When selecting windows for Florida homes, homeowners must consider a few unique factors. These include sunshine, heat and humidity, and the risk of hurricanes.
For energy efficiency, choose insulated windows with double or triple panes and low-E film. These windows keep heat and UV out, lowering HVAC costs during Florida’s hot summers.
Casement windows
When it comes to window replacement, homeowners have a few options for style and function. Double hung windows offer a range of benefits, including low maintenance costs and design flexibility. They also accommodate most window A/C units. However, their design can be challenging to clean and may leave a small gap between the two sashes when closed.
Side-hinged casement windows open outward, allowing for refreshing ventilation. They provide a clear view of the outdoors and can be opened and closed with the turn of a handle. They are ideal for spaces that need natural light and easy access to fresh air, like kitchens and bathrooms. In addition, they offer excellent energy efficiency, preventing heated or cooled air from escaping your home. This can lead to significant savings on your utility bills.
Awning windows
When it comes to choosing windows for your home, there are endless options. Understanding the differences between two popular hinged window styles — awning and casement — will empower you to make confident choices that best suit your space and lifestyle.
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward using a hand crank or roto-gear. They’re perfect for areas that need ventilation and moisture management, such as bathrooms or kitchens. They also provide a great way to let in light and fresh air without blocking the view outside your home.
Awning windows come in a variety of materials, from wood to vinyl to aluminum. Each offers its own unique benefits. Choosing the right material will help you find the ideal combination of style, energy efficiency, and durability.
Sliding windows
Sliding windows open horizontally and are one of the simplest replacement window designs. They can be customized with different numbers of window panes and movable panels. They are popular among homeowners with older heritage-style homes.
They are a great option for wider spaces because they don’t block walkways or decks the way casement windows do. They also work well above kitchen sinks where it would be difficult to reach a double-hung window.
These windows require a little more maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating their tracks. They can also be noisy when the wind is blowing or a large truck drives by. However, they’re less expensive than other types of replacement windows and are a good choice for homeowners with limited budgets. They can also be installed in retrofit or insert installations.
Single pane windows
Double pane windows are standard in new construction and are a popular choice among modern homeowners. They are available in a variety of styles and materials, but they differ from single-pane windows in that they have two sheets of glass with an air gap between them. Generally, that space is filled with argon or krypton gas, boosting the window’s insulation qualities.
The disadvantages of single-pane windows are that they allow heated or cooled air to escape from a building, leading to higher energy costs. Additionally, they are prone to condensation and do not offer soundproofing. For homeowners and businesses that require superior insulation, a better choice is double-pane windows. These windows are filled with a more efficient insulator and have a lower maintenance cost.
Insert windows
Full-frame replacement windows involve removing the existing window frame and sash and replacing them with new ones. This process is more extensive than insert window installation, and can result in more disruption to the home’s exterior trim and siding.
However, it offers the opportunity to change the window’s size and shape, and to improve the energy efficiency of the home. It is also an option for homes with older frames that may have developed rot or insect infestation.
Retrofit and insert windows are less invasive, and allow homeowners to save money on installation costs. They also help to prevent potential damage to the house structure provoked by the invasiveness of full-frame replacement. They are an excellent choice for homeowners who wish to maintain the look of their old house while upgrading its style.