The Ultimate Guide to Window Replacement in Florida

The real estate market in Florida is still hot, and people are still moving here in droves.  As new residents of our tropical Floridian paradise, many newcomers to the state often overlook replacement windows as a priority amenity when they purchase their new home in this beachy dreamland.  Replacement windows in Florida, however, can not only save your money in utility bills and add a personal touch to your new home. But they may also save your life during hurricane season.

Why should you consider window replacement in Florida?

As people from non-tropical regions relocate to Florida, many are looking to escape harsh winters. But are not properly experienced with the hot, steamy Florida summers.  One long lasting way to beat the heat and save money is through window replacement.  There is no getting around using the air conditioner in the Florida summer. But that can get expensive if you have old windows with poor insulation.  The goal is to cool down the indoors. Not try to lower the outside temperatures. 

Another reason to consider window replacement for your Florida home is for that swiftly approaching period of time stretching from June 1 through November 30 called Hurricane Season.  As temperature changes across the globe alter weather patterns, Floridians have seen an increase in direct hits from strong hurricanes.  Fortunately, there are ways to protect your home from the dangers of hurricanes.  Well-seasoned Floridians know you run from the water and hide from the wind.  Wouldn’t it be great if you could hide from the wind in your own home?  That is possible through replacing your windows and glass doors with hurricane or impact windows.  There are building codes in place in Florida for hurricane windows.  They need to be rated for winds up to certain speeds depending on where the property is located.  The closer to the water your property is, the stronger the winds will be when the hurricane makes landfall.  For impact window installation in South Florida, be aware that their regulations require windows be rated for winds up to 180 mph.  The representatives at Mister Window have all of the information you need when it comes to replacing your old windows with hurricane windows. 

The benefits of window replacement?

Beyond saving money on utilities and protecting your loved ones and property from the devastating effects of hurricanes, window replacement has multiple other benefits. Including increased security, increased property values, reduced noise pollution, discounts on homeowners’ insurance, and various incentives offered in the form of tax credits and rebates.  Although the initial estimate for your replacement windows may feel excessive, at the end of the day, they will ultimately pay for themselves.

New windows improve security by using sturdy glass and more modern locking mechanisms to provide better protection against burglars.  By replacing old windows with upgraded ones like hurricane or impact windows, you are able to make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers. Due to increased safety features and aesthetic appeal.  New, thicker windows are known to block out more sound.  As neighborhoods fill up and traffic increases, replacement windows will help ensure that extra street noise is not a problem in your home.  Homeowners’ insurance in Florida can cause migraines.  One way to ensure you get the lowest premium possible is with hurricane windows.  Insurance companies will give a hefty discount if this feature is in place on your property.  Rebates, incentives and tax credits are offered by utility companies and the federal government.  Keep an eye out for these money saving possibilities when you purchase your new windows and file your taxes.

How safe are impact windows?

Impact windows are very safe since they are able to protect your family and your property from various dangers.  Impact windows are windows that have been designed to withstand impacts of a specific force.  These impacts can come from severe weather systems, like hurricanes or strong summer fronts, rogue pitches by neighborhood kids in the street or even attempts by burglars to smash a window and steal property or harm your family.  They are made using a dual pane system with laminate between the panes and are reinforced with a stronger frame.  This dual pane and laminate system allows one pane of glass to break while still maintaining the seal.  That seal is vital during storms to maintain the structural integrity of your home.  If the pressure inside your home does not remain stable during a hurricane, serious damage can occur. Including a roof collapse.

In the long run, replacing old windows with impact windows is worth the initial cost.  They require less individual effort during storm season than storm shutters. Making the only person who is required to put in any effort with your windows is the hurricane window installer.

The process of window replacement

Much like other industries, the window replacement world is full of salesmen who want to upsell you on every insignificant thing to make a fast buck.  Reputable companies like Mister Window, however, have a simple process to which they adhere that delivers consistent, high-quality customer experiences.  The process begins with a needs assessment.  This step is crucial as it is where the customer’s wants and needs are discovered by the installer. And the installer can have a frank conversation with the customer as to any obvious issues of the window replacement of which the customer may not be aware.

Next, the installer will come to the home to inspect and measure the existing windows. In order to provide a more technical and detailed overview of what will need to happen during the replacement process.  As the windows are being measured, the installer will be able to identify issues that my need to be addressed in order for proper installation to occur. Like rotting wood or other structural issues for the replacement windows.

Once a full evaluation is complete, the installer will be able to provide a quote to the customer.  Customers should be aware of companies that upcharge their services as the panic of hurricane season approaches.  A reputable company shouldn’t make you feel stressed during the sales pitch.  Many companies, like Mister Window, will offer a free estimate of the replacement cost with a fairly priced quote.  Many companies may offer financing options as well.  Make sure to ask your installer what options are available to you.

Once the needs have been assessed, the measurements taken, and quotes approved and financed, the final piece of the puzzle is the replacement window installation itself.  Following the installation, inspection by the local building department will occur.  After the inspection is complete, the install team will return to install any new screw caps and covers and complete the remaining punch list items.

How to choose the right window replacement company

As with most industries, there are many options to choose from when it comes to picking a window installer.  It is critical that, when choosing a company to replace your windows, you choose an experienced, high-rated company, like Mister Window. Especially in Florida where having windows installed properly can be a matter of life and death.

Avoid installers with gimmicky sales pitches like thermal imaging devices, noise sensors, and “proprietary” windows.  The best weapon against a crooked salesman is information.  Be armed with plenty of it when you search for the right installer.  When they bring out a thermal imaging device to show you how their special glass is better than a competitors, be advised that all windows are tested for things like energy efficiency, noise abatement, and hurricane strength.  The best way to determine if one product is better than another, is to look at the ratings issued by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).  Any knowledgeable company should be able to provide these ratings so you can compare apples to apples.  Another pitch you will hear is the tale of proprietary glass.  While there are differences in the types of glass available in impact windows, like insulated with Low-E and argon versus non-insulated glass, there are only two major suppliers of glass in the industry. And one company is not better than the other.  Window manufacturers will often use a unique name to describe their glass. Even though the glass and Low-E they are using is the same as their competitor’s.

The difference is in the quality of the company and its installers.   Don’t let these sales tactics relieve you of your hard-earned money.  Research the companies from whom you obtain quotes.  Read those Google reviews and get a feel for their overall quality.  Angry customers will make their voices heard.  Mister Window has 149 Google reviews with a 4.7 rating out of 5.0. 

Customers in West Central Florida have been trusting Mister Window with their replacement window needs since 1977.  From window replacement and installation in Brandon, Florida to window replacement and installation in Sarasota, Florida, Mister Window is ready to be of service to you with qualified installers and a fair quote.

FAQ’s

1. How will replacement windows help me?  Replacement windows will help your home stay intact during hurricane season, increase the value of your home, and save you money on your utility bills and taxes.
2. How can I afford replacement windows?  Don’t faint when you receive your quote.  Replacement windows may be expensive, but they are worth it.  There are financing options available from Mister Window.  They offer varying terms including zero interest financing, no upfront costs and terms up to 10 years.
3. Should I have impact windows in Florida?  Yes.  When replacing older, existing windows in Florida homes, there are regulations that need to be met with the new windows.  The minimum impact requirements are determined by the location of the property relative to the wind-borne debris region set by the Florida Building Code.  The representatives at Mister Window have all of the information you need to determine what ratings are appropriate for your home.
4. What if I want to change my current double hung window to a picture window?  This is information that is crucial during the needs assessment portion of the replacement window process.  A qualified installer will be able to address your wants and needs. And will alert you to any potential issues with the viability of your initial choices.
5. What do I do if I am not satisfied with my new replacement windows?  If you have contracted with a reputable company (Mister Window), the installer will do a walk through after the installation is complete to address any concerns.  If you are not satisfied, alert the installer as soon as possible. So that they may work to accommodate any changes you need.

We hope you enjoyed our article about the window world of central Florida – Mister Window. With this knowledge, we know that you can make the most of your home improvement project when using a contractor like a  Window replacement Florida  – Mister Window. So what are you waiting for? Contact the window world of central Florida – Mister Window – today by visiting misterwindow.com.