Would like information on what type of components needed for replacement vinyl windows to purchase for my home.
I know in Florida that there is an impact code.There are quite a few trees which affords a lot of shade and I am in a very quite area. Don't know if I would need : Low E, gas filled, double pane or any of these.Any suggestions? Thanks

 

Make sure the window meets the requirements for the projectiles. You will need it even with plywood protection.

I believe the window test is only a short 2x4, but it is amazing what happens if you ever get a chance to see an actual test. The wall test is even more impressive - 12' 2x4 at 120 mph from an air connon, so don't try to stop it with plywood walls.


Dick

 

I recently replaced the windows in my house and opted for double pane windows with Low E but did not get them gas filled. My window rep had a good point - yes, the gas filled windows will probably be more efficient but how do you know the gas does not escape over time? Tests on this have been inconclusive. So I decided not to spend the extra money for something that was not 100% guaranteed. Just my take on it!

 

Thanks for the input I am still trying to find the information needed as far as the requirement for impact glass in my area. I did hear from one source but it was a little confusing.Still looking

 

Just saw an article about Weather tite windows which I think the home office is in Ohio. I would like to know if anyone has any information about these windows or company.There is also another name which shows Lane ll corporation.

 

Although for some reason the energy code folks in southern Florida just don't seem to get it, a dual pane window with a Low Solar Heat Gain (LSHG) LowE coating in the deep south is actually more advantageous in your climate than is a dual pane with LowE is in the north. Heating a home is relatively efficient...cooling a home is not. The more you can keep heat out of your home, the less money you will spend on air conditioning.

The value of an argon fill in your climate is more debateable. I wouldn't hurt certainly, but the argon fill is more a matter of U value than solar heat gain, so unless they are offering an argon fill really inexpensively, then I would probably not get it.


Impact codes and requirements do vary somewhat by location, but without question impact glass/windows is definitely the way to go in Florida. There is a lot of conflicting information out there concerning impact protection, but as a very general rule if you live in Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County, then the "Dade Code" will apply. If you live elsewhere in the state, then you will be under the ASTM E1886-02 and E1996-02 rules (Not that those numbers mean anything, unless you are a window company or code official... )

There are some differences in the testing and application of the different requirements.

Here is a some rather generic comments on impact products...This next part is long... :mask:

Generally, if you are building a new home or you are replacing windows in an older home, and you are planning to use a good quality window, then installing impact resistant windows will be a little less expensive than installing a quality window and shutters.

If you are buying or living in an older home (I don't mean older as "old", I simply mean "not-a-new-house"), and you are perfectly happy with your existing windows, then shutters are more economical.

Impact windows are made with laminated glass, upgraded hardware, and special glazing silicones that make them extremely strong. You can't take an "ordinary" window and throw in some laminated glass and then call it an impact window. It won't pass the test either in the lab setting or in real life. The impact window is a complete system that includes installation to very specific guidelines down to the type of screw or nail used (even to specific manufacturer of that screw or nail). As well, the window is simply part of the overall house structure that was specifically designed and built with the thought of keeping the storm on the outside and keeping the housing components where they belong - as part of the house.

There are several advantages to using impact glass rather than shutters – not having to travel four hours to protect your home is certainly a huge one – but beyond that:

First, and best (restating), they are passive protection…you don't have to do a thing to protect your house if a storm is coming. If you are out-of-town, the house is protected.

Second, they are passive protection...not just from storms, but from unfriendly people who might want to enter your home when you are not there. Imagine trying to break thru a window or door that has been designed and built to withstand winds of over 150mph and at the same time to withstand impacts from a 2x4 projectile that turns plywood into kindling. Burglars look elsewhere.

Laminated glass, used in impact windows, blocks 99% of UV light from entering your home and also acts as a significant sound barrier as well. Homes that are near airports that are remodeled for soundproofing are retrofitted with laminated glass for that reason. But, those homes generally use a much thinner version than is used for impact resistance.

Unfortunately, looting is sometimes a problem after a major storm, and again that passive protection that impact windows gives you will help keep your belongings in your home long after the storm. The folks who do the deed are going to look at the homes that don't have that sort of protection. Also, those folks who use shutters or plywood to protect their homes are going to be living in a windowless cave as long as they are in the house with the coverings in place. Folks with impact windows don't have to do that.

All the major window companies have impact products. In Florida for example, PGT is the leading manufacturer of impact products by far. They are a large and capable manufacturer.

I would personally very much suggest that you stay with a leading window manufacturer when buying impact windows. Realistically, a couple guys with a garage can build a window that can pass the impact requirements and sell it on the market. Do their follow up windows meet the same standards as the original test units? Maybe, but do you want to be the test case?

With the leading window manufacturers you know that while impact products are a small, but growing, part of their overall business they have the ability to design, build, test, and manufacture the window and they will still be around after the storm to back up the warranty – if needed.

Concerning the four major hurricanes that hit the southeast in 2004, there were no reported building failures due to failure of impact windows…there were a great many failures associated with plywood “protection” and also a number of buildings failed that had shutters protecting the windows (primarily due to faulty installation).

Of the information available from this year’s storms…so far (and the data is still being collected), there have been no reported building failures due to failure of impact windows…but, like last year’s storms, there are a number of reports of building failures associated with plywood and some with shutters as well.

 

Thank you for the information.No reply is to long if informative such as yours.I just found out that I am in an impact area of Florida and will need to have the impact windows installed.I was told that these add $400 to each window which is pretty hard to take when retired and on a fixed income.There are several companies that have been around for years so that would be the best way to start as far as estimates go.Thanks again for the info. Bob

 

Bob,

As obvious as it may sound, make sure that you check with a number of different companies before making your decision...many are grossly overpriced for what you are getting, but many are also relatively reasonable.

I very much avoid making comparisons between window companies or products...I have potential conflict-of-interest issues if I do so. But as a semi-exception...among the several companies that you want to check, PGT is by far the largest window company in Florida and they specialize in this product. They are probably one of the less expensive options in your market. I am NOT recommending this company...BUT, I am suggesting that you don't miss them as part of your overall search for windows.

Also you might want to check out Jeld-Wen's Venice operation and also Custom Window System's in Ocala. These companies are offering windows made in Florida and as such they may be a little less expensive - but they are also good quality companies.

Also, go to the big box stores and check out their windows and pricing...Andersen, Pella, and Jeld-Wen Caradco (among others) are all available thru that route. These are generally going to be the more expensive option, but at least they will give you a place to start your search.

To reemphasize, I am not specifically recommending any window or company, I am simply offering a few options that may be worthwhile to check out. I would also avoid the "know-it-all" neighbor (or brother-in-law) who KNOWS that these windows will break the bank...before you talk to the window folks.

And, be very careful that the window that you eventually purchase has "impact" glass. Because of a loop-hole or two in the codes, many companies offer "hurricane windows" that are not impact rated. They pass what is known as the "air and water structural" test, but not the impact and cycle test. If you buy a "hurricane window" that is not impact rated, you could end up with an expensive window that you still have to protect in the case of a storm.

And, avoid the folks selling "impact films" for existing windows. Despite what the sales-folks of these products will tell you, there are NO films certified for hurricane impact protection...again, they will make lots of claims, some of which are actually (somewhat) true, but ultimately they are not what you need in your situation.

If you have any questions at all once you start your search, then please feel free to post them and I, or one of the really expert window guys who visit here, will be glad to answer your questions.

Good luck, Bob!