We chose Simonton for our last house (through a big box store), and they were decent but a bit plain in style. For our current home, we used Custom Window Systems (CWS), which is another Florida-based manufacturer, because they offered a nice bronze exterior/white interior frame option we wanted.
I think brand is secondary to installer though. A good installer will only use reputable brands anyway. And a great window can perform badly if installed poorly. So I'd pick a quality installer and go with one of the brands they trust. Most importantly, make sure whatever brand you choose is Florida Building Code approved for impact (if you need that) and has the features you want (like the right color, hardware, etc.).
Switching gears a bit, what about cost-saving tips? Did anyone find ways to save money on their window projects, like timing it in the off-season or negotiating? I'm on a tight budget for my window upgrade.
I was thinking of maybe doing the project in the winter, hoping contractors are less busy. Or possibly doing it in phases (front of the house first, then back later). Is that a thing or is it better to do all at once? Any insights on getting the best price without skimping on quality?
Great question, User62. Windows can be pricey but there are a few tricks:
We got multiple quotes and let each company know we were comparing. A little polite competition got us better offers. Just be upfront and see if they can match or beat a price for similar products.
Off-season (winter for Florida) can indeed be slower. We signed our contract in December and the company gave us an off-season discount of about 10% because their schedule was light.
Some companies offer financing deals or promotions (like free installation or an upgrade) during home show events or holidays. We actually snagged a deal during a spring home show.
Phasing it is possible – you could do essential rooms first – but keep in mind you'll pay more in the long run if the crew has to mobilize twice. If you can afford to, doing it all at once usually gets you the best overall price per window.
I’ll add that we got a small energy rebate from our utility company for installing Energy Star rated windows. Check with TECO or Duke Energy (whoever your electric provider is) – they sometimes have incentives for upgrading to more efficient windows. It wasn’t huge (covered maybe the cost of one window), but hey, every bit helps!
Another tip: try to plan ahead of hurricane season. If you sign a contract in, say, April or May, you might end up with installation right in the peak of storms. That can cause delays and stress. If you can, aim to get windows in during winter or spring before things ramp up. That way by summer, you're all set and potentially got a better deal too.
I’ve lived in my Tampa home for 30 years and have been through two rounds of window replacements (one in the 90s and one just recently). Let me tell you, the difference in technology and style is night and day. Our first upgrade was from jalousie windows to aluminum single-pane sliders – that was an improvement back then. The recent upgrade to vinyl double-pane impact windows is a whole other level.
It's great to see how far things have come. Now we have so many choices in styles and colors. Back in the day, you basically got aluminum sliders or single-hungs and that was that. Now it feels like you can really customize the look to your home.
So for the newcomers, yes it’s a big expense, but you’re getting value not just in safety and efficiency but in how fresh and modern it makes your house feel. I only wish I'd done the latest upgrade sooner!
One thing to mention for those adding large windows: bird safety. After we installed a big picture window, we had a couple of birds accidentally fly into it (they see the reflection of sky and get confused). It was heartbreaking.
We found a solution by applying some subtle bird-deterrent decals on the glass. They are translucent stickers you barely notice, but birds do see them and it breaks up the reflection. Since putting those up, no more bird strikes. So if you have lots of birds around (we have a big oak tree that attracts cardinals), it’s something to consider as part of your window plans.
Good point, User66. I had the same issue at my home by a lake – the birds didn’t realize there was glass there at first. I ended up using a special UV coating (transparent to us but visible to birds) on my large windows. It's basically a clear film with a pattern only birds see. Worked like a charm.
It’s not something everyone thinks about, but here by the water we love our wildlife, so it's worth taking small steps to protect them. Plus, it means no smudges or cleaning up after bird impacts either 😉.
Has anyone tried those self-cleaning glass options? I heard some new windows come with coatings that help rain wash dirt away. When I was window-shopping (literally), one manufacturer was advertising a titanium dioxide layer that breaks down dirt and makes water sheet off.
I opted for it on my big high windows (figured it might help since I can't reach them easily). Honestly, I'm not sure how much it's the coating or just the rain, but those windows do stay pretty clear. Water doesn’t bead and spot as much; it kind of just slides off. It wasn't a huge add-on cost, so I'm happy with it, even if it just reduces cleaning frequency a bit.
I didn't get fancy coatings, but I do a DIY hack: I apply Rain-X (the stuff for car windshields) on my exterior glass occasionally. 😅 It helps the water bead up and roll off in our afternoon rains. Probably not as long-lasting as the factory coatings User68 mentioned, but it's cheaper and I can reapply it when I wash the windows.
For anyone considering it, test on a small corner first, but I've had no issues. It makes a difference on our big sliding doors especially – less water spotting and easier to clean. In a sunny climate like ours, anything to cut down on cleaning is a win in my book.
I just want to say how awesome this thread is. I'm a new homeowner in the Tampa Bay area and was lurking to learn. This conversation answered questions I didn't even know I had! Big thanks to everyone who's shared their experience, from technical details to design inspiration. 😊
It's really cool to see neighbors helping each other figure this stuff out. I'm feeling much more confident about eventually doing my own window upgrades, and I have a notebook full of ideas now.