How Long Do Windows Last In Florida?

Windows are a basic necessity in any home. Not only do they keep cool, air-conditioned air inside your house, but they also keep out bugs and other things you don’t want in your home. A good quality window can even lower electricity bills and increase the value of your home.

In Florida, severe weather and high humidity levels can lower the lifespan of a window. That said, a properly installed, hurricane-resistant vinyl window may last as long as 30 years. If a window has signs of damage, allows air into the house, or shows signs of condensation inside, it may be time to replace it.

Located in Lithia, Florida, Eaton Realty offers a full range of real estate services to Hillsborough County buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords. With our background in construction, we offer our clients a unique perspective on ways to increase the value of their homes and what to look out for when purchasing a home. Contact our real estate team today if you want to buy or sell a house in the greater Tampa region.

Considering Selling Your Home? Speak With A Realtor For Help Deciding What Improvements To Make Before Sale › 813-672-8022

What Type of Windows Should I Install in My Florida Home?

There are a lot of options when it comes to windows for a residential home. You may choose casement windows that open with a crank, single-hung windows, double-hung windows, picture windows, or sliding windows. All of these window styles will work in a Florida house. However, some options are better than others when it comes to window frames and glass.

First, when it comes to window frames, you can choose between vinyl, fiberglass, wood, or aluminum. While all have pros and cons, vinyl window frames are often considered the best option for Florida. There are several key reasons why vinyl window frames - a polymer made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC - are a good choice.

First, vinyl windows are affordable and provide a high value for the money. They are typically less expensive than wood, fiberglass, or aluminum. This affordability doesn’t come at the cost of quality - they tend to provide a lot of value and perform well over time.

Second, vinyl window frames tend to be very energy efficient, particularly if they are filled with insulation rather than hollow. Energy efficiency is critical in Florida, where many residents use central air conditioning throughout the year. A high-quality vinyl window frame can prevent the cool air from escaping your house.

Third, vinyl windows are easy to maintain. They require little more than a wipe-down when cleaning. Other types of window frames, such as wood, require ongoing maintenance - like checking for rot, repairing any weak spots, and repainting.

Fourth, vinyl window frames handle Florida conditions well. They are not prone to attack by wood-destroying insects that are common in the state, like termites. They also do not deform, rust, or warp over time, which can be a problem in the hot, humid weather found in West Central Florida.

Finally, vinyl window frames are suitable for impact windows. As described below, impact windows are critical in Florida to withstand hurricanes and tropical storms. Impact windows are often made with vinyl frames.

Next, Florida windows should typically be made with Low-E or Low-E2 glass. Low-E is a transparent, nontoxic coating applied to windows to make them more energy efficient. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling use. Energy-efficient windows can help to reduce these costs.

Low-E coatings on glass help block UV rays without making your house feel dark. This can help lower energy bills. It will also reduce fading on curtains, furniture, and flooring.

Finally, any windows installed in a Florida home should be impact windows to reduce hurricane damage. Impact windows are any type of window with a sturdy frame and impact-resistant glass. Impact windows have a thicker pane using multiple layers of glass laminated with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film to increase durability.

Impact windows are different from hurricane windows, which are designed to be flexible so that in some heavy winds, they bend rather than break - and if they do break, they will fall instead of shattering. Impact windows are thicker and more rigid to withstand the impact of debris hitting them and high winds. Both offer more protection than standard windows, but impact windows offer more strength and are an excellent option for your home.

How Long Should My Windows Last in Florida?

In Florida, weather conditions and weather events (like hurricanes and tropical storms) play a huge role in the longevity of various components of a home - including windows. According to the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, windows should last anywhere from 5 to 40 years, depending on the materials used and the style:

• Aluminum or aluminum-clad windows: 5 to 15 years
• Double pane windows: 5 to 15 years
• Skylights: 5 to 15 years
• Jalousie (with interior louvers): 30 to 40 years
• Window glazing: 8+ years
• Vinyl/fiberglass: 10 to 30 years
• Wood: 15+ years

Of course, many factors will impact the longevity of windows. These include the quality of the windows, whether they are regularly cleaned and maintained, and the expertise of the installation. In addition, severe weather—like hurricanes and tropical storms—can affect the lifespan of a window. For example, if one or more windows break during a hurricane, they may need to be replaced sooner than 30 years.

Signs It’s Time To Replace Windows

There are certain signs that you should replace your windows. These include:

• Any signs of visible damage, such as cracks
• Higher than normal electric bills, which can indicate that your windows aren’t as energy efficient as they should be
• The flooring around the windows is faded (which shows a lack of UV light protection)
• Condensation on the inside of your windows or between the panes of glass
• The windows are sticking or are otherwise difficult to open or close
• Drafty windows (i.e., feeling air coming in even when the window is closed and locked)

Installing new windows can not only improve your quality of life and lower your energy bills, but it can also increase the value of your home. If you are considering putting your house on the market in the Tampa area, your real estate agent can talk to you about whether repairs or upgrades, like installing new windows, are worth the investment.

If you are considering buying a home, then your home inspection should include information about the condition of the windows. A Tampa real estate agent can help you examine the inspection report and any disclosure statements to help you determine precisely what they mean. They can also help you negotiate an agreement that considers factors like the condition of the windows.

Looking To Sell Your Home Soon? Eaton Can Help

Real estate is usually the biggest financial transaction that a person will make in their lives. If you’re thinking of selling your home soon, it is important to understand how things like the age and condition of windows will affect the sale price. It may be a good idea to replace windows before listing a house.

Eaton Realty works with buyers and sellers throughout Hillsborough County as they navigate the often challenging Florida real estate market. Our firm has experience in both real estate and construction, so we can help our clients understand how things like older, damaged windows can affect a house's value. We also help our clients present their homes in the best possible light and negotiate the sale price to earn top dollar.

If you want to sell a house in Hillsborough County, we are here to help. Learn more by filling out our online contact form or calling 813-672-8022 to speak to a realtor.