@science536 Thank you for the detailed response about the impact vs shutters decision. You brought up points I hadn’t even considered, like the security aspect and making some windows fixed to save costs. I checked with my insurance, and as you said, there is about a 15% premium discount if I certify that all openings are hurricane protected – that will definitely add up over the years, which helps justify the cost of impact glass. 🎉
I’m now leaning strongly towards doing all impact windows for the whole house. I realized that even though we’re inland, the hassle of putting up shutters (and storing them, and wondering if you did it right every time a storm comes) is something I’d happily eliminate. Plus, knowing the windows are always “on guard” even when I’m out of town during hurricane season is reassuring.
I also like the security bonus – didn’t mention earlier, but we had a small break-in attempt in our neighborhood last year. Impact windows basically double as always-on security bars in a way, without looking like it.
So yep, I think I’ll allocate more budget to ensure I get impact-rated models. Might cut back on one or two aesthetic splurges (like I was considering fancy grid patterns on every window, but maybe I’ll do fewer to save a bit) – but safety first.
Thanks again everyone for the advice. This thread’s been awesome for helping weigh these choices. 🙏
A quick note on custom-shaped windows for anyone considering them (like arches, circles, etc., which I did): be prepared for a few things.
Longer lead time: Our arched windows took about 2-3 weeks longer to manufacture than standard rectangles. Custom shapes often have to be made on specific production runs, so plan for some extra wait. If you’re mixing them with standard windows in an order, sometimes the whole order waits for the slowest item.
Higher cost: Each arched window was significantly more expensive than a same-size rectangular one. Some of that is the shape cutting, some is that fewer companies make them (less competition). But if it’s for a key architectural feature, it can be worth it. Just don’t be shocked when that line item comes in.
Installation considerations: If your original window opening had an arch and you’re replacing with the same shape, great. If you’re adding a new shape or changing size, you’ll have stucco or siding work. In our case, the old arches were actually slightly different curve than the new ones, so the installers had to do some careful plaster patching around the tops to make it seamless. They did well, but I had budgeted a bit extra for painting and stucco touch-ups after.
Aesthetic payoff: Totally worth the trouble IMO. Those unique shapes become a focal point of your home’s design. Every time I (or visitors) look at our house, the arched window with its new impact glass is a star – it has that old-world charm but brand new sparkle. So if you have a Mediterranean or Tudor or any style home that calls for a special shape, don’t be afraid to do it just because it’s tricky. Just work with a skilled installer like I did (the team from Karoly Windows had experience with arches and that gave me confidence).
One more tip: if you do grids on custom shapes, think carefully about the pattern. We opted for no grids in the round window (didn’t want to make it look like a pizza, haha), and a simple sunburst pattern in the arch. The manufacturer had a catalog of grid designs for arches – we picked one that radiates out from the bottom center. It looks pretty cool and classic.
Anyway, just wanted to add those thoughts. This thread has covered a lot, from basic to advanced. Love it!
@math109 and @jmartin52 – thank you for sharing your experiences with the two-tone frames and interior design considerations! That really helps. Sounds like the consensus is that two-tone (black exterior/white interior) is doable and smart for what I’m going for. I’ll make sure to find a window brand that offers that in the style I want.
I’m also now convinced on doing impact glass with Low-E after hearing everyone’s feedback. I was on the fence because of budget, but you all made such good points about the year-round benefits (noise, security, insurance) that go beyond just storm season. It’s true, it’s like an all-in-one upgrade.
As for grids, I think I’ll follow @gardener67’s approach: maybe do a little something on a couple of front windows for character (I’m considering a simple farmhouse grid pattern, like just a couple of vertical bars on the top sash – gives a hint of traditional style), and keep the rest clear for our backyard and lake view.
This thread has been so helpful to organize my thoughts. We’re meeting with a couple of window companies next week (I’ll be sure to ask about the brands @diy_melissa mentioned, like PGT or Simonton, and the companies you guys used, Karoly and ProTech, will be on our list to call for quotes). Feeling much more prepared now to pick something stylish and hurricane-proof.
I’ll let you know what we end up choosing! Thanks everyone for the inspiration and advice 😊.
Has anyone here tried or installed those newer smart windows or smart tints? The tech geek in me is curious.
For example, I heard about glass that can change tint with a remote (electrochromic), or windows with built-in sensors that alert you if they’re left open, etc. And some high-end ones even have a self-clean coating like @fashion378 mentioned or automatically adjust tint based on sunlight.
I stuck with traditional windows for cost reasons (and reliability), but I sometimes wonder if any early adopters in our area have experience with these. Especially with our intense sun, the idea of glass that tints itself like transition lenses for your house is intriguing. 😆
If no one’s tried it, no worries – just thought I’d ask. I figure those are still pretty pricey and not super common in residential homes yet. For now, I’m happy with my Low-E and calling it a day. But maybe in 10-15 years we’ll all have AI-powered windows or something!
@science536 Funny you ask – I researched the heck out of electrochromic (self-tinting) windows when building my modern home, because I was nerding out too. Ultimately, like you, I didn’t go that route due to cost, but here’s what I learned:
They are really expensive right now. When we got rough quotes, it was something like 3-4 times the cost of a regular impact Low-E window of the same size. Yikes. So outfitting an entire house would blow the budget.
They do work as advertised: you can press a button (or even use an app) and the window goes from clear to tinted (usually a bluish tint) over a few minutes. Some can even go opaque for privacy (those are more for interior glass or bathrooms).
Downsides besides cost: When tinted, it’s like having sunglasses on – great for cutting glare and heat, but you also darken your interior. And if power goes out, some revert to clear or get stuck in whatever state they were last in (depending on the tech).
We decided instead to use low-tech solutions: generous roof overhangs to shade the windows and automated roller shades inside. The shades are on a sun sensor and smart home system, so they come down when the sun is beating in, and go up when it’s not. That gave us a similar benefit (less glare/heat when needed) at a fraction of the cost. Granted, it’s not as cool as the glass changing itself, but hey, it works.
As for self-cleaning, most quality windows now have some form of easy-clean coating, like you said. It’s not magical, but it helps.
I haven’t seen anyone in my neighborhood with the electrochromic windows yet – mostly they’re in commercial buildings or ultra-modern multi-million dollar homes. Maybe in a decade they’ll come down in price.
Also looked at windows with integrated blinds (between the glass panes) – we didn’t do that either, again for cost and potential maintenance issues.
So, I think we’re a few years off from mainstream smart glass in average homes around here. But it’s coming. If you ever win the lottery, you can retrofit your house with all electrochromic glass and invite us for a demo 😂.
For now, I’m super content with what we have: big low-E glass and smart shades as needed.
Loving all this info – following along eagerly! I haven’t done my project yet, but when I do, I’ll have a wealth of knowledge thanks to you all. Taking notes 📝. Tampa Bay represent!
I wanted to add a perspective as a DIY-inclined homeowner. I’m pretty handy (I’ve done my own flooring, built a deck, etc.), and I considered trying to install my replacement windows myself to save money. In the end, I decided to hire pros, and I’m glad I did.
For those wondering about DIY vs professional install:
Measurement precision: It all starts with measuring for order. Windows are custom-made to fractions of an inch. I learned that any mistake in measuring could mean a window that doesn’t fit right (or at all). The pros measure each opening precisely and account for things like out-of-square frames in older homes. My house in Westchase (Hillsborough) is from the 90s, and even then, not every window opening was perfectly square after settling. The thought of mis-ordering a pricey impact window by 1/4" was scary.
Installation challenges: Removing old windows without damaging the surrounding structure can be tricky. My old ones were set in with metal flanges under the stucco. The installers had special tools to cut the flange and caulking. They did minimal damage to the stucco (just had to patch around the edges later). If I did it, I might have ended up ripping big chunks out.
Waterproofing & sealing: This is huge. Florida’s wind-driven rain will find any gap. The pros used silicone, foam, and flashing tape in all the right places. They knew how to shim the window plumb and level, then secure it so it won’t move. One window was slightly smaller than the old one (manufacturer made a size error but it was within reason), so they adjusted by adding a bit of wood buck frame and sealing thoroughly. They also knew to use stainless steel screws (because of our humidity and potential corrosion) and covered the screw heads with caps.
Permitting: Like @cexplorer35 mentioned, doing windows requires a permit here. The installer took care of all that and knew the inspectors. As a DIYer, I could have pulled a homeowner permit, but if something failed inspection, I’d be on the hook to fix it. For example, inspectors check that windows are properly anchored according to the product’s NOA (Notice of Acceptance) or Florida Product Approval. There’s a specific pattern and number of screws required, based on the window size and wind zone. The crew had those specs and followed them. I wouldn’t have known all that without serious research.
Safety: Juggling a large piece of glass while on a ladder is not a one-person job. These guys came with suction cup handles, two or three people per big window, and in some cases scaffolding. I likely would have needed to recruit buddies and even then, it’s risky. One slip and you have a shattered window (and those things are heavy – could hurt someone).
After seeing the process, I was glad I invested in professional installation (I used a local company, they were excellent). They even hauled away the old windows which was nice.
So for anyone thinking of DIY to save a buck: unless you have window installation experience, it’s probably not worth the potential headaches. Windows are a major component of your home’s envelope – get them done right. As @science536 and others said, the installer matters as much as the window.
For me, being handy helped in that I understood what the crew was doing and I could appreciate the quality of their work, but I was happy to watch and not do it myself 😂.
Now I can enjoy the outcome (beautiful, well-installed windows) without second-guessing if I missed some crucial seal or screw.
Just gotta say, black frames for the win! We switched to black windows on our 1960s St. Pete home and it looks 🔥🔥. We have white siding and the contrast is chef’s kiss. It took our curb appeal to a whole new level.
No real functional difference to add (we did impact Low-E like everyone is saying), but on style alone, I’m so glad we went black. If you're on the fence, do it – especially with light exteriors, it’s such a beautiful outline for your windows.
This thread is an absolute goldmine. Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I’m learning so much! We’re planning a window replacement on our home in New Port Richey (Pasco) next spring, and I feel like I just got a masterclass in what to consider – from style to practical tips.
Low-E glass, impact vs non-impact, grid patterns, frame colors – I had no idea there were so many choices. Now I do, and I’ve got a much clearer idea of what we want (and don’t want). This is giving me confidence to talk to contractors and not get overwhelmed by the options. 😊
Keep the insights coming if there are more. And @sgamer48, please let us know how your project goes – I’m excited to hear what you decide on!
Hi all! I have a style question that @mark_chef touched on a bit. How do you decide on window frame color in relation to your exterior paint and roof?
My situation: I have a home in Carrollwood with a light tan exterior and a terracotta red tile roof (very Mediterranean look). I’m torn on frame color:
White frames: would match our white trim around the eaves and windows, and contrast the tan walls nicely (a clean, bright look).
Bronze/Dark frames: would blend more with our brownish roof and the earthy tones of the house, giving a more subdued, perhaps elegant look.
I like the modern bold look of white walls + black frames (which is sort of analogous to tan walls + bronze frames, since bronze is dark), but I also see a lot of classic Florida homes with white windows that look timeless.
Also, practically, does a darker frame color (bronze or black) make a house feel hotter? I assume the Low-E and insulation is doing the heavy lifting, but I’m curious if anyone noticed any difference. We do have wide eaves that shade the windows a bit.
I’d love some opinions or things to consider. Would bronze frames with tan walls and a red roof be too much brown? Or would white frames be too stark and stand out too much?
If it helps: our window trim is currently painted white and our doors are a deep brown. We could repaint trim to match frames if we went bronze perhaps.
Thanks! Design decisions are hard 😅.