ended up being the biggest benefit in hindsight. If you do go that route, make sure you get windows with the appropriate product approvals for Florida and that they're installed with the proper anchoring (so they actually meet the impact rating). Reputable companies like the ones mentioned (Karoly, ProTech, etc.) will handle all that properly.
Quick question: if I go with insert replacement windows (retrofit), can those be impact-rated as well? Or do you only get impact windows with full frame replacements? My concern is about the strength – like if the old frame is attached to the house, is that as strong as a new one with a direct mount? We definitely want impact glass for storms, but if possible I'd prefer not to tear out the exterior trim. Wondering if anyone did impact inserts.
@design_barbara Yes, you can absolutely get impact-rated insert windows. The impact resistance mainly comes from the glass and the window construction itself (the frame of the new insert and how it's reinforced), not whether it's an insert or full frame per se. So you can order inserts that are essentially the same impact windows they'd use in a full replacement, just made to fit your existing frame.
The key is the installer will secure that insert window into your old frame properly with screws/shims and then seal it up. If done right, it should perform just like a full replacement unit in terms of impact. The difference is if your old frame was really flimsy or not anchored well, that could be a weak link. But assuming it's a solid old frame (like a sturdy aluminum one anchored into the block wall), putting an impact insert in it is common practice. I did inserts for a couple of windows and they were impact glass. Passed inspection and all. Just be sure to tell the contractor upfront you want impact inserts so they order the right product.
I'd like to mention the exterior finish aspect, especially for block/stucco homes common in Tampa. With full frame replacements, the crew had to chip away some stucco around the old windows to get them out and fit the new ones. That meant after installation, they had to patch the stucco and repaint around each window. In my case, the patches are visible if you look closely – the texture and color match was decent but not perfect (old stucco was a bit weathered). It's not a big deal, but something to be aware of.
If you do inserts, you usually avoid messing with the stucco (since the old frame stays put). They just cover the old frame with a trim piece or caulking. So aesthetically, inserts can be less disruptive externally. With full replacements, just make sure your installer includes proper stucco repair/paint in the job, or you'll have to arrange that after. My contractor did it, but I had to remind them to paint the patches. If done well, it's fine, but it can be tricky to perfectly blend new stucco on an older wall.
@donaldevans5 I experienced the same. I had full frame replacements done by Karoly Windows on my home in Westchase, and they needed to cut back a bit of stucco too. They actually did a pretty good job patching it up afterward. They even had a guy on the team who specialized in stucco repair and he textured it to match the surrounding area. After a coat of paint, you can hardly tell, though I know where the patches are so I see them. But casual observers don't notice anything off.
I was impressed that Karoly included that in their service – some companies might leave it to you to hire a stucco person. So definitely confirm with whichever installer you choose that they will handle exterior finish work. Inside, we had drywall returns on a couple windows and they fixed those nicely too. It made the full replacement process pretty seamless for us, aside from a bit of paint touch-up. The lesson is: don't assume all window contractors handle the finishing touches; ask about it. The good ones either do it in-house or coordinate it for you.