Picture windows are a great option for homeowners throughout Florida… So much so that many homeowners actively consider getting picture windows replacement for most of the windows in their home.
Before you go replacing all of the windows in your home with picture windows, let’s go over what they are, some of the pros and cons of picture windows vs other window types, and the reason they shouldn’t be the only kind of windows in your home (Spoiler warning: It’s related to the Florida Building Code [FBC]).
Picture Windows Replacement: What Even IS a Picture Window?
A picture window is a type of window that has a single fixed pane of glass and does not open or close.
These windows are a popular option for larger window openings where homeowners want the largest, least-obstructed view possible. While window grids are available for these windows, many homeowners prefer to get their picture windows without them so as to minimize the amount of visual clutter between them and the outside.
Picture windows provide a picture frame-like view of the outdoors, hence the name. They’re a great fit for your living room or other rooms that already have a door leading to the outside of the home.
Pros of Picture Windows Replacement
The lack of mechanisms to let the window open and close provides a picture window with a few key advantages over other window types, such as:
- Clear, Unobstructed Views. The biggest advantage of picture windows for many is that they provide a clear view with no sashes, rails, or other visual barriers to get in the way. That’s one reason why they’re so popular for big window openings.
- Ease of Maintenance. Because there are no mechanisms for the window to move at all, picture windows tend to be incredibly easy to maintain. Simple cleaning of the glass and frame is all you really need to keep them looking gorgeous for decades.
- Energy Efficiency. Picture windows are permanently closed. So, there’s virtually no risk of air or water leaks with these windows short of the glass breaking or the window frame/wall being compromised.
- Durability. Especially for impact-rated models, picture windows are extra sturdy since they don’t have moving parts that can be broken or stressed.
- Cost. For smaller window openings, picture windows tend to be less expensive than other window options. However, this doesn’t hold true for extra-large picture windows, as impact glass panes above certain sizes see an exponential cost increase compared to smaller ones. The labor cost for installation might be lower as well, since they’re easier to put in compared to more complicated windows with moving parts.
- Child Safety. Worried about little Timmy managing to crawl out of the windows without you noticing (despite using opening control devices meant to prevent that)? That’s not a worry at all if the window can’t open at all. Picture windows can be good for homeowners who want to child-proof the higher floors of their homes to prevent accidents.
Picture windows are a great choice for homeowners who want maximum security for their homes with the strongest possible windows with the lowest maintenance requirements.
Cons of Picture Windows Replacement
Okay, so why isn’t every window a picture window if they’re so great? While there are a lot of positives about getting picture windows to replace your other windows, they aren’t always the best choice for your needs.
There are a few reasons why you might not want picture windows over operable windows like single-hung, casements, sliders, or even awning windows:
- They Don’t Open. The most obvious drawback of getting a picture window is that it cannot open. That means no enjoying pleasant breezes on temperate days, no fresh air, and no going through the window in an emergency. A picture window is practically a transparent wall, all things considered. Especially if the window is impact-rated to resist breaking.
- The FBC May Not Allow Them for Some Window Openings. For homes in Florida, the Florida Building Code mandates that you have ‘egress windows’ in every sleeping room. That means each of those rooms needs at least one window that can open wide enough for an adult person to pass through it with minimal difficulty. Picture windows, by their very nature, do not comply with this requirement, as they don’t open at all.
- Larger Picture Windows Can Cost Significantly More. When glass panes get above a certain size, the cost of the window rises exponentially. So, especially large picture windows may be more costly than single-hung, double-hung, or sliding windows that have several smaller sashes with smaller panes of glass in them.
These are a few of the bigger drawbacks that might make you want to (or have to) reconsider installing picture windows over other types of windows.
Installing Picture Windows: How Can I Make a Picture WIndow More Energy Efficient?
Because they almost completely block air flow between the home and the outdoors, picture windows are already great for energy efficiency compared to some other window types. So, how can you take that to the next level?
One way to make a picture window even more energy efficient is to get one with low-e glass built into it.
Solar Control low-e glass windows reflect away the harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays of the sun from the home. This not only helps reduce UV damage to your furniture, it also keeps your home cooler throughout the worst of Florida’s often-balmy weather.
Installing Picture Windows: How Do I Preserve My Privacy?
If you look through a window brochure, you’ll often see that the brochure makers seem to love showing off homes with huge picture windows—sometimes even ones that go from floor-to-ceiling! But, these brochure photos show off one potential problem with picture windows: they can give a clear view from the outside looking in just as easily as they do from the inside looking out!
So, how can you get a great view while protecting your privacy, aside from just hanging some curtains over the window and calling it a day?
Here’s where window tints come in handy. With the right tints, you can make your home almost impossible to look into from the outside during the day without having to sacrifice your view from the inside.
The trick is that window tints vary greatly by manufacturer. Some basically just make things look slightly different colors while others do an actually credible job blocking line of sight from the exterior to the interior of your home.
Want Picture Windows Replacement for Your Home?
Ultimately, picture windows are a wonderful option for many of the windows in your home. It’s just a matter of knowing exactly when and where to use them!
If you’re thinking about getting picture windows, reach out to Karoly Windows & Doors to get expert advice and installation service from a local business you can count on! We’ve served the greater Tampa Bay area for over 25 years with dedication and precision that homeowners count on to get the job done right, every time.
