If you’ve spent any time on my site you know that I do not use it to promote any company or any window. The information here is for education only. I’ve learned so much in my years working in the replacement window industry. If you knew what I do, you’d avoid mistakes when selecting replacement windows for your home. That’s the goal of this site- to help.
As I often say, the worst home improvement is the one you have to do twice.
People choose poorly, or are misdirected by a sales person.
Many people pick a window based on price, not on how the characteristics of the window will fit their needs, climate, and goals. It’s all about fit.
If I told you I had beautiful shoes to sell, the very best possible, and you wanted to buy shoes, we’d have something to talk about. Then if I told you I only had size 14 what would you say? Chances are size 14 would not fit.
Then what if I sweetened the deal and gave you half off? Would the low price be so enticing that you’d buy the size 14 shoes?
Price doesn’t matter if they don’t fit! If your new windows do not fit your climate and energy needs they don’t fit- end of story.
If you are in the Tampa Bay area I’d be delighted to help you. You can email me. Leave your phone and the best times to try you and I’ll call- no charge- no obligation- no pressure. I’ll answer questions and see if I can help- period.
It will be totally confidential- just between us.
If you are outside the Tampa Bay area- leave a comment and I’ll try to respond for the benefit of all who follow.
hi phil
I need help I am replacing all my windows in my park model really having a hard time with codes and permits. what windows are the best for zephryhills florida are the codes different in each county? omg really confusing.
thanks
cammy
Codes vary from one area to another and can be confusing even for window installation professionals. Contact me directly and I’ll try to help.
I have a rental property in Tampa and I need an estimate on replacing them . I cannot be there but the lady that lives there can be there. please let me know if this is ok. I need this done ASAP. THANK YOU
would you suggest impact windows in zephyrhills when I replace in the next year……just bought house coming down for goo from michigan ..
Zephyrhills does not require impact windows at this time, however may in the future. It’s really your choice for now. Impact windows cost more. But they are there protecting your home from weather events and intruders 24/7. When you are ready you are welcome to contact me and I’ll try to help.
Hi,
Need help. First time homebuyer. I live in Tampa in the ‘new suburb’ neighborhood on Morrison ace b/w so howard & macdill. I am replacing aluminum windows to vinyl. Do I need to put in impact windows? Is it required since I am in an impact zone? I’m confused because the contractor said no & the Home Depot rep said yes? Who do I believe? Decided not to go with contractor after he asked for 95% of the $ for cost of job up front- didn’t get a good gut reading… Now dealing w Home Depot & since they say impact needed my price has almost doubled… & what is this 25% thing about more than 25% of glass then u have to put in impact windows… Help plz & ASAP. Home Depot coming back tmrw at 11:30 am!
Thanks!
Trish
If you live in an impact zone, which sometimes can be hard to determine, you must install impact rated windows or have properly wind rated windows with an approved impact covering. In most areas if you are replacing less than 25% of the glass in a single home in a 12 month period you can have non-impact rated windows with the proper wind load rating.
Obviously Home Depot does not manufacture windows, and Home Depot does not actually install windows themselves, so beware of the layers of people between you and the manufacturer is you ever need anything for your windows. Warranties can be very deceiving. Asterisks and small print tend to take away things you thought would be included.
Hi Phil,
I am on the board of a town home condo complex in Winter Park, FL. Our units were built around 1986 and the windows show it. Right now we are in the process of replacing all of our old cedar siding with hardie board. The company who is doing the siding mentioned that if any of our residents would like to replace their windows, now would be the easiest time to do it, when the siding is being put up. They are making no profit from selling us any type of window but have suggested double pane windows with argon gas inside and white vinyl. They said the bronze vinyl that is offered now is painted on and actually is not as good as the plain white vinyl. Since everyone cannot afford to purchase new windows at this time and some can, that leaves us with the problem of the white vinyl not matching the old aluminum single pane windows. What do you think of having the old aluminum window frames painted white to match the new ones as a temporary measure until people can afford to replace them? Is this just a waste of time and money? Is the white vinyl truly better than the bronze vinyl? We have many units that face east/west and the heat is brutal so we do want our residents to get the best window for heat and noise reduction possible. Any advice/knowledge you can pass along would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Liz
Liz- some great questions here.
First- any vinyl that is painted, either color bond or any other method, will show weathering over time, bronze being among the worst. Natural vinyl can still weather, but far more slowly. And there is one line that guarantees it will not weather at all. It’s designed for the Florida climate.
Argon gas increases the insulation capability of windows. The greater the difference between outside and inside temperature, the more it benefits. Here in Florida its main benefit is it will stop heat reflective Low-E coatings from discoloring. The Low-E is where you will get your greatest heat reflectivity.
Any vinyl double pane window will reduce sound penetration. Foam enhanced frames and filling voids with foam during installation helps even more.
With the brightness of the Florida sun white vinyl will not seem dramatically different than silver aluminum. Painting the old windows, in my opinion, would be a waste of money. You might talk with the board and use the cost of painting the old windows as a incentive for each individual resident to replace the windows. Give them what it would cost to paint if they order new windows. Chances are , the larger order placed, the lower the overall cost per unit will be.
Right now Orlando is not an impact required area for windows. That may change in 2016. If the building code does change, prices will go up for all your residents, so those who can act before that time will be best served.
If you’d like to connect to go over your options, contact me directly. I’ll be glad to help.