Orlando, Florida Window Replacement
Last updated on 01/08/2022
Orlando window replacement is not often the first thing homeowners think of when it comes to improving the overall value of their house. Some people may have thoughts of renovating the surface of floors throughout the home or finishing the basement. It is not until you look closely at your windows that you notice how the condition fades over time. While most replacement windows are made to last for many years, often times strong severe weather will speed up the abrasion process by straining the structure of your home windows. Learn more about how to determine if you are in need of Orlando window replacement service and gain an understanding of the most reasonable way of deciding upon companies to work with during your project.
Signs of Deteriorating Windows
Of course there are instances where the need for an Orlando window replacement is immediately apparent. If you're unfortunate enough to have your home in the path of the next severe storm that starts off the coast, then there is potential that one of your Florida windows can be broken from high winds or flying debris and you could find yourself searching for Orlando replacement offers the next morning. If this is the case, you will want to know how to quickly identify the most beneficial Orlando replacement window offers on the market.
Other instances are not as obvious when it comes to noticing the need for new FL windows. If your current Orlando window models have been in place for several years, then chances are that costly signs of weathering are beginning to appear and an Orlando window replacement process is not far off in the future. By catching these problem areas early you can take quick action and avoid losing money in the long run. The following are a few things to keep an eye out for when inspecting your Florida window units.
A common area for windows to deteriorate is around the edges of the frame where a seal is in place to keep moisture from advancing into the foundation of your home. Look around each window on your home to see if any are showing signs of cracks. If these markings exist, it is important to act quickly in order to prevent it from becoming worse. Once a rift is created, it will expand and cause further damage until the proper replacement or correction project is done. Problems related to cracking of your window seals may include the warping of the frame as a whole as water leaks in and weighs down one area more than others. If a slight sag is notice on the bottom of your FL home windows, then this also is a sign that necessary improvements need to be made. In the situation that cracked and warped windows go untreated, then a draft could be created allowing air to escape to and from the interior of your home.
Avoiding Drafts From Windows
The interior condition of your Orlando window replacement set is just as important as the conditional shape of the exterior. Often times the interior side of replacement windows may go unnoticed due to the positioning of certain Orlando window replacement treatments or Low E glass window options. While we pay close attention to the outside appearance of our home, keeping an eye out for the inside is important as well when it comes to maintaining an efficiently functioning Orlando window replacement. That includes preventing drafts from infiltrating to or from your living space.
A simple test that can be done to check for possible drafts around your windows can be conducted using just a candle. Upon lighting the wick, trace the perimeter of your Orlando windows and watch the flame to see if any change can be discerned from breezes or changes in air pressure. Ideally you should not notice any sort of movement from the candle flame other than that of a typical burning candle that would rest at the center of the dining room table. A steady flame sitting upright would yield evidence that a sufficient barrier is present between the interior of your home and the exterior Orlando winds.
Florida Window Contractors
Finding the best Orlando window replacement contractor takes a little bit of time. Chances are the first company you look into will not be the most reasonably priced. Investigate each FL provider by using fast and efficient online comparisons. A useful tip to keep in mind when researching Orlando contractors is to have a list of questions on hand to ask potential replacement professionals. The ideal candidate would be able to give thorough answers in regards to each inquiry. This would demonstrate that they have adequate experience when it comes to Orlando window replacement jobs which would also give you more confidence that the results you obtain on your own home improvement project will be of acceptable quality.
Orlando, Florida U-Factor and SHGC Ratings for Replacement Windows
When shopping for replacement windows in Orlando, Florida or any of its counties, including Brevard County and Orange County, it is extremely important to purchase windows (and doors) with the correct u-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) as rated by Energy Star.
Energy Star determines the u-factor and SHGC that will give you the most energy efficienct replacement windows, skylights, and doors based on your county's climate zone.
The climate zone assigned to your county takes into account how extreme the seasons are in your area. How warm and cold it gets in Orlando determines how well your new windows will need to keep out the cold air and the hot sun.
Below, you will find a table with the climate zones and corresponding u-factor and SHGC ratings for Orlando, Florida and Orlando's metro area counties including: Brevard County FL, Lake County FL, Orange County FL, Osceola County FL, and Seminole County FL.
The climate zone, u-factor and SHGC listed for your county in the Orlando, FL area will help you to determine which replacement windows, skylights, and doors will maximize energy savings for your home.
To find the Energy Star recommended u-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for your county in the Orlando metro area, simply do the following:
- Find your county in the left most column.
- Find your climate zone in the orange box to the right of the column with your county's name.
- Under the orange box with your climate zone, find the dark grey box with the product you are looking for - window replacements, new doors, or skylights.
- Under the product type, you will find the best u-factor and shgc as determined by Energy Star.
- When getting quotes from contractors, be sure that your window replacements, new skylights, and/or replacement doors have these ratings to maximize energy efficiency in your home.
| Counties | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lake County FL Orange County FL Osceola County FL Seminole County FL |
Southern Climate Zone | |
| Windows | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.40 or less | 0.25 or less | |
| Skylights | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.60 or less | 0.28 or less | |
| Solid Doors (No Glass) | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.17 or less | No Rating | |
| Doors with Less than Half Glass | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.25 or less | 0.25 or less | |
| Doors with More than Half Glass | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.30 or less | 0.25 or less | |
If you don't see your home's county above, use the u-factor and solar heat gain co-efficient (SHGC) search tool below to search for your Orlando, FL area county's recommended window efficiency ratings.
Use the table above or the tool below to search for the specific u-factor and SHGC for your county so that you are educated and have this information on hand in order to maximize the financial return on your investment in new windows, new skylights and/or new doors in the Orlando, Florida area.
Remember to research thoroughly prior to making a window replacement or replacement door purchase, regardless of whether you are installing the windows and doors yourself or having them installed by a licensed professional contractor.
Orlando Window Suppliers
Below you will find a list of local window retailers, contractors, installers, and manufacturers in the Orlando area.
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