From heat and humidity to afternoon thunderstorms and hurricanes, we experience a variety of extreme weather in the south. This means we need to make sure our homes are ready to protect us year-round, not just during hurricane season.
One of the best ways to make your home more comfortable, energy efficient, and impervious to the weather is installing vinyl replacement windows in your home. Vinyl replacement windows are beneficial for homeowners in any climate, but they’re especially great for those of us in the south.
What are Vinyl Windows?
Vinyl windows have a frame made of vinyl instead of other materials like wood or metal. Vinyl frames are actually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the same material used to make PVC pipes. It’s lightweight but extremely durable, making it perfect for framing windows.
Benefits of Vinyl Replacement Windows in the South
Vinyl windows are a great choice for homeowners in southern cities like Tampa for several reasons:
Durability
When it comes to window materials, vinyl’s durability is nearly impossible to beat. Most vinyl windows have a lifespan of 20-40 years and, unlike other materials, you don’t have to worry about peeling, cracking, or repainting/restaining. Once they’re properly installed, you shouldn’t have to worry about them again. And with Window World, you don’t have to worry about them. Our lifetime warranty is the best in the industry.
Protection from High Temperatures
It’s no secret that the south sees some serious heat, especially places like Tampa. And a recent study predicted that in the next 50 years, summer temperatures could average around 105 degrees fahrenheit. Vinyl replacement windows can help you keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low, even when the mercury keeps climbing.
Since it is an excellent insulator, vinyl helps keep your home at a more comfortable, consistent temperature. This translates to lower energy bills since your HVAC system doesn’t have to overcompensate for the warm air being let in by inadequate materials. Yes, vinyl windows could help you say goodbye to those $300+ summer energy bills!
Energy Efficiency
We’ve briefly discussed energy efficiency, but if you currently have wood or aluminum windows, you might be wondering how vinyl stacks up against those materials. Unsurprisingly, it comes out ahead.
Wood doesn’t doesn’t have a long lifespan in wet, humid environments. In an ideal climate, wood windows last 15-20 years before they’ll need maintenance or replacement. In a climate like Tampa, their lifespan is much shorter, especially if the window(s) get direct sunlight.
As for aluminum, metal is a poor insulator. Unlike other parts of the country, we’re not so concerned with keeping the cold air out in the winter, but with keeping the hot air out in the summer. Metal windows aren’t very good at this, which causes your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home comfortable. This results in those sky-high bills most Florida residents see every summer.
Hurricane Season
Hurricanes are a major concern across most of the south, but especially here in coastal Florida. Hurricane impact windows are a great way to protect your home during hurricane season. Often, the most damage from a hurricane comes when a window is broken and the pressure in the home changes. This rapid pressure change causes other windows to break and can cause the roof to blow off. Since these windows are specially designed to withstand a category 5 hurricane, they’ll protect your entire house.
Upgrade Your Home With Vinyl Replacement Windows
If you’re ready to add a layer of protection and energy-efficiency to your Tampa home, Window World is here to help. Get started today by scheduling your in-home estimate!