@marketing983 You asked about aluminum vs vinyl – looks like @dobbyskier and @apolloparker907 covered it well. I’ll just add my personal outcome on that: We went vinyl (with PGT windows via Karoly) and after a year, no regrets at all. No warping, and they definitely make the house cooler in summer compared to the old aluminum ones.
@natemusician233, you mentioned being torn between Karoly and ProTech after your next quote. As someone who used Karoly, I’m a bit biased towards them, but honestly if both quotes are close and both have great reputations, you can’t really go wrong. It might boil down to who you feel more comfortable with. We felt Karoly’s experience (they’ve been doing it a long time here) was a plus. On the other hand, a company like ProTech, being a bit smaller, might offer a more personal touch like @jeffp59 described.
One thing you could consider asking each is about their installation crews – are they company employees or subcontractors? Sometimes that gives insight into quality control. (Karoly used their own crews, at least when we did it, and it showed in the workmanship.)
Also, since you have a sliding glass door, definitely mention that to each company if you plan to include it. Those can be pricey but worth doing if the old one is not impact-rated. In our case, we had a quote for the sliding door too but held off due to budget (still have the old one with shutters for now). If you get it done now, you’ll get the full insurance benefit for opening protection as @apolloparker907 pointed out (since all openings will be impact).
Keep us updated on the ProTech quote! I’m curious how it stacks up.
Good to know about the HOA considerations, @natemusician233 and @dobbyskier. I’m in a HOA community in Brandon, and they can be pretty strict about appearance. I have grids in my current windows (those criss-cross muntins). I’d actually love to get rid of them for a clearer view, but I wonder if the HOA would allow it. Sounds like at least some HOAs are fine as long as it’s not drastically different. I’ll definitely check our guidelines before we do anything. Thanks for bringing that up.
@tim_seeker – In my case, our HOA was fine with changes as long as the frame color matched the community standard (white or bronze) and we kept a consistent look. We had grids only on our front windows originally. We actually opted to remove them when we got the new windows (went with plain clear glass look). We submitted a picture of a similar house without grids to the HOA for approval. They surprisingly had no issue. They said as long as all front-facing windows were uniform, it was okay. So I ended up with no grids on any window. It looks more modern and nobody complained.
Definitely check your HOA rules, but don’t be afraid to ask for changes you want. Sometimes HOAs are more flexible than the docs make it seem, especially if the end result isn’t crazy different. And if they are strict, you might just have to order the new windows with grids to match the old look. (Many window manufacturers offer internal grids that look nice and are maintenance-free.)
Also, to your earlier question about needing HOA approval: better to get it to cover yourself. You wouldn’t want a notice to reverse the change after spending all that money.
We haven’t talked much about the non-impact route yet, so I’ll share my scenario for anyone considering that as an option.
My home is in South Tampa, 15 years old. Last year, we replaced all our windows too, but we chose non-impact, hurricane-rated windows (so double-pane with Low-E, but standard glass) and we rely on hurricane fabric shutters for storms. The reason? Budget. Going impact would have added roughly $8k more to our total cost, and at the time we just couldn’t swing it.
Some details:
We had 15 windows replaced (mix of sizes). We paid about $9,200 for non-impact windows (vinyl frames, good quality double-pane with Low-E glass). The quotes for the same in impact glass were around $15,000+. So it was a big gap.
These non-impact windows are still rated for Florida wind loads (important: even non-impact windows must meet certain DP ratings here). They just won’t stop a projectile like a 2x4 in a hurricane. That’s where our fabric shutters come in – we have those custom cut for each window, and we put them up when a hurricane is forecasted.
Insurance: We do get an insurance credit because we have shutters on all openings (basically equivalent to impact in the eyes of insurance as long as you deploy them). The credit wasn’t huge, but it’s something. If we didn’t have any shutters or impact, our insurance would be much higher (or even non-renewed nowadays).
Honestly, if money wasn’t an issue, I’d prefer impact for the convenience. Putting up shutters (even fabric ones which are lighter than metal panels) is a chore and you have to do it for each storm warning. But the reality is, non-impact windows were significantly cheaper and still improved our home’s energy efficiency and looks. We had to prioritize and the wallet won that debate.
So I’d say: impact is ideal if you can afford it, but if not, at least get some form of hurricane protection (which you already have, @natemusician233). And going non-impact saved us a lot upfront. Just go with a good quality window because you still want those benefits of new windows (noise reduction, lower bills, etc.). Our house is way more comfortable now than with the old single-pane glass.
In your case @natemusician233, since you’re planning to stay long-term and can manage it, it sounds like impact is the way you’ll go. But I figured I’d share for others who might be in a tighter budget scenario.
@jeffp59 Thanks for that detailed ProTech Windoors review! Hearing your firsthand experience boosts my confidence that either option (Karoly or ProTech) could be a win. It’s great to know ProTech was responsive about that cracked pane and did follow-ups.
Also, @apolloparker907 your summary is pure gold – thank you for laying that out so clearly. Point #5 about the wind mitigation inspection is noted; I wouldn’t have thought of getting a new one done after window install. I actually had a wind mitigation report done when I bought the house 5 years ago, but with new impact windows I’ll definitely get an updated one to maximize the insurance credits. And good tip on brands, I was indeed wondering if PGT vs CWS vs others made a difference – seems they’re all capable if rated for Florida.
Update after ProTech quote: The ProTech Windoors rep just left, and I got their numbers. The quote came in at $15,300 for the 12 windows with impact, vinyl CWS windows (WindPact Plus series). For non-impact equivalent, it would be about $10,800. So again roughly a 40% premium for impact, consistent with other quotes.
Comparing Karoly vs ProTech side by side now (both impact quotes):
Karoly (using PGT WinGuard vinyl): around $14,500 (this was a verbal quote, waiting on official proposal).
ProTech (using CWS vinyl): $15,300 (written quote provided on site).
So ProTech is about $800 higher in price. They did mention their quote includes any needed trim work and painting touch-ups (Karoly’s does too, as far as I know). Both include permit, tax, labor, removal of old windows, etc.
Timeline: ProTech said roughly 6-8 weeks for manufacturing and they could likely install by late summer if we sign soon. Karoly mentioned 8-10 weeks lead time. So, minor difference there, not huge.
Warranty: ProTech offers 10-year workmanship warranty (and of course the lifetime on the windows from CWS). Karoly’s was lifetime on workmanship. That leans in Karoly’s favor.
The ProTech sales guy was indeed friendly and low-pressure (thanks @jeffp59 for the heads up, it was just like you described). He spoke highly of CWS windows and how they perform in Florida. I asked him about Karoly vs ProTech and he diplomatically said both companies have good reputations, but of course he’d love our business. 😄 Interestingly, he mentioned ProTech is a bit smaller operation so they pride themselves on customer service.
Now my husband and I have to decide. It’s a tough call: Karoly has a slightly better price and a longer labor warranty; ProTech felt very personalized and we know from @jeffp59 they take care of issues promptly. Both seem excellent.
If anyone has any long-term feedback on either company (like service calls years later, etc.), we’d love to hear it. Otherwise, we might just flip a coin at this point! Both quotes are within our budget range (albeit at the high end of it). We’re leaning ever so slightly towards Karoly just because of the cost and warranty edge, but ProTech is almost neck-and-neck.
We’ll sleep on it and decide in the next day or two. I’ll post again once we pull the trigger. 🙂
And seriously, huge thanks to everyone here. This thread has been an education for me and likely for others in Tampa Bay thinking about windows.
@natemusician233 Congrats on getting through the quote gauntlet! Sounds like you have two solid choices. I’ll share my experience with Karoly Windows after 1 year, since you asked for longer-term feedback:
We had Karoly do 100% of our windows (and one patio door) in early 2023. One year later, everything is still great. We haven’t needed any service calls at all. No leaks, no hardware issues – and we had a rough storm season last year to really test them out. The house feels more secure and quiet.
A friend of mine used Karoly about 5 years ago and did have to call them a couple years in (one of her windows had a minor issue, I think the balance spring was making noise). She said Karoly’s team came out promptly and fixed it under warranty, no fuss. That’s part of why we chose them – hearing that they honor their warranties even years later.
I don’t have direct experience with ProTech, but I’ve only heard positives in local homeowner groups. So yeah, flip a coin or go with your gut, either way you’ll likely be fine.
One more piece of advice once you do decide: keep all your documentation. The contract, proof of permit closure, warranty info, and even the stickers or spec sheets for the windows. I created a folder with all that. If you ever sell the house or need to reference the ratings for insurance or anything, it’s handy. For example, my insurance asked for the product approval numbers of the windows to apply the credits (they were on the stickers that came on the windows, and also on the paperwork).
Good luck with the decision – and let us know who you go with!
@natemusician233 Sounds like you have analyzed it well. Honestly, you can’t go wrong. As the “ProTech guy” here, even I’d say if Karoly is offering a better price and that lifetime labor warranty, that’s hard to pass up. If you were my close friend, I’d probably nudge you toward Karoly in this scenario, given those factors. 😉
Either way, both companies will give you quality windows and installation. It’s great to have two trustworthy options. Not always the case with home improvement projects!
Looking forward to hearing your final decision. And like @tigger_river said, keep those docs for insurance. I had to send my insurer a copy of the permit and the receipt showing all openings protected to maximize my discount.
Keep us posted, and early congrats on soon having a bunch of new windows!
Just a quick chime-in for anyone reading: when you get your contract from whichever company, read the fine print. Ensure everything you expect is written down. For example:
The exact number of windows and if applicable, any doors.
The type of glass (impact vs non-impact, Low-E, etc.).
Who is responsible for what (permits, debris removal, any stucco or drywall repairs needed).
Payment schedule (common is a deposit, then remaining on completion; avoid any contractor that wants full payment upfront).
Warranty details (sometimes the contract will state the labor warranty term).
I’ve dealt with various contractors (good and bad) for different projects, and a good, clear contract is key. The reputable companies like the ones you’re considering will usually be very clear. Just don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or additions in writing before you sign.
Alright, safety message over. 😅 Carry on with this awesome discussion.
@natemusician233 Regarding long-term service: I can share a bit about Karoly Windows from my neighbor’s experience. He had his windows done by Karoly maybe 4 years ago. Last year, one window had an issue locking (the latch was slightly misaligned). He called Karoly and, as @tigger_river mentioned with her friend, they sent someone out pretty quickly. It was a minor adjustment, took the tech 10 minutes, and it was all under their warranty. No charge, no hassle.
That’s a good indicator that they honor their promises. Many companies say “lifetime warranty,” but the true test is if they actually come fix things down the line. Karoly seems to. I’d expect ProTech would too, though their labor warranty is 10 years per your quote, which is still plenty long in my book.
As for ProTech, a coworker of mine used ProTech Windoors around the same time I did my project. I remember him saying the owner actually came back to his house after install to do a final check with him, which left a good impression. He hasn’t had any issues since (it’s been 2 years for him).
So honestly, both companies have good customer service from what I gather.
Also, one more tip for after installation (speaking from my detail-oriented side): When the windows are installed, do a thorough walk-through with the crew or soon after:
Check that all windows open, close, and lock properly.
Check the caulking/sealant around the frames (inside and out if possible) to make sure there are no gaps.
Make sure any weep holes (drainage) in the window tracks are clear.
Ensure screens (if you’re getting screens) fit well without gaps.
And verify glass is not scratched, and the insulating gas sticker (if any) shows it was properly filled. Usually no issues, but good to double-check.
I did this with my install and found a couple of very tiny things the crew fixed on the spot (a piece of trim that needed more caulk, and one screen was missing a clip).
Congrats in advance on whichever choice you make, and enjoy the newfound quiet and energy savings once it’s done!
Reading all this, I’m convinced our next house is getting impact windows no matter what! 😄 We didn’t do impact on our current home and every time a storm comes, I’m out there messing with shutters or plywood. So kudos to you @natemusician233 for going the impact route.
Also, side note: the Renewal by Andersen quotes some of you mentioned earlier... I experienced that too. They quoted me something insane (like $30k for 10 windows) which I politely declined. Beautiful product, but wow the cost. I ended up with a local company (not RBA) and am happy.
Anyway, this thread has been such a great resource. Thanks all!