That sounds awesome, User10! We’re thinking about something similar for our home in Palm Harbor – basically opening up the back wall with more glass. Quick question: did you need to do any special structural work for that multi-slide door? I'm guessing a big header or support beam might be needed when you open up a large section of wall. I’m trying to gauge if it’s a minor renovation or a major one.
Also, how do you find the multi-slide door in terms of everyday use? Any issues with the tracks (since sand or debris can sometimes gunk up sliding door tracks around here)?
I haven’t done a multi-slide like User10, but I did enlarge a couple of window openings in my South Tampa home to install bigger windows. Anytime you widen an opening significantly, you’ll likely need a permit and an engineer to calculate a proper header beam. In our case, we turned a 6-foot window opening into a 12-foot span for a big slider door. We had to put in a beefy laminated beam above the door to support the load. Not too difficult for a good contractor, but it’s definitely something they plan for.
From what I know of friends who did multi-sliders, yes, a structural header is a must. It's a bit of a project but totally doable. Most window/door contractors (like the ones you mentioned, Karoly or ProTech, or others) will handle the engineering or have an engineer they work with to get permits. They know the Florida codes well.
As for the tracks on big sliders – keeping them clean is key. My neighbor has a 4-panel slider and he just vacuums the tracks occasionally and sprays a little silicone lubricant. No big issues, even with the occasional sand. The newer sliding door designs are better sealed than older ones, too, so less debris gets in.
Love all this info! We have a mid-century modern home in Dunedin and are about to do windows. One feature we’re excited about is adding some clerestory windows near the top of our high living room wall. Those are the small horizontal windows up high. It’s a very mid-century/modern touch that lets in light but maintains privacy.
We’re also doing a corner window in one room (not huge, just a small corner glass setup) to get a wrap-around view. Like User10 and User12 mentioned, we are planning for the needed support – our contractor has to add reinforcement for that corner since there’s no post there. It’s going to be a neat architectural feature though!
For frames, we debated like everyone: ended up going with aluminum frames, dark anodized finish (almost black). They’re thin and sleek, which complements the mid-century style. The contractor did warn us about potential corrosion (we’re fairly close to the gulf), so they’re using some kind of special coating and all stainless steel hardware. We’ll definitely be hosing off salt spray regularly, just in case.
I'm over in St. Petersburg in a 2004-built home, kind of a Mediterranean revival style (think arches and stucco). When we upgraded windows, we actually embraced the arched window look for the front of the house. We replaced a rectangular transom over our double doors with a custom arched window. It added so much character and kept with the style of the home. For the rest of the windows, we went with more standard shapes but did include a couple of half-round (arched top) windows in the dining room as accents.
Now, arched windows aren't typical for ultra-modern designs, but they can be a nice nod to Mediterranean or Spanish-influenced architecture common around Tampa Bay. And if done right, they still can fit in a coastal theme (imagine an arched window framing a sunset view – pretty cool!).
We got them impact-rated too; it was a bit pricier to get custom impact glass in that shape, but worth it for us. One thing to note: if you do custom shapes like arches, lead time can be longer. Ours took 12 weeks to manufacture. But installation was smooth. It really made the house look upscale.
Hi all, I have a question about mixing window types. My home is more contemporary, and I'm looking at casement windows (the ones that crank open) for most rooms because I love the full-open airflow. But I also have a large opening where I want a picture window for the view. Is it weird to have both casements and fixed picture windows in the same house? Will it look mismatched?
Also, any thoughts on awning windows (those that hinge at the top)? I was considering using awnings for the bathrooms or higher up for ventilation even during rain. It rains so much here that being able to crack a window during a storm without water coming in sounds appealing.
Not weird at all, User15! Mixing window types is pretty common. Many of us have, say, a big picture window flanked by casements or double-hungs. The key is to have some consistency in look – like the same frame color/material and overall design style. If you do that, most people won't even notice that some windows don't open and some do. They'll just see a nice combination.
In my house (in Brandon), we have a huge fixed window in the stairwell for light, and casements everywhere else. It works because all the frames match and we kept a similar grid pattern (well, mostly no grids except a couple decorative ones on top sash in front). It all ties together.
Regarding awning windows: I absolutely love them for certain spots! We put a few awning windows high up in our master bathroom and in the garage (right under the roofline). As you said, you can leave them open in a light rain and no water comes in because they shed it off. They’re great for ventilation. Plus, they add an interesting horizontal line design-wise. In our bathroom it brings in light and venting while still maintaining privacy (since they're high up and small).
One tip: if you go with awnings, ensure the crank mechanisms are good quality (and stainless if possible). In Florida’s air, cheaper hardware can rust or break.
I'm learning so much from you all, thank you! Quick share: I have a coastal cottage style house in Sarasota, and we recently switched out some old sliders for double-hung windows in the bedrooms. We chose double-hung mainly because they have that classic look (fits our cottage vibe) and they tilt in, which makes cleaning the second-floor windows way easier (no ladder needed).
I know double-hungs aren't as "modern sexy" as casements or picture windows, but the newer ones we got are nice-looking (no grids, so they still have a clean appearance). They also catch less wind when open compared to casements, I think – helpful during those sudden summer storms if we forget to close them in time.
Oh, and about awning windows that User15 asked – I second what User16 said. We have an awning window in our kitchen, above the sink. It's small but super handy; we can have it open during a drizzle while cooking and not worry. It’s also pretty cute – it swings out and kind of looks like a little canopy.
This thread is golden! Since we're talking about different window types, I'll throw in sliding windows for consideration. I'm in a 1970s block home in Seminole. When we remodeled, we actually chose horizontal sliders for a lot of rooms (instead of casements or double-hungs). Sliders often get overlooked in design discussions, but they made sense for us:
We wanted a wide format window in our family room that wasn't one big fixed piece. A 2-panel horizontal slider gave us a wide view and the option to slide one half open.
Sliders have a low-profile look and can suit mid-century or contemporary styles (ours have no grids and a simple frame, very streamlined).
They’re easy to use and clean (the panels can lift out). And fewer moving parts than crank windows.
One thing to ensure: if you go with sliders, get good rollers and tracks (most quality ones have these). Ours slide effortlessly. Cheap sliders can be a pain if they stick, but modern ones from a reputable brand are much improved.
We also did a big 3-panel slider door (like User10 mentioned) to our patio. And yes, needed a permit and a fat header beam, but the contractor (Karoly Windows team, who did our install) handled it well. The inspector who signed off said our house is ready for the next hurricane with that setup 💪.
Speaking of hurricanes (can't avoid it in FL), how have you all found the impact windows vs. shutters debate for design? I'm the only one in my neighborhood (in Clearwater) without impact windows still – I have metal panel shutters that I have to bolt on when there's a storm. It works, but man, it's ugly when up, and a pain to install. I'm considering upgrading to impact windows next year mostly for convenience and a cleaner look year-round.
My only hesitation (besides cost) was that I heard if an impact window takes a hit, it might crack and then you have to replace the whole thing, whereas shutters might prevent any damage to your regular window. But reading these experiences, it sounds like the benefits outweigh that worry. Plus not having to store and mount shutters... huge plus.
I was in your shoes, User19. We used to have the aluminum panel shutters too (came with our 90s house in Largo). Two years ago we bit the bullet and got all impact windows and an impact sliding door. Best decision for peace of mind and yes, for aesthetics. Now, when a storm is coming, we just double-check windows are closed and we're done – the house looks normal, neighbors are out there climbing ladders to put shutters and we're inside with a drink 😁.
As for design, our new windows actually looked better even aside from storm features. We chose a slightly different grid pattern and it updated the curb appeal. If an impact window cracks, true you have to replace it, but that’s pretty rare unless you get a really huge impact. And they’re built to not shatter everywhere, so even cracked they usually keep the rain/wind out until you fix it.
My advice: if budget allows, do the impact windows. It's one of those very Florida-specific upgrades that you’ll appreciate every hurricane season (and your house will look cleaner without all the shutter hardware). Some insurance companies give discounts for them too.