Wow, thank you all! This thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring.
@meganw35, that detailed breakdown was amazing – exactly what I needed. The explanation of Low-E coatings and triple-pane vs double-pane makes it clear that I should prioritize the glass coatings and not worry about triple panes here. And you confirmed my hunch that vinyl or composite frames are the way to go in our climate.
@cyclist20, hearing your firsthand experience with Karoly and Simonton (especially in a coastal environment) really eases my mind about the durability. I’m slightly inland (Brandon area), so salt air is a bit less of an issue for me than it is for you, but humidity is everywhere here so it’s good to know the Simonton vinyl and hardware hold up. The fact that you saw such improvements in comfort and that Karoly took care with installation is a big plus in favor of that option.
Given all this, I’m now leaning towards either PGT or Simonton for the brand (leaning Simonton if budget allows, thanks to the positive feedback) and I’ll make sure to get the highest performance Low-E glass available. I definitely want that low SHGC for our west-facing windows because the afternoon sun is brutal in my house too.
I also realize how important the installer is. It sounds like a quality installation (using foam, sealing, etc.) can make or break the performance. So I’m factoring that in heavily. Based on everything, I’m considering sticking with Karoly for Simonton, or possibly giving ProTech Windoors (another local company I’ve heard mentioned) a call to compare, since it sounds like @psychology_mario had a good experience with them.
I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted on what we end up doing. I really appreciate all the input – it’s helped my wife and I feel much more confident moving forward. This forum rocks!
Hello folks, new member here. I’ve been lurking but wanted to share our recent experience, as it might add to the discussion. We actually just replaced all the windows in our Clearwater home last month. We went with PGT WinGuard vinyl windows (the impact-resistant line) because we wanted both energy efficiency and storm protection. We used ProTech Windoors for the installation. They weren’t the cheapest option, but their workmanship was excellent 😃.
Our house had 20-year-old single-pane aluminum windows (very common in FL homes from that era), and the difference after installing the new PGTs is like night and day. Even with the impact glass (two panes of glass with a laminated layer), the energy efficiency is great. The PGT WinGuard windows we got have similar Low-E glass and argon fills as the non-impact ones, so the U-factor and SHGC were both in the Energy Star range for Florida. I think the SHGC was around 0.24 on ours, U-factor 0.28-ish – pretty good considering they’re hurricane rated.
A few observations from my side:
The house is quieter now. We live near a busy road, and the new impact windows dampen the traffic noise significantly. We weren’t even thinking about noise reduction when we chose them, so that was a nice bonus.
The interior of the house stays cooler and more stable in temperature. Before, some rooms would get much hotter than others due to sun exposure. Now the temperature difference is minimal. My wife commented that she’s not needing to run fans in the west-facing bedroom in the afternoons anymore.
We did end up paying a premium for the impact feature (for us it was worth it to skip having to put up storm shutters during hurricane season, plus the year-round peace of mind). In rough numbers, I’d say each impact window was maybe 15-20% more cost than a non-impact equivalent. It adds up, but again, we valued the safety and convenience.
ProTech Windoors (the installer) did a great job with the installation and handling all the permitting. They even helped us pick tinted Low-E versus clear Low-E options for certain windows (we chose a slightly darker tint Low-E for the big south-facing sliders to cut even more glare). Really professional team; our project finished on schedule and on budget.
If anyone’s on the fence about impact vs. non-impact windows, I’d be happy to share more of our thought process. For us, it boiled down to: we’re not directly on the water, but we do live in a storm-prone region. We liked the idea of not rushing to put up shutters if a storm comes while we’re out of town, etc. And knowing the windows themselves are tough gives some extra sense of security (there have been a few break-ins in nearby neighborhoods, and impact glass is much harder for a burglar to break through).
Overall, very satisfied with the PGT + ProTech Windoors combo. Energy efficiency-wise, we’re already seeing the benefits now as the days get hotter. I’ll have to compare our Duke Energy bill from last May to this May to quantify it, but it’s visibly cooler and more comfortable.
@psychology_mario Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m in South Tampa and while our area doesn’t strictly require impact windows (we have hurricane shutters we can deploy), I’ve been seriously considering going the impact route for the convenience and added security. Your points about not having to rush for shutters and the burglary deterrence are pretty compelling.
I have a couple of follow-up questions: Did you find that the impact glass made any difference (good or bad) in energy efficiency compared to regular insulated glass? I’ve heard some say that laminated impact glass can slightly reduce efficiency because the laminate might absorb some heat, but others say it’s negligible if you have Low-E. Sounds like your SHGC and U-factor were still great, so maybe not an issue.
Also, you mentioned cost being ~15-20% more for impact. That aligns with what I’ve heard. I’m debating if it’s worth it for us. We do have all the shutters, but putting them up is such a pain (and honestly, if a storm pops up quick, I worry I won’t have time).
Finally, I’m glad to hear ProTech Windoors treated you well. They’re one of the companies on my shortlist to call for quotes. How was the pricing with them (if you don’t mind)? You said not the cheapest – did you compare them with others? I just want to gauge if their quality is coming at a big premium or just a small one. Feel free to PM me if that’s better, or if you’d rather not say, no worries.
Thanks again for the info! Very helpful.
@jennifer_river Great questions. To answer in order:
Energy Efficiency of Impact Glass: In our case, the impact windows have virtually the same energy performance as the non-impact version. The difference is the inner layer of the glass is laminated for impact resistance. Our PGT WinGuard windows with Low-E/argon have an NFRC-rated U-factor and SHGC almost identical to PGT’s EnergyVue (non-impact) series. The Low-E coatings do the heavy lifting for blocking heat. If anything, the laminated glass might even block a bit more UV. We haven’t noticed any extra heat – the house is much cooler now than before. So I’d say there’s no downside efficiency-wise; just make sure you get the Low-E glass on the impact windows (which most companies offer standard now). In short: impact vs non-impact, the glass performance was a wash for us, aside from the slight additional tint that laminated glass can have, but again, with Low-E it’s hard to tell.
Cost and was it worth it: We did get multiple quotes. ProTech wasn’t the absolute cheapest, but they were competitive. Another local window outfit quoted us a bit less for a non-impact window package, but when we factored adding shutters or hurricane screens, it evened out somewhat. The impact upgrade through ProTech was roughly 15% more cost as I mentioned. For us, yes it was worth it for the peace of mind and convenience. After wrestling with accordion shutters during a storm warning last year, my spouse was more than happy to pay extra to avoid that task forever 😅. Also, we think it adds a bit of resale value being able to say “hurricane impact windows throughout” if we ever sell.
Pricing Comparison: We had 3 quotes: one from a big well-known company (they were crazy expensive, like nearly 2x others, probably trying to sell a high-end brand + markup), one from a smaller company (cheapest but we didn’t have a great comfort level with their answers to our questions), and then ProTech which was in the middle. ProTech’s quote wasn’t the lowest dollar-wise, but it wasn’t unreasonable either — I’d say it was maybe 10-15% higher than the lowest quote we got, but that lowest quote wasn’t apples-to-apples (they were offering a lesser-known brand window). Given ProTech’s good reputation and the detail they provided, we chose them and feel it was money well spent. The final cost for us, if it helps ballpark: replacing 15 windows (mix of sizes, all impact, Low-E3 glass) came out to around mid-$20k range total. Not cheap, but we budgeted for it as a long-term investment in the house.
If you already have shutters and they don’t bother you, non-impact windows will save you some money for sure. But if you’re like me and dread putting them up (or worry about aging parents/relatives dealing with shutters), impact windows are such a quality-of-life upgrade whenever a storm threatens.
And yes, definitely give ProTech Windoors a call for a quote. In my experience, they were transparent and not pushy. Good luck, and let us know what you end up doing!
@jennifer_river I’ll just add my perspective too: We also debated impact vs non-impact. In our case, we decided not to go impact because we already had functional hurricane shutters and wanted to save some money. So we went with PGT’s EnergyVue (non-impact) windows. They have the same energy efficiency as PGT’s WinGuard that @psychology_mario got, just not impact-rated glass. Our installer even said if we change our mind later, we could swap in laminated panes, but honestly that would be cumbersome after the fact.
I can confirm what @psychology_mario said – energy performance is basically identical between the two versions as long as the Low-E and argon features are there. So our non-impact PGTs are keeping the heat out just as well.
One thing to consider: If you don’t get impact windows, make sure your existing shutters or storm protection are in good shape. We had ours inspected and cleaned up (some anchors replaced) when we did the windows.
For us, saving the ~15% cost was worth it since we’re relatively young and don’t mind the shutter drill when a storm comes. But ask me again in 5 years, I might be calling ProTech or Karoly myself to upgrade to impact glass if I get lazy about the shutters 😂.
Either route, just get a good installer. Sounds like ProTech treated @psychology_mario well. We used a smaller local contractor (not a big name) who did fine as well. Tampa Bay has a lot of window companies, so definitely compare.
Has anyone here tried or considered fiberglass windows in Tampa Bay? I’m in the planning phase for a remodel in Bradenton. Initially, I was drawn to the idea of fiberglass frames (like those from Marvin’s Elevate line or Pella Impervia) because of their durability and how they don’t expand/contract as much as vinyl. I know they’re often used up north, but not sure how common they are down here. The salesperson I spoke to mentioned fiberglass handles heat well and won’t warp, and can deal with humidity and salt with minimal issues (with proper powder coating, etc.).
However, the cost is higher than vinyl – not as high as wood-clad, but definitely more than say a Simonton or PGT vinyl window. So I’m torn. Is it worth paying extra for fiberglass windows in our climate? Or are today’s vinyl windows just as good in terms of longevity/energy efficiency for Florida?
Any homeowners with fiberglass window experience in our humid, coastal environment? Or anyone who considered it and chose vinyl/composite instead? I want these windows to last a long time and stay looking good. Maintenance-wise, I know fiberglass can be painted if we ever wanted, which is nice, but also extra work if paint fades. Vinyl you can’t really paint (well, you’re not supposed to need to).
I’d love to hear pros/cons if anyone has insight. Right now I’m deciding between going with something like Simonton/PGT (vinyl) or Marvin/Pella (fiberglass). Thanks!
@zshadow38 Yes! I actually installed Pella Impervia fiberglass windows in my Sarasota home about 3 years ago. I’d be happy to share my experience.
I was also intrigued by fiberglass for the same reasons – the material is super strong, and it doesn’t warp or expand much with temperature changes (which can be an issue with vinyl in extreme heat, though good vinyl is usually okay). Plus, the frames can be slimmer, giving a bit more glass area, since fiberglass has a higher strength-to-weight ratio.
My experience with Pella’s fiberglass so far: It’s been very positive. The windows still look brand new after 3 hot summers and salty air exposure (I’m maybe 5 miles from the gulf). I haven’t seen any corrosion on the hardware or degradation of the frames. I do periodically rinse them with fresh water, just as a precaution because the Pella manual suggested rinsing in salt air environments every now and then. But I’d probably do that with vinyl too to keep them clean.
Energy efficiency-wise, the fiberglass frames themselves don’t make the window much more efficient than vinyl frames would – it really comes down to the glass. Our Impervia windows are double-pane, Low-E (I think double Low-E coating) with argon. Their U-factor/SHGC were on par with similar vinyl units. So I wouldn’t say our bills are lower because of fiberglass per se; they’re lower because we went from old single-pane to new efficient double-pane.
The main benefits we’ve enjoyed with fiberglass:
The frames are strong and rigid. We have one rather large picture window and the fiberglass frame is very stable, no flex at all. In contrast, I’ve seen some vinyl frames that can flex a bit on big sizes (though good ones have reinforcements).
Aesthetically, the frames are a bit thinner than some vinyl windows, which I like (more glass, less frame visible).
They can be painted. Ours came in a factory white finish which looks fine and hasn’t needed painting. But I have the option in the future if we change our house color scheme. With vinyl, you’re stuck with the color you order (usually white or tan).
Now, about whether it’s worth the extra cost: Fiberglass windows did cost us more than vinyl quotes we received. To give you an idea, the Impervia was maybe 20-25% more expensive than a comparable Simonton or CWS vinyl window quote we had. We decided to splurge for the reasons above. Do they perform significantly better than vinyl? Probably not in terms of energy numbers. It was more a longevity/appearance choice for us.
In Florida, many people are perfectly happy with vinyl windows (since high-quality vinyl is engineered to handle our climate now). If budget is a big concern, you wouldn’t be making a bad choice with vinyl at all. But if you value the slightly refined look and potential longevity of fiberglass, and you plan to stay in your house a long time, it could be worth it.
One more thing: check the warranty and recommended maintenance. Fiberglass often has a finish that might need upkeep (Pella’s warranty required occasional cleaning in salt air, etc., which is fine by me). Good vinyl windows often come with lifetime warranties for original owners on the frame. For instance, I think Simonton offers a pretty robust warranty. Pella’s Impervia gave a 20-year warranty on glass, 10-year on components if I recall, and “lifetime” on the frame (with some conditions). That difference might or might not matter to you.
Bottom line: My fiberglass windows have been great in Florida conditions – no regrets. But I also think a premium vinyl window would have likely served us just as well in terms of comfort and utility, perhaps with slightly thicker frames and one less customization option. It’s a bit of a “nice-to-have” vs “need-to-have” scenario. If you can afford it and like the features, go for it. If not, rest assured vinyl is the standard down here for a reason.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any specific questions about the Impervia or fiberglass performance.
@psychology_mario Thank you for the detailed answers! That helps a lot. Sounds like impact glass with Low-E is basically as good as non-impact in terms of efficiency, which is great to know. The peace of mind factor is huge for us too – we have young kids and I’d rather not be rushing to put up shutters if a storm is coming 😅.
Given all this, I’m now leaning towards going impact as well. I’ll likely get a quote from ProTech Windoors (based on your and others’ positive experiences) and see how it fits our budget. We might do what you did: replace in one go as a long-term investment. If it comes out too high, we might consider doing the most critical windows now and others later, but I’d prefer to do it all at once.
Thanks again – I feel a lot more confident about the impact window route. I’ll update you all when we pull the trigger on our project!
This thread has turned out to be an amazing resource – thanks so much, everyone! It’s great to hear a variety of experiences.
Quick update from my side: We ended up getting a third quote as well, and after weighing everything, we decided to go with Karoly Windows & Doors and the Simonton vinyl windows. They weren’t the lowest bid, but we felt most comfortable with their expertise and the Simonton product. Sure enough, the windows were installed last week (about 6 weeks after we ordered, which wasn’t too bad of a wait).
So far, we are thrilled with the results. The new windows look fantastic, and even more importantly, the performance is immediately noticeable. For example, we have a big west-facing bay window in our living room that used to turn the area into a furnace by late afternoon. Now, with the double-pane Low-E3 glass, you can stand in that window nook at 4 PM and not feel that oppressive heat. It’s honestly impressive. My wife kept touching the glass yesterday and saying “I can’t believe it’s not hot!” 😄.
We chose the Simonton Reflections series with the double-pane Low-E (three layers of Low-E coating) and argon gas, vinyl frames (white). We opted for non-impact glass (since we have shutters and we’re a bit inland), which saved some money. But we did go with the laminated glass upgrade on one particular window that faces a noisy street for sound reduction. The mix-and-match was something Karoly accommodated nicely.
The installation team from Karoly was great – as others noted, they insulated around the frames and made sure everything was sealed. They even cleaned up some wood rot they found under one old sill (Florida humidity strikes again, but they fixed it before installing the new window).
It’s only been a week, but the indoor temperature is more stable and our AC is cycling on less frequently, even though it’s already late May and pretty hot out. I’m excited to see if our next electric bill shows a dip. Also, as a bonus, our home is quieter – less outside noise coming through the glass.
I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Big thanks to all of you for steering us in the right direction. The advice about Low-E coatings, SHGC, and picking a good installer really paid off in our decision-making. I feel like we made an informed choice and it’s working out great.
I hope this thread stays up because it can help a lot of other homeowners in Tampa Bay looking for window info. I’ll continue to follow the discussion and will update if we encounter any issues down the line. But fingers crossed, I think we’re set for many years of cooler, more efficient living!
@geo733 Congratulations on getting your new windows installed! 🎉 Glad to hear Karoly and Simonton came through for you. It sounds like you made a smart choice and are already reaping the benefits.
There really is something magical about feeling that lack of heat when you touch the glass on a sunny day, isn’t there? The first time I experienced that with our new windows, I knew the investment was worth it. It’s also great that they addressed the sill rot during install – a good installer makes all the difference.
Enjoy the cooler temps and the quieter home. Your summer in Tampa will be much more comfortable now, guaranteed. And yes, do let us know if you see changes in your energy bill after a full month or two; I bet you’ll notice some savings.
This has been an awesome thread – a lot of collective knowledge here. Congrats again, and thanks for circling back with your results!