Recommendations for Upgrading Home WIndows

I just started the new window process in my home and very quickly realised the best option is drastically different for everyone.  My home has t1-11 siding and wood windows and I've opted to DIy some "new construction" vinyl windows with a nail flange and use this as an opportunity to add foam and vinyl siding to clean things up.  I think the first question you need to consider is DIY or professional install.  If you go the pro install route I would try to work with a "big brand" as they stand a chance of being around for long enough to honor warranty. 

Another critical item is what type of windows do you want, a company that makes good vinyl windows might not make good wood or aluminum clad windows and vice versa.

Last, look at the data.  Nfrc.org has all the thermal/solar performance data for you to try to pick thru but it's pretty hard to tie the data to a specific window without knowing the manufacturer.  You probably are going to need to spend some time poking around websites or taking to someone on the phone. 

As you are in Florida the solar heat gain coefficient is pretty critical.  Ill admit to not being in the know regarding the 140mph rating and impact testing but the little I know says laminated glass is sometimes called security glass for improved impact performance and as a bonus it helps with sound transmission.  Weather shield sells their vision series vinyl window at Menards under the crestline name and shows a dual pane regular vinyl slider having a STC rating of 29 vs laminated glass at 33.  Google's seems to suggest single pane windows are in the 25 ballpark.

In reply to Marjorie Suddard :

His name is Rick Cuevas - 407-619-3122

He does Marion county as that's where I'm located.

Nice guy. 

thinking back to the question of impact resistance and all that, here is a useful video. Resistance to penetration != resistance to shattering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zC32X0eNKw

T.J. said:

Click on the start menu. Then click on settings. Then click on Update & Security.

Then click on Check for Updates. Easy peasy.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh wait, that's not what you were asking. My house was built in 1991 and the windows are beat due to the salt air. I'd hate to know how much it would cost me to do the whole house or even how many windows there are in total. Maybe I'll count them and see.

dude. I wasn't even looking at this thread and I *just* got your joke. well done

Even though I live about ~50 miles from the Pella plant they are still hugely expensive. 

Funny enough, there's a few companies that I wouldn't expect to build and sell windows that do- like lumber yards. I'm looking at a local one right now for LVT too.

Just a follow-up and thanks to everyone who offered advice. I went with PGT windows installed by Weathertite, the big dog in the Tampa Bay market. Not cheap, and the order took much longer than promised, but the pandemic has resulted in a windfall for the home-improvement industry and everyone seems to be very busy. 

Once they showed up, installation was quick and generally good quality, although a couple of small "punch list" details remain unresolved, months later. The new windows look good, and will clearly be more secure and more efficient than the old ones. I like the notion of not having to board up for hurricanes.

The most noticeable benefit has been a great reduction in outside noise. It is as if the road behind our property has been closed. The traffic noise is gone. The neighborhood cat and dog noises are gone. Our dog sleeps better. We sleep better.