subject: Window Replacement to Withstand Florida Weather [print this page] Window Replacement to Withstand Florida Weather
One of Florida's most attractive attributes is its year-round comfortable weather. Hot summers give residents and visitors alike plenty of reasons to stay late at the beach, while mild winters allow for lots of outdoor activities. Yet boiling temperatures and the occasional violent storm put area residences to the test. Whether you live in an older place or you just want to lower your energy bills, window replacement might be something for you to consider this season.
Houses in general are designed with the climate in mind. This has caused substantial variation in terms of what structures look like in different regions. In cold areas of the country, there tends to be lots of insulation between the brick or stone exterior walls and the drywall interior. The slope of rooftops in heavy snowfall areas is generally quite high in order to prevent snow accumulation from happening. This contrasts with the set-up of most Florida houses. Although you can find a mixture of architectural styles present, there are generally low-pitch roofs and you often see stucco or siding for the exterior. Porches are also quite common.
Historically, windows in the area have been planned and installed based on climate as well. Yet technology and design have come a long way in the past few years. If you still have the originals in place, or you have not changed them for a while, you could likely benefit from window replacement. Undertaking such a project might seem a bit expensive in the short-term, but it reduces your energy bills by improving the seal with the exterior. Warm air stays inside in the winter while hot air is kept outside in the summer. The result is that the heating and air conditioning systems have to work less to keep your place comfy every day of the year.
When looking to put in new windows, one of the first considerations is to evaluate the type of frame that is best for your place. Wooden frames were used in decades and centuries past, but they have largely been replaced because wood often warps with time. Paint also tends to chip and peel off, making your place less attractive from the outside. These effects are even more pronounced in regions with wet weather or high humidity. Vinyl and aluminum, therefore, are preferred. Because they are synthetic materials, the consistency of the color stays true. They also withstand humidity and wet weather much better - without warping - which keeps your frames better aligned and provides a good seal with the exterior.
Simple glass panes were traditionally put in residences because that was the type of glass that was available. Manufactures then developed the capacity to create layered glass at a low cost, with benefits for everyone. An additional layer vastly increases the ability of a window to keep out winter drafts and keep in cool air in the summer. This translates into lower energy costs while also allowing homeowners to maintain the aesthetic that they want. Consequently, such panes have become the favored choice in window replacement projects.
