Frequently Asked Questions

Company Comparison

Simonton Windows:

• Years in Business: Established in 1946, Simonton is the first energy efficient focused window company and has a long history of manufacturing high-quality windows and doors.
• Reputation: Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Simonton has arguably the strongest reputation in the window industry and is one of the two major providers in the hurricane impact window market.
• Customer Reviews: Overwhelmingly positive, with a focus on durability and energy efficiency. Complaints are primarily about cost.
• Awards: Simonton is recognized nationally for its product quality and energy efficiency. 

PGT Windows:

• Years in Business: Founded in 1980, PGT has over 40 years of experience in the window and door industry.
• Reputation: PGT is highly regarded for its impact-resistant products and one of the two major providers in the hurricane impact window market.
• Customer Reviews: Also positive, particularly for its impact resistance and quality. Some complaints about service and specific product issues.
• Awards: PGT has received multiple awards for its innovative designs and product performance.

Detailed Comparison of Window and Warranty Information

Simonton Stormbreaker Plus

1. Frame Material: High Quality American uPVC Vinyl.
2. Reinforcement: Aluminum tube reinforcement.
3. Durability Rating: 10 out of 10.
4. Energy Efficiency Rating: 10 out of 10.
5. Configurations Available: All available except single hung; double hung standard.
6. Price Point: $$$
7. Quality Rating: 10 out of 10.
8. Company: Established in 1946, strong reputation, known for quality and innovation.
9. Warranty: Double-Lifetime warranty on vinyl, hardware, and components. 20 years on all glass, fully transferrable. Lifetime labor warranty.

PGT Winguard Vinyl

1. Frame Material: High Quality uPVC Vinyl.
2. Reinforcement: Aluminum rail reinforcement.
3. Durability Rating: 10 out of 10.
4. Energy Efficiency Rating: 10 out of 10.
5. Configurations Available: All available.
6. Price Point: $$
7. Quality Rating: 10 out of 10.
8. Company: Founded in 1980, leader in impact-resistant products, highly regarded in the industry.
9. Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on vinyl, 10 years on moving parts, and 20 years on insulated glass, 10 years laminated glass, partially transferable with registration.

Conclusion

Simonton Stormbreaker Plus:

• Best for those seeking maximum durability, quality, and energy efficiency, supported by the strongest warranty and a long-established, reputable company.
• The cost may be higher, but it comes with the assurance of excellent quality and superior warranty coverage.

PGT Winguard Vinyl:

• Ideal for those wanting a greater selection of high-quality configurations and cosmetic options with a strong warranty.
• The company is well-respected and the comprehensive warranty exceeds industry standards.

Both brands offer excellent choices for hurricane impact windows, with differences primarily in company history, customer service experiences, and warranty.

When it comes to selecting replacement windows for your Florida home, the choice of material can significantly affect the durability, energy efficiency, and overall performance of your windows. While the glass used in these windows is identical in terms of energy efficiency and impact performance, the materials used in window assemblies vary greatly. Here’s a comparison of aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and vinyl replacement windows.

Wooden or Wood Composite Windows

Wooden or wood composite windows, often made from maple, are more suited to northern climates where temperatures are cooler and drier. In Florida, the humid, wet, and buggy environment causes wood windows to deteriorate rapidly. Treatments such as fiberglass cladding can slow this process but do not completely prevent weathering and termite damage. These windows, while offering a variety of custom styles, are the least durable, cost-effective, and are bulkier compared to other materials. Therefore, wood windows are not recommended for Florida homes.

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows are known for their rigidity and slim profile. However, they are highly conductive, transferring up to 1400% more heat than vinyl windows, which impacts energy efficiency. They also require more maintenance, including regular lubrication and cleaning, and are prone to corrosion, denting, tarnishing, and scratching, especially in Florida’s saltwater-rich environment. Due to these drawbacks, aluminum windows are being phased out and are seldom used in residential settings today.

Fiberglass Windows

Fiberglass windows offer excellent insulation and impact resistance. They can be painted, but this requires regular maintenance to counteract Florida’s intense UV exposure. Fiberglass frames are susceptible to chipping, cracking from temperature changes, and have a high initial cost. Additionally, their availability is limited, making them less accessible for homeowners.

Vinyl (uPVC) Windows

Vinyl (uPVC) windows stand out as the best overall performing option for Florida homes. They provide excellent energy efficiency, comparable to wood and fiberglass, and significantly outperform aluminum. Impact vinyl windows are reinforced with aluminum, combining metal frame strength with vinyl’s superior energy efficiency. uPVC vinyl is resistant to weather, heat, dents, bugs, corrosion, and tarnishing. It offers numerous cosmetic options, the lowest carbon footprint, better warranties, and the most cost-effective lifecycle. Vinyl windows are durable and long-lasting, making them the most popular choice for replacement windows in Florida and other hot southern climates.

For all these reasons, vinyl windows are the superior choice for Florida homes, offering unparalleled durability, efficiency, and low maintenance, perfectly suited to withstand the state’s challenging climate conditions.

All Windows we offer are made of a material called uPVC.

uPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride): uPVC is a type of vinyl that is widely used for window frames due to its superior properties. Unlike regular PVC, which includes plasticizers to make it flexible, uPVC is rigid and durable. Here are the key features that make uPVC superior to other vinyl types that may use recycled materials and excessive fillers:

1. Durability:

   • Rigid Structure: uPVC is much stronger and more rigid than regular PVC, providing excellent structural integrity and resistance to deformation.
   • Weather Resistance: uPVC frames are highly resistant to weather conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, and UV exposure. They do not warp, crack, or fade over time, making them ideal for Florida’s climate.

2. Longevity:

   • Non-Corrosive: uPVC does not corrode or rot, even in coastal environments where saltwater exposure can be an issue.
   • Low Maintenance: uPVC windows require minimal maintenance, as they do not need to be painted or sealed and are easy to clean.

3. Energy Efficiency:

   • Insulation: uPVC provides excellent thermal insulation, helping to keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can lead to significant energy savings on heating and cooling costs.
   • Sealing: uPVC windows often come with superior sealing systems that prevent air and water leakage, enhancing energy efficiency and protecting the interior of homes from the elements.

4. Environmental Impact:

   • No Recycled Materials: uPVC frames do not use recycled materials, which can often contain impurities and fillers that compromise the integrity and performance of the windows.
   • Sustainable: uPVC production is more environmentally friendly as it can be recycled at the end of its life cycle, contributing to less environmental waste compared to other materials.

5. Safety and Security:

   • Impact Resistance: uPVC frames are robust and can withstand significant impacts, which is crucial for hurricane-rated windows.
   • Fire Retardant: uPVC is naturally flame retardant, which adds an extra layer of safety to homes.

6. Aesthetic Versatility:

   • Design Options: uPVC can be manufactured in a variety of colors, finishes, and styles, providing flexibility in design while maintaining all its superior properties.

In summary, uPVC frames offer a combination of durability, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and environmental sustainability that other vinyl types cannot match, especially those using recycled materials and excessive fillers. This makes uPVC the preferred choice for high-quality, long-lasting window installations in Florida.

Double Hung Windows:

• Both Sashes Operable: In double hung windows, both the upper and lower sashes can move up and down, allowing for better ventilation as you can open both sashes simultaneously.
• Easy Cleaning: Many double hung windows have tilt-in sashes, making it easier to clean both the interior and exterior glass from inside your home.
• Versatility: The ability to open both sashes provides more flexibility in controlling airflow and ventilation, which can be particularly useful in certain weather conditions.

Single Hung Windows:

• One Operable Sash: In single hung windows, only the lower sash is operable, while the upper sash remains fixed. This limits ventilation options compared to double hung windows.
• Cost-Effective: Typically, single hung windows are less expensive than double hung windows due to their simpler design and fewer moving parts.

Both double hung and single hung windows we use are equally safe, certified through third parties, energy-efficient, and easy to use. The choice between them largely depends on personal preference and specific needs for ventilation and maintenance.

Low-E (Low Emissivity) glass is a type of energy-efficient glass that has been treated with a special coating to minimize the amount of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared light that passes through it without compromising the amount of visible light that enters your home. It appears from the outside as a slight greenish hue. Here’s why Low-E glass is essential in Florida and required by the Florida Building Code:

1. Energy Efficiency: Florida requires the highest level of energy efficiency in the country due to its warm climate. Low-E glass helps to keep your home cooler by reflecting heat back to its source, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy bills.

2. UV Protection: With one of the highest UV indexes in the country, Florida’s sun can cause furniture, carpets, and curtains to fade over time. Low-E glass blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your interior furnishings from sun damage.

3. Comfort: Low-E glass enhances indoor comfort by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, regardless of the weather outside. It keeps heat out during the summer and retains warmth during the winter.

4. Maximum Application: Due to Florida’s stringent energy efficiency standards, all windows and doors in the state must use the maximum application of Low-E coating. This ensures optimal performance in energy savings and UV protection.

5. Clarity and Natural Light: While Low-E glass is highly effective at blocking harmful rays and reflecting heat, it does not hinder the amount of natural light that enters your home. This means you can enjoy bright, natural light without the associated heat and UV damage.

In summary, Low-E glass is a critical component in Florida windows and doors, providing superior energy efficiency, UV protection, and comfort while allowing plenty of natural light into your home.

Both Simonton and PGT impact windows are engineered to significantly reduce noise, offering a quieter and more comfortable living environment. These windows have a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating that translates to about a 50% reduction in sound—a substantial improvement that greatly enhances everyday life.

Sound Reduction and Everyday Benefits:

• STC Rating: The STC rating measures how well a window can block sound. Both Simonton and PGT impact windows boast impressive STC ratings, reflecting their superior noise-reducing capabilities.
• Perceived Difference: While a 50% reduction in sound might not seem like much on paper, it makes a significant difference in real-world conditions. This level of soundproofing can dramatically reduce the intrusion of outside noises.

Impact on Daily Life:

• Working from Home: For those who work from home, a quieter environment can lead to better concentration and productivity. Simonton and PGT impact windows minimize distractions from traffic, construction, and other neighborhood noises.
• Living Near Noisy Areas: Whether you live near a railroad, airport, or a busy street, these windows significantly reduce the noise, providing a tranquil haven inside your home.
• Neighbors: If you have noisy neighbors or you would like more privacy yourself, impact windows can help muffle sounds, giving you the peace and quiet you need to relax and enjoy your personal space.
• Better Sleep: Improved sound insulation contributes to better sleep quality, helping you wake up refreshed and ready for the day. If you have a young child, these windows can help create a peaceful and quiet nursery, ensuring that your baby can sleep soundly without being disturbed by outside noise.
• Improved Focus: Reduced noise levels make it easier to focus on tasks, whether you are working, studying, or simply reading a book.

Despite being significantly heavier from the impact glass and sealing airtight similar to a vacuum seal, our impact windows are designed to be as effortless as possible. Here’s how:

1. Constant Force Spring Coil Balancing Systems:
   • Single or Double Hung Windows: For double-hung and single-hung windows, we use constant force spring coil balancing systems. These systems counterbalance the weight of the window, making it easy to lift and lower the sashes smoothly.
2. Stainless Steel Rollers:
   • Horizontal Sliding Windows: Our horizontal sliding windows are equipped with stainless steel rollers. These rollers ensure the windows glide open and closed with ease, despite their increased weight and airtight seal.

Benefits:

• Ease of Use: The advanced mechanisms ensure that anyone, including children and seniors, can open and close the windows without strain.
• Durability: The high-quality components are designed to last, providing smooth operation over the lifespan of the window.
• Airtight Seal: While the windows are easy to operate, they still provide an airtight seal when closed, enhancing energy efficiency and soundproofing.